Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Computer Skills
Committees And Volunteer Work
Core Competencies
Other Interests Hobbies
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Doreen Kay Saavedra Montesclaros

Doreen Kay Saavedra Montesclaros

Porirua

Summary

As a learning and development specialist, deeply committed to delivering actionable insights and fostering collaborative environments. Extensive experience in strategic planning and conflict resolution ensures impactful contributions to team success. Known for adaptability and results-driven approach, excelling in problem-solving and relationship management.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Practice Advisor—Teaching & Learning

Royal New Zealand Police College
01.2023 - Current
  • Provides insightful strategic guidance on governance, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of training systems.
  • Designs effective policies, processes, and curricula, including train-the trainer workshops.
  • Consults expertly on teaching, learning, assessment, design, and evaluation practices.
  • Develops transformative tutorials for diverse learners, including ESOL, low-literacy, and neurodivergent individuals.
  • Enhances training design, delivery, and evaluation through innovative use of digital tools and platforms.

Learning and Development Consultant

Freelance
01.2021 - 12.2022
  • Developed engaging content and delivered training using blended methods for universities, private training establishments, and organisations in manufacturing, construction, and research sectors.
  • Supported learning reform and continuous improvement initiatives, bridging gaps between current and desired levels of performance.

Workplace Tutor

Upskills
01.2021 - 12.2022
  • Developed engaging content and delivered impactful training for various businesses / organisations using blended methods to improve workplace literacy.

Learning and Development Officer

New Zealand Defence Force
01.2016 - 12.2021
  • Led a school for trainers and learning designers across NZ Army, Navy, Air Force, and joint capability space as a Commisioned Officer in the NZ Army.
  • Designed engaging training content, tailored curricula, accessible capability framework, and effective moderation processes.
  • Managed resourcing, budgeting, talent, and performance for a national team effectively.
  • Provided insightful consultation on systems thinking, training evaluation, and quality assurance.
  • Developed well-considered and effective policies and procedures to support trainer and learning design capabilities.
  • Led transformative training reform efforts aligned with government vision and strategic goals.
  • Led culturally responsive deployments overseas.

Infantry Soldier, Regular Force

NZ Army
01.2011 - 12.2015
  • Delivered engaging and accessible training to new recruits, and ensured competency through regular observations and evaluations to meet Army standards.
  • Provided timely and sufficient logistical and combat support to the ab initio and leadership training of soldiers and officers both locally and overseas.

Youth Mentor and Education Specialist

Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service
01.2010 - 12.2011
  • Mentored at-risk youth in West Auckland.
  • Designed innovative and accessible academic support programmes for youth and staff, particularly around enhancing literacy and numeracy.

Infantry Soldier, Territorial Force

NZ Army
01.2008 - 12.2011
  • Trained as a rifleman for Delta Section, 3/6 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
  • Specialised in deploying and operating mortars in open country warfare.
  • Deployed nationally for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.

Primary School Teacher, Montessori Unit

Huapai District School
01.2008 - 12.2010
  • Trained as a Montessori primary school teacher.
  • Worked effectively in a team-teaching environment, facilitating learning for a mixed-age (6-12 yrs) class of 20 learners with diverse needs and capabilities.
  • Developed and facilitated expansive learning experiences for learners at the elementary level.

Education

Master of Change and Organisational Resilience -

AcademyEx
07.2025

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering - Electronics

UCOL
12.2022

New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy -

Literacy Aotearoa
01.2022

Higher Ed Flipped Learning 3.0 Level 1 Certification -

Flipped Learning Global Initiative
02.2020

Flipped Learning 3.0 Level 1 Certification -

Flipped Learning Global Initiative
02.2020

Certificate in ESOL - Home Tutoring

English Language Partners New Zealand
12.2019

NZQA Unit Standard 4098 - Use standards to assess candidate performance

NZDF
03.2016

Post-Grad Diploma - Adult/Tertiary Ed

Massey University
12.2015

Certificate in Youth Social Work -

Waitakere District Council
12.2010

Bachelor of Education - Montessori Speciality

Auckland University of Technology
07.2009

Skills

  • Curriculum Design
  • Content Creation
  • LMS Administration
  • Skilled in Digital Tool Utilization
  • Project Leadership
  • Strategic Development
  • Effective Resource Allocation
  • Financial Budgeting
  • Effective Team Leadership
  • Peer Mentorship
  • Continuous Improvement Strategy
  • Creative Problem-Solving
  • Effective Time Management
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Effective Written Communication
  • Networking and Partnership Building

