Alexandra Ferrara-Skiba
Sterling Heights,MI
Summary
Adept at streamlining operations and enhancing customer satisfaction, I leveraged organization skills and a service-oriented mindset at Oakland Animal Hospital to significantly improve efficiency and client relations. With a proven track record in veterinary assistance and business management, I excel in fast-paced environments, always prioritizing patient care and customer service. Dependable Veterinary Assistant effective in managing operations. Successful in encouraging team members to work efficiently and meet production targets. Well-organized, self-motivated and knowledgeable about successful strategies for managing fast-paced work.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Receptionist/Veterinary Technician Assistant
Oakland Animal Hospital
05.2021 - Current
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities while managing numerous tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and providing accurate information.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
- Assisted with onboarding new clients and securing paperwork completion.
- Cultivated positive relationships with clients through professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Improved appointment scheduling system, reducing wait times and increasing client satisfaction.
- Contributed to team success by cross-training in various administrative roles, providing backup support when necessary.
- Facilitated clear communication between staff members by distributing memos and announcements in a timely manner.
- Increased customer retention rates through exceptional communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Provided compassionate care for animals during their stay at the clinic, creating a positive experience for both pets and owners.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Assisted with radiographic imaging procedures to provide veterinarians with vital information needed to make accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
- Supported veterinary team with timely documentation of patient records, enabling accurate tracking of treatment plans and progress.
- Collaborated with the veterinary team in emergency situations, providing critical support to stabilize patients quickly and effectively.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas, preparing instruments, and sterilizing equipment.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels for uninterrupted patient care services.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety protocols when handling animals to minimize risk of injury or illness transmission between staff members or other patients.
- Walked pets outside throughout each shift to prevent accidents on bedding.
- Assisted in training new Veterinary Technician Assistants to ensure they were properly prepared for their roles within the clinic, creating a cohesive team environment.
- Improved patient care by assisting veterinarians in administering treatments and medications.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Supported the veterinarian during euthanasia procedures by comforting clients throughout the difficult process while demonstrating empathy toward their emotional needs.
- Swabbed ears to remove wax and dirt, removing extra hair to allow air to circulate freely and avoid infection.
- Assisted in diagnosing medical conditions by collecting samples for laboratory testing and performing routine diagnostic procedures.
- Ensured proper restraint techniques were employed during examinations or procedures to protect both staff members and animals from harm.
- Restocked surgical and office supplies to keep all necessary materials easily accessible.
- Processed new patients and updated client records with key information using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
- Restrained animals to protect veterinarians from potential harm.
- Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
- Assisted veterinarian during immunologic, medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained surgical instruments and equipment.
- Maintained clean and safe animal living areas.
- Prepared animals for surgical procedures.
- Performed testing and completed blood counts.
- Collected and processed samples for laboratory testing.
- Observed animals for signs of distress or illness.
- Collected and prepared specimens and samples for outside laboratory analysis.
- Cleaned, sterilized and maintained kennels, operating rooms, and surgical equipment.
- Prepared and administered diets and feedings according to instructions.
- Restrained animals for examination and treatment.
- Followed safety protocols for handling animals.
- Monitored vital signs and provided nursing care for animals.
- Monitored laboratory animal behavior and health.
- Assisted in examination and treatment of animals in veterinary clinic.
- Assisted veterinarians with euthanasia of animals.
Small Business Owner
Cookie Confections By Alex
01.2019 - Current
- Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
- Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
- Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
- Increased revenue by implementing effective marketing strategies and establishing strong customer relationships.
- Fulfilled customer shipping needs by completing all purchase orders and customer invoices.
- Stayed knowledgeable on current baking trends, allowing the bakery to offer popular items that attracted new customers.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and detailed product knowledge.
- Ensured proper storage conditions were maintained for cookies at all times, preserving freshness, taste and quality.
- Maintained safe food handling standards at all times.
- Frosted and iced cookies.
- Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
- Offered every customer exceptional service and learned regular customers' preferences.
- Discussed cookie design options, available flavors and specific event needs.
Waitress
The Pantry Resturant
05.2010 - Current
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Collaborated with team members to consistently provide efficient service during peak hours.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper change was provided to customers as needed.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Bussed tables during busy periods to assist staff and quickly turn over tables.
- Followed health and safety regulations relevant to hospitality industry to minimize accidents, incidents and liability to restaurant.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for host station.
- Provided recommendations on menu items and upsold food and drinks to increase sales.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new menu items and incorporating them into knowledgeable recommendations for guests.
- Reduced wait times for seating by efficiently clearing tables immediately after guests'' departure.
- Increased repeat business by cultivating relationships with customers and providing memorable dining experiences.
- Trained new waitstaff on proper food handling, customer service and safety procedures.
- Assisted management in training new waitstaff, sharing expertise on best practices for exceptional service delivery.
- Provided timely tableside assistance to guests requiring additional condiments or utensils.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to correctly update customers on unavailable dishes and wait times.
- Facilitated seamless dining experiences for large parties by coordinating orders and special requests.
- Consistently exceeded management''s performance expectations while adhering to company policies and procedures.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Penn Foster
Remote05.2026
Associate of Science - General Education
Macomb Community College
Macomb, MI05.2017
Associate of Arts - Baking And Pastry Arts
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI05.2016
Skills
- Organization skills
- Time Management
- Telephone skills
- Data Entry
- Verbal and written communication
- Customer/Client relations
- Scheduling
- Scheduling appointments
- Greeting and Seating Clients
- Data inputting
- File Management
- Schedule Management
- Mail handling
- Multi-line telephone operation
- Document Management
- Professional Demeanor
- Calendar Management
- Typing Speed
- Service-oriented mindset
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Punctual and Reliable
- Animal Safety
- Patient restraint
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Sample Collection
- Euthanasia Assistance
- Animal Behavior
- Laboratory procedures
- Medical record-keeping
- Sanitation protocols
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Veterinary Terminology
- Reception duties
- Tick Removal
- Lab operations
- Proper Animal Restraint
- Basic Animal Care
- Veterinarian Assistance
- Patient Check-Ins
- Relationship Building
- Equipment Preparation
- Post-surgical Monitoring
- Patient Care Monitoring
- Specimen Collection
- Microsoft Office
- Incident Reporting
- Business operations understanding
- Office equipment operations
Timeline
Receptionist/Veterinary Technician Assistant
Oakland Animal Hospital
05.2021 - Current
Small Business Owner
Cookie Confections By Alex
01.2019 - Current
Waitress
The Pantry Resturant
05.2010 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Penn Foster
Associate of Science - General Education
Macomb Community College
Associate of Arts - Baking And Pastry Arts
Macomb Community College
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