Grace Brooks
Knoxville
Summary
Detail-oriented communications professional with hands-on experience in training development, instructional delivery, employee communications, and student support. Proven ability to design and facilitate training, manage learning platforms, and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville
08.2024 - Current
- Led as the sole instructor of Public Speaking for two semesters, managing curriculum delivery, grading, and classroom facilitation.
- Delivered individualized qualitative and quantitative feedback to improve student performance and engagement.
- Mentored students on communication skills and presentation confidence.
- Mentored new graduate teaching assistants on best practices in teaching techniques.
Training and Communications Intern
Blackberry Farm
Maryville
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Developed, revised, and maintained LMS training courses for Team Member onboarding training and ongoing development.
- Created and facilitated in-person classes for annual Team Member Safety Compliance training.
- Created visual and written internal communications used company-wide.
- Led a company donation initiative resulting in a final value of $2,500.
Outdoor Adventure Guide
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
09.2021 - 05.2024
- Instructed participants on safety protocols and proper equipment usage during activities.
- Facilitated team building for diverse audiences through the use of outside equipment.
- Maintained rock climbing, biking, aerial course, and zip lining equipment.
- Assisted participants in reaching new heights.
Buccaneer Involvement Guide
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Provided continuing academic and social support to students through required one-on-one meetings.
- Developed strategies to help students adjust to college life, manage stress, and develop better study habits through facilitated course assignments and activities.
- Counseled new first-year students about course selection, time management, and other important topics relevant to academic success.
Preview and Orientation Leader
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
11.2020 - 08.2021
- Provided orientation to new students and their families, explaining the university policies and procedures.
- Developed relationships with current students to ensure they were informed of upcoming events and activities on campus.
Sales Representative
Winco of TN DBA/ TN AL Fireworks
South Pittsburg
05.2018 - 07.2018
- Engaged customers by providing product information and recommendations based on their customer base and budget.
- Input up to $100,000 worth of inventory into the company database to maintain accurate item totals and charges.
- Developed customized sales techniques to successfully sell and upsell services to new and existing clients.
Education
Master of Science - Communications Studies
The University of Tennessee
05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05-2024
Skills
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- SPSS
- SAS
- R
- Academic Research & Writing
- Canva
- Cornerstone LMS
- Training Design & Facilitation
- Employee & Internal Communications
Certification
CITI Program Social and Behavioral Research, August 2024
Awards
- Dean's List, 09/2020 - 05/2024
- Summa cum laude, 05/2024
- Faculty Award for Outstanding Student, 05/2024
- Charles M. Stratham Memorial Award for Excellence in Speech, 05/2024
Projects
"Conceptualizing and Testing Differences Between Relational and Episodic Support Gaps" - Pending Research Publication which included participation in co-authoring an article discussing interpersonal support gaps and contributing to data analysis and manuscript development.
Activities
- Graduate Student Senator, 8/2025 - 5/2026
- CCI Graduate Student Government Association Member, 8/2025 - 5/2026
- UTK Speech and Debate Team Assistant, 8/2024 - 5/2026
- UTK Public Speaking Center Coach, 8/2024 - 5/2026
Timeline
Training and Communications Intern
Blackberry Farm
05.2025 - 08.2025
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Tennessee
08.2024 - Current
Outdoor Adventure Guide
East Tennessee State University
09.2021 - 05.2024
Buccaneer Involvement Guide
East Tennessee State University
08.2021 - 05.2022
Preview and Orientation Leader
East Tennessee State University
11.2020 - 08.2021
Sales Representative
Winco of TN DBA/ TN AL Fireworks
05.2018 - 07.2018
Master of Science - Communications Studies
The University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
East Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
East Tennessee State University