Computer Skills

MS Office Products, iQualify, Kahoot, ZOOM, MS Teams, Moodle, Adobe Illustrator, Screencastify, Edpuzzle, Articulate Storyline & Rise

Committees And Volunteer Work

  • Non-Skating Official, Swamp City Roller Derby League, 01/01/21, 12/31/24
  • Acro-yoga Coach, Massey Acro-yoga Club, 01/01/18, 12/31/24
  • Bouldering/Climbing Mentor, Massey Climbing Club, 01/01/16, 12/31/24
  • ESOL Home Tutor, English Language Partners New Zealand, 01/01/19, 12/31/20
  • Programme Leader, AM I ME Charitable Trust, 01/01/15, 12/31/16
  • Martial Arts Instructor, Waiouru Primary School, 01/01/12, 12/31/13

Core Competencies

  • Instructional Design & Content Development, Develops engaging, learner-centred training solutions tailored to diverse audiences, leveraging expertise in curriculum design and instructional methodologies. Proven ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, impactful content across military, educational, and corporate environments. Skilled in aligning training initiatives with organisational goals to drive performance and learning outcomes.
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS) & Digital Tools Expertise, Experienced in utilising and adapting LMS platforms and digital tools – including but not limited to Moodle, Articulate, and MS Teams – to deliver tailored training solutions. Proficient in integrating technology to enhance learning experiences, streamline content delivery, and support organisational training needs across diverse settings and resource environments.
  • Project Management & Strategic Planning, Leads complex projects with strategic foresight, aligning short-term objectives with long-term organisational goals. Experienced in capability framework development, policy design, and stakeholder collaboration. Skilled in delivering transformative initiatives within budget and scope, driving sustainable and future-focused outcomes in high-stakes environments.
  • Resource & Budget Management, Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation across military, government, and freelance contexts. Experienced in maintaining budgets for schools, projects, and charitable organisations – optimising resources to deliver impactful results. Adept at balancing financial constraints with innovative solutions to achieve organisational objectives efficiently.
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship, Builds high-performing, agile teams by fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared vision. Skilled in mentoring individuals to unlock their potential, driving team alignment and cultivating resilience through relationship-building, professional development, and strategic leadership.
  • Process Improvement & Innovation, Drives impactful process improvements by leveraging root cause analysis, human-centric design, and stakeholder engagement. Innovates data-driven, cost-effective solutions aligned with future-focused goals, ensuring sustainable and high-value outcomes. Recognised for strategic thinking and achieving efficiency through optimised systems and targeted innovation.

Other Interests Hobbies

  • Aerial/Circus arts
  • Martial arts (MMA, Ninjutsu)
  • Rock climbing, sports, and outdoor recreation

Languages

Bisaya
Native or Bilingual
Tagalog
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Dutch
Elementary
Japanese
Elementary
Slovak
Elementary

Interests

  • Backpacking and Hiking
  • Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
  • Rock Climbing
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Crafting and DIY Projects
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Creative Writing
  • Volunteer Work
  • Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Timeline

Senior Practice Advisor—Teaching & Learning

Royal New Zealand Police College
01.2023 - Current

Learning and Development Consultant

Freelance
01.2021 - 12.2022

Workplace Tutor

Upskills
01.2021 - 12.2022

Learning and Development Officer

New Zealand Defence Force
01.2016 - 12.2021

Infantry Soldier, Regular Force

NZ Army
01.2011 - 12.2015

Youth Mentor and Education Specialist

Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service
01.2010 - 12.2011

Infantry Soldier, Territorial Force

NZ Army
01.2008 - 12.2011

Primary School Teacher, Montessori Unit

Huapai District School
01.2008 - 12.2010

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering - Electronics

UCOL

New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy -

Literacy Aotearoa

Higher Ed Flipped Learning 3.0 Level 1 Certification -

Flipped Learning Global Initiative

Flipped Learning 3.0 Level 1 Certification -

Flipped Learning Global Initiative

Certificate in ESOL - Home Tutoring

English Language Partners New Zealand

NZQA Unit Standard 4098 - Use standards to assess candidate performance

NZDF

Post-Grad Diploma - Adult/Tertiary Ed

Massey University

Certificate in Youth Social Work -

Waitakere District Council

Bachelor of Education - Montessori Speciality

Auckland University of Technology

Master of Change and Organisational Resilience -

AcademyEx
Doreen Kay Saavedra Montesclaros