Christie Stephenson Saavedra | Instructional Designer

Work samples

What every sample page covers, in order

The problem
Who it was for
What I analyzed
What I decided, and why
What I built
Result

Network cabling training module

eLearning module · narrated walkthrough, drag-and-drop, cable-tester simulator · UCF EME 6507, 2026

Scenario-based module for new technicians: T568B wiring, a working cable-tester simulator, and error diagnosis with feedback.

Healthcare operations dashboard

Discovery prototype · React, role-based views, dispute workflow · consulting, 2025

A working prototype the client's engineer used to interview OR managers across a multi-hospital system. Surfaced additional features for production.

Medicaid agency billing and intake

Needs analysis · process redesign · staff training · Resolute Services, 2008–2012

Worked every role before designing anything. Billing went from 40–80 hours a week to 15 minutes; intake from 10 hours to 15 minutes per client.

XactechED workforce program

Curriculum · program design · state approval · Xactware and MTECH, 2014–2015

Surveyed the industry first, then built a nine-month curriculum and a 240-hour externship. 13 of the 18 first-cohort externs were hired by the partner company.

Instructional graphics and layout

Visual design for instruction · UCF EME 6507, 2026

Cover, layout, and graphics for a beginner’s nutrition guide, applying contiguity and signaling principles to make dense content readable.

K-8 technology knowledge base

Job aids · quick-reference guides · Palmview K-8, 2021–2022

Documentation and quick-reference guides for 500+ devices, written for teachers rather than technicians.

More: state-approved esthetics curriculum · AI adoption assistant demo · UCF coursework · Fortael Technologies · Gardner Chiropractic · press and recognition

How I work

Heutagogy is the study of self-determined learning: the learner sets the questions, adapts the path, and builds the capability to handle what they have never seen before. I found the word this year. I have worked this way for 20+ years. It is why I start every project by learning the job rather than the brief, and why the real need often turns out to be different from the first request.

ImmerseLearn the domain by doing the job, not by reading about it.Worked intake, billing, and payroll at a Medicaid agency before we designed a single screen. Resolute

IdentifyFind the real gap. It is rarely the one in the request.“We need more coders” became a state-funded training program. XactechED

IdeateDesign options with the people who will use them.The OR dashboard prototype was built to be argued with, and it was. Dashboard

CollaborateAlign stakeholders before anything gets built.Storyboards and user stories with the engineer at the start of every iteration. Resolute

Build and measurePrototype, test, deliver, then check whether behavior changed.13 of 18 first-cohort externs hired by Xactware is the measure, not the launch. XactechED

And leave people more capable than I found them. The knowledge base, the curriculum, the job aids are built to work after I am gone.

What colleagues say

References from 20+ years of managers, engineers, and professors.

“In just one year, Christie advanced from Quality Assurance Analyst to Training Manager, where she designed and launched the MTECH Web Development program, a proprietary curriculum that secured a $200,000 UCAP grant.”
Timothy HarrisonTechnical Project Manager, MNTN · 2025

“Christie is one of the most adaptable, resourceful, and collaborative colleagues I have ever worked with. What sets her apart is her combination of strong technical acumen with equally strong interpersonal skills.”
Paris BairdChief Client Relations Officer, SkyVantage · 2025

“There aren't many people I have encountered who have had as much impact in as short of a time as Christie had here. She is a very driven, passionate person.”
Kevin CarpenterQA Manager, Xactware · 2015

“I still marvel at Christie's talents for learning, vision for organization and never-endingly finding the most creative, well supported solutions quickly, when others are often left reeling in doubt. She is a woman of conviction, vision, dedication and strength.”
Kuulei HanamaikaiDirector of Search, thomasarts · 2020

“Christie was quick to assess a process of customer engagement and create a map for our Marketing group. She was excellent about working to add value with minimal direction.”
Jeremy MeredithSenior VP of Information Technology, Xyngular · 2020

“Christie works hard and strives to succeed with all projects she is handed. In the time we worked together we challenged each other to make the best decisions for our teams and our products.”
Dave ArmstrongProduct Manager, Alianza · 2020

17 more references

“Christie is the type of person that if you give her an impossible task, she will have it done quickly and efficiently, then ask for another.”
Brett BarkerTraining Manager, Verisk · 2015

“Her background in managing companies and in software development formed a synergy that made her extremely effective. As a leader, she inspires and uplifts those around her to greatness.”
Tim HarrisonProject Manager, Verisk · 2015

“She has an unsurprised drive to deliver well-thought-out results, and any organization would benefit from what she brings to the table.”
Kevin OverstreetProduct Manager, Beatport · 2020

“I respected the way she met challenges head on. If there were problems that other team members had disregarded or ignored she would bring them back to the table for another review.”
Matthew KernTechnical Product Manager, Weave HQ · 2020

“Christie is tenacious and driven to make improvements. She also has a nice background in tech that developers and IT teams will notice and trust.”
Steve GordonSr Director App Engineering, Xyngular · 2020

“She has a talent for evaluating situations and determining the best course of action. She is willing to do what is right for the company regardless of the ramifications.”
Derek CaswellSoftware Developer, Younique · 2017

“She had a big impact on the growth of my business. She would arrive to work with fresh ideas on how to improve the campaigns. The majority of the time her ideas worked.”
Jerry WestKeynote Speaker, Affiliate Marketer · 2017

“Christine is an extremely bright and ambitious person with a flair for creative solutions to complex problems.”
Leonard JenkinsEmployment Counselor, Utah DWS · 2015

“She is as good as anyone at mapping out a vision or strategy and the first to be at the front lines doing whatever work is needed.”
David NelsonMarketing Manager, Xactware · 2015

“Christine has wonderful vision and is truly concerned about how she affects people around her.”
Lisa BirchDirector, MATC · 2015

“Christine ensures that she is as well-equipped for success as possible, but also that those around her are similarly able to fulfill their maximum potential.”
Christopher StevensonLead Developer, Xactware · 2015

“Christine has attitude, charm, and drive coupled with her experience in the field. She is definitely a formidable force.”
Mark-Anthony TorrochaDirector of Operations, CultureForce · 2014

“Christine displayed outstanding aptitude, insight, and managerial talent. She is well-organized, has first-rate administrative skills, and strives to do everything with excellence.”
Dr. Don G. SchleyPMP, Director PM Programs, Colorado Technical University · 2008

“The combination of a strong self-starter and an excellent team player combined in one individual is, from my perspective, a rarity.”
Bob WalshDept. Chair, UVU · 2008

“She is very personable and honest... knowledgeable about business and what makes them succeed.”
J.D. DavidsonProfessor, UVU · 2008

“Not only did Christie improve my service department, but she went a step further and realized that the company as a whole was in need of a program that would train and provide technicians.”
Russell HuntService Manager, Camping World · 2008

“Christie took charge in her role as Office Manager and helped tremendously in organizing and running her department. She is smart, organized, efficient, extremely competent, and highly energetic.”
Steve WintersSr. Account Executive, Total Computing Solutions · 2007

Listen first. Build what fits.