Almeta Kelley-Jackson
Livonia,MI
Summary
Results-driven director of child nutrition with extensive experience in managing food service operations across multiple locations. Expertise in menu planning and collaboration with educational staff to enhance nutrition education. Proven ability to ensure quality and cost control in high-volume production environments while maintaining food safety compliance. Dynamic chef manager skilled in training staff and implementing cost-effective strategies to improve productivity and food presentation standards.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Trinity Health
Livonia, Michigan
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Prepared meals in accordance with dietary guidelines to meet patient needs.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during food preparation activities.
- Assisted in menu planning to provide variety and nutrition for patients.
- Monitored food stock levels and reported shortages to management.
- Participated in kitchen safety inspections to uphold health standards.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
Chef Manager
Compass Group
Livonia, Michigan
03.2022 - 06.2024
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations in high-volume food service environments.
- Maintained quality standards through effective oversight of food preparation and presentation.
- Trained culinary staff on food safety protocols and best practices.
- Developed seasonal menus tailored to customer preferences and dietary needs.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize kitchen expenses.
- Coordinated inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and ingredient freshness.
- Collaborated with vendors to source premium ingredients for menu items.
- Monitored costs associated with food production and labor to meet budgetary goals.
Director of Child Nutrition
Blytheville School District
Blytheville, Arkansas
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed child nutrition programs aligned with district health standards.
- Oversaw menu planning to ensure nutritional balance and variety.
- Coordinated food service operations across multiple school locations.
- Managed procurement and inventory of food supplies and equipment.
- Trained staff on food safety regulations and best practices.
- Evaluated vendor performance to uphold service quality standards.
- Collaborated with educational staff to integrate nutrition education into the curriculum.
- Implemented cost-effective strategies for meal preparation and distribution.
Certified Culinary Professional
Michigan State Universty
East Lansing, Michigan
02.2001 - 05.2021
- Developed innovative recipes for campus dining services and events, enhancing menu variety.
- Collaborated with food service teams to uphold menu consistency and quality standards.
- Managed ingredient inventory, ensuring freshness and proper storage techniques.
- Trained kitchen staff on safety protocols and best culinary practices.
- Evaluated food trends to inform seasonal menu offerings for diverse dietary needs.
- Maintained a clean, organized kitchen environment while adhering to food safety guidelines.
- Established relationships with purveyors to source fresh produce, dairy, meats, and seafood.
- Implemented strategies that reduced labor costs without compromising quality.
Education
Certificate - Cake Decorating
The Wilton Method of Cake Decorating 1&2
East Lansing, MI11-2016
Some College (No Degree) -
Northeast Arkansas
Blytheville, ARSkills
- Meal preparation and planning
- Food safety compliance
- Equipment operation and inventory
- Quality and cost control
- Staff training and leadership
- Customer service communication
- Culinary creativity presentation
- High volume production
- Sanitation practices
- Allergen awareness handling
Certification
- SY 2022-2023 CACFP/NSLP Commodity Virtual Training
- Chartwells K12 Ferr and Reduced Price Meals Eligibility
- Compass Manager Workplace Safety Training
- Campassion COVID Safety AND Hospitality Training
Timeline
Cook
Trinity Health
07.2024 - 12.2025
Director of Child Nutrition
Blytheville School District
09.2022 - 05.2023
Chef Manager
Compass Group
03.2022 - 06.2024
Certified Culinary Professional
Michigan State Universty
02.2001 - 05.2021
Certificate - Cake Decorating
The Wilton Method of Cake Decorating 1&2
Some College (No Degree) -
Northeast Arkansas