Carolyn OBrien
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in customer service and team leadership at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through exceptional engagement and product knowledge. Skilled in cash handling and conflict resolution, consistently delivering memorable dining experiences while training and mentoring staff to achieve operational excellence.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Wine Tasting Associate
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
08.2024 - 10.2025
- Assisted in daily operations, ensuring efficient service flow and guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Supported inventory management by tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
- Engaged with guests to provide exceptional service, enhancing overall dining experience.
Bartender and Server
Puff N Stuff
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Prepared and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new bartenders on standard operating procedures and beverage preparation techniques.
- Developed knowledge of wine and cocktail pairings to offer personalized recommendations to guests.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Provided exceptional customer service by engaging with patrons and responding to inquiries promptly.
Teacher
Fox Hollow Elementary School
09.2021 - 01.2024
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Utilized diverse instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles and needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine curriculum and share best teaching practices.
- Assessed student performance through formative and summative evaluations, providing targeted feedback.
Teacher
Adventure Christian School
10.2004 - 07.2017
- Established a positive classroom environment fostering respect, inclusivity, and active participation.
- Integrated technology into lessons to improve student engagement and understanding of concepts.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to continuously improve teaching skills and methodologies.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Manager, Server
Cafe Des Riches
02.1993 - 03.2007
- Led team in delivering exceptional dining experiences through effective communication and service excellence.
- Trained and mentored junior servers, fostering skill development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Coordinated daily operations, ensuring timely service and adherence to quality standards.
- Managed guest inquiries and resolved complaints efficiently to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate order processing and timely meal preparation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality
San Jose State University
San Jose, CACertification - Wine
Napa Valley Wine Association
Napa, CA09-2025
Certifications - Bartender
ABC Bartender School
Tampa, Fl09-2024
Skills
- Customer service
- Time management
- Cash handling
- Customer engagement
- POS system operation
- Event coordination
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
- Courteous and professional
- Flexible schedule
- Product knowledge
Timeline
Wine Tasting Associate
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
08.2024 - 10.2025
Bartender and Server
Puff N Stuff
07.2024 - 10.2024
Teacher
Fox Hollow Elementary School
09.2021 - 01.2024
Teacher
Adventure Christian School
10.2004 - 07.2017
Manager, Server
Cafe Des Riches
02.1993 - 03.2007
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality
San Jose State University
Certification - Wine
Napa Valley Wine Association
Certifications - Bartender
ABC Bartender School
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