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Peck Academy
Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)
Instructional Designer II at Advent Health Information Technology
Shekinah transitioned from 11 years of teaching into an Instructional Designer II role at Advent Health IT, where her portfolio and early work with AI learning solutions positioned her to thrive in a competitive field.
When Shekinah Terry decided to become an instructional designer, she was deep into her 11th year of teaching—a role she had loved since childhood but that had shifted into more policing and paperwork than meaningful teaching. “I wanted to be a teacher at six years old,” she shared, “but by my 11th year in the classroom, the profession had changed and I was no longer willing to keep up”.
At first, Shekinah didn’t even know what instructional design was. Within weeks of discovering the field, she saw how it aligned with her goals and offered a chance to make an impact outside the classroom. Despite financial hurdles, she jumped into the program, determined to take a chance on herself.
The outcome was transformative: Shekinah transitioned from more than a decade of teaching into an Instructional Designer II at Advent Health Information Technology, where her growing expertise in AI-powered learning solutions is helping shape the future of healthcare training.
“I didn’t know what ID was until a few weeks before I applied for the bootcamp. I needed someone to give me the opportunity to take a chance on myself.”
For her key portfolio piece, Shekinah created Guiding Potential — an interactive learning experience that helps learners reflect on their strengths and goals. Rather than designing a static course, she took a bold step by weaving in AI elements that made the experience more adaptive and learner-centered.
By blending scenario-based design with AI-powered prompts, Shekinah demonstrated how emerging tools could create personalized pathways and deepen learner engagement. This forward-thinking approach not only showcased her technical skills but also positioned her as a designer ready to bring innovation into any workplace.
The project quickly became a highlight in her portfolio. Hiring managers noted that her originality and willingness to experiment with AI set her apart from other candidates, proving she could design for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
“With this project, I wanted to show how AI could make eLearning more personal and impactful—transforming a simple activity into a meaningful experience for each learner.”
Shekinah’s portfolio became her most powerful career asset. Even with just one polished project, it opened doors. “Every interview I landed, it was stated that my portfolio is what got me in the room,” she shared. Her Guiding Potential project demonstrated her creativity and her forward-looking approach to learning design, making her stand out in a crowded market.
More importantly, the program reshaped her confidence. “The bootcamp helped me find a grit I didn’t know I had. I learned how to stand up for myself, how to believe in myself, how to advocate for myself and how to push myself to new heights”.
Today, she channels that grit into her role at Advent Health IT, creating digital learning solutions and continuing to explore how AI can enhance healthcare training.
"When I discovered instructional design, I was tired, anxious, and questioning what was next for me. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was the right path. But when I applied for the bootcamp, I spoke with someone who believed I deserved the opportunity to change my life—and that gave me the courage to begin.
I unexpectedly left the classroom soon after, and the months that followed were filled with doubt, hardship, and a lot of tears. Quite honestly, the bootcamp helped me find a grit I didn’t know I had. I learned how to stand up for myself, how to believe in myself, how to advocate for myself and how to push myself to new heights.
My portfolio became my lifeline. Every interview I landed, it was stated that my portfolio is what got me in the room. At one point I invested weeks of hope into a role and was devastated when it fell through. But instead of giving up, I found freelance work and kept applying. Then came an opportunity with a mission-aligned healthcare organization.
After multiple interviews, I got the offer. I immediately burst into tears and called my mom. ‘I did it!’ I said. ‘They want to hire me. We’re going to be okay.’”
My hiring manager told me she was especially interested in my ability to integrate AI into learning experiences and create scenario-based and game-based learning. That’s when I knew all the hard work had been worth it. I don’t just get to do instructional design—I get to respect my learners by creating engaging training using tools I love in the formats I adore. I am so grateful for my bootcamp pro and for the incredible community that supported me every step of the way.”
Instructional Designer II at Advent Health Information Technology
Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)
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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.
Instructional Designer at True Group, Inc.
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Instructional Designer
