Growing Forward:
My Transformation as a Digital Learning Leader

The Spark

Before starting the ADL program, I had actually been considering a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. But when I came across the Applied Digital Learning program on Lamar’s website, something clicked instantly. It aligned perfectly with where I was in my career, especially as I had just started using AI tools daily to manage the overwhelming workload of running an afterschool program. The more I read, the more I realized that ADL wasn’t just another degree; it was a place where I could explore, design, and own my learning. What hooked me was the promise of the COVA model - choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning (Harapnuik, Thibodeaux, & Cummings, 2018). I knew this program would give me the freedom to build something meaningful, not just complete assignments.

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The Encouragers

Throughout the program, my “learning community” has taken different shapes depending on the course. While the whole-class GroupMe was a constant source of support, resources, and occasional humor, my most steadfast partner has been my friend and classmate Karimi Garcia. From our very first course, we’ve leaned on each other by sharing ideas, troubleshooting assignments, pushing one another to do better, and venting when needed. Having someone who understood the workload, the expectations, and the pressure made this experience far more manageable. She has been the person who consistently reminded me to put my best foot forward, and I truly believe I would not have thrived in this program without her encouragement.

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Impacting Learning: My Innovation Plan

My innovation plan seeks to create a space that does not currently exist in my organization, one that may face significant pushback if not implemented thoughtfully. I want to introduce my colleagues to AI as a tool for reducing workload stress and improving the quality of TEKS-aligned lesson planning through a series of professional learning opportunities delivered both online and in person.

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To do this well, I’ve immersed myself in understanding adult learning theory and the five key principles of effective professional development (Gulamhussein, 2013). These principles (sustained duration, modeling, active learning, coaching, and alignment with teacher needs) have shaped every aspect of my design. I’ve learned that implementing new tools is never enough; meaningful change requires respect for the realities of adult learners and intentional spaces for them to explore, practice, and reflect.

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The Balancing Act

Shortly after I committed to beginning this program, I learned I was pregnant with my second baby girl. My first daughter was just 15 months old, and I suddenly found myself terrified

about balancing motherhood, pregnancy, a full-time job, and graduate school.

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Throughout my pregnancy, this program gave me purpose. Some days were incredibly hard. Exhaustion, nausea, and tight deadlines all competed for my energy, but I kept pushing. In

July 2025, I gave birth to our sweet Mila. That same week, I learned that the federal grant

that funds my program (Texas ACE, funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant) had been frozen. In the span of days, I became a new mother again and faced the

possibility of losing my job.

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As I scrambled to job search and care for a newborn, I became disconnected from my coursework. I questioned why I should keep planning for a department that might not exist. But toward the end of August, we got the news: the funding freeze had lifted. Our program would continue. Although long-term plans are still uncertain, this moment renewed my motivation. I am now even more determined to bring meaningful, AI-supported professional learning to my colleagues so our programs can continue to grow, and so we can demonstrate the impact necessary to keep our funding secure.

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Coursework Archive: The Work That Shaped My Innovation Plan

Throughout the ADL program, each course contributed something essential to the development of my innovation plan. While every assignment added value, several projects became true turning points, deepening my understanding of leadership, learning design, adult education, and organizational change. These artifacts represent the milestones that helped transform my idea into a strategic, research-based, and implementable plan.

Click the links to the left and right to access some of my favorite assignments.

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Together, These Assignments Built My Blueprint for Change Each artifact contributed a different layer:

• UbD gave me structure.

• Influence gave me strategy.

• Self-differentiated leadership gave me confidence.

• Alternative PL Plan gave me purpose.

• Action research gave me evidence.

• Podcast (Media Project) gave me a voice.

This archive is the foundation of my innovation plan and the story of how I grew into a digital learning leader prepared to support coordinators, influence organizational change, and bring meaningful AI integration to afterschool programs.