Carlene Higgins
Gardnerville
Summary
Dynamic educator with experience in K-12 settings, skilled in adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs. Proven track record in effective communication, positive reinforcement, and collaboration with teachers to enhance student learning outcomes.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Douglas County School District, NV
Gardnerville, NV
03.2023 - 05.2026
- Implemented lesson plans to engage students across diverse subjects and grade levels.
- Adapted instructional strategies to meet varying learning needs and abilities of students.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure smooth transitions between classes and activities.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Implemented lesson plans to ensure continuity of education across diverse subjects.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet varied learning styles and needs of students.
- Collaborated with teachers to align on curriculum goals and student progress evaluations.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching techniques and methodologies.
Periodontal Surgical Assistant
U.S. Navy
North Chicago, IL
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Assisted in periodontal procedures, ensuring sterile environments and patient comfort.
- Directed proactive dental care initiatives, including on-site exams and X-rays, resulting in a 98% unit dental readiness rating, exceeding DoD standards.
- Provided chairside assistance for 15+ periodontal procedures daily, including implants, scaling and root planing (SRP), and bone grafting.
- Managed inventory for surgical, periodontal, and hygiene supplies, reducing overhead costs by 10% through efficient, organized tracking.
- Prepared surgical instruments and materials, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
- Collaborated with dental providers to enhance patient care and streamline treatment workflows.
- Educated patients on post-operative care, improving adherence to recovery protocols.
- Trained new staff on surgical assistance techniques and workplace safety practices.
- Implemented workflow improvements, reducing turnaround time for patient procedures.
- Safeguarded patient privacy by adhering to HIPAA regulations in all aspects of recordkeeping, communication, and documentation processes.
- Collaborated with periodontists to develop treatment plans, resulting in optimal oral health for patients.
- Provided exceptional care to patients with accurate charting and thorough pre-and post-operative instructions.
- Assisted in complex surgeries, ensuring efficient and successful outcomes for patients.
- Ensured timely completion of surgeries by effectively managing appointment schedules and coordinating with front office staff.
- Contributed to a positive patient experience, fostering long-term relationships through empathetic communication and care.
- Reduced appointment cancellations through proactive follow-up calls, confirming upcoming appointments and addressing concerns or questions from patients.
- Strengthened relationships with referring dentists by maintaining clear lines of communication regarding patient treatment progress and follow-up needs.
- Optimized appointment duration by efficiently managing time spent on paperwork, instrument setup, and patient consultations.
- Kept views unobstructed by retracting, sponging, and suctioning surgical sites.
- Protected patients from infection by setting up and managing sterile operating fields.
- Paid close attention to operating procedures for adherence to established surgical techniques.
- Gowned and gloved staff to help team prepare for surgeries.
- Applied antiseptics and sterile dressings to cover surgical locations and boost healing.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Facilitated smooth communication between the dental team by serving as a liaison between periodontist, dental hygienist, and administrative staff.
- Prepared patient X-rays and images for review by dentist.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
MSA
U.S. Navy
North Chicago, IL
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Supported healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care by managing patient flow during peak hours, resulting in reduced stress for staff members.
- Prepared patient charts by properly filing charts and transcribing pertinent information.
- Conducted regular follow-up calls with patients post-visit, ensuring they received proper care instructions and encouraging feedback about their experience at our facility.
- Educated patients on available resources, insurance coverage, and payment options to assist them in making informed decisions about their care.
- Enhanced efficiency in the medical office by coordinating appointments, managing patient records, and facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers.
- Interviewed patients to document case histories, verify insurance eligibility and obtain referrals.
- Reviewed referrals from walk-in patients and checked requirements to facilitate immediate processing.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective team collaboration and communication.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and addressing concerns promptly.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Managed over 50 VA patient and Active duty patient calls per day to ensure both parties receive adequate care and referrals to meet their dental and medical needs.
- The sole active duty corpsman in the hospital in charge of managing and organizing all active duty medical records to ensure all personnel are deployment/ field ready.
U.S. Navy Corpsman
U.S. Navy Active Duty
San Antonio, TX/ North Chicago, IL
08.2020 - 02.2023
- Administered first aid and medical care to injured personnel in high-pressure environments.
- Managed a $1M+ inventory of medical supplies and equipment for a battalion-sized unit, achieving 100% accountability during inspections.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with medical teams to develop and implement comprehensive health programs.
- Trained junior corpsmen on emergency medical procedures and equipment usage.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Bolstered staff proficiency via conducting regular training sessions on essential medical skills and procedures.
- Increased team morale through active participation in unit training exercises, fostering camaraderie among colleagues.
- Cultivated strong relationships with local healthcare providers, facilitating seamless referral processes for specialized care services.
- Conducted comprehensive physical examinations to evaluate service members'' fitness for duty.
- Supported humanitarian missions by providing essential medical care to affected populations in disaster-stricken areas.
- Reduced recovery time with compassionate post-operative care and timely wound management.
- Assisted physicians in surgical procedures, ensuring precise execution and positive patient outcomes.
- Enhanced operational readiness through diligent maintenance of medical supplies and equipment.
- Monitored vital signs and documented temperature, pulse and blood pressure to assess patient condition.
- Updated medical records in EMR system and double-checked data for accuracy.
- Provided emergency medical care and conducted physical exams and interviews to gain medical history and relevant health data.
- Helped with preparation of medical equipment and supplies for use in hospital procedures.
- Supported medical staff in providing patient care in high-demand hospital environment.
- Performed basic laboratory tests and collected specimens for further analysis.
- Utilized medical instruments to perform minor surgeries and other procedures.
- Educated patients and families about health conditions and treatments.
- Administered CPR, oxygen and other life-saving medical treatments.
- Assisted with lifting and moving patients.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families.
- Assessed medical conditions of patients in pre-hospital settings.
- Handled patient transfers from one medical facility to another.
- Trained new EMTs on proper protocols and procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2026
Skills
- Classroom management
- Adaptable
- Relationship building and management
- Student engagement
- Positive reinforcement
- Group and individual instruction
- Verbal and written communication
- Creativity in teaching
- Lesson plan implementation
- Complex Problem-solving
- Activity planning
- Parent-teacher communication
- Safety awareness
- Differentiated instruction
- Special education
- Instructional strategies
- Parent communication
- Records management
- Instructional technology
- IEP documentation
- Language arts instruction
- Creative problem solving
- Health and safety
Certification
- CPI Trained & Certified 2026
- BLS Certified
- Child Abuse Training Certifications
- TTCC Certified (Tactical Combat Casualty Care)
- Medical/ Dental Training/ Certifications
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Douglas County School District, NV
03.2023 - 05.2026
Periodontal Surgical Assistant
U.S. Navy
05.2021 - 02.2023
MSA
U.S. Navy
05.2021 - 02.2023
U.S. Navy Corpsman
U.S. Navy Active Duty
08.2020 - 02.2023
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Liberty University