Alesha M. Benkert
Dallas Center,IA
Summary
Knowledgeable director with proven track record in optimizing operational efficiency and streamlining processes. Successfully managed large teams and implemented strategic initiatives that improved productivity, increased enrollment, and reduced costs. Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills to drive continuous improvement and achieve organizational goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Primrose School of Ankeny at Prairie Trail
06.2020 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of the building, by enforcing compliance with established regulations, policies, procedures, and ensuring health and safety are prioritized.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Managed payroll and enrollment of new students.
- Responsible for the upkeep of employee and student files.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, and initiated reviews through-out their employment.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
- Enhanced employee engagement by developing training programs, fostering a collaborative culture, and promoting professional development opportunities.
Assistant Director
Bright Horizons
01.2020 - 06.2020
- Assist with upholding licensing, accreditation and company standards
- Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
- Maintain child files, staff files, and staff trainings
- Take on a wide range of center leadership responsibilities
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
- Help teach in all age groups (infants through Pre-K)
Education Coordinator
Bright Horizons
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Lead and train staff in the implementation of emergent curriculum
- Regularly observe and provide feedback to teachers
- Help teach in all age groups (infants through Pre-K)
- Take on center leadership responsibilities: providing feedback to staff, rearranging classrooms, checking classroom documentation
Division Better Together Rep
Bright Horizons
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Contribute ideas on monthly calls with Division Vice President and other Division Representatives
- Disseminate information gained from division calls to Regional Better Together Representatives
- Assist with the annual employee survey and coordinate inclusive center events
Lead Infant Teacher
Bright Horizons
08.2016 - 01.2019
- Provide care for 8 children, ages 6 weeks to 1 year
- Create lesson plans and activities to enhance the child’s learning; both indoors and outdoors
- Build parent partnerships and collaborate with co-workers
- Take on classroom leadership responsibilities: cleaning classroom, purchasing new materials, updating lesson plans and family communication boards
Child Care Provider
Megan Walsh and Marc Ingber
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Provide care for three children, age 7 months, 3 months, and 4 years (at start date)
- Plan activities to enhance the child’s learning
- Engage in creative play time with the children; both indoors and outdoors
- Run errands, perform light housework, and take children on outings
Regional Better Together Rep
Bright Horizons
10.2017 - 06.2020
- Contribute ideas on monthly calls with Regional Manager and other Regional Representatives
- Collaborate with Director and Assistant Director to plan and execute employee events, family events, and fundraising events for the center
- Help maintain employee morale and be a liaison between employees and the leadership team
Inclusion Champion
Bright Horizons
06.2017 - 06.2020
- Help Bright Horizons become an even more inclusive organization
- Attend monthly meetings/calls and contribute ideas to those meetings
- Initiate meetings with the director and plan group diversity activities with staff
MSABC Event Recruiter
American Cancer Society
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Temporary position through Manpower Group temp agency
- Coordinate with new and past event participants by phone and/or email
- Assist in the implementation of the Kick-Off Breakfast and Making Strides event
- Meet with prospective team leaders for the event and assist them in fundraising
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Albion College
Albion, MI05.2013
Skills
- Detail oriented
- Strong communication skills
- Team leadership
- Customer service
- Human resources
- Multitasking and organizational skills
- Knowledge of early childhood education
- Business management
- Quality assurance
- Leadership training
Awards
Awards of Excellence, Rising Star Award (2017), Weaving the Tapestry Award (2018), Weaving the Tapestry Award (2019)
Timeline
Director of Operations
Primrose School of Ankeny at Prairie Trail
06.2020 - Current
Assistant Director
Bright Horizons
01.2020 - 06.2020
Education Coordinator
Bright Horizons
01.2019 - 01.2020
Division Better Together Rep
Bright Horizons
01.2018 - 06.2020
Regional Better Together Rep
Bright Horizons
10.2017 - 06.2020
Inclusion Champion
Bright Horizons
06.2017 - 06.2020
Lead Infant Teacher
Bright Horizons
08.2016 - 01.2019
Child Care Provider
Megan Walsh and Marc Ingber
09.2014 - 08.2016
MSABC Event Recruiter
American Cancer Society
06.2013 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Albion College
Similar Profiles
Adriana AvilaAdriana Avila
Paraprofessional at Gurnee School District 56 - Prairie Trail SchoolParaprofessional at Gurnee School District 56 - Prairie Trail School
Nicole McFarlandNicole McFarland
6th and 7th Grade Science Teacher at Ankeny Community School6th and 7th Grade Science Teacher at Ankeny Community School
Logan MaxwellLogan Maxwell
Assistant Principal at Ankeny Community School DistrictAssistant Principal at Ankeny Community School District
Kelli PayneKelli Payne
Telephonic Nurse Case Manager Workers Compensation at Nationwide Insurance Co.Telephonic Nurse Case Manager Workers Compensation at Nationwide Insurance Co.
Ellie ColeEllie Cole
Choreographer at Class Act Productions TheatreChoreographer at Class Act Productions Theatre