April Cottrell
East Peoria,IL
Summary
Results-driven dietary leader with 10+ years of experience in healthcare and hospitality operations. Skilled in menu planning, patient education, staff training, inventory control, and sanitation compliance. Known for improving workflow, supporting therapeutic diets, and keeping costs within budget. I go where the fires are and help create solutions that fix the problems quickly, and put procedures in place that solve future issues before they happen.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Dietary Manager
Arcadia Health Care
Lincoln, Illinois
07.2024 - Current
- Directed therapeutic diets and meal service for Arcadia Health Care residents, ensuring adherence to dietary needs
- Oversaw the preparation of meals according to established recipes, portion control guidelines and standard operating procedures.
- Ensured compliance with sanitation standards throughout dining and kitchen areas, promoting a safe dining environment
- Conducted kitchen inspections to ensure sanitation and safety procedures were followed.
- Trained staff on safe food handling and portion control
- Provided nutrition education to patients, families, and staff members.
- Reviewed medical records for accurate documentation of nutritional assessments and interventions provided by the dietitian and nutritionist.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Oversaw food inventory management, aligning procurement with budget guidelines to optimize resource allocation.
- Assisted with state and county inspections.
- Went to buildings that had major issues to help figure out best practices.
Dietary Supervisor
Aperion Care
Morton, Illinois
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Reviewed resident diet orders for special nutrition needs.
- Monitored food safety practices and sanitation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff on portioning, plating, and service routines.
- Coordinated meal service schedules and daily food production.
- Ordered food supplies and maintained kitchen inventory records.
- Communicated dietary changes with nursing and care teams.
General Manager
Potters Alley
Morton, Illinois
04.2019 - 08.2023
- Directed daily operations at Potters Alley hospitality venue.
- Managed guest service across dining, events, and entertainment spaces.
- Supervised staff scheduling, training, and performance standards.
- Coordinated inventory control, purchasing, and vendor communication.
- Oversaw cash handling, deposits, and basic financial reports.
- Enforced safety, cleanliness, and facility maintenance procedures.
- Planned promotions, special events, and group reservations.
Dietary Manager
Gateway at River City
Peoria , IL
07.2017 - 02.2019
- Coordinated menu planning with cooks and nursing staff.
- Ordered food supplies and managed inventory rotation to ensure consistent kitchen operations.
- Monitored food safety, sanitation, and storage standards.
- Supervised kitchen staff schedules, assignments, and daily workflow.
- Oversaw the preparation of meals according to established recipes, portion control guidelines and standard operating procedures.
- Investigated patient complaints to enhance dining experiences and address nutritional needs.
- Provided nutrition education to patients, families, and staff to improve understanding of dietary options.
Education
CDM - Dietetics
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL10-2026
Associate of Arts - Dietetics
ICC
East Peoria, ILSkills
- Nutrition assessment
- Food safety regulations
- Sanitation protocols
- Allergen awareness
- Menu planning
- Recipe development
- Portion control
- Dining services management
- Food service management
- Inventory management
- Cost control
- Staff training
- Employee recruitment
- Staff monitoring
- Task delegation
- Workflow optimization
- Operations management
- Serve Safe manager
- Recordkeeping
- Food presentation
- Customer service
- Patient instruction
- Goal management
- Money handling
- Kitchen equipment management
- Meal planning
Certification
- Serve Safe Food Protection Manager
- Serve Safe Allergy
Timeline
Regional Dietary Manager
Arcadia Health Care
07.2024 - Current
Dietary Supervisor
Aperion Care
08.2022 - 04.2024
General Manager
Potters Alley
04.2019 - 08.2023
Dietary Manager
Gateway at River City
07.2017 - 02.2019
CDM - Dietetics
University of Florida
Associate of Arts - Dietetics
ICC