Candace Dawn Griffin
San Jose,CA
Summary
Accomplished administrative professional with 12+ years of experience providing high-level support in educational office settings, including middle and elementary school environments, as well as managing responsibilities across multiple sites. Known for being a dynamic, proactive, and reliable team player with a strong ability to train staff, manage complex tasks independently, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters. Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with confidence interacting across all levels—students, staff, district administrators, and the public. Proven ability to stay calm and efficient in high-volume, fast-paced environments, with a detail-oriented approach and strong follow-through. Technically proficient in multiple platforms including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Zoom, Google Meet, PowerSchool, PowerTeacher, InformedK12, CALPADS, and other district-related systems. Experienced in handling mail distribution, front office duties, switchboard operation, and supporting Human Resources and site staff with recordkeeping, scheduling, and communications. Highly adaptable, organized, and committed to creating a positive, welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Secretary
Mount Pleasant Elementary School District
10.2013 - Current
- Serve as the primary front office contact, answering multi-line phones, greeting visitors, and handling inquiries from staff, families, and external vendors with professionalism and discretion.
- Coordinate and support daily school operations across multiple sites, including maintaining calendars, scheduling meetings, and preparing attendance reports for both staff and students.
- Provide administrative support to school principals and district leadership, assisting with scheduling, document preparation, communication, and time-sensitive requests.
- Manage student enrollment and withdrawal, ensuring all required paperwork is completed and student files (cum folders, IEPs, 504s, counseling forms) are organized and compliant for audits.
- Prepare and maintain a weekly spreadsheet of Independent Study contracts and COVID-related absences, collecting and organizing documentation for audit readiness.
- Process confidential documentation such as truancy letters, Pre-SARB/SARB scheduling, and referrals, ensuring accuracy and timely submission to the District Attorney’s office when needed.
- Collect, record, and reconcile Student Body funds for activities such as field trips, fundraisers, book fairs, and overnight camps; conduct deposits, issue reimbursements, and maintain records.
- Communicate effectively with parents, outside agencies, and vendors regarding billing, services, and school events.
- Submit and track staff timesheets, handle daily attendance reporting, and assist with the coordination of substitute coverage.
- Proficiently use software including PowerSchool, PowerTeacher, Excel, Outlook, InformedK12, and Google tools to complete daily administrative tasks and maintain records.
- Maintain an organized and welcoming front office and lobby environment, contributing positively to the school and district’s image.
Insurance Representative
State Farm Insurance
10.2008 - 10.2013
- Served as a primary point of contact for clients, handling a high volume of phone, in-person, and email inquiries with professionalism, tact, and accuracy—resolving policy questions, complaints, and service requests.
- Maintained and updated client records, policy data, and transaction logs with attention to confidentiality and accuracy—skills directly applicable to student record-keeping and HR document handling.
- Processed new and modified insurance policies, gathered information, and ensured completeness of applications and claims—demonstrating strong attention to detail and document verification skills.
- Managed daily office communications and scheduled client meetings and policy reviews, showcasing strong time management and organizational skills aligned with front-office scheduling and support duties.
- Generated monthly reports tracking new and lapsed clients, reflecting strong database use and reporting capabilities relevant to maintaining district records and mail logs.
- Assisted with premium calculations and policy options while delivering excellent customer service and upholding all compliance standards—skills transferable to communicating with the public and maintaining proper district procedures.
- Issued official documents as a Notary Public, reinforcing knowledge of legal documentation and attention to proper handling, accuracy, and professionalism.
Human Resources- Retail Staffing&Background Checks
Apple Inc.
01.2006 - 03.2008
- Conducted thorough background checks to determine candidate eligibility, ensuring compliance with hiring policies and maintaining complete confidentiality throughout the process—skills that translate well to handling sensitive HR and personnel files.
- Provided clerical support during the launch of new Apple retail locations, managing new hire onboarding documents, verifying employment eligibility, and organizing compliance paperwork—paralleling the responsibilities of supporting a school district HR team.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and reimbursements for new employees, demonstrating strong organizational and record-keeping abilities.
- Managed and maintained confidential files and sensitive documentation, demonstrating a high degree of discretion and attention to detail—critical qualities in a front office or human resources environment.
- Collaborated with recruiters and store teams to identify hiring needs, monitor staffing trends, and assist in workforce planning—developing strong communication and coordination skills.
- Assisted in improving staffing processes by identifying resource limitations and proposing practical solutions to support operational success.
- Maintained fluency with Apple products, platforms, and tools—demonstrating quick tech adaptability and comfort with learning new systems, a valuable trait in education settings using PowerSchool, InformedK12, or district-specific software.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mount Pleasant High School
San Jose, CA06-2002
Skills
- Calendar management
- Document preparation
- Data entry
- Record keeping
- Student/ Staff enrollments
- Confidential document handling
- Time management
- Office organization
- Problem solving & Independent Decision making
- Meeting coordination
- Multi-line phone operation
- Accounts payable
- Exceptional Verbal and Written Communication skills
- Scheduling onboards
- Professionalism & Public Relations
- Organizational Skills & Multitasking
Timeline
Secretary
Mount Pleasant Elementary School District
10.2013 - Current
Insurance Representative
State Farm Insurance
10.2008 - 10.2013
Human Resources- Retail Staffing&Background Checks
Apple Inc.
01.2006 - 03.2008
High School Diploma -
Mount Pleasant High School
Similar Profiles
Katrina MedeirosKatrina Medeiros
Library Technician at Mount Pleasant Elementary School DistrictLibrary Technician at Mount Pleasant Elementary School District
RUTH GALLEGOSRUTH GALLEGOS
Special Education Instructional Aide at Mount Pleasant Elementary School DistrictSpecial Education Instructional Aide at Mount Pleasant Elementary School District
Bryan PanucoBryan Panuco
Campus Supervisor at Mount Pleasant Elementary School DistrictCampus Supervisor at Mount Pleasant Elementary School District
Nimalan ElanchelvanNimalan Elanchelvan
Marketing Specialist at KSQD - Natural Bridges MediaMarketing Specialist at KSQD - Natural Bridges Media
Yun Jhen ChenYun Jhen Chen
Client Relationship Manager-Tesla, ChargePoint at Huajie TechnologiesClient Relationship Manager-Tesla, ChargePoint at Huajie Technologies