Erika Newbaker

Richland, WA 93552| Phone: 907.422.7862|Email: erika.newbaker@gmail.com | Portfolio: www.erikanewbaker.com

Technical Writer & Instructional Designer

Instructional design and program development professional with hands-on experience creating and delivering learning content across diverse audiences. Skilled in applying adult learning theory to training programs, designing competency-based curriculum, and developing performance support tools that drive engagement and retention. Experienced in analyzing organizational learning needs, measuring effectiveness, and collaborating with leadership and stakeholders to align training with business goals. Adept at content creation for instructor-led, online, blended, and self-paced learning environments.

Areas of Expertise

Program Administration | Project Management | Written and Verbal Communication | Instructional & Curriculum Design (ADDIE, Competency-Based Learning) | Adult Learning Theory & Engagement Strategies | eLearning Tools & LMS Platforms (Articulate, Canva, Google Classroom, Therap, Evergreen) | Training Content Development (Instructor-Led, Online, Blended) | Performance Analysis & Evaluation Metrics | Change Management & Communication Strategies | Process Documentation & Job Aid Creation | Stakeholder Collaboration & Facilitation

Professional Experience

Granite Bay Care – Scarborough, ME                                                                                                  2024 – 2025

Program Manager                     

Coordinated 5 programs and 8 clients, 4 with BMs, and 50 direct support staff. Presided over staff documentation, medical administration records, medical orders,  staff scheduling, and event reporting. Identified program gaps and provided coaching and staff  remediation. Trained staff on department rollouts and standard criteria including CPR, Safety Care, and CRMA. Maintained a working knowledge of all DHHS standards and regulations which assisted staff, protected client rights, and enhanced written documentation. Designed written job aids and procedures in accordance with best practices.

Key Accomplishments:

• Tailored programs and behavior consultations to meet clients’ individual needs while building rapport.
• Designed a Scribe extension to create processes of duties that are common on the job using  Therap and Evergreen: This translated to how to put med orders into Therap and reportable events into the state DHHS database, Evergreen.

Biddeford Adult Education – Biddeford, ME                                                                                        2021 – 2024        

Program Coordinator                             

Updated and maintained students’ registration records and input data into the Maine Department of Education’s records. Created and promoted individualized learning and advising plans to advise students on continuing education/career development options, i.e., scholarships, college admissions, vocational training, and workforce solutions. Monitored academic calendars and coordinated teacher meetings to remain in alignment with program mission delivery.

Key Accomplishments:

• Promoted effective learning strategies to generate a 50% measurable skill gain for students in the last fiscal year.
• Translated documents across 13 languages to support non-native speakers with filling out paperwork.

Spring Creek Correctional Center, Department of Corrections – Seward, AK                                                                  2019 – 2021

Education Coordinator

Served as the primary point of contact for Adult Basic Education programming and evidence-based classes to promote a successful transition from incarceration to societal reentry and reduce the rate of recidivism. Coordinated tutoring sessions to support students with ascertaining their GED and other standardized tests required for a diploma.

Key Accomplishments:

• Updated educational courses to strengthen the Department’s mission statement and assist vulnerable populations.
• Created a weekly schedule with remediation instruction based on pre-tests lending to improved student readiness and the 2nd highest completion rate in the last fiscal year.

Bristol Bay Borough School District – King Salmon, AK                                                                                2017 – 2018

Teaching Assistant                     

Observed classroom management styles and student-teacher interactions to discern how best to assist students with lesson plans while facilitating instruction to low tiered students. Successfully implemented hands-on activities and differentiated learning techniques for a diverse student body.

Key Accomplishments:

• Transitioned underperforming students to performing top of the class by tailoring lessons to learning styles.
• Built students confidence and skill mastery by peering learning objectives with hands-on academic activities.

Flight Dispatcher – King Salmon, AK                                                                                                2015 – 2019

Grant Aviation                     

Cross-collaborated with staff to determine flight routes, passenger and freight loads that aligned with safe weight and balances of the aircraft. Monitored weather and updated teams on adverse conditions to avoid flight safety conflicts.

Key Accomplishments:

• Demonstrated superior attention to detail and deadline management to achieve smooth, seamless operations.

AmeriCorps – Selinsgrove, PA                                                                                                        2013 – 2014

Teaching Aide                     

Liaised between teachers and staff to develop Individual Education Plan assessments and lesson plans for at-risk students.

Key Accomplishments:

• Supported students in accomplishing higher test scores in Common Core subjects.
• Took on miscellaneous Program Planner roles including organizing the Red Cross blood drive, parent volunteer group, and exercise club and supporting an animal rescue shelter, women's shelter, and environmental cleanup day.

Education

Master of Science in Adult and Higher Education: University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature: Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH

Professional Certificate in Technical Writing: University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Professional Certificate in User Center Design : Parsons New School of Design, New York, NY

Adobe Captivate Professional Certificate

Instructional Design for eLearning 

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams; Google Suite;  Adobe Creative Suite; Adobe Captivate;  Markdown; HTML; Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter; Mac and Windows OS;  Articulate 360; Canva; Figma;  Miro