Trauma-informed · Faith-Integrated · Restorative · Learning Outcomes
The Architecture of
Healing
How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone on my head and by his light I walked through darkness!
Job 29:2-3 NIV
Entrusted to Serve
"
A Faithful Record in Learning Experience Design
Fifteen years of bearing witness to what becomes possible when learning environments are built on safety, dignity, and grace — from clinical healthcare training to higher education.
Featured Case Study
Deep Dive Podcast
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The Neurobiology of Stress
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Cognitive Load Theory
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Trauma-informed Learning Design
The Philosophy Behind the Practice
Safe Online Spaces for Academic and Spiritual Growth
Agape Learning Design functions as a learning consultancy that serves every walk of your story. We build engaging, multimedia-rich learning environments anchored in safety, dignity, and grace.
"Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education."
Ellen G. White — Education, p. 16
The Work In Practice
Designing Trauma-Informed Learning Experiences
In a world where the weight of past trauma often feels unbearable, the mission of Agape Learning Design is to illuminate a path toward healing through understanding and compassion rather than judgment. True learning flourishes in a nurturing environment, where each individual is met with empathy and respect. The infographic on the right side of the screen provides a detailed step-bystep workflow for doing just that!
A Faithful Body of Work
Featured Case Studies
Bridging Spirit of Prophecy and 21st-Century Cognitive Science
Faith-integrated learning design meeting modern neuroscience
Building a Curated Online Literature Review (Student-facing) with AI in Minutes
Student-facing resource built with NotebookLM, Gemini, and Claude
Using Emerging AI to Create Engaging Digital Stories
HeyGen, ElevenLabs, Dreamina, and Kling in a podcast workflow
A Record Worth Noting
Professional Distinctions
Teaching · Broadcasting · Design
Decades of Excellence in Education
Teaching Adults and Designing Courses
During nearly a decade of teaching higher education students and another decade of designing eLearning for universities and corporations, my body of work is packed with numerous groundbreaking accomplishments. Many of those accomplishments are featured here, along with insights into how my success in both broadcasting and teaching continues to shape my approach to instructional design.
Canadian Credit Union Association
National Award for Learning Excellence
Federal 101 – Federal Continuance Employee Training
Federal 101 received a prestigious national award for outstanding learning excellence from the Canadian Credit Union Association — a course demonstrating exceptional effectiveness and value in the professional development realm.
Latest LinkedIn Recommendations
From the Learning & Instructional Design Team at Island Health
Sarah Mabbott
Senior Specialist Clinical Informatics – Clinician Education
Gary is a self-motivated, self-starting individual who thrives on problem-solving and creative thinking. He has a keen ability to develop innovative solutions while maintaining a sharp focus on meeting deadlines and managing his time effectively. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable team member.
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Lanka Dimitrijevic
Instructional Designer, Learning & Performance Support
I can confidently say that Gary is a talented and dedicated professional in the field of instructional design and he consistently demonstrated a strong focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into modern learning solutions. Gary’s contributions have left a lasting positive impact on our organization and the teams Gary supported.
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Anna-Leiza Barthorpe
Instructional Designer, Learning & Performance Support
Gary's creativity and dedication to his craft are truly exceptional, and his wealth of experience shines through in every project he undertakes.
His ability to think outside the box and deliver top-notch solutions has been a significant asset to our team.
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The AI x Instructional Design Mini-Summit
Spot The Bot: An AI Challenge
A Game of Skill or Chance? You Decide
AI in Action: Three eLearning Examples
The possibilities are endless, engaging, and economical with Artificial Intelligence
Articulate Rise for Microlearning with AI-Assisted Videos
Interactive Videos with Navigation Buttons
Another great tool from Articulate is the online course authoring app, Rise 360, which enables instructional designers to create a course in no time at all!
A Trilogy of AI-Driven eLearning Examples
The possibilities are endless, engaging, and economical with Artificial Intelligence.
Branching Scenarios with Articulate Storyline 360
Immerse Yourself in a Branching AI Scenario
Test your communication skills and see if you can avoid being drawn in to a long, unproductive conversation with a friendly gray-haired avatar.
Realistic avatars are perfect for creating immersive learning activities where students make choices in realistic situations and safely learn from their mistakes. Because avatars cost less than human talent, these eLearning activities are economical while providing a high level of engagement and interactivity. In other words, AI-enhanced courses cost less and engage more.
Articulate Rise for Microlearning with AI-Assisted Videos
Interactive Videos with Navigation Buttons
Another great tool from Articulate is the online course authoring app, Rise 360, which enables instructional designers to create a course in no time at all!
AI-Assisted Introduction Videos for Moodle and other LMSs
Use Avatars to Cut Costs and Increase Productivity
Introducing our cutting-edge technology – an AI-powered video created exclusively for our Moodle site. Watch as this innovative tool brings learning to life, engaging and captivating learners like never before.
First West Credit Union Endorsements
Alicia Peters
Director of Corporate Initiatives,
First West Credit Union
Debbie Wilson
Manager - Learning and Development,
First West Credit Union
Alycia Rodgers
Skills
Educational Research
Stays informed about educational trends and artificial intelligence by evaluating learning technologies, participating in conferences, researching, and following industry leaders
Microlearning
Develops microlearning content in various formats, including microvideos, just-in-time learning, screencasts, self-paced eLearning, interactive videos, job aids, and podcasts
Learning Design for Adults
Utilizes adult learning theory, pedagogy, and design models (Online Collaborative Learning, ADDIE, Agile, Reverse) to achieve positive outcomes in various learning contexts
Digital Storytelling
Uses compelling and emotionally engaging digital storytelling techniques, including digital narratives, branching scenarios, web-based stories, interactive media, gamification, and hypertext stories
Project Management
Coordinates complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, resource optimization, and outstanding results across multiple teams and stakeholders
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Designs courses that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in online instruction, empowering learners to take ownership of their learning
Professional Media Production
Combines storyboarding, scripting, lighting, shooting, and editing with studio, location, and B-roll footage for tutorial, explainer, interview, and demo videos
Liaising
Adept at liaising with multidisciplinary teams and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from various academic and corporate disciplines
What Additional Qualities Can I Bring To Your Team?
Honesty
Being honest with both myself and others is central to both my self-image and my brand
Creativity and Innovation
Learners don't like boredom and my work has a reputation for being anything but boring
Sense of Humour
Although I take my work seriously, I can make delicious lemonade out of life’s lemons ;-)
Teaching Background
Experience teaching ESL & EFL, special needs, and adult learners informs my design practice
Respect
All people are created equal - and anything I initiate and develop must reflect that reality
What Additional Qualities Can I Bring To Your Team?
Honesty
Being honest with both myself and others is central to both my self-image and my brand
Creativity and Innovation
Learners don't like boredom and my work has a reputation for being anything but boring
Sense of Humour
Although I take my work seriously, I can make delicious lemonade out of life’s lemons ;-)
Teaching Background
Experience teaching ESL & EFL, special needs, and adult learners informs my design practice
Respect
All people are created equal - and anything I initiate and develop must reflect that reality
Don’t Miss These Case Studies 
See more AI-enhanced eLearnings and best practices on the next page.
