Regional Environmental Health Specialist and former educator with extensive knowledge of the U.S. Public Health Services, Food Code requirements, local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to food safety and sanitation. Skilled at inspecting, analyzing, and making determinations regarding environmental and sanitation conditions. Adept at responding to fast-paced, unknown conditions, and remedying situations with a thorough understanding of communicable diseases and foodborne illnesses. Passionate former public school teacher who thrives on educating the community to ensure students maintain optimal learning environments. Highly skilled at public speaking, developing and implementing learning/teaching materials, and building relationships. Hardworking, dedicated former restaurant manager, successful at hiring, training, and overseeing staff to ensure all necessary compliance. Data-driven and fluent with technology and mathematics. Looking to combine all of my strengths and expertise to build upon skills, and tackle new responsibilities as Director of Child Nutrition at Perquimans County Schools.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
11
11
Certifications
Work History
Regional Environmental Health Specialist
NC DHHS Division Of Public Health
Durham, NC
05.2022 - Current
Led and oversaw environmental health inspections for compliance with sanitation regulations in child care centers, school buildings, and kitchens/cafeterias.
Developed training programs and materials for health inspectors and operators on health and safety practices.
Coordinated response plans and corrective action plans for health departments to ensure compliance and accreditation.
Conducted risk assessments to identify potential hazards in residents, school buildings, and child care facilities.
Collaborated with local and state agencies on public health initiatives and education for child food safety, child care sanitation regulations, and school buildings.
Managed data collection and reporting for environmental investigations.
Facilitated workshops and training to ensure all health inspectors had the appropriate knowledge and skills required.
Used, handled, stored and disposed of hazardous materials according to environmental standards.
Assessed compliance and accuracy of local health departments for accreditation purposes.
Evaluated data collected during investigations to determine whether any corrective action was necessary.
Ensured that all personnel were trained in the proper use of equipment required for field sampling operations, and appropriate sanitation requirements.
Participated in meetings with representatives from government agencies, industry groups, and community organizations concerning the food safety of children, DPI regulations, and DCDEE regulations.
Conducted training sessions for local EHS (new hires, as well as refreshers) on appropriate delegation of authority for sanitation regulations.
Directed and coordinated the activities of environmental health staff from 16 counties to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
Conducted site visits to evaluate potential sources of contamination or sanitation violations.
Investigated complaints regarding public health hazards such as unsafe food handling practices or improper waste disposal.
Write reports summarizing findings from investigations into violations of environmental health standards, and potential remediation options.
Environmental Health Specialist
Albemarle Regional Health Services
Elizabeth City, NC
05.2018 - 11.2021
Liaised with various organizations, including FDA, NC Dept. of Health and Human Services, NC Dept. of Child Development and Early Education, NC Dept. of Agriculture, NC Attorney General's Office, local City Planning Office, local Fire Marshals, and local Board of Education.
Consult with families, medical professionals, DHHS state personnel and CPS to work directly with families with lead poisoned children
Thoroughly conduct 300 inspections annually affecting human health, including food establishments, school cafeterias, temporary food, institutions, child care facilities, school cafeterias, school buildings.
Managed all child hood lead poisoning cases for eight county agency, including completing over 30 EBL & CLP environmental lead investigations in the past 2.5 yrs.
Served legal notices efficiently to maximize productivity and resource utilization.
Gathered samples for lab testing to assess metrics such as ug/ft, ppm, and ppb.
Reviewed incident reports to verify root cause determinations and assess corrective actions.
Performed calculations and computer data entry in programs including NC LEAD, CDP, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams.
Assisted in collection of environmental samples in relation to environmental or lead control activity.
Performed investigation organization, management and monitoring of legal paperwork, correspondence, and follow up for lead investigations.
Devised short and long-range action plans to address wide variety of municipal needs.
Drafted approximately 2,000 reports per May 2018-June 2021 on food, institution, child care, schools and lead inspections, investigations and complaints.
Comprehend all applicable Executive Orders and enforce COVID protocols for establishments.
