Hallie Larsson
Current Work
A methodology and toolset for Learning Designers and subject matter experts that applies consistent learning-centered design principles across the course development pipeline. Leverages command-line coding agents, editor plugins, and iterative development practices to support content creation and refinement.
Student-facing AI learning tool designed to provide educator-designed scaffolding at moments when students might otherwise reach for external AI tools. Bounded prompt-response interactions where students engage with structured scenarios rather than open-ended chat. Preserves student agency; surfaces the learning process to instructors for human assessment. Students control their own learning profiles with full edit/lock permissions. Sub-cent per interaction through constrained task-specific design. Deployment beginning January 2026. Stack: PHP, Svelte, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, LTI.
Professional Experience
Direct the Learning Technology unit, leading development of educational AI tools and internal process automation.
Chrome extension in React/TypeScript for Canvas LMS course production, reducing deployment time 3×. Automated course validation. Student-facing chatbots for stakeholder interview practice.
Developed training materials for sexual assault advocates. Planned and managed annual MECASACon. Trauma-informed design principles throughout.
Front-end development for B2B web applications in Vue.js and PHP.
Taught game design at 100–300 levels. Interactions as self-expression; how game systems shape player behavior.
Designed and taught programming and CS to high school students. Year-long game design projects through Flex Friday. Co-designed Summit capstone program. Led implementation of Slate standards-based grading; co-designed custom transcript generator.
Led design and development of summer reading program web app for libraries.
Gameplay programming, difficulty balancing, and bullet pattern artistry for Jamestown (IGF Honorable Mention 2010, PAX 10 2011, Co-Optimus PC Game of the Year 2011).
Co-designed Learning Path system and curriculum architecture for educational products.
Crisis Support & Community Care
800+ hours of spiritual care and crisis intervention for patients and families in acute medical settings. Presence, active listening, supporting people through trauma and loss.
Peer-to-peer crisis support for trans and questioning callers. Active listening, de-escalation, resource connection.
Programming for trans high school students. Online community moderation. Co-planned future programming with youth leadership.
Education
Technical Skills
Research & Perspective
My work sits at the intersection of human and machine learning. I bring an unusual vertical integration: from hardware and local model deployment, through API orchestration and application development, to learning theory and pedagogical application — including critical analysis of how AI training processes themselves may reproduce patterns identified in human learning research.
My background in game design provides a critical lens on dark patterns and addictive mechanics — how systems hack inherent learning processes for engagement rather than growth. I presented on addictive game mechanics and loot boxes at PAX East (2018). Understanding what makes systems compelling is prerequisite to making them genuinely supportive.
My experience as a classroom teacher and my training in Clinical Pastoral Education ground my approach to alignment questions — not as abstract technical problems, but as questions about how systems meet humans in moments of vulnerability and growth.