NASAGA Member of the Month: Cathy Brown

Every month, we highlight one NASAGA member and the great things they’re doing. This month’s Member of the Month is Cathy Brown (she/her), Learning Architect at Rhoads Brown Consulting.

What kind of work do you do?

I've spent over 30 years in learning development, developing learning and training solutions as an employee at for-profit and non-profit organizations. I recently stepped away from being a full-time employee to start my own consulting practice, Rhoads Brown Consulting. I love the work that I do because I get to work with interesting people on projects that have impact. One of my early influencers, Roger Kauffman, PhD, taught that our best work helps workers, their organizations, and our society. He referred to these levels as micro, macro, and mega levels. For my favorite projects, I can draw a line connecting all three levels. 

Why are you a NASAGA member?

I've been NASAGA-adjacent for decades, but this is my first year as an official member. A former NASAGA president and a huge influence on my work, Thiagi, suggests that the best solutions let the learners drive their learning.  I interpret his advice as designing learning solutions that give learners options, allow them to make choices, and reflect on the outcomes. Games and simulations do all of that, and more. By joining NASAGA, I hope to connect with more innovative thinkers who know how play can improve the learning experience. 

What’s your favorite NASAGA memory? 

My favorite NASAGA memory is collaborating with Veronica Brown to create a fabulous game/simulation based on a real event. It was fun working with her to develop the game and even more fun watching facilitators lead learners through the rounds. So much powerful learning! 

NASAGA’s theme for the 2024 Conference was “Fair Play.” What does “Fair Play” look like in your professional practice, and what do you do to promote it?

The theme of the conference was what drew me to attend and submit a proposal to present. Lately I've become interested in allyship, which is "active support for the rights of a minority or marginalized group without being a member of it." The theme of Fair Play is exactly what allyship is all about, so it was a natural fit for me. If you want to learn more about allyship, there are lots of resources out there. My favorite is Karen Catlin’s weekly newsletter, Better Allies, where she provides resources and suggestions on how we can take everyday actions to create inclusive, engaging workplaces.