The instructional video team brings an innovative approach to learning

Meet the faces behind the transformative new way of learning at ORETTC: Austin A., Kelly S., Amanda W., and John K..

From Hollywood to Oak Ridge, the instructional video team brings its breadth of knowledge to advance training efforts at Y‑12’s Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center.
This team, like many others working to meet the mission, possesses a variety of experience: a former high school teacher, media producer, director of operations and adjunct instructor, and Hollywood actress and producer.

Instructional video team member Amanda W. believes that these distinct backgrounds are one reason the team is so successful.

“Our team provides measurable, educational solutions to programs and organizations,” Amanda said. “We are a group of creative people, who come from very different backgrounds. We draw on the skills and expertise we learned in those other industries to help us employ creative problem‑solving skills on a day‑to‑day basis.”

The team produces trainings for domestic and international distribution, which entail nuclear processes, global security, and familiarization exercises. Several training formats are offered, including virtual reality, recorded videos, and full‑scale exercises. These techniques provide safe demonstrations and allow for hands‑on experiences in which participants can learn and practice without physically encountering work hazards present in the field. Through such training, widespread knowledge can be shared without the instructors (or the participants who come to Oak Ridge) ever having to leave ORETTC. Another advantage of ORETTC’s training methods is the ability to offer a means of instruction for foreign participants so they don’t have to leave their home countries.

Instructional video team member John K. sees the team’s technological training advances as its shining star.

“I’m most proud of the multiyear effort to configure, set up, develop, and strategize the usage of our LED virtual production wall,” John said. “It started as a simple, large display wall, and now, we have the ability to visualize 3D and virtual environments. We use simple tracking technologies to navigate, visualize, and interact with those virtual environments in our trainings.”

ORETTC Director Mary L., who took the helm in July, is proud to have such a dynamic team to support one of the main missions of ORETTC: training.

“The video production team at ORETTC is an effort led by seasoned professionals who have degrees in instructional design. They produce videos and deliver virtual content, with the capability of professional videographers, while using their expertise in instructional design to focus the training to meet learners’ needs.”

Not only does this group teach and train, but they are also continuing to learn. Kelly S., a member of the instructional video team, recently graduated in May 2025 from Trevecca Nazarene University with a master’s degree in instructional design.

“I was the only one on the team who was not an instructional designer,” Kelly said. “I realized, in a team of instructional designers, there was growth potential. I saw Y‑12 had educational assistance and went back to school, which gave me a new perspective on effective training delivery.”

Kelly started at ORETTC originally as a contracted role player, using her experience as an actress to support the top‑notch training. Eventually, her production experience landed her a full‑time job as a course developer and production coordinator.

Where did she get her love for producing? Her best friend and Academy Award Winner Octavia Spencer.

“I realized that I may want to make the transition from acting to producing after I coproduced a short film that Octavia directed, wrote, and produced,” Kelly said. “I always thought acting was what I loved to do, but that work made me realize I loved producing.”

Spencer believes Kelly is a valuable asset to the team because she is a “joy to work with.”

“Kelly’s commitment to fostering a collaborative creative environment and achieving maximum value is always evident,” Spencer said. “It’s fantastic that her experience, skills, and gifts now contribute to Y‑12’s mission.”

Collaboration is something the whole team uses — whether it be collaborating with each other or learning what training other organizations need, they continue to step up and raise the bar.

“Researching and developing the next generation of technology and tools for our nuclear workforce is an opportunity that I do not take lightly,” team member Austin said. “I realize, if done properly, this training technology can better prepare our existing workforce. I am proud to be part of such a dynamic and creative team and for the opportunity to have an impact on worker training and preparation.”

Kelly S. brings her Hollywood production experience to the state-of-the-art ORETTC production studio.

As Y‑12 continues to adapt and deliver with a variety of tasks, the ORETTC instructional video team “is a huge asset to the capabilities that ORETTC provides for preparing the current and future workforce to support the enduring mission of Y‑12,” Mary said.