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TERESA HESSLER

Technical Writer, Policy & Procedures Writer, Instructional Designer, Webmaster, Project Manager, Process Analyst, Business Admin, Volunteer...

ABOUT ME

Seasoned Writer, Editor, and Business Administrator

Passionate about helping people,  I love creating instructional materials (e.g., written and video software documentation, online courses, employee training manuals, API instructions, and more), and working with software developers to improve the UI with better features, helpful hints and labeling that can more easily be translated into multiple languages.

I also have a good eye for editing - both developmental copy editing, and improving English copy written by non-native English speakers. I'm thrilled when an author or agency contacts me to provide book editing services or when a company needs policy or procedure manuals edited or written from scratch!

Having held government contract and GRC-related roles, I am able to review procedures, corporate contracts, policies, regulations, and proposals to identify potential issues and work with legal and management teams to implement solutions.

In 2020, as the COVID pandemic quickly spread, I opted for early retirement. Before the end of that year my former employer asked me to return part-time to build an online academy (lesson scripting, video creation/editing of videos submitted by industry experts, etc.), and help with contracts. When that company was sold, I moved on to do API reference documentation for Rapyd, and most recently, I have been mentoring new technical writers and creating courses.

Scroll down this page to view my skills, experience, testimonials, and portfolio, or if you prefer you may view my Portfolio video or download my résumé now!

Teresa Hessler Technical Writing & Video Courses Portfolio from T Hessler on Vimeo (enlarged view).

SKILLS

MY AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

Technical
Writing
100
Instructional
Design
90
Software/SaaS
User
Documentation
100
Policy &
Procedure
Manuals
100
HTML/PHP/CSS
Websites &
WordPress
90
SEO/Marketing
& Analytics
90
Business
Administration
95
Process
Analysis
90
Project
Management
90

WRITING IS MY PASSION

From creating online course transcripts & videos, to technical writing & SaaS UX help text, creation of policy and procedure manuals, and developmental copy editing for authors, I enjoy it all!

EXPERIENCE

25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH A DIVERSE SIZE & GROUP OF BUSINESSES, NOT-FOR-PROFIT & GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

ContentMaster

Technical Advisor

Technical writing mentor: providing guidance and support on DITA specification and English writing standards for production of industry standard user guides, developer API reference, hardware and software installation guides, release notes, technical briefs, knowledge base articles, online help, SDK reference, CLI guides, etc.
Service product marketing: preparation and presentation of proposals to potential clients, including writing samples, and platform and tool recommendations (when appropriate).
Various business development activities.

2023 -
2022 - 2023

Rapyd Financial Network

Technical Writer

Creation of API documentation instructing developers on how Rapyd's API works and how to interface with it.
Creation of documentation for client-facing GUI products.
Research and improvement of existing documentation.
Writing manuals and microcopy.

Internet Marketing Center

VP Admin & Instructional Designer/eLearning Developer

I retired in April 2020 and returned to work part-time in November at the CEO's request to continue contributing to his company’s success.
Instructional Designer/eLearning Developer: develop learning objectives, write scripts and test questions, record instructional videos, create courses, lessons, quizzes & exams and publish online.
Business Administration & Risk Management: review and recommendation of policies and procedures, regulatory compliance, contracts, insurance, financial processes, pre-sales engineering, and post-sales support.

2020 - 2022
2012 - 2020

Internet Marketing Center Ltd.

VP Product & Admin, Rank Ranger SaaS products, Apps and APIs

Software Development Project Manager: liaison between customers and developers, defining and refining the scope of work to ensure customer requirements are met, on schedule and budget.
Software QA & Usability: quality assurance testing, usability, and multi-lingual application localization.
Knowledge Management: creation of internal process documentation and end-user software application documentation, including online help, videos, and knowledge base for SaaS, mobile apps, and APIs.
Trainer: tier 3 technical support, plus training of tier 1, and 2 technical customer support staff.
Business Administration & Risk Management: review and recommendation of policies and procedures, regulatory compliance, contracts, insurance, financial processes, pre-sales engineering, and post-sales support.

Improving World

Technical & Marketing Communications Consultant

Technical Writing: technical writing, online help systems, end user documentation
Web Development: creation and maintenance of websites, e-commerce sites, e-learning sites & blogs using HTML, CSS, PHP, WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Magento, and Moodle.
Digital Marketing: SEO content writing and editing, search engine marketing, social media marketing, PPC and banner advertising, ROI analytics reporting, PR/online reputation management, eBook copy editing and publishing, webinar management.
Clients: CyberSem, Deco Media QSB Systems, DeGeer & Co, Dynasec easy2comply, Homeland Security Strategies (anti-virus division), Isralight-Machon Ohr, Israpay, JT Public Relations, Orion Industries, Puah Institute, Rabbi Nachman Kahana, Rabbi Stewart Weiss Kosher Tours, Shemesh Lock, Szajnbrum Law Firm, U.G.I. Telecom (Navoto), Voleh Organization.

