Cassandra Garcia

In my role as an Assistant Toddler Guide in a Montessori classroom, I worked closely with the lead guide to support the development and learning of toddlers(18 months to 3 years old) in a nurturing and educational environment. My focus was on fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning through hands-on experiences, while also providing the safety and emotional support toddlers need at this critical stage of development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Classroom Support- Assisted in creating and maintaining a prepared Montessori environment that encouraged exploration and self-directed learning.
• Child Supervision- Provided attentive supervision, ensuring toddlers were engaged in meaningful activities while promoting social and emotional growth.
• Montessori Method- Supported the application of Montessori principles by guiding children through individual lessons and promoting independence in daily tasks.
• Observation and Documentation- Observed each child's progress and behavior, documenting milestones and helping tailor to activities to their needs.
• Positive Guidance- Used gentle redirection and conflict resolution techniques, focusing on building respect, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration- Worked closely with lead guