In this one-hour event, you’ll hear stories from a panel of recently certified professionals on their journey to achieving their CPTD credentials. Tune in to learn why they took on the challenge, how it has helped in their career, and what made them successful. Finally, meet and network with other prospective certification candidates like you!
This session is for all professionals interested in the CPTD/APTD certification. Whether you are still considering the certification, have already signed up to write the exam, or are unaware of this opportunity, this session is for you!
Optional: Submit your questions regarding this event or for the panel to Helen Cheng, Certifications Program Manager (cptdmanager@atdpugetsound.org).
Please note that we will not be answering any questions regarding certification eligibility at this event. If you want to learn which certification is right for you, please see the following resources from the Association for Talent Development:
Our panel for the session:
Sarah Schillen, CPTD is a strategic and skilled talent development leader with extensive experience in designing and executing learning and performance-focused business solutions. Bringing more than 11 years of experience in the learning and organizational development space, she offers a rich foundation in leadership development, change management, and leading the learning function. When it comes to organizational learning programs, Sarah is known for designing scalable people-focused learning solutions that achieve stakeholder outcomes, deliver key business results, and offer an excellent learner experience. Sarah’s specialty is in finding creative solutions that solve for both organizational challenges and performance/knowledge gaps. She does this while developing learning experiences that are fun, engaging, and meaningful.
Katie Thompson, EdD, is a Training Analyst Team Manager at SAIC. She combines Human Performance Improvement, Learning Engineering, and Instructional Systems Design to create innovative training solutions that leverage a wide variety of learning technologies to create unique and memorable learning experiences. She has contributed to the design, development, and delivery of complex, dynamic training solutions for the US Army, US Air Force, and Federal Aviation Administration.
Craig Snyder, MA MFA CPTD is Senior Instructional Designer within Learning and Development at T-Mobile. He is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) with a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), as well as making learning accessible for all. His adult education experience includes Senior Instructional Designer roles at British Standards Institute (BSI), Facebook Reality Lab, and Seattle Children's Hospital, as well as being Adjunct Professor at Cornish College of the Arts.
Helen Cheng, CPTD is an empathetic leader who prioritizes learning experience when building solutions for her customers and colleagues. She grounded her career in HR for a decade before specializing in career coaching and instructional design. She is an Instructional Designer at a workforce analytics company, enabling HR professionals to use an award-winning technology to gain valuable insights into their people. After passing the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) exam in 2021, Helen established a supportive certification candidate community through ATDps. She manages the chapter's exam prep program as well as recertification initiatives.
