Professional Background:
I’m Krista, a digital design enthusiast originally from Denver, Colorado, now happily back home after spending seven years in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2018–2025). My interest in design and production began in high school through the Career Education Center’s film and video program, where I first discovered the power of visual storytelling and technology. I went on to study multimedia at Red Rocks Community College (1999–2004) and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Technical Communications from Metropolitan State University of Denver (2004–2006), all while freelancing in design and raising my son, Kailer.
My professional career began with the creation of more than 200 custom branded websites for a rapidly growing background check and drug screening company, serving healthcare education programs at universities and institutions nationwide. I later expanded my experience at a Denver-based branding agency, supporting clients in high-end real estate, automotive, military/defense, and legal sectors. For the past 14 years (2011–Current), across three electronics distribution and software companies—including their affiliated family of companies—I’ve helped lead web design and digital marketing initiatives, contributed to the development of more than 20 e-commerce websites, shaped long-term marketing strategies, and taken on instructional design, training, and implementation communication roles within the tech industry.
Alongside my professional work, I’ve continued to deepen my education. In 2018, I earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of New Mexico. I further refined my marketing expertise through a Digital Marketing Bootcamp with Promineo Tech now QuickStart in 2023, followed by a Business Analytics certificate from Ziplines in early 2024. In August 2024, I began a Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication through UNM’s Department of English Language and Literature, with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2026.
Most recently, I was accepted into the Master of Arts in Communication program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), with a planned start date of August 2026. This next step reflects my continued interest in rhetoric, professional communication, and the ways design, language, and strategy intersect to create meaningful, user-centered experiences.
Outside of work and academics, creativity and care remain central to my life. I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Mocha and Mia, lap swimming with a focus on endurance, and continuing to learn and play musical instruments including the flute, clarinet, oboe, violin, and guitar. I also write poetry and songs, tend to my garden, and create mosaic artwork—practices that ground my work in curiosity, patience, and creative exploration.
I’m committed to continual learning and thoughtful practice and welcome opportunities to work with professionals and clients who value clarity, creativity, and purpose. Visit my LinkedIn profile to learn more and stay in touch.
Please review my resumes and digital design portfolio:
Educational Background:
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Degree: Master of Arts in Communication
Dates: Fall 2026 – December 2028
Program Details: https://comm.uccs.edu/academics/ma
Description:
Accepted into the Master of Arts in Communication program within the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences at UCCS. The program emphasizes advanced communication theory, research, and applied practice. I will complete 21 credit hours beginning Fall 2026, with a focus on strengthening strategic, organizational, and applied communication skills under the advisement of Dr. Katie Sullivan.
Upcoming Classes:
Fall 2026
COMM 5010 - Communication Theories in Contemporary Contexts
COMM 6030 - Research as Problem Solving
The University of New Mexico
Degree: Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication (GCERT in TPC)
Expected Graduation Date: May 2026
GPA: 4.33
Program Details: https://english.unm.edu/academics/technical-and-professional-communication/tpc-gcert.html
Description:
The GCERT in TPC program equips students with essential skills in technical writing, user-centered design, and ethical communication. The program emphasizes accessibility, diversity, and social justice, preparing students to create inclusive, ethical content while addressing real-world challenges.
Classes Taken:
Fall 2024
ENGL-502 – Technical and Professional Communication
Spring 2025
ENGL-535 – Ethics in Technical and Professional Communication
ENGL-598 – Graduate Internship
Summer 2025
ENGL-512 – User-Centered Design & Usability
Spring 2026
OILS-593 – AI for Learning and Performance
UNM Continuing Education and Ziplines Education
Degree: Certificate, Business Analytics
Dates Attended: Dec 2023 – Feb 2024
Grade: Pass 100%
Course Details: https://advance.ce.unm.edu/business-analytics/
Description: Completed the 10 week Business Analytics Certificate Course offered through UNM's Continuing Education Business Development Department. The content focused on an introduction to business analytics, data modeling, SQL basics, data visualization, AI + machine learning and more.
UNM Continuing Education and Promineo Tech
Degree: Certificate, Digital Marketing Bootcamp
Dates Attended: April 2023 – August 2023
Grade: Pass 100%
Course Details: https://promineotech.com/digital-marketing/
Description: Completed Promineo Tech’s 16-week digital marketing bootcamp through UNM’s Continuing Education Business Development Courses. The topics covered included, An Introduction to Digital Marketing, Planning Framework, Data and Google Analytics, Website UX, Content Marketing, Channels and Paid Search, SEO and Google My Business, Organic Social Media, Paid Media Advertising, Email Marketing, Content Management Systems, Tools, and Tracking, Project and Agency Management, and Final Project.
The University of New Mexico
Degree: Master of Arts – M.A., Instructional Design and Technology
Dates Attended: 2018-2020
GPA: 4.0
Program Details: https://oils.unm.edu/current-students/masters/concentrations1/instructional-design-and-technology-idt.php
Instructional Design Courses Taken: The Adult Learner, Culture and Global E-Learning I and II, Framing Designs for Learning, Prototyping Designs for Learning, Presentation Technologies, E-Learning Course Design, Program Evaluation, Exploring Virtual Worlds In Online Learning, Team Development & Facilitation, Consulting & Project Management, Capstone 1-3 (Internship Project).
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Degree: Bachelor of Science – BS, Technical Communications / Multimedia Production Concentration
Dates Attended: 2004-2006
GPA: 3.39
Program Details: https://www.msudenver.edu/journalism-media-production/technical-writing-and-editing-bs/
Multimedia Courses Taken Include: Basic DVD Authoring, Writing for Interactive Multimedia, Multimedia Production, Visual Basic: Intro to Programming, Communication Concepts and Systems, Intermediate Multimedia Production, Scriptwriting For Corporate Video, Communications Law, Software Documentation, Hardware Documentation, Budgeting and Planning for Multimedia, InDesign, Intro to Programming, Corporate Cultures, Advanced Non-Linear Editing, Writing for Environmental Industry.
Red Rocks Community College
Degrees:
Associate of Applied Science, Graphics and Animation Technology
Associate of General Studies, Production and Design Technology
Certificate, Graphics and Animation Technology
Dates Attended: 1999-2004
GPA: 3.62
Program Details: https://rrcc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/course-descriptions/mgd-multimedia-graphic-design-courses/
Description: During my tenure at Red Rocks CC, I undertook a diverse array of classes that collectively shaped my proficiency in media and design. Class topics covered: Writing About Film, Post-Production, Video Production, Web Design, Digital Photography, Color Theory, Electronic Prepress, Adobe Software, Art History, Art Appreciation, Management & Production, Sound Design, and Music Appreciation.