Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interview Preparation — Talking Points
Personal Information
Timeline

Alexandra Montes-Tirelus

St. Francis De Sales
Montreal
26
years of professional experience

Experienced professional with over 20 years in healthcare administration, retail management, and human resources. Specialized in organizational operations and team leadership with hands-on HR coordination experience in security and nonprofit sectors. Actively seeking opportunities in human resources, collections, hospitality, and operations to leverage strong interpersonal skills and organizational expertise for immediate impact.

Work History

HR Coordinator

2 Years 4 Months
St. Francis De Sales | 07.2024 - Current
  • Manage full-cycle HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and employee record maintenance for a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits, policies, and workplace concerns, ensuring timely and compassionate resolution.
  • Maintain HR compliance in alignment with federal, state, and local employment laws, including updating and enforcing employee handbooks and policies.
  • Coordinate performance review cycles and support managers with documentation and employee development planning.
  • Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning, staff retention initiatives, and organizational culture efforts.

HR Coordinator

10 Months
Fort Security | 05.2023 - 03.2024
  • Supported HR operations for a security services firm, managing hiring pipelines for a high-volume, shift-based workforce.
  • Processed onboarding documentation, background checks, and licensing compliance for security personnel in accordance with NYS regulations.
  • Maintained accurate employee records and updated HRIS data for payroll and scheduling coordination.
  • Assisted in resolving employee relations issues, conducting initial intake meetings and escalating matters as appropriate.
  • Contributed to policy updates and supported management in implementing disciplinary procedures consistently and fairly.

Assistant Store Manager

14 Years 9 Months
Bolton Store | 06.2005 - 03.2020
  • Supported the Store Manager in overseeing all aspects of daily retail store operations across a high-volume location, ensuring smooth functioning of sales floor, stockroom, and customer service activities.
  • Supervised and motivated a team of 15–25 employees, managing scheduling, time and attendance, and daily task delegation to maximize productivity and maintain coverage.
  • Drove sales performance by maintaining merchandising standards, managing inventory levels, executing promotional displays, and ensuring product availability on the sales floor.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service on a daily basis, including de-escalating frustrated or upset customers, resolving complaints with patience and professionalism, and turning difficult interactions into positive experiences that maintained customer loyalty and store reputation.
  • Trained and onboarded new associates, coaching staff on store procedures, product knowledge, and customer engagement standards to build a high-performing team.
  • Oversaw opening and closing procedures, cash handling, daily sales reconciliation, and loss prevention compliance to protect store assets and meet operational standards.

Medical Office Assistant

4 Years 11 Months
Medical Practice | 07.2000 - 06.2005
  • Provided comprehensive administrative support to a busy medical office, managing scheduling, patient records, and front-desk operations.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations in handling sensitive patient information and medical documentation.
  • Coordinated communication between patients, physicians, and insurance providers to ensure efficient appointment and billing workflows.
  • Supported office staff onboarding and assisted with day-to-day operational tasks, demonstrating early strength in organizational and people skills.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Program

Southern New Hampshire University | 01-2022

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Brooklyn College | Brooklyn, NY | 01-2001

Skills

Human Resources
HR coordination
Employee relations
Onboarding & offboarding
Recruitment support
HRIS data management
Policy development & compliance
Performance management
Benefits administration
Leadership & Operations
Team leadership
Staff scheduling
Retail operations
Sales floor management
Inventory & merchandising
Customer service
Training & development
Multi-industry adaptability
Administration & Compliance
HIPAA awareness
Employment law compliance
Record keeping
Documentation & reporting
Confidentiality & discretion

Interview Preparation — Talking Points

  • Study and personalize these talking points before interviews:
  • On your career journey
  • "My path has been intentional. I spent over 15 years building leadership and operations skills in management and healthcare, then made a deliberate move into HR by completing a formal program at Southern New Hampshire University in 2022. I wanted to bring real-world people management experience into HR — not just theory."
  • On your management background
  • "Fifteen years as an assistant store manager at Bolton Store gave me deep hands-on experience running the day-to-day of a retail business — managing teams, driving sales, solving customer issues, and keeping operations running smoothly. That background gives me a real understanding of what store managers and employees need from HR, because I lived it from the other side."
  • On the gap between 2020 and 2022
  • "I used that time purposefully — I completed a formal HR program at Southern New Hampshire University in 2022, which allowed me to formalize the people-management skills I had built over two decades and pivot into HR with a strong foundation."
  • On adaptability across industries
  • "I've worked in healthcare, retail, security, and now a nonprofit — each with very different workforce needs. That breadth means I can quickly learn an organization's culture and apply HR best practices in any environment."
  • On your current role at St. Francis De Sales
  • "In a mission-driven organization, HR isn't just process — it's about caring for the people who carry out that mission. I take pride in creating a supportive, compliant, and well-organized employee experience."
  • On HR compliance and policy
  • "Compliance isn't just about checking boxes — it's about protecting both the organization and its employees. I stay current on employment law changes and make sure policies are communicated clearly so managers can apply them consistently."

Personal Information

Title: HR Coordinator | Operations & People Professional | Open to Multiple Industries

Timeline

HR Coordinator

St. Francis De Sales
07.2024 - CurrentRead More

HR Coordinator

Fort Security
05.2023 - 03.2024Read More

Assistant Store Manager

Bolton Store
06.2005 - 03.2020Read More

Medical Office Assistant

Medical Practice
07.2000 - 06.2005Read More

Brooklyn College

Bachelor of Arts from Psychology
Read More

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science from Human Resources Program
Read More
Alexandra Montes-Tirelus