2008 - 2013
2004 - 2008

AmTrust Bank

Senior Technical Writer & Bank Officer, Governance, Risk & Compliance Department

Technical Writing/Team Management: Creation-to-publication cycle of documentation for financial processes and new software rollouts. Interview of subject matter experts, business process analysis, technical writing, indexing, flow charts, online help, user guides, tutorials and training materials. Established publishing standards, and was senior staff editor.
Project Management: Managed process and procedural changes necessary for smooth transition to 1099-Pro, FiServ Comprehensive Banking System (CBS), Oracle HRIS, SS&C LMS, Oracle Portal, and RoboHelp 7/Server7.
Achievements: Promotion to Bank Officer, Corporate Compliance Banking Certification (2007)
AmTrust Bank has since been acquired by New York Community Bank

Deloitte & Touche

Internet Content Editor

Content Management: Research and consultation with internal and external clients regarding creation and maintenance of their Internet, intranet, and extranet sites.
Web Development: creation, analysis, copy-editing, publishing, and quality reviews of content supplied in various formats and stages of development as HTML, DHTML, ASP, and PDF pages.
Technical Writing: Maintenance and indexing of department help system.

1999 - 2001
1995 - 1997

Lexington Inc.

Business Development Manager

Business Development: Market research and implementation of production of new product lines for a sheltered workshop for developmentally disabled people.
Community Development: Directed New York State Neighborhood Based Alliance program. Activities included marketing, advertising, public relations, public speaking, recruiting and managing over 500 volunteers, town hall meetings, fund raising, grant writing, reporting, and writing of a 5-year community revitalization plan.

Xsirius Inc.

Director, Administration and Corporate Secretary

Business Administration, Marketing & Technical Writing
Responsible for General Office Administration, Human Resource Administration, Government Contracts and Grants Administration, and Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Research, the President, and the CEO.
> Created Personnel Policy and Procedures, and Safety Manuals.
> Managed government contracts, prepared bids and technical reports.
> Played key role in relocation and downsizing of parent and subsidiary companies.
> Assisted with the writing of company stockholders publications.

1990 - 1993
1984 - 1990

Lumex Inc.

Manager, Sales Operations

Sales Operations Manager and Trainer
> Responsible for domestic and international customer service, sales administration, contracts administration, and telemarketing staff of 25 employees.
> Facilitated training of a company-wide team on Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP I).
> Played key role in design, implementation, and coordination of procedures for internal operations to access information, process orders, and invoice customers for new product lines purchased through outside vendors.

Office Manager - Akros Manufacturing Division of Lumex Inc. 1984-1987
> Similar management responsibilities as at the parent company, but smaller staff.
> Refined and implemented service management systems, administrative policies, and operational procedures, converting them from manual systems to computer.
> Assisted with the writing of marketing and technical publications and product support literature.

0
years Technical Writing
0
years building Websites
0
years Business Admin

EDUCATION

COURSES & CERTIFICATES

Web Technologies Certificate

International Webmaster Association

2005 - 2006

Continuing Education

Courses & On-the-Job Training

1984 - 2020

Continuing Education

Throughout my career I have been a student and I think that's because I grew up during a period when teachers taught children how to learn (as opposed to spoon feeding and regurgitating information). Here's a sampling of courses that I've completed:

  • Lotus 1-2-3, Organizational Behavior, and Personnel Management at Suffolk County Community College
  • Requirements/Resource Planning (MRP I/II), and Quality Products Service & Information Systems through Shilay Management Associates
  • Visual InterDev, DHTML/Java Scripting, Project Scheduling & Estimating while working for Deloitte & Touche
  • Web Technology Certification from the International Webmasters Association
  • Web Business Certification from the International Webmasters Association
  • Focus on Compliance from the Banker's Academy
  • Indexing course by Index West
  • A variety of Small Business Marketing & Sales and Online Services courses by Microsoft
  • Memoir & Fiction Writing courses at Touro College

As a Technical Writer, I have learned numerous software applications, written end-user manuals and facilitated hands-on classroom courses.

In the early years of my career, all of my employers were small businesses and entrepreneurs from whom I learned important real-world business lessons that I never would have gained in a college classroom - like customer service and work ethic. I also learned accounting & taxes, international marketing & sales, human resource administration, business operations, mergers & acquisitions, government contract administration, technical writing and how to be an effective instructor.

MY PORTFOLIO

A FEW SAMPLES OF MY WORK

  • ALL
  • Book Editing / ePublishing & Promotion
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Technical Content Creation
  • Websites
  • UI-UX design
QSB Systems site
QSB Systems site
Josh Turner PR site
Josh Turner PR site

TESTIMONIALS

from Clients, Employers & Colleagues

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Experience & Causes

Editor & Webmaster for NachmanKahana.com

Since August 2009, I have served as the volunteer Content Editor, Webmaster and Social Media Marketer for https://nachmankahana.com. Thousands of people read and benefit from Rabbi Nachman Kahana’s books and weekly Torah commentary through his website, Facebook page, Twitter, MeWe page, Telegram channel, WhatsApp group, and email list. Rabbi Nachman Kahana is an Orthodox Rabbinic […]

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Causes I Care About

I support the following organizations through donations and volunteer social media marketing: Aish HaTorah, Chasdei Naomi, Meir Panim, Ohr Meir & Bracha Terror Victims Support Center, The Temple Institute, and Yad Ezra v’Shulamit. Aish HaTorah is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing Jews who are interested in exploring their heritage with a rich variety of […]

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Editor & Webmaster for Voleh.org

Since January 2010, I have served as the volunteer English Content Manager and Webmaster for https://voleh.org and Editor & eBook Publisher of the book Successful Aliyah: Navigating the Israeli System. Voleh’s Mission is to ease the immigration and absorption process for new immigrants to Israel.  Voleh provides helpful articles and pro-bono legal guidance to Portuguese […]

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