Learning That Moves You: Transformational Workshop Design
What if workshop design, seminars and retreats weren’t confined to a classroom, screen, or timeline, but lived in conversations, movement, and tactile joy?
Over the past three years, I’ve been the lead designer, coordinator, and creative strategist behind a series of instructor-led workshops for First-Year Experience (FYE) faculty at a public university in the Appalachian mountains. I approach workshop design to be more than just professional development. They were immersive, purpose-driven retreats where educators came to reconnect with their mission, each other, and themselves.
In a previous life I served as temporary head of an International Education/Study Abroad department and lived abroad as part of my graduate studies. I see learning as a form of travel! So, I brought that same sense of curiosity, movement, and exploration to every touchpoint of these events: from the icebreaker design and physical materials, to the agenda cadence, speaker flow, and environment setup.
Workshop Design at a Glance
- Project Type: Instructor-Led Workshops (Hybrid: Orientation + Retreat-Style PD Days)
- Timeline: May 2022 – May 2024
- Role: Lead Designer and Coordinator
- Audience: Faculty and Staff of the First-Year Experience Program
- Locations: Multi-site across university campuses and flexible meeting spaces
Modular Design, Nourishing Purpose
Each spring, all FYE instructors and coordinators were invited to attend a half-day workshop experience. While curriculum updates and data were a core part, my design infused each event with something more: a space to play, reflect, and plan with intention.
2022 Highlights
- Orientation + Professional Development Day
- Custom brainstorming documents to guide curricular reflection
- A hands-on team-building activity where instructors played the role of students
- Sessions aligned with Western Carolina University’s strategic plan, “One Book,” and broader institutional priorities
- Final group synthesis exercise to reimagine future student experiences
2023 Highlights
- A shift toward lightness and connection:
- “FYE Instructor BINGO” to encourage collaboration
- “SLO MadLibs” and fidget-friendly table setups to boost engagement
- Integration of new Purpose & Learning Outcomes
- Partner-led sessions on neurodiverse learning preferences and support systems
- Interactive data analysis and SCRT (Student Concern Reporting Team) review
2024 Highlights (See Blog: Designing a Trainor’s Confidence)
- A month-long professional development cycle (March–April)
- New data rollout from the ISAAQ pre-course survey
- Live panel discussions with campus partners and student voices
- Sessions built to support course alignment, equity, and instructional clarity
Learning is a Journey- I Help You Pack for It!
What I Bring to Workshop Design
These events weren’t one-size-fits-all trainings. They were tailored, thoughtful, and built for transformation. My approach blends project management, curriculum strategy, live experience design, and facilitation artistry.
My Signature Touch for Workshop Design, Retreats, Seminars, Etc:
- Custom Icebreakers & Team Activities rooted in active learning and play
- Strategic use of tactile objects (fidgets, MadLibs, tokens) to support various sensory learning needs
- Balanced agenda pacing to prevent overload and nurture reflective space
- Survey-informed iterations to ensure each year evolves based on feedback
- Travel-ready logistics coordination, because meaningful learning happens everywhere
From tucked-away mountain campuses to creative co-working lofts or global co-learning spaces, I am always ready to meet people where they are and design the right learning environment for the story they’re stepping into.
Learning Is a Journey. I Help You Pack for It!
Workshop design, seminars and retreats shouldn’t just be information downloads. They should be wayfinding rituals grounded in real-world goals, but spacious enough to allow inspiration.
Whether you’re a university, small business, nonprofit, or community-based group, I can help you build nourishing, research-informed, emotionally intelligent workshops that move people.
Because when we learn with care and intention, we don’t just gain skills, we grow into the next version of ourselves.
I can’t wait to work alonside you!
Let’s Plan Your Next Learning Journey Together!
If you are as excited as I am to map out your next workshop, retreat, small event, or seminar, check out my Work with Me page!
Also, you can book a FREE 30-minute ReSPARK session to explore how I connect learning design and learning experience design with both small-scale and large-scale gatherings.
Get more “behind the scenes” looks at how I approach my work by signing up for my Newsletter
Until next time – keep shining for those who would otherwise remain in the dark. Be the light!
