Strategic L&D Leader & Organizational Impact Driver
25+ years of strategic leadership experience in Learning & Development, specializing in designing and deploying scalable learning ecosystems that directly drive business performance, talent development, and organizational change.
I am a versatile, results-oriented Senior Director known for transforming complex business challenges into compelling, human-centered learning strategies. My foundation is in instructional design and behavioral science, ensuring all initiatives—from executive development programs to enterprise-wide training rollouts—are rooted in clarity, measurable impact, and exceptional user experience.
My expertise is in leading and developing high-performing L&D teams, crafting strategic learning roadmaps, and integrating best-in-class technologies (LMS, LXPs, AI) to foster a culture of continuous learning. I translate organizational goals into actionable learning architectures that build critical capabilities, accelerate talent readiness, and sustain competitive advantage.
Known for blending strategic vision with sharp execution. Whether it’s designing a global leadership academy, restructuring onboarding for scale, or implementing a new performance enablement model, I bring clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of adult learning principles to every initiative, ensuring a direct correlation between learning investment and organizational success.
EXPERIENCE
Certifications: Dale Carnegie, DDI, Achieve Global, LeCordon Bleu Food Photography and Franklin Covey
Creative design applications: Articulate Storyline and Rise, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Dimension, InDesign, Vyond, Camtasia, Canva, Blender (3D) and many others
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11/2023 - Current
LX Designer + Media Specialist
Design/Video/LMS
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Returned to training design roots, leveraging the latest advancements in learning development technology for content creation.
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Applied imagination and design expertise to craft exceptional training materials utilizing today's technology, including AI training technology methods.
Client work is dependent on F&B/Retail market needs.
7/2022 - 11/2023
Director of Training and Development
Director of Process and Implementations
The ONE Group
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Managed the Wisetail LMS administration, video training creation, and team enhancement programs.
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Led the development of Certified Training Restaurants, Certified Server Programs, Food & Beverage rollouts, and Manager in Training programs.
Moved back to Allen, TX Nov 2023.
1/2022 - 7/2022
Training Designer
CORNER BAKERY
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Authored instructional design content for all new cafe opening programs, hourly employee training, and Manager development programs.
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Developed comprehensive training packages, including all online LMS modules, video production for new food item rollouts, and critical employee communications.
Moved to Denver, CO July 2022.
12/2020 - 11/2021
Consultant
TOYOTA CONNECT
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Identified opportunities within Salesforce to streamline processes and procedures for call center agents receiving telematic calls.
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Designed and developed training programs to support the deployment and continuous development of telematic enhancements.
Contracted ended and work was completed.
11/2019 - 2/2021
Sr Director of L&D
CLUBCORP
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Created and implemented a COVID-19 Playbook for over 20,000 employees.
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Implemented the new Learning Management System, branded as ClubLearn.
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Designed the RISE program (Recognizing Individual Strengths to Elevate), a proprietary leadership development training in conjunction with leaders at UNLV.
Offer presented to work for Toyota from previous Director, could not pass up.
9/2018 - 11/2019
Director of L&D
DEL FRISCO'S
4 CONCEPTS
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Managed the development of all training content, including videos, recipes, and communication materials for four distinct brands.
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Designed and implemented internal communication platforms using SharePoint to create a communication "one stop shop" for all brands.
Concepts purchased by Landry’s in Nov 2019 and moved offices to Houston.
Recommendations - additional recommendations can be found on my LinkedIn profile.
Bill Schaffler - CFO
When I worked with Patti, she was incredibly instrumental in helping us build a digital platform for our training and operations services team. She came to us with a plan to go from no digital capabilities in our training to a full online platform with the capability to also do our own in house video production. She took us to amazing new heights with her leadership and hard work!
Eric Justice - Culinary Concept Chef
I really enjoyed my time working with Patti. We worked very closely together as the Culinary /Training team over a 2 year period. Patti has a great love and passion for training, this shows daily in her work. She consistently created top notch training materials for the team while I worked with her. She was always open to feedback and was only interested in getting effective, first class product to our operations team. She will make a great partner to any organization with high standards.
Thomas Dritsas - Culinary Concept Chef
Del Frisco's - is now with Ida Claire
Patti is a best in class professional that truly cares for what she does. Her heart is carried thru every aspect and person she comes in contact with. Patti always makes sure the details are taken care of and has true ownership of her work. Patti you are a true asset to DFRG or any organization for that matter. Great working with you Patti and thank you for your contributions to our company.
Sean Gleason - Chief Marketing Officer
Dave & Buster's - is now CMO for Nothing Bundt Cake
Patti was one of my go-to people at Dave & Buster’s when we worked together. She was incredibly dependable, creative and resourceful. We did not have large budgets, but Patti always delivered impressive work on-time. No small feat. I would strongly recommend Patti for any position that required effective and efficient communication to team members and companies. She is a true professional (and fun to work with!).
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Blueberry Topped Pancakes 2022
