Who am I?
My name is Jillian Knapp. It would be a hyperbole to say that I have completed thousands of implementations during my career, but I have done hundreds. I have spent over 15 years as an instructional designer, trainer, facilitator, and implementer. I create and deliver software curriculum for in person, virtual, and eLearning audiences of all sizes.
As a motivated self-starter, I have the unique ability to quickly learn complex software programs, create a comprehensive curriculum, and implement effective training programs. My teaching style is highly interactive and memorable.
My talents have led me to serve high profile clients including Senior Partners at law firms, CEOs, and politicians. I also create excellent communications to relay change in an organization. I attribute my success to always remaining teachable, keeping up to date with changes in technology, and staying attuned to the needs of my clients.
I have earned a CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) certification and I also train in Spanish.
My Journey
It’s hard to believe that my original education was a Business Administration diploma with a major in Financial Services from SAIT. I worked at a few organizations and came to realize that being good at something doesn’t mean you love it. I needed to make a change.
I decided I needed a “talking job”. I took night classes at the University of Lethbridge working towards a Bachelor of Management degree. In the meantime IT departments roles during the day.
When I was almost finished my degree I decided that I needed to do a practicum or internship in order to get my foot in the door at an organization. I accepted a position at a law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP where I was part of the implementation team for a new document management software. This is where I discovered my passion for learning and development. They kept me on and when I finished my degree I was hired full time.
Since then I have completed hundreds of implementations, conducted regular training sessions, created eLearning, and excellent communications pertaining to change.
Throughout my career I have made observations of where things break in the technology/ implementation world and I offer my wisdom on how to run things more smoothly.
What’s the story behind the name Knapps Star Inc.?
Knapps Star Inc. began in 2020 following a career development course. The focus of this course was discovering your North Star. I’m not a fan of labels and I’m the first to avoid personality tests and the like because I believe the results can put you in a box and prevent growth. However, a North Star is something that you move toward;, the key word being “movement” which can also mean growth. This resonated with me as it means we can continually learn and grow with a goal in mind.
Knapps Star Inc. is my North Star. The fact the star is a shooting star represents movement. This company will always be moving and growing in knowledge and will not become stagnant. Part of the star on the logo is directional tool found in map apps. It represents the guidance I offer to my clients.