Hi, I'm Lisa Gower, an experienced educator and instructional designer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I specialize in creating inclusive, research-based learning programs for diverse learners from pre-Kindergarten through post-secondary levels. I am passionate about fostering environments that support universal design for learning and equity. With a background in literacy interventions, curriculum development, and professional development facilitation, I enjoy helping individuals and teams grow their skills and confidence. Throughout my career, I have held various roles from teaching to curriculum consulting and instructional design, working collaboratively to maximize outcomes for students and professionals. I also enjoy sharing my love of art through workshops and community initiatives. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring art museums, playing pickleball, or capturing moments through photography.

Lisa Gower

Hi, I'm Lisa Gower, an experienced educator and instructional designer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I specialize in creating inclusive, research-based learning programs for diverse learners from pre-Kindergarten through post-secondary levels. I am passionate about fostering environments that support universal design for learning and equity. With a background in literacy interventions, curriculum development, and professional development facilitation, I enjoy helping individuals and teams grow their skills and confidence. Throughout my career, I have held various roles from teaching to curriculum consulting and instructional design, working collaboratively to maximize outcomes for students and professionals. I also enjoy sharing my love of art through workshops and community initiatives. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring art museums, playing pickleball, or capturing moments through photography.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Lisa Gower, an experienced educator and instructional designer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I specialize in creating inclusive, research-based learning programs for diverse learners from pre-Kindergarten through post-secondary levels. I am passionate about fostering environments that support universal design for learning and equity. With a background in literacy interventions, curriculum development, and professional development facilitation, I enjoy helping individuals and teams grow their skills and confidence.

Throughout my career, I have held various roles from teaching to curriculum consulting and instructional design, working collaboratively to maximize outcomes for students and professionals. I also enjoy sharing my love of art through workshops and community initiatives. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring art museums, playing pickleball, or capturing moments through photography.

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Experience Level

Work Experience

Instructional Designer and Training Specialist at TLG
July 1, 2022 - Present
Design and develop instructional materials and training programs to support learners and staff development in a variety of contexts. Focus on research-based problem solving and literacy best practices to accelerate skill development from early learning to post-secondary and professional development.
Freelance Educator & Art Workshop Facilitator at Self-employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Provide freelance education services and facilitate art workshops designed to promote mindfulness and creativity in diverse participant groups.
Director of Education at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
December 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Oversaw education initiatives, developing and implementing programs to support individuals with mood disorders, promoting equity and inclusion in mental health education.
Curriculum Consultant, Indigenous Teaching & Learning, Program & Curriculum Development at Red River College
August 31, 2017 - July 18, 2025
Consulted on Indigenous teaching practices and curriculum design to enhance educational programs and ensure cultural competency in post-secondary settings.
Program Trainer/Facilitator at Bookmates, Inc.
August 31, 2016 - July 18, 2025
Trained educators and facilitated literacy programs designed for early childhood education. Provided implementation support and assessment across program sites to improve literacy outcomes.
Instructor, Teaching & Learning in the K-8 Classroom at Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg
May 31, 2013 - July 18, 2025
Taught courses designed to prepare pre-service teachers with pedagogical strategies and knowledge in teaching and learning for K-8 classrooms.
Elementary Resource and Early Literacy Teacher, Grades 1-4 at Teulon Elementary School
August 31, 2012 - July 18, 2025
Implemented individualized education plans and literacy interventions for elementary students with diverse learning needs to maximize academic growth.
Primary Resource Teacher, Grades K-2 at Nicollet Public School
August 31, 2011 - July 18, 2025
Provided resource support and early literacy instruction for kindergarten to grade 2 students, collaborating with teaching teams to address individual learning requirements.
Learning Disabilities Resource Teacher, Grades K-5 at Monroe Elementary School
January 31, 2010 - July 18, 2025
Supported students with learning disabilities with tailored instruction and resource support, ensuring compliance with educational standards and legal requirements.
Graduate Assistant, Department of Special Education at Minnesota State University Mankato
May 31, 2010 - July 18, 2025
Assisted faculty in research, teaching, and administrative duties related to special education programs.
Walkabout Lead Teacher, Grades 4-5 at Washington Elementary School
June 30, 2009 - July 18, 2025
Led a classroom program with a focus on individualized learning and social skills development for upper elementary students.
Title 1 Paraprofessional (Reading), Kindergarten at Kennedy Elementary School
June 30, 2009 - July 18, 2025
Supported kindergarten students' reading development through individualized intervention and support in a classroom setting.
Supplementary Literacy and Social Skills Service Member at AmeriCorps READS (Service Site: Mankato Head Start pre-school)
October 31, 2008 - July 18, 2025
Provided literacy and social skills support for preschool children in a community Head Start program as part of national service.
Art and Computer Teacher, Grades 6-8 at Fitzgerald Middle School, Loyola Catholic School
August 31, 2007 - July 18, 2025
Developed and taught art and computer curriculum for middle school students, fostering creative and technical skills.
Art Instructor, Upward Bound summer program (Grade 7-11 at-risk students) at Minnesota State University Mankato
August 31, 2004 - July 18, 2025
Provided art instruction during summer programs aimed at supporting at-risk youth, promoting self-expression and skill development.
Art Instructor, Upward Bound summer program (Grade 7-11 at-risk students) at Minnesota State University Mankato
August 31, 2010 - July 18, 2025
Provided art instruction during summer programs aimed at supporting at-risk youth, promoting self-expression and skill development.

Education

Master of Arts at Institute of Child Study, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
January 1, 2004 - May 31, 2006
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Minnesota State University Mankato
January 1, 1999 - May 31, 2003

Qualifications

Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Certification, Level C Basic
March 3, 2023 - March 3, 2028
TEFL Certification, TQUK Level 5 RQF
January 1, 2021 - July 18, 2025
Facilitator Certification, Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) occupational analysis
January 1, 2017 - July 18, 2025
Manitoba Provisional Professional Certificate
September 1, 2020 - July 18, 2025
Minnesota Teaching License, Elementary K-6
July 1, 2009 - July 18, 2025
Ontario Certificate of Qualification, Primary/Junior
May 1, 2006 - July 18, 2025
Primary Part I (additional certification, ON)
May 1, 2006 - July 18, 2025
Special Educator’s Certificate, Transforming Heart, Instruction, & Soul
January 1, 2016 - July 18, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services