What are my partners saying?
Having a career that spans over 20 years, you forge a lot of connections. Here's some things that some of my partners had to day:
Training Never Has To Be Painful
LEAD INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER /
PROGRAM DIRECTOR /
TECHNICAL TRAINER / CURRICULUM DEVELOPER
Almost 30 years of versatile teaching experience.
Lead Instructional Designer / Technical Trainer
My Training Philosophy
My Training Rules
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Don’t just click buttons. Learners should understand both the what and the why behind what they’re doing. When training becomes nothing more than clicking buttons, people lose the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and solve problems.
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Read the room. Learners move at different speeds, and pacing determines the quality of the experience. Going too fast leaves people behind and makes retention harder; going too slow becomes disengaging. I always maintain alternate plans for advanced learners so everyone stays challenged without anyone being overwhelmed.
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Lead with patience. Impatience never solves a learning problem—it creates one. When a learner struggles, the instructor’s calm, steady presence is what keeps them moving forward.
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Be a translator, not a repeater. Saying the same thing louder or slower doesn’t help someone understand, just like repeating a sentence in a foreign language won’t suddenly make it clear. My job is to translate concepts into forms people can understand. I excel at reframing, re‑explaining, and finding the angle that finally makes everything click. Using analogies, referring to what they already know, actually communicate.
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Make learning painless—and even enjoyable. Most people don’t walk into multi‑day training excited, so the instructor’s energy matters. When you project positivity, clarity, and confidence, you can win over almost any learner and turn intimidating content into something approachable.
Since 1999, I’ve been formally teaching, training, and leading training departments across the Tech and Entertainment industries, using a wide range of tools, methodologies, and learning models. Over the years, I’ve supported an exceptionally diverse spectrum of learners—PhD‑track engineers, professional artists, technical directors, office staff, and first‑year college students from both for‑profit and community colleges with limited resources. I also designed a full academic pathway that enabled students to progress from their first year through completion of a bachelor’s degree, teaching several of the core courses myself while managing a training team that consistently achieved high retention and strong student outcomes.
I’ve trained individuals who were deeply resistant to learning new material, learners who were not technically savvy, and students navigating learning disabilities, PTSD, and social anxiety. Many were afraid of change or worried that failing to learn new and intimidating technologies might cost them their jobs. None of these challenges have ever been deal breakers.
Across nearly three decades, I’ve never encountered a training problem that couldn’t be solved or a learner who couldn’t succeed. When I stay grounded in the core teaching philosophy that has guided me for almost thirty years, every training becomes not only learnable, but far less painful and far more empowering than people expect.
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My Training Rules
-
Don’t just click buttons. Learners should understand both the what and the why behind what they’re doing. When training becomes nothing more than clicking buttons, people lose the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and solve problems.
-
Read the room. Learners move at different speeds, and pacing determines the quality of the experience. Going too fast leaves people behind and makes retention harder; going too slow becomes disengaging. I always maintain alternate plans for advanced learners so everyone stays challenged without anyone being overwhelmed.
-
Lead with patience. Impatience never solves a learning problem—it creates one. When a learner struggles, the instructor’s calm, steady presence is what keeps them moving forward.
-
Be a translator, not a repeater. Saying the same thing louder or slower doesn’t help someone understand, just like repeating a sentence in a foreign language won’t suddenly make it clear. My job is to translate concepts into forms people can understand. I excel at reframing, re‑explaining, and finding the angle that finally makes everything click. Using analogies, referring to what they already know, actually communicate.
-
Make learning painless—and even enjoyable. Most people don’t walk into multi‑day training excited, so the instructor’s energy matters. When you project positivity, clarity, and confidence, you can win over almost any learner and turn intimidating content into something approachable.
Curriculum Development
Developed curriculum and Training Programs for diverse topics, covering soft and hard skills, indepth annual training, Learning Plans to micro learning with a focus on delivering technical training to varied audiences in multiple settings.
Media Creation
Produced and edited videos, animations, conducted interviews, and recorded and edited audio content, along with custom motion graphics to enhance course materials and user interface design.
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Educational Technology
Successfully led the buildout of state-of-the-art training rooms and classrooms, integrating advanced training technologies including VR and AR to enhance instructional delivery and learner engagement.
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Project Management
Managed departments, programs, projects and the build out of training rooms as well as global training initiatives.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Managed content, performance metrics, interface design, and promotional strategies across multiple educational and corporate LMS platforms to support scalable learning and engagement.
Multiple Training Delivery Options
Designed diverse training formats—including ILT, hybrid, self-paced, microlearning, online, face-to-face, and gamified experiences—always selecting the most effective delivery method based on context and desired outcomes.
Talent Development
Developed and implemented talent development programs in collaboration with cross-functional teams to upskill employees and faculty. Monitored employee engagement metrics to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Department / Program Management
Over a decade of experience leading teams and managing departments, including budget oversight, hiring, staff motivation, cross-functional collaboration, strategic forecasting, problem-solving, training, onboarding and mentoring.
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Ryan Bland:
"I had the privilege to work with Ty for several years while we were both at Netflix Animation. Ty's passion for teaching, technology, and digital production are unmatched. His infectious enthusiasm ensures his colleagues and students are eager to come with him on the journey."
Ryan Bland
Software Engineer 6, Netflix
David Bolt:
"Ty and I worked together for nine years. We were fellow classroom educators, we were fellow Program Directors, then I became Dean and oversaw him directly. Ty is that rare combination of outstanding classroom teacher and highly effective administrator. As the Program Director of the Game Art & Design (GAD) Program, he literally brought the program into existence. He has taught virtually every course in the curriculum. He is an inspiration to the faculty he leads and a mentor to the hundreds of students he has overseen. His department is always on budget and he has never failed to run every class, every term, without exception. I would recommend Ty highly."
David Bolt
Retired - Former Dean of
Academic Affairs
Christopher Bennett:
"Hands down one of the best instructors I have met. Thoroughly knowledgeable of a wide range of skill sets within our industry and has a pulse on its changing landscape. His communication in teaching is what sets him apart as he is able to personalize the topic of discussion to his recipient."
Christopher Bennett
Software Engineer at Netflix
Caley Taylor:
"Ty was my client for two years, and he was such a great partner throughout. He led the training efforts for his team and was always organized, thoughtful, and easy to work with. He cared about making sure his team felt supported and continuously updating the training content to set them up for success."
Caley Taylor
Customer Success at Vizcom
Andrew Schlussel:
"Ty is one of a kind. I worked with him for a long time and have known him for over 20 years now! What stands out to me in his work performance is his ability to maintain his composure, professionalism, and humor in all situations. "
Andrew Schlussel
Senior Director, Training and
Development,
DNEG Animation