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Peck Academy
Instructional Design Professional Certification
Learning & Development Specialist at Palacio Collaborative
Dima transitioned from 20+ years of teaching into a fully remote Learning & Development Specialist role, all thanks to her scenario-based portfolio projects.
After more than twenty years teaching social studies, Dima Qattan was ready for change. Originally from Jordan and later teaching in the United Arab Emirates and Texas, she reached a point where the classroom no longer felt sustainable.
“Teaching has really consumed me,” she admitted, and she longed for a career that would allow her to leverage her skills in new ways while creating space for growth.
In July 2024, Dima joined our program with one goal: to build a portfolio that could support her transition into instructional design.
To make it happen, she made a bold move—resigning from her teaching role so she could fully commit to learning and creating. With support from mentors and peers, she completed eight hands-on projects, refined her technical skills, and started to see her creativity flourish in a new direction.
“I’m deeply grateful for all the support I received,” Dima shared. That mix of structure, feedback, and encouragement gave her the clarity she needed to leave teaching behind.
For her flagship project, Dima designed a scenario-based eLearning experience for personal bankers. The goal was to help bankers enhance customer satisfaction by practicing empathy, efficiency, and clarity in their interactions.
She chose Vyond animation to bring realism and engagement to the learning, ensuring that visuals supported—rather than distracted from—the scenarios. Learners were faced with realistic consequences, prompting them to reflect on their choices and build confidence for real-world conversations.
She brought the experience together in Articulate Storyline 360, highlighting her development skills and expertise with the most in-demand tool in the market.
"Animation enhances the learning and doesn’t distract—it keeps people engaged."
By October 2024, Dima had left her teaching job to dedicate herself fully to building her portfolio. She completed her portfolio in January 2025, and by March she had a job offer on the table. Just nine months after starting the Bootcamp, she stepped into her first Learning & Development Specialist role.
“The Bootcamp gave me structure, practical projects, and invaluable feedback from Sabrina and Storyline Pro Scott,” Dima reflected. “Their guidance helped me sharpen my technical skills, refine my work, and build the confidence to tackle complex projects. The supportive community made the learning process even more rewarding”.
Now, in her fully remote role at Palacio Collaborative, Dima is thriving. She credits her portfolio and her Academy experience for giving her the foundation to not just land the job—but to feel confident stepping into it.
“Today, I’m proud to be one of the most skilled members of my team, thanks to the foundation and confidence I built through the Academy and the continued growth I’ve pursued since”.
"Before joining the Bootcamp in July 2024, I was a teacher eager to transition into instructional design but unsure where to start. I felt motivated yet uncertain about how to build the right skills and portfolio to land a role.
The Bootcamp gave me structure, practical projects, and invaluable feedback from Sabrina and Storyline Pro Scott. Their guidance helped me sharpen my technical skills, refine my work, and build the confidence to tackle complex projects. The supportive community made the learning process even more rewarding.
In less than a year—by April 2025—I secured my first role as an Instructional Designer. Soon after, in June 2025, I joined Peck Academy to continue growing my skills and pushing myself further. Today, I’m proud to be one of the most skilled members of my team, thanks to the foundation and confidence I built through the Bootcamp and the continued growth I’ve pursued since."
Learning & Development Specialist at Palacio Collaborative
Instructional Design Professional Certification
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You’ve seen what’s possible when determination meets the right support.
Our certification programs are designed to help you stand out: structured learning, hands-on projects, and a portfolio that proves your skills.
Graduates don’t just learn—they launch careers with confidence and credibility.
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