Adhered to Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations and procedures and compliance standards including HIPPA.
Grew city revenue by $10,500 by collecting food establishment plan reviews, and temporary food event permitting and inspections.
Wrote and revised memos, budgetary documents and press releases.
Streamlined chain of command and internal structural roles, relationships and responsibilities.
Directed public relations, media relations and crisis communications campaigns.
Oversaw full security for Childhood Lead Protection Program for eight counties by leveraging superior legal, remediation, confidentiality, training and managerial skills and expertise.
Served on 25-member ARHS Strategic Planning executive management team.
Managed credentialing for establishment operators and employees.
Develop, aid in implementation of and monitored Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans as well of NC food preparation variance plans.
Developed, executed, managed and implemented new hire training protocols, and continuing education for food site employees.
Develop, provide and instruct Food Safety protocols for food site managers, and instruct/conduct ANSI approved Certified Food Protection Manager courses.
Secondary Science Teacher
Currituck County Public Schools
Currituck, NC
06.2015 - 05.2018
Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students.
Educated students on core principles and advanced concepts of earth science, biology, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, and physics.
Maintained school-wide culture of respect and actively used positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) disciplinary methods.
Integrated technology into classroom settings to engage students and diversify instruction.
Administered standardized ability and achievement tests and interpreted results to determine students' strengths and areas of need.
Developed class learning plans to meet all district and state requirements for instruction.
Coordinated with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess science-based curriculum.
Collaborated with other subject and grade-level teachers to build complementary educational frameworks for students.
Used school and community resources to provide extra educational opportunities for students.
Assessed student performance, behavior and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
Provided feedback on individual actions, behaviors and verbal responses.
Earned positive feedback from students, parents, staff and administration regarding classroom instruction and student learning success.
Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
Tracked class attendance and student progress.
Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order in the classroom and implemented student discipline measures, decreasing classroom disruptions.
Developed, administered and graded tests and quizzes promptly to provide quick feedback.
Combined discipline plan with effective measures and lesson plans to increase concentration, participation and progress student accountability.
Utilized time management skills and self motivation to complete all necessary coursework to obtain teaching license in allotted time frame.
Used variety of teaching techniques to encourage student critical thinking and discussion.
Achieved "Expected Growth" for multiple years based on the NC EOC standardized testing results.
Summary evaluations averaged 93% accomplished and 7% proficient.
Met with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas for improvement including IEP and 504 meetings.
Conferred with specialists to support needs of students with individualized educational plans.
Secondary Science Teacher
Elizabeth City-Pasqutank Public Schools
Elizabeth City, NC
08.2013 - 06.2015
Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students.
Facilitated student success and academic growth through implementation of NC Standard Course of Study for Grades 6,7 and 8 Science curriculums.
Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
Maintained school-wide culture of respect and actively used positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) disciplinary methods.
Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
Guided students through exploration and analysis of different scientific experiments and revelations and implemented hands-on approach to science education.
Administered standardized ability and achievement tests and interpreted results to determine students' strengths and areas of need.
Developed class learning plans to meet all district and state requirements for instruction.
Coordinated with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess science-based curriculum.
Collaborated with other subject and grade-level teachers to build complementary educational frameworks for students.
Used school and community resources to provide extra educational opportunities for students.
Assessed student performance, behavior and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
Earned positive feedback from students, parents, staff and administration regarding classroom instruction and student learning success
Tracked class attendance and student progress.
Developed, administered and graded tests and quizzes promptly to provide quick feedback.
Combined discipline plan with effective measures and lesson plans to increase concentration, participation and progress student accountability.
Developed lesson plans to teach course materials according to schedule.
Used variety of teaching techniques to encourage student critical thinking and discussion.
Led 60 students to improve test scores by more than 30% during the 2013-2014 academic year; with over 22% of those students improving test scores by more than 50%.
First year teaching evaluations throughout the year averaged 77% accomplished and 22% proficient.
Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
Met with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas for improvement.
Restaurant Manager/Server
Kristy's Place
Edenton, NC
03.2007 - 01.2015
Monitored business levels and realigned team positions to provide optimal coverage for customer demands.
Championed 100% guest satisfaction by providing excellent dining experience.
Kept facility and equipment in good working condition through regular preventive maintenance and repair schedules.
Mentored front of house personnel on company policies, customer service techniques and professional communication.
Trained workers in every position, including food preparation, money handling and cleaning roles.
Developed and implemented strategies to enhance team performance, improve processes and increase efficiency.
Assigned tasks and oversaw employees to ensure compliance with food safety procedures and quality control guidelines.
Identified, investigated and corrected operational issues such as inventory waste or theft to keep business operating at optimal levels.
Estimated supply requirements based on historical needs and projected business levels by accounting for special local events or sports games.
Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
Maintained cleanliness and sanitation across all food service, storage, and preparation stations.
Scheduled and directed staff in daily work assignments to maximize productivity.
Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage, and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
Determined root cause of performance trends and developed process improvement plans which targeted assurance in safety, health, quality and customer satisfaction.
Minimized loss and misuse of equipment through proper restaurant supervision and staff training.
Performed checkouts of servers and customers to ensure that all tickets were accounted for.
Developed and maintained staff that provided hospitable, professional service while adhering to policies and business initiatives.
Counseled and disciplined staff, addressing issues promptly and providing constructive feedback.
Worked closely with owners and staff to determine menu plans for special events or occasions.
Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
Handled escalated customer complaints to provide full resolutions and promote loyalty.
Exhibited thorough knowledge of foods, beverages, supervisory duties, service techniques, and guest interactions.
Maintained active managerial control of all aspects of the establishment at all times to ensure compliance with all establishment, local, state and federal regulations.
Education
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification - Teacher Certification
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
01.2017
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification - Teacher Certification
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Pre-Medicine
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC
05.2013
Associate of Arts - General
College of The Albemarle
Elizabeth City, NC
07.2009
Skills
Project management
Creative problem solver
Inspection and examination
Exceptional organizational skills
Regulatory compliance
Expert in Childhood Lead, Childcare, and Food sanitation regulations
Oral and written communication
Staff training
Risk management and monitoring
Public speaking
Flexible and adaptive
IEP and 504 knowledge in school settings
Reporting and documentation
Supervisory skills
Organization and prioritization
Strong leader
Training new hires and interns
Environmental assessments
Preparing written reports
Data gathering
Independent, Self-motivated worker
Adaptable
Academic performance evaluations
Lesson planning expertise
Standardized testing
Schedule creation and maintenance
Public speaking expert
Classroom management
Team collaboration
NC Certified Science 6-9 Teacher (expired 6/2020)
Policy and procedure improvements
Confidential services
Compassionate
Extensive knowledge of FFA, 4-H, Livestock and Farming
Policy enforcement
Relationship building
Verbal and written communication
Attention to detail
Policy and procedure development
Expectation setting
Professional and courteous
Certification
Registered Environmental Health Specialist, REHS (NCREHS #2762)
Timeline
Regional Environmental Health Specialist
NC DHHS Division Of Public Health
05.2022 - Current
Environmental Health Specialist
Albemarle Regional Health Services
05.2018 - 11.2021
Secondary Science Teacher
Currituck County Public Schools
06.2015 - 05.2018
Secondary Science Teacher
Elizabeth City-Pasqutank Public Schools
08.2013 - 06.2015
Restaurant Manager/Server
Kristy's Place
03.2007 - 01.2015
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification - Teacher Certification
University of Phoenix
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification - Teacher Certification
Facility/Regional Safety, Health, & Environmental Manager at NESTLE HEALTH SCIENCEFacility/Regional Safety, Health, & Environmental Manager at NESTLE HEALTH SCIENCE
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist at New York City Transit AuthorityEnvironmental Health and Safety Specialist at New York City Transit Authority
Project Manager/Environmental Health and Safety Specialist at JFH ConsultingProject Manager/Environmental Health and Safety Specialist at JFH Consulting