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Learning & Development for the
State of Colorado
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In this Issue:
- AI Training in the LXP
- Trainer Spotlight
- CDHS LULE Program
- Leadership Training Cohorts Available
- Bookmark Your LXP Training
- WNYC Interview
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 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of our everyday work lives—from tools that help draft emails to those that analyze data and generate summaries. To help State employees use these technologies responsibly, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) partnered with Innovate(us) to develop a training for State employees: Responsible AI for Public Professionals: Using Generative AI at Work
The course is available in the Learning Experience Platform (LXP) and other learning management platforms. In some cases, this training is required before employees can access AI tools like Google Gemini. Access to AI tools are subject to agency discretion and may vary based on agency policies and operational needs.
Whether you're experienced with AI tools or just beginning to explore them, this course offers a practical foundation for using emerging technologies thoughtfully and responsibly. You can find the course in the LXP 'Discover Tab’ or by searching OIT: Responsible AI for Public Professionals.
For general information about the State’s approach to AI, visit OIT’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence webpage. Questions? Contact dpa_ldc@state.co.us for assistance.
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Tell us about yourself:
I am a training specialist focusing my work on HR Academy. Most recently, I was the program manager of the Behavioral Health Administration’s learning management system, OwnPath, as a member of their Workforce Development Team. Prior to that, I was a high school teacher in the Front Range for over a decade. I hold a B.A. in literature and a dual master’s in secondary education and teaching English for speakers of other languages.
What is your favorite tool to use when you support employees with their professional development? Why?
I like real-time interactive tools like Desmos and PearDeck. Because they are shared directly with the facilitator, they provide a good sense of where all the learners are and their unique perspectives—even when they might not otherwise share with the group.
What is something you would like to implement for statewide learners in the future?
I would love to see statewide learners pick topics of special interest to receive professional development on—or even lead teaching circles on topics they’re passionate about, even if they aren’t training specialists.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy hanging with my spouse and doggos, as well as playing and running tabletop games including local and national gaming conventions.
Is there a unique travel experience you’ve had?
Before we were married, my wife surprised me with a trip to Paris. We stayed right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. We also received the gift of a meal at Jules Verne, up in the tower, with a stunning view of the city—courtesy of my folks!
What was your dream job as a kid, and how has that changed?
Race car driver—would still love to do it, but think I missed the boat by virtue of not starting karting when I was 4 years old. That said, I do have plenty of hours on Mario Kart.
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Elevating Direct Support: The Impact of the Level Up Learning Experience (LULE) |
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Jamie Atencio, WRRC Clinical Nurse Trainer
It is widely recognized that a well-trained workforce leads to better outcomes. While the concepts are simple, implementing them effectively within the Division of Regional Centers (DRC) required a thoughtful and tailored approach—ultimately leading to the creation of the Level Up Learning Experience (LULE) by the Staff Development department.
LULE offers a career pathway for Health Care Tech 1 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at DRC, where successful graduates will receive a competency-based salary increase.
As a division, DRC is committed to delivering evidence-based training and certifications. Yet, despite the availability of standardized education for Certified Nurse Aides and Medical Assistants, we identified a gap in specialized training for Direct Support Professionals working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). While attention to this field is growing, educational resources remain limited. Moreover, the unique needs of both the individuals we serve and the settings in which they are supported required a more customized solution.
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DRC supports individuals with I/DD through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF). Although these programs are governed by specific regulations, our vision extends beyond compliance—we strive to become a Center of Excellence for the people of Colorado. To achieve this, we developed a training program tailored specifically for DSPs at DRC.
LULE focuses on three key areas: clinical nursing theory and skills, behavioral health, and professional development. With the support of subject matter experts from across the division, we designed a curriculum aimed at producing well-rounded, highly skilled DSPs.
The program is designed for DSPs with medication administration qualifications employed at one of the State’s three regional centers. Participants study human anatomy, healthcare conditions, medications, and relevant clinical skills. Behavioral health experts deliver training on I/DD and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, along with practical strategies for therapeutic interventions. The Staff Development team complements this with sessions on professional growth, including promotion readiness and leadership development.
Program success is measured through evaluations and by tracking the career advancement of graduates. Participants also receive a pay increase in recognition of their commitment to growth. Our goal is to improve job satisfaction and staff retention, critical factors in delivering high-quality, person-centered care.
To date, five LULE cohorts have completed the program. We have 37 successful graduates, and 38% of those graduates have been internally promoted. Each session is reviewed through a quality improvement lens, allowing us to refine the experience with the needs of both DSPs and those they support at the core. We aim to offer LULE three times per year.
LULE was nominated for the Tom Clements Outstanding Service in Government award in 2023 in the category of Innovation.
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 New cohorts are now available for two of the State’s most popular leadership development opportunities: Emerging Leader and Supervisor Certificate. You can find both courses in the Learning Experience Platform (LXP) by searching "Emerging Leader" or "Supervisor Certificate," or by browsing the Discover Tab.
These cohort-based programs require participants to attend all four sessions within the same month. The interactive virtual format helps leaders build practical skills, explore best practices, and connect with peers from across State government.
Registration is still available for the LXP, and you can find more information and resources on the LDC website.
If you supervise others, we encourage you to share these opportunities with your team. For help with registration, contact dpa_ldc@state.co.us.
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LXP Tip: Bookmark Courses You Want to Take
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 Ever find a great course in the LXP but don’t have time to start it right away? Bookmark it! The bookmark feature helps you keep track of courses you’re interested in so you can easily return to them later.
To bookmark a course:
- Search for the course you’re interested in.
- Select the course.
- Click the bookmark icon (see screenshot) in the top right corner of the course page.
You can view your saved trainings by clicking the “My Learning” tab and selecting “Bookmarked” from the menu, or by visiting http://soclxp.edcast.com/learning/bookmarked.
Browse available courses at soclxp.edcast.com/discover. For the best experience, use Google Chrome when accessing the LXP. Need help? Contact dpa_ldc@state.co.us.
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In the News: State of Colorado’s Skills-Based Hiring Efforts Spotlighted on WNYC
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 WNYC, one of the largest public radio stations in the U.S., recently featured Colorado’s Department of Personnel & Administration Executive Director, Tony Gheradini, on The Takeaway, a program that explores policy, politics, and the people shaping our world. The segment highlights the innovative work of the Division of Human Resources' Talent Pathways Team, which leads the State’s Work-based Learning (WBL) and Skills-Based Hiring (SBH) initiatives.
Together, these efforts are reshaping how we connect learning and employment, focusing on what individuals can do, not just the degrees they hold. Listen to the interview to hear how Colorado is working to build a more inclusive, skills-driven workforce.
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