Training Services is an entity within the Workforce Data Management branch of the Human Resources Operations department. 

The Training Services team collaborates with various HR departments to understand learning needs for technical occurrences through designing and developing custom learning solutions including:

  • Training materials
  • Training courses
  • Resource Collections
  • Self-guided learning materials, and
  • Web content

Additionally, the Training Services team supports Special Training Programs, which includes maintaining and managing course content for Safety of Minors training courses and Preventing Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Retaliation (PIPSM) training courses.

Meet the Training Services Team:

Expand all

Chris Boldon: Director, Workforce Data Management

Director, Workforce Data Management

Chris Boldon has led technology teams for over twenty years in finance, educational technology, healthcare, and as of April of 2022, higher education at the University of Minnesota.

Chris has a B.F.A in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota Duluth and an M.A. Ed. & H.D. in Educational Technology Leadership from The George Washington University. He has designed and taught courses on a wide range of subjects for learners all over the world, and has directed and performed in mediocre Off-Off Broadway productions. He has a special interest in the use of data to make decisions that help employees meet and exceed their own definitions of success.

Kris Block: HR Systems Training Services Manager

HR Systems Training Services Manager

Kris Block has been with the University of Minnesota since 2018 and recently transitioned as the HR Systems Training Services Manager. 

Kris received his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from the U of M and has certificates in Instructional Design, Train-the-Trainer and partook in the eLearning Summit.  Kris has comprehensive experience in Training Delivery, Student Development, Leadership Development, and Strategic Communication. 

Cathy Orlando: Instructional Designer

Instructional Designer

Cathy Orlando has been an instructional designer with Training Services since 2010 and has worked on a wide variety of projects. Her experience includes over 10 years of Captivate course development, Canvas, Drupal, ILT Training Delivery, PeopleSoft Finance training, Train-the-Trainer, and HRMS online course design and development.

Cathy has a variety of Instructional Design certificates including Microlearning and Scenario Based e-Learning. Cathy also holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Art History. Her current interests include web accessibility and LX - Learner Experience.

Emily Jenkins: Instructional Designer

Instructional Designer

Emily Jenkins started with Training Services as a Business Support Analyst in March of 2020, focusing on the PIPSM course rollout and Tableau dashboards, and the website upgrade project. In April of 20201, she transitioned into an Instructional Designer position and focused on Proof of Vaccination resources, as well as the Queries and Analytics project.

Emily obtained her B.A. from St. Mary's University in Human Services, and obtained her M.Ed in Human Resources Development from the U of M in 2017. Emily has additional certificates in Instructional Design and Adult Education. 

Nancy Christiansen: Training Process Analyst

Training Process Analyst

Nancy Christansen joined the Training Services team as Training Process Analyst in January of 2022. Her main projects are the Training Champion program and the Onboarding of New HRMS Users.

Nancy has a BA from the University of Minnesota with a major in American History.  She also received a certificate in Organization Development from the University of Minnesota. Her experience includes being a Program Manager for a Leadership Development program at Target and UnitedHealth Group and New Employee Orientation facilitator at Medtronic. She has experience in Learning Management Systems and coordinating HR projects.  Nancy's current interests are learning how she can bring value to the variety of Human Resources roles and processes.