Candy Sugarman, Instructional Designer

Chaos simply is waiting for order to decipher it.

I help organizations turn complex learning challenges into solutions that actually work.

AI excels at execution. I specialize in the work that comes before and after; framing the right problems, synthesizing messy inputs, navigating constraints, and helping teams align and act.

You’re in the right place if:

  • Your training problem isn’t clearly defined yet

  • You’re balancing multiple stakeholders, priorities, or constraints

  • You need a learning partner who can think strategically and execute

  • You want training that supports real performance—not just completion rates

End-to-End Learning Design for Real-World Environments

I design and deliver learning solutions from concept to launch, partnering closely with stakeholders to make sense of complex requirements and translate them into clear, actionable learning experiences. My work includes dozens of Articulate Rise and Storyline courses for the American Red Cross, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) and microlearning for ServiceNow, and training programs designed from the ground up for diverse audiences.

My experience spans eLearning, ILT, and blended learning ecosystems, including hands-on work with Intrepid LMS, facilitator and participant guides, and scalable learning architectures built to support real-world performance.

A Thoughtful, Human-Centered Approach, Supported by AI

I work extensively with generative and agentic AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, to accelerate analysis, prototyping, and iteration. AI helps me move faster, but human judgment drives the work that matters most: instructional strategy, problem framing, trade-off decisions, and stakeholder alignment.

The result is speed with intention and learning solutions that make sense in the context they’re actually used.

Facilitation That Leads to Action

I’ve delivered over 800 hours of live training and facilitation, consistently earning five-star feedback for clarity, relevance, and engagement. My facilitation experience includes working with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and internal teams, helping participants leave not just informed, but confident in what to do next.

Designed With Real Constraints in Mind

I bring a strong business lens to learning design, balancing scope, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder priorities. I work best with teams who value clarity, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making, and who want a partner they can trust to move work forward with minimal hand-holding.

Finally…

And yes, Candy Sugarman is my real name! My father thought it was cute, never considering that I might want to be taken seriously one day. Today, I'm proud to be the only Candy Sugarman in North Carolina, where I call home.

Instructional Design - What I’ve Done

Click Explore to see samples

Design documents, storyboards, and scripts

An infographic titled 'The Customer Journey' with a winding road illustration showing four stages: Window Shoppers, Check Out Shoppers, In Store Shoppers, and Reselling, on a wooden surface.

Microlearning

Videos, job aids, and more

Both Instructor-Led Training (ILT) and Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) samples

eLearning samples made with Articulate 360: Storyline and Rise

elearning samples of work

eLearning Samples

A person in a business suit touching a play button on a digital video interface.

Instructional Design

A woman presenting data on a large screen displaying market share percentages, with an audience in a modern conference room taking notes and listening.

Instructor-Led Samples

Credentials

Select each image to learn more