Michelle Kite Email & Phone Number

Des Moines, Ia, Us

Des Moines, Iowa Area

In 2009, twelve friends gathered to try out a murder mystery party. They loved it so much that they wanted to make it a regular occurrence. As Owner and Mystery Mistress, I have always been creative. As a child, I made playhouses out of cardboard boxes, created costumes out of fabric scraps, and invented new ways to use household items to fuel my creativity.When I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.F.A. in Visual Studies focusing on computer graphics, photography, and animation, I dreamed of working on special effects for the movies. After spending a few years in other cities, I realized that Des Moines is truly where my heart is.By day, I am a technical writer and e-learning developer consulting with IT departments for Fortune 500 companies. By night, I engage my creativity and indulge my "unique brand of crazy."

Ames, Ia

As a part of the ERP implementation team, I was responsible for developing the documentation suite for the company’s multi-phase implementation Microsoft Dynamics 365. I collaborated with stakeholders and product consultants to refine and document business processes across the Accounting, Logistics, Sales, and Operations departments. Throughout the project, I created step-by-step documents to support user acceptance testing sessions and developed instructional videos for the IT ticketing system rollout and ERP orientation videos. I designed role-based classroom training for 300 employees spread across 60 locations and created the 5-week training schedule to deliver the training to 15 distinct functional groups with widely varying training needs. Partnering with the Customer Experience team, I revised a 340-page user manual for the company’s legacy ERP application focused on grain elevator employees.

Urbandale, Iowa

As a member of the Video Production Team, I collaborated with an editor, producer, and executive stakeholder to produce micro-learning videos based on award-winning business books. I was responsible for the overall visual design, illustrations, animation, packaging, and supplemental print materials. Together, we created 34 micro-learning videos for 4 book titles in 2 years. I used my art education and technical writing experience to create digital illustrations and animation to convey complex and nebulous concepts. I developed classroom materials to support the videos including administrative guides, facilitator guides, participant handouts, experiential exercises, desk reference materials, PowerPoint templates, individual development plans, and coaching guides. I also designed and built the on-screen menus and case packaging for USB and DVD deliverables.

Urbandale, Ia

I joined the Future Health team in January 2014 and was initially tasked with overhauling their system documentation and customer community. I developed comprehensive system documentation with a clear, consistent voice and a strong focus on the end user. I led the project to redesign the implementation process for our new customers and built a Configuration Workshop to guide them through setting up their electronic health record software. I consulted with the Marketing team to create outstanding campaign materials that speak to our customer base in fun and exciting ways.With the January 2015 merger of Future Health and ChiroTouch, I became the Technical Writer for both the SmartCloud and ChiroTouch practice management software platforms. In this role, I was responsible for maintaining end user documentation and knowledge base content in concert with the development teams' Agile and Kanban methodologies. I was instrumental in the Salesforce Knowledge Base implementation and served as the chief editor for that resource. I frequently collaborated with Marketing and Support departments on crafting concise and helpful messages to our customer base.

West Des Moines, Ia

As a member of the Learning and Development team, I was responsible for creating an online library of Standard Operating Procedures as part of the company's enterprise risk management initiative and for designing the online help for the company's new policy administration system. I worked with Instructional Designers and Multimedia Developers to create e-learning content and classroom training.

Des Moines, Iowa Area

Managed invoices and project financials for a group of 4 projects totaling $3M. Managed resource allocation for +75 resources across 4 inter-dependent projects. Coordinated project documents, deliverables, and approvals. Assisted project managers with monthly software releases using a hybrid of Waterfall and Agile methodology.

West Des Moines, Ia

Documented new features for the CORE software system according to established style guides and department procedures. Consulted with subject matter experts, business process representatives, and project managers to determine the most logical and effective way to present information to mortgage professionals with varied roles and experience.Managed a portfolio of 15-20 concurrent requirements and coordinated feedback from separate teams.Prepared large documents for print using Microsoft Word, Snag-It, and Adobe Acrobat Professional.

West Des Moines, Iowa

Worked in an Agile development environment with monthly product releases and weekly sprint cycles. Documented business requirements, user stories, acceptance criteria and test cases for new software features based on client feedback and internal discussion. Contributed to the software design by participating in design meetings, offering specifications for new features, testing new features during the development cycle, and writing on-screen instructions within the software. Provided product knowledge to Sales, IT, Consulting, Product Management, and Proposal Writing teams. Built online help systems from the ground-up for 2 cloud-based learning management systems including context-sensitive help and integrated video. Authored and maintained user manuals, training workbooks, reference cards, implementation guides and other written documentation for monthly software releases. Designed and built 15 user tutorials to support product features and new client onboarding. Delivered virtual client-facing demonstrations of new software features. Maintained a customer-facing online discussion board by answering clients’ questions, posting software tips and tricks, and keeping the content organized.

West Des Moines, Iowa

Conducted classroom and virtual training sessions for groups of 4-50 people on 2 software platforms. Designed role-based training programs to help clients provide specialized classroom instruction for their users. Provided clients with gap analysis and consulted on ways to use our software to evolve their training processes. Gathered requirements and wrote test cases for software customizations. Customized help system for clients according to their specific business processes and targeted system roles. Developed processes, procedures and documentation to promote employee training and increase project efficiency. Delivered customized classroom training to 30+ clients including facilitating scenario-based workshops to address each client’s unique business needs.

West Des Moines, Iowa

Pioneered the Courseware Project Coordinator role, documented its responsibilities, and trained additional staff members. Worked with instructional design teams to develop e-learning solutions for clients. Managed 15 concurrent e-learning projects. Managed teams to produce 54 online courses. Managed outsourcing efforts in coordination with internal departments and customers. Created and maintain project plans for initiatives spanning 4 weeks to 24 months. Supervised on-location audio narration recording and video shoots. Collaborated creatively with video and audio directors.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Area

Served as Operations Manager during the company’s expansion from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines. Created the E-Business Strategist position within the Sales department. Collaborated on product design and consulted with clients on their e-business needs.

Holland, Michigan

Worked with business teams to refine, develop, and implement proposals for web-based projects. Lead web and application development teams producing online solutions for internal customers. Managed project timelines, scope and resources. Developed highly detailed process flows and documentation for problem escalation, management & resolution.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Coordinated all content for outsourcing and in-house production of CD-based architectural symbol libraries. Created storyboard designs. Developed a standard organizational structure to improve efficiency and shorten production timelines. Assisted with strategic workload planning.

Cedar Rapids, Ia

Managed website development projects and design teams. Designed and developed HTML websites for the magazine publishing industry. Managed and maintained 30 websites. Wrote and maintained documentation and procedures for website maintenance practices. Worked with sales teams to determine project scope, deadlines, and resources needed. Consulted with clients to increase websites’ effectiveness, functionality and visual aesthetic.

Bfa, Visual Studies - Photography And Computer Graphics

Activities and Societies: Sigma Kappa Sorority, Stars Over VEISHEA

Education record

Activities and Societies: National Honor Society, Drama, Choir, Show Choir, Cheerleading, Art, Softball, Dance