My name is Laura Otero. I am an educator, instructional designer, and researcher in the field of instructional technology and higher ed.

I am currently available for consulting engagements.

I am based in Monterey, California, with my husband, daughter, and our menagerie of creatures and plants. Read on to learn more about my work experience, or check out my professional portfolio.

I am also a creative writer, and you can learn more about my creative work at elleotero.com.

As an early student, I found my purpose in a California Community College. I transferred to a California State University and earned my Bachelor’s in Communication, then a Master’s degree in Education. I continued with my Ph.D. in Leadership with a specialization in Instructional Technology.

I now work as the Online Education Coordinator at California State University Monterey Bay, where I also teach for the School of Computing & Design. My research interests include relational leadership behaviors, instructional design, and human-AI interaction.

Relational Leadership

Leadership facilitates collaboration in working relationships. My dissertation uncovered the impact of relational leadership behaviors on the relationships between instructional designers and faculty in higher education, and my findings were statistically significant.

Instructional Design & Technology

I have worked as an instructional designer and technologist for well over a decade. While the technology always changes, the principles and processes that guide the development of effective training do not. A seasoned instructional designer can help any team work with new technology.

Managing Change

Instructional designers, at our core, are change leaders. We lead by building relationships and by empowering our clients to enhance their skills, and we manage change by building training and support programs in our organizations. Check out my portfolio or reach out to see if there might be a way I can help your organization.

Today, I am available for consultations related to leadership, change management, instructional technology, and faculty/staff development programs.