ABOUT THE SUBJECT
Further Observations
Embedded Files
Unlike most observations, this one was initiated by the subject. The request was unusual: to be watched, documented, and understood. The subject argued that if observation is part of the work, a designer must be willing to become observable, too. Unfortunately, she found that rather uncomfortable. She found talking about how capable she is considerably less comfortable than doing the work, so she asked the observer to do the talking.
She did, however, have something to say for herself.
A NOTE FROM THE SUBJECT
My career didn’t begin in instructional design. I stumbled upon it during my MPH program at Drexel University, I took on an internship to help high school students tackle public health issues in their school and built out an online toolkit to support their research. That spark led to designing curriculum for the U.S. Department of Defense, and later working for the U.S. State Department.
No matter what project I’m working on, I always carry one core belief: know your audience, deeply. Who are they? How do they learn? What gets in their way? Those are the questions that guide every product I build.
When I’m not working, I hike often (nothing beats mountain air and trail conversations), I write reflections on Substack, and play soccer, a lifelong passion that took me from youth leagues to college All-American. These routines keep me grounded and remind me that progress, like learning, happens in motion.
Thanks for being here,
Garcelle
FIELD CREDENTIALS
A record of experience, training, and qualifications.
AIDA Program
The Applied Instructional Design Academy (AIDA) is a hands-on instructional design and eLearning certification program focused on practical application, coaching, and portfolio development.
FIELD REPORTS
Independent observations from clients, collaborators, and partners.
FIELD REPORT #001
“I worked with Garcelle for over two years at CGHE, where she consistently impressed me with her professionalism, adaptability, and initiative. She quickly grasps complex tasks, manages heavy workloads with ease, and brings innovative ideas that improve team productivity. Notably, Garcelle led the division’s successful shift from in-person to virtual training—a complex transition she handled with strategic insight and strong leadership. She’s reliable, sharp, and a true asset to any team.”
Sayed Shinwari
Education & Training Division
Center for Global Health Engagement
U.S. Department of Defense
FIELD REPORT #002
"Garcelle was recognized for her outstanding performance in designing effective, accessible learning materials that help public diplomacy practitioners achieve their goals.
As the senior instructional designer, Garcelle led the development of the office’s first video learning series, supporting one of its highest-profile initiatives. Her strategic vision, creative problem-solving, and leadership in managing online learning projects have made her a key contributor to the team’s success. Her materials are consistently high-quality, on time, and require minimal revision—helping the Department’s learning platform earn top marks for usefulness.
She’s a go-to resource for colleagues and a driving force behind the office’s continued ability to meet the evolving learning needs of practitioners around the world."
Kelly Daniel
Education & Training Deputy Director
Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources
U.S. Department of State
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