Learning Design, Evaluation & Writing Services

Practical support for meaningful projects

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Your needs…

• Need extra support with a project or workload?
• Looking for help with learning design, research, evaluation, or report writing?
• Seeking learning advisor support for yourself or your organisation?
• Are you an academic or student needing editing or proofreading support?

How we can help…

When time, capacity, or specialist expertise is limited, experienced support can make all the difference. I can assist with:

• Organisational learning & development needs, e.g., development of tailored training, particularly wellness or people facing skills such as communication, customer service, or organisational processes.
• Consultation with Subject Matter Experts/Stakeholders to ascertain training needs or tailor training to organisational requirements.
• Delivery of training (in person or face-to-face).
• Research and evaluation (and reporting), such as evaluating service improvements or employee programmes.
• Compiling reports such as those for Senior Leaders, recommending changes or improvements in HR or other processes impacting staff or customers.
• Resource development for staff, clients or the wider sector.
• Qualitative research, including design, data collection, reporting and publication.
• Knowledge of contemporary research approaches, including Kaupapa Māori methodologies.
• Publication for a wide range of audiences, including magazine, blog, and academic.
• Learning advisor, study support, or academic skills development for individuals or organisations.
• Editing and proofreading for reports, academic papers, coursework, dissertations, and theses.
• Plain English writing and accessible formatting.

Dr Kathryn Owler’s credentials include:

Kathryn is one of the founding Directors of Joyworkz. She has held learning and development, research, and mentoring positions in business, education and not-for-profit. Today, Kathryn plays an active role in Joyworkz assisting organisations by providing practical assistance for meaningful projects. She also provides in-house wellbeing training to organisations, teams and individuals.

(See more on her LinkedIn profile)

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Working with Kathryn:

Whether your next project is large or small — learning design to research/report writing or proofreading — I’d love to hear from you. Click the Contact button below to get in touch and tell me a little about your needs. I’m happy to have an honest chat about what I can offer and whether it would suit you.

Testimonials

Learning Design:

Kathryn is an exceptional learning and development professional who combines strong instructional design expertise with outstanding stakeholder engagement skills. I had the pleasure of working closely with her on a range of learning initiatives, where she consistently demonstrated an ability to translate complex information into engaging, practical learning experiences […] Whether facilitating workshops in person or online, she creates an inclusive environment that encourages participation and collaboration. Mariaan Ellis, Learning and Development Lead, Spectrum Foundation. Greenlane, Auckland.

I worked closely with Dr Kathryn Owler for several years […] I found her to be a great colleague […] Her strengths in [learning] development lay in taking a structured approach, good research, listening to SME’s and stakeholders, and focused tailoring of content to support organisational needs. As an experienced facilitator Kathryn engaged her audience, in a knowledgeable, yet fun and accessible way. Kathryn also enjoyed mentoring and encouraging colleagues in ways that helped career happiness and satisfaction. I would highly recommend Kathryn for any creative, learning design, facilitation or mentoring projects. Dr Mithila Gadkari, Public Health Lead, Asian Family Services, Auckland.

I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr Kathryn Owler for over 18 months as we redesigned, delivered, and evaluated a monthly induction programme for a large health and disability organisation. Kathryn brought a thoughtful and collaborative approach to the project, ensuring managers, clinical experts, staff, and people with lived experience were meaningfully involved throughout the design process. Her ability to balance structure with stakeholder engagement resulted in a highly effective programme that delivered excellent outcomes. Following a nine-month evaluation, new employees consistently reported feeling welcomed, connected, and a strong sense of belonging. The programme also contributed to a significant reduction in IT support tickets, creating substantial value for the organisation. Kathryn is an exceptional learning designer and facilitator who combines professional rigour with warmth and humanity. A key strength I have observed, is her ability to apply learning design principles to complex topics and transform them into thoughtful, engaging, and accessible learning experiences. Beyond her technical expertise, Kathryn brought positivity, energy, and a genuine ability to make people feel valued. I would highly recommend Kathryn to any organisation seeking meaningful learning solutions and lasting results. Ronya Jung (M.Sc.Psychologist), Residential Workforce Trainer, Oranga Tamariki.

Research and Evaluation:

[Kathryn’s] strengths extend beyond learning design. Kathryn is an excellent writer who produces clear, well-structured reports and resources, and she has a talent for consulting with subject matter experts to ensure content is both accurate and meaningful […] I would highly recommend Kathryn to any organisation or project looking for someone who brings professionalism, creativity, and genuine care to every project she undertakes. Mariaan Ellis, Learning and Development Lead, Spectrum Foundation. Greenlane, Auckland.

Innovation Partners contracted Kathryn, as a research professional, to complete an independent evaluation of the Life Code Matrix method […] The output was a rigorous and well written research report that highlighted several encouraging trends […] I would highly recommend Kathryn’s services as a researcher/evaluator and report writer. Cilla Sturt, Innovation Partners Ltd & Sensory Training. 

I had the privilege of working closely with Dr Kathryn Owler […] at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). During this time, Kathryn consistently demonstrated exceptional research and writing skills […] Kathryn’s research is regularly published in high-ranking academic journals … [She] is a skilled critical thinker and an accomplished academic writer. Quentin Allan, Senior Lecturer, and Academic Writing Advisor, AUT University of Technology.

Proofreading:

My thesis is going great, thank you [after the proofreading process]. While at first, I was overwhelmed with all the track changes and comments, I worked through them and found them to be super helpful […] Thank you again for your support and awesome service. I have already recommended you to some friends. Tui Barbarich-Tawera, Master’s Student, AUT University.

Thank you so much for all your input and support during the proofreading process. Supervisors were also happy with the work too. Tammy Bezuidenhoudt, PhD Student, AUT University.

Your proofreading was outstanding, so much so that I [have recommended you] … I’m sure this won’t be the last time we’re in touch. Lynette Reed, PhD Student, Otago University

Writing Coach (Academics)

Kathryn coached and supported University of Waikato researchers during 2026 as they developed expression of interest and full Marsden Fund proposals, Tāwhia Te Mana Fellowship and some other proposals. As well as providing valuable feedback that improved many individual proposals, Kathryn’s coaching of less-experienced researchers particularly helped them improve the process they used to write their proposals, which will stand them in good stead for future proposals. As well as appreciating Kathryn’s assistance with their proposals, several researchers who had worked with Kathryn on one proposal were keen to seek her help with subsequent proposals. We … will certainly ask Kathryn for her help in future if we need additional support. Simon J Lovatt, Director, Research & Enterprise, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Office, University of Waikato.