Robert Cantine

· Directed the creation, integration, and distribution of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), a comprehensive library of symbols for communication and curricular software in 20+ languages, ensuring accessibility for non-literate users.

· Transformed PCS from a value-added asset to a revenue-generating product, successfully integrating it into existing product lines and driving future development initiatives.
Led an international creative team of artists, designers, and database specialists, ensuring timely project delivery within budget, while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous professional growth

· Managed recruitment, onboarding, and training of new employees and interns, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with company culture

· Implemented remote work best practices to enhance team cohesion, motivation, and accountability across global locations.

· Conducted regular one-on-one meetings to provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development, driving continuous improvement and alignment with organizational goals.

· Revamped the PCS style guide to incorporate inclusive design principles, enhancing functionality, visual appeal, and diversity, while maintaining brand consistency.

· Developed a visual language and linguistic framework supporting cultural relevance and global expansion of PCS.

· Spearheaded strategy to assess geopolitical relevance and cultural sensitivity of international symbol communication.

· Managed the localization of content, ensuring accuracy and cultural sensitivity across 20+ languages, working closely with translators and review teams.
Partnered with Microsoft R&D to develop 2,000+ inclusive, globally relevant assets for the Immersive Reader accessibility software.

· Developed multiple illustration styles for interactive classroom books and activities, blending creativity with precision to engage young audiences.

· Managed the localization of content, ensuring accuracy and cultural sensitivity across 20+ languages, working closely with translators and review teams.

· Designed and oversaw the creation of a cohesive set of illustrations and animations for an Accessible Literacy Learning interactive literacy program.

· Directed the weekly creation and delivery of book and activity illustrations for Current Events educational software.

· Collaborated with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams to deliver high-impact creative content that aligned with company branding strategies.

· Worked with cross-functional teams and external researchers to ensure alignment with pedagogical and clinical standards.

· Managed project lifecycles from concept to execution, optimizing workflows to ensure the successful delivery of creative content aligned with strategic objectives.

· Developed and implemented efficient project management processes, optimizing resource allocation and team productivity across multiple concurrent projects.

· Led creative design initiatives for accessible educational software, including weekly content updates and design strategy execution.

· Initiated project goal setting and risk mitigation strategies and tracked yearly, quarterly, and monthly progress, team allocation, and budgeting.

· Established clear design guidelines and processes to maintain consistency and quality across diverse projects.

· Designed and developed communication and curriculum content for assistive technology software, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and accessibility for individuals with cognitive and physical impairments.

· Led UX research and usability testing to enhance the user experience, improving software functionality and overall usability.

· Built and maintained a proprietary language model for symbol categorization, ensuring consistent, accurate communication in assistive software.

· Researched and designed a custom communication framework for ALS-specific vocabulary, enhancing speech-generating software functionality

· Conducted detailed analysis of user feedback using insights to inform iterative design improvements and drive product enhancements.

• Delivered in-person and online training to customers, educators, and therapists, enhancing product understanding and user adoption.
• Developed and maintained training materials, including presentations, guides, and reference documents, to support ongoing product usage and customer success.
• Presented at national conferences and trade shows, showcasing best practices in integrating assistive technology and providing expert insights on product usage and benefits.
• Led onboarding training for new employees, ensuring alignment with company processes and product knowledge.

• Provided phone and email technical support, diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues related to product installation, updates, configurations and usage.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by troubleshooting and resolving technical problems promptly, ensuring seamless user experience.