Silvia Harkenrider
Lansing
Summary
Professional with strong background in designing and developing instructional materials for diverse audiences. Skilled at applying Adult Learning Theory principals when utilizing a range of educational technologies and methodologies to create effective learning experiences. Known for strong collaboration skills, adaptability to changing project needs, and focus on achieving measurable results. Skilled in curriculum development, e-learning platforms, and multimedia content creation. Recognized for excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and fostering productive team environment.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Designer
Chicago Transit Authority
09.2024 - Current
- Design and develop high-quality technical training materials for the second largest transit system in the U.S.
- Create training programs from the ground up and formalize processes that had never been standardized before.
- Regularly update and enhance programs to ensure alignment with organizational needs and industry standards.
- Manage all phases of course development from needs analysis, stakeholder meetings, design, to implementation and approval.
- Manage stakeholder relationships to guarantee
Adjunct Professor of English as a Second Language
Prairie State College
01.2019 - Current
- Conduct student-centered discussions, implement differentiated instruction, and employ interactive activities to promote inclusive learning and engagement in a multicultural classroom.
- Develop comprehensive curricula, analyze and track student progress, and adapt lessons tailored to diverse student needs.
- Design supplemental exams, activities, gamified content, and assignments to enhance textbook material.
Writing Center Tutor
Prairie State College
08.2019 - 05.2024
- Provided guidance throughout the academic writing process, from brainstorming, researching, and breaking down complex concepts to outlining, drafting, revising, proofreading, and editing.
- Tailored each session to individual needs of international, native, and non-native English speakers.
- Generate dconstructive feedback regarding grammar, syntax, coherence, and voice.
Curriculum Development Consultant
Rice Community & Refugee Services
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Spearheaded the development of an Adult ESL program by collaborating with the Head of Training for the Refugee and Immigrant Community Empowerment Center.
- Analyzed instructional needs to build appropriate course objectives.
- Served as a resource for differentiated instructional materials.
- Generated instructional strategies and feedback to new Adult ESL instructors, resulting in enhanced teaching skills and higher student engagement.
Limited Term Lecturer, English as a Second Language
Purdue University Northwest
01.2023 - 2024
- Improved academic writing proficiency skills for international undergraduate students.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
Adjunct Faculty of English as a Second Language
Governors State University
01.2023 - Current
- Improved listening and speaking proficiency skills for international students enrolled in master’s program.
Substitute Teacher
Lansing School District #158
01.2023 - Current
Podcast Producer, Writer, Host
Corona Diaries
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Orchestrated all aspects of running a credible, environmentally focused podcast; including content creation, in-depth research and analysis, production, and distribution.
Blog Founder
Two Simple Ideas
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Crafted, edited, and delivered complex information addressing environmental issues with solutions.
- Utilized SEO best practices and social media marketing strategies to increase online engagement.
Fine Dining Server & Trainer
Ciao Bella Ristorante
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Trained new employees and delivered exceptional fine-dining service in a collaborative, culturally diverse environment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional fine dining service and anticipating guests needs.
English Adjunct Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Taught English Composition and Rhetoric, Reading Strategies for College, and Introduction to College Writing.
- Designed content and developed curriculum for the first corequisite English pilot program at Ivy Tech, Gary campus to retain college students.
English Adjunct Instructor
South Suburban Community College
01.2011 - 01.2012
Consultant/Croatian Heritage Language Representative
Center for Applied Linguistics
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Reviewed and edited briefs as Member of the Internal Review Committee.
- Published the first Croatian language page for CAL.
- Researched and co-wrote a $250,000 NEH grant funded proposal to finance a professional development workshop for heritage language educators.
- Interviewed directors, documented, and managed database for K-12 community based heritage language programs in the United States facilitating increased collaboration and resource sharing.
- Rated English proficiency tests aligned with the WIDA model.
ESL Adult Literacy Instructor
Alexandria City Public Schools - Adult ELL Program
01.2002 - 01.2010
Fine Dining Server & Trainer
Durant’s Restaurant
01.2002 - 01.2010
- Trained new employees and delivered exceptional fine-dining service in a collaborative, culturally diverse environment.
HR Personnel Coordinator & Trainer
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
- Implemented and maintained personnel database and revised office wide security system for 650 employees.
- Implemented targeted Paradox Database training, improving operational efficiency across departments.
- Supervisory responsibility for new employee induction procedures, scheduling, and all ancillary personnel operations.
- Enhanced employee engagement and updated employees on important news, events, and deadlines.
Education
ATD E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate -
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
01.2025
Master of Arts (M.A.) - English/Applied Linguistics
Arizona State University
05-2010
ICCB ESL Specialist - undefined
Illinois College Career Board
01.2023
ESL Standards Proficient Instructor - Adult Education and Literacy
Illinois College Career Board
01.2021
BBA - French Language and Literature
Northern Arizona State University
Flagstaff, AZSkills
- Instructional Design
- Adult Learning Theory
- Curriculum Development
- Content Creation
- Educational Technology/LMS
- Formative/Summative Analysis
- Academic Writing
- Classroom Management
- Customer Service
- Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
- Training development
- Diversity and inclusion
Affiliations
- Sierra Club, 2016 to Present | Member
- Illinois TESOL/BE, 2020 to Present | Member
- Climate Reality Music Project, 2020 to Present | Climate Reality Leader
- North American Association of Cider Makers, 2015 to Present | NACM Certified Cider & Perry Maker
Languages
English
French (B1)
Croatian (B1)
Spanish (A1)
Technical Proficiencies
- Google Suite (Docs, Forms, Sheets, Slides, YouTube)
- Microsoft 365
- Learning Management Systems (Moodle, D2L, Brightspace, Blackboard, Oracle)
- Articulate 360
- Kahoot
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Photoshop
- Canva
- WordPress
- Anchor
- Mailchimp
- Zoom
- Slack, Mobilize, Help Scout
- Remind
Hobbies and Interests
Playing & writing music (upright double bass, tamburica, ukulele, and percussive instruments), travelling, yoga, online courses, cooking
Timeline
Instructional Designer
Chicago Transit Authority
09.2024 - Current
Limited Term Lecturer, English as a Second Language
Purdue University Northwest
01.2023 - 2024
Adjunct Faculty of English as a Second Language
Governors State University
01.2023 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Lansing School District #158
01.2023 - Current
Curriculum Development Consultant
Rice Community & Refugee Services
02.2022 - 06.2022
Podcast Producer, Writer, Host
Corona Diaries
01.2020 - 01.2021
Writing Center Tutor
Prairie State College
08.2019 - 05.2024
Adjunct Professor of English as a Second Language
Prairie State College
01.2019 - Current
Blog Founder
Two Simple Ideas
01.2013 - 01.2019
English Adjunct Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
01.2012 - 01.2013
Fine Dining Server & Trainer
Ciao Bella Ristorante
01.2011 - 01.2019
English Adjunct Instructor
South Suburban Community College
01.2011 - 01.2012
Consultant/Croatian Heritage Language Representative
Center for Applied Linguistics
01.2010 - 01.2011
ESL Adult Literacy Instructor
Alexandria City Public Schools - Adult ELL Program
01.2002 - 01.2010
Fine Dining Server & Trainer
Durant’s Restaurant
01.2002 - 01.2010
ICCB ESL Specialist - undefined
Illinois College Career Board
ESL Standards Proficient Instructor - Adult Education and Literacy
Illinois College Career Board
HR Personnel Coordinator & Trainer
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
ATD E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate -
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Master of Arts (M.A.) - English/Applied Linguistics
Arizona State University
BBA - French Language and Literature
Northern Arizona State University
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