Get to Know Me

Get to Know Me

I design learning experiences that help people build skills with confidence. With a focus on clarity, accessibility, and visual polish, I aim to make training not just informative but genuinely enjoyable for every learner.

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., I spent 10 years teaching at a Title 1 elementary school and leading teams in education. Every day meant removing barriers so students with diverse needs could access learning, an approach that continues to shape how I design inclusive training today. I was known for creating engaging lessons, sharing edtech tools with colleagues, and stepping into leadership roles that supported both students and staff.

I grew up sailing, went on to teach as an instructor, and eventually directed the youth program, managing instruction and mentoring staff. That experience, along with my teaching career, reinforced my focus on structure, inclusivity, and practical outcomes in learning design.

When I am not designing, I am usually reading, gardening, or planning the next thing I want to learn.

The dog in the photos is Fiona, originally my foster, whom I later adopted. She inspired my featured project, which is rooted in empathy and real-world decision-making.

Jessica Thal smiling with her dog Fiona.

At A Glance

    • Conducting needs analysis

    • Writing measurable learning objectives

    • Designing performance-based training using adult learning theory

    • Creating clear, structured storyboards

    • Writing scripts for voiceover and video

    • Collaborating with SMEs and stakeholders

    • Managing projects and timelines

    • Designing assessments tied to outcomes

    • Applying clean, user-focused visual design

    • Integrating feedback to improve learning

    • Communicating clearly with teams and clients

    • Writing with clarity, tone, and structure

    • Staying organized and detail-oriented under tight deadlines

    • Articulate Storyline 360

    • Rise 360

    • Camtasia

    • Figma

    • Adobe Illustrator

    • Graphic editing tools

    • Vyond

    • Google Workspace

    • Microsoft Office

    • Freepik / Adobe Stock

    • AI tools

  • Master of Science in Teaching

    Rowan University

    Glassboro, NJ

    Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

    Christopher Newport University

    Newport News, VA

All photography on this site is by Tiara at Foraged Photo. Her work brought everything to life.