Heather Wirtz

Instructional Designer

With over 24 years of experience, I design training for corporate, nonprofit, and education audiences – creating impactful learning solutions grounded in adult learning theory and proven instructional design principles with life-changing impact.

A Sampling of My Work

Click the images below.

PowToon Introduction Video

Plants on a desk with laptop open and on

Articulate Rise Course

Simulation

Storyline Simulation

  • Instructional Design Principles Within My Design Process

  • Project Management Using Wrike

  • Management Techniques Within My Discovery and Analysis Process

My Approach to Design

Designing with User in Mind

“Design with the end in mind”, that’s my motto when I’m working through the ADDIE process. My primary focus is always on what participants should be able to do at the end of the training-connecting, equipping, and engaging along the way.

Fostering Collaboration Across Teams

I believe in the power of collaboration to create exceptional trainings- with SMEs, clients, and across multiple development disciplines. This focus combined with my intrinsic end-user approach produces a final product that significantly improves on the job performance with measurable successful outcomes.

Leading Projects with Purpose

Project management is a crucial element to instructional design. Whether the team has a project manager or the instructional designer is charged with taking the lead, I can clearly identify deliverables within each phase of the ADDIE model. That’s why I’ve created the Deliverables Across ADDIE image, as a tool to support the PM process— ensuring a well-organized and easily communicated path of progress every step of the way.

Applying Adult Learning Theory

Proven expertise in supporting learner metacognition through the creation of custom learning pathways using the self-directed learning theory, social-emotional rubrics, differentiated instruction, and end-user perspective.


Deliverables Across ADDIE

Achievements

Platforms & Tools

  • Instructional Design

    Rise 360, Storyline, Scribe, Snag-It, Garage Band, Vyond, Powtoon, Canva, Camtasia

  • Project Management

    Wrike, Excel

  • Remote Work

    SharePoint, WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, Adobe

What Colleagues & Clients are Saying

“Heather transforms complex ideas into polished, modern, and accessible content with speed and clarity. She has elevated the quality of our work."

Lisa C., Instructional Designer | Corporate Training Team Lead

"Heather is a learner-centered instructional designer who transforms complex information into engaging, mission-aligned training. She combines technical expertise with compassion to create scalable, impactful learning that inspires growth and lasting change."

Heather B., Director Marketing Strategy