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Maribel Hernandez | Instructional Designer

Bridging the gap between learning theory and human-centric performance

Maribel Hernandez - Instructional Designer & LXD Strategist

My mission is to transform complex subject matter into engaging learning experiences that drive measurable outcomes. By combining adult learning principles, UX design, and emerging technology, I architect scalable learning solutions that drive real behavioral change and performance outcomes. Explore my featured projects below to see how I connect pedagogy to practical execution.

Portfolio Showcase

Featured Instructional Design Projects

Strategic AI Prompting

Adaptive Sandbox and Evaluator-Driven Microlearning for Enterprise Teams

ADDIE Framework Bloom's Taxonomy Cognitive Load Theory Generative AI & LLMs AI Evaluator Sandbox Telemetry Tracking Performance Support Agentic Software Development
THE PROBLEM
UNSTRUCTURED AD-HOC CONVERSATIONAL PROMPTING Enterprise teams rely on trial-and-error conversational chat without negative constraints or structured schemas. This lack of architectural guardrails drives prompt drift, unpredictable hallucinations, and high error rates in production workflows.
THE SOLUTION
ADAPTIVE 7-STEP AI PROMPTING SANDBOX Built an adaptive microlearning module and job aid combining the 4-Pillar RDCE framework with Bloom's Taxonomy. Integrated real-time prompt compilation, component sorting, and an interactive enterprise playground with automated AI evaluator scoring.
PROJECTED IMPACT
TARGET 100% MASTERY & ZERO POLICY DRIFT Targeted a 100% verified mastery benchmark across deliberate practice cycles and >95% schema adherence on complex tasks. Shifted practitioners from intuitive chat to deterministic prompt architecture with zero boundary violations.
Course Overview & Measurable Objectives (Bloom's Taxonomy)
Pre-Training Assessment Diagnostic & 4-Pillar Rubric Breakdown
Interactive 4-Pillar Prompt Construction Template & Live Compiler
Enterprise Prompt Playground with Real-Time AI Evaluator Rubric Scoring
Adaptive Iteration & Behavioral Telemetry Dashboard
Knowledge Check: Component Sorting by Core Pillar
Resource Hub & Downloadable Executive Job Aid

Smart Claude Model Selection

Scenario-Based Microlearning to Optimize Developer Token Spend

Problem Identification ADDIE Framework Bloom's Taxonomy Cognitive Load Management Performance Support
THE PROBLEM
SKYROCKETING CLAUDE API COSTS After Claude Code adoption hit 85%, API costs spiked in early 2026 because developers used top-tier models for routine tasks and unconstrained sub-agents drove up token waste.
THE SOLUTION
OPTIMAL CLAUDE MODEL SELECTION E-COURSE Built a 10-minute microlearning e-course and PDF job aid featuring a 4-stage branching scenario, CLI configuration rules, and an interactive cost matrix to optimize model routing.
PROJECTED IMPACT
TARGET 65%+ TOKEN COST REDUCTION Targeted a >65% drop in blended token spend (from ~$28.50 to ≤$8.50/MTok) and >90% telemetry compliance across 850+ engineers by shifting developers to deliberate model routing.
Why Smart Model Selection Matters & Learning Objectives (Objectives 1–4)
The Cost of Over-Engineering: Interactive Model Tier Tabs (Haiku, Sonnet, Opus, Fable)
Claude Model Quick Review: 100k-Token Cost Multiplier Table & 10x Warning Callout
Key Takeaways & Downloadable Claude Model Selection Job Aid (PDF)

Data Centers 101

Foundational Infrastructure Training and Performance Support for New Hires

Needs Analysis ADDIE Framework Bloom's Taxonomy Cognitive Load Management Performance Support
THE PROBLEM
LACKING DATA CENTER TRAINING FOR NON-TECHNICAL NEW HIRES Non-technical data center hires (PMs, sales, ops) often lack structured onboarding, forcing them to absorb facility concepts through ad-hoc conversations without a solid operational foundation.
THE SOLUTION
FOUNDATIONAL DATA CENTER MICROLEARNING E-COURSE Built a self-paced microlearning e-course and quick-reference job aid that uses real-world metaphors and scenario checks to teach data center infrastructure concepts to non-technical staff.
PROJECTED IMPACT
TARGET 80% BASELINE TECHNICAL FLUENCY Targeted an 80% comprehension benchmark to give non-technical staff the baseline fluency needed to interpret infrastructure terminology and collaborate across teams.
Clear, measurable learning objectives written using Bloom's Taxonomy, establishing clear performance expectations before learner engagement.
Interactive tabbed architecture chunking the four deployment models to minimize cognitive load while anchoring concepts through real-world visual metaphors.
In-lesson scenario-based retrieval check requiring learners to analyze requirements (low latency vs. global scale) and select complementary architectures.
Integrated performance support: a downloadable one-page reference job aid bridging formal e-learning to on-the-job application.

The Corporate Managers’ AI Adoption Playbook

Human-in-the-Loop Guardrails and Workflow Blueprints for Safe AI Adoption

Needs Assessment Adult Learning Interactive Workflow Blueprinting Criterion-Referenced Rubrics Blended Learning Architecture
THE PROBLEM
FEAR CAUSING LOW AI ADOPTION Despite 79% of leadership prioritizing AI, employee adoption stalled at 20% due to fears over job loss, autonomy, and errors, alongside weak frontline governance.
THE SOLUTION
HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP TRAINING TO BOOST TRUST Built a blended elearning module combining interactive blueprinting, Zoom scenarios, and assessment rubrics to help managers embed human-in-the-loop guardrails into AI workflows.
PROJECTED IMPACT
TARGET 80%+ SAFE AI ADOPTION Targeted an 80%+ mastery benchmark to shift managers from enforcers to coaches, driving safe daily AI adoption through open experimentation and strong human guardrails.
Module 2 Comprehensive Assessment Rubric and Mastery Scale
Module 2 Interactive Workflow Blueprint Canvas
Module 2 Workbook and Risk Countermeasure Job Aid
Operational Risk Critical Factors
Core Competencies

Instructional and Learning Experience Expertise

Instructional Systems Design (ADDIE and LXD)

Skilled in conducting needs assessments, gap analyses, and root-cause investigations to engineer scalable learning experiences.

  • ADDIE Methodology and Instructional Systems Design (ISD).
  • Needs Assessment, Gap Analysis and Root Cause Investigations.
  • Adult Learning Principles and Learner-Centered Design.
  • SME Collaboration and Cross-Functional Stakeholder Alignment.

eLearning Development and AI Solutions

Building technical eLearning, AI-powered knowledge management companions, and rapid digital content.

  • Articulate Rise 360.
  • Custom RAG AI assistant and ADDIE AI Integration.
  • Visual storyboarding and prototyping in Canva, Figma and Visio.
  • Prompt Engineering and Generative AI Workflow Streamlining.

Blended Learning and Performance Support

Architecting comprehensive blended learning ecosystems that combine instructor-led training with embedded job aids.

  • Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Program Design and Facilitation.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Aids Authoring.
  • SharePoint Knowledge Hubs and Embedded Performance Tools.
  • Structured Knowledge Transfer and Onboarding Ecosystems.

Learning Analytics and Operations Strategy

Leveraging engagement metrics, adoption data, and business KPIs to drive continuous learning improvement.

  • Learner Feedback and Adoption Metrics Evaluation.
  • Kirkpatrick Evaluation and Business Impact Tracking.
  • Cross-Functional Project Management (Asana, SmartSheet, Wiki).
  • Lean Six Sigma.
  • Bilingual Learning Execution (English / Spanish).
Career Path

Professional Experience

Learning Experience Design | AI | Knowledge Management

2023 – Present
Amazon Web Services (AWS)

In my role as a Data Center Real Estate Business Operations Manager, I designed, built, and launched a comprehensive learning and knowledge ecosystem for the AWS Data Center Colocation team, significantly reducing manual search time and streamlining onboarding.

Key Achievements and Impact

  • Knowledge Hub and AI Integration: Architected a centralized SharePoint knowledge hub paired with a custom RAG AI companion. Achieved 89% weekly user engagement within three months of launch and saved users ~4 hours/week by enabling instant retrieval of SOPs, process guides, and training documentation.
  • Instructional Design and eLearning: Partnered with technical SMEs and business stakeholders to design and deploy eLearning experiences in Amazon's Learning Management System using ADDIE methodologies, targeting the Data Center Colocation Business Development team.
  • Blended Learning Solutions: Developed end-to-end training materials including eLearning modules, SOPs, job aids, and performance support tools.
  • Instructor-Led Training (ILT): Designed and facilitated a two-day ILT program tailored for a newly reorganized Lease Administration team.
  • Stakeholder Alignment and Operations: Collaborated across geographically distributed AWS Infrastructure Services teams to maintain up-to-date learning resources and align with evolving business needs.
  • AI-Driven Workflows: Leveraged generative AI tools and modern learning technologies to accelerate content development and optimize learner outcomes.

Knowledge Architecture and Transfer

2017 – 2023
Weitzman and Endeavor Real Estate Group

Key Achievements and Impact

  • SME Collaboration and Content Curation (Weitzman, 2019–2023): Partnered with accounting, finance, and operational subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex financial data into actionable reports, decision-support resources, and reference tools.
  • Technical Knowledge Translation (Endeavor Real Estate Group, 2017–2018): Translated complex legal frameworks and technical lease documentation into structured reference guides, operational manuals, and knowledge assets to ensure consistent execution across cross-functional teams.

Needs Assessment and Root-Cause Analysis

2015 – 2023
Weitzman and Whole Foods Market

Key Achievements and Impact

  • Targeted Performance Interventions (Weitzman, 2019–2023): Conducted needs assessments and root-cause analyses to pinpoint communication and process gaps impacting tenant and landlord relationships, establishing targeted operational interventions that reduced delinquency by 50% within six months.
  • Systemic Diagnostic Investigations (Whole Foods Market, 2015–2017): Executed operational gap analyses and root-cause investigations across a 125-store portfolio to uncover procedural inefficiencies, expense discrepancies, and training gaps, resulting in standardized financial processes and over $475,000 recovered.

Continuous Improvement and Performance Support

2015 – 2017
Whole Foods Market

Key Achievements and Impact

  • Workflow Evaluation and Performance Support: Evaluated ongoing operational workflows and performance metrics across retail operations to identify procedural gaps, designing recommended corrective actions, job aids, and performance support resources.
  • Operational Alignment: Operationalized continuous improvements across multi-site portfolios by pairing process updates with clear reference materials and ongoing performance support tools.
Verified Skills

Education and Certifications

University of Illinois Logo

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Design, Technology and Organization

University of Illinois

Expected Dec 2027
University of Illinois Instructional Design MasterTrack Certificate Badge

Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design

University of Illinois

August 2026
Articulate AI Assistant Certified Badge

Articulate AI Assistant Certification

Articulate

August 2026
Council for Six Sigma Certification Green Belt Badge

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Council for Six Sigma Certification

August 2026
Asana Logo

Workflow Specialist

Asana

May 2026
AWS Machine Learning Foundations Badge

Machine Learning Foundations

AWS Educate

February 2024
Google Data Analytics Badge

Data Analytics Professional

Google

January 2024
California State University, Los Angeles Logo

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Latin American Studies (Minor in Anthropology)

California State University

Undergraduate Study
Technical Stack

Technical Tools

LMS

Amazon

Design and Development

Articulate Rise 360 Canva Figma Visio Google's Antigravity

Project and Workflow

Asana SmartSheet Microsoft SharePoint Wiki