Learn more about Avery Pierce-McGovern our new LMS Project Manager at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy!

What is your job title, and what will you be doing?

  • I'm the new LMS Project Manager. I'm still learning about all of the things that I'll be doing, but I'll obviously be assisting with project management, assigning work, improving workflows, and advising on Canvas and DORS, if that is helpful. 

Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA.

  • I have a BA in Multimedia and Animation, and have previously worked as a Graphic Designer (for various local print shops), but found my footing working as an Administrative Professional in MN's Dislocated Worker Program scheduling and providing training to clients there. That got me interested in training in general, which led to a job scheduling and training professional development classes at the University in the Professional Development Programs department at CCAPS. There, I learned a lot about DORS and non-credit work. I took classes in that unit in instructional design, which got me a job with Academic Technology and Design (still at CCAPS) as an Academic Technologist, where I led project management software transitions, Canvas course template design, and interdepartmental cross-functional initiatives. That got me a lot of experience in Canvas, credit programs, and project management. I also took the project management certificate while in that position, and became a ScrumMaster. 

How long have you been working in your field?

  • I've been doing project management since my Dislocated Worker days, so about 10 years.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

  • I enjoy making an impact where it matters. Supporting those who are vulnerable, overworked, or simply doing good is important to me.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

  • I'm most passionate about increasing efficiency and improving workflow for staff - helping to automate tedious work and understand the work of all of those I encounter. I also really love to ensure everyone has clarity and feels supported, and I am a fervent advocate for learning science.

What are you most passionate about personally?

  • Personally, I am passionate about storytelling, tabletop RPGs, cinema and theater, art, and thrifting. I also enjoy video and board games and going out to eat!

What are you surprisingly good at? (or what do you wish you were good at)?

  • I am surprisingly good at cooking - but I take a long time to make a dish and the muse sometimes escapes me and I order food in!

What do you like to do outside of work?

  • Outside of work, I enjoy thrift shopping, bouldering, running tabletop RPGs, and cooking.

What else should we know about you?

  • I can sometimes be a bit quiet when focused on my work - I get tunnel vision when I'm focused on solving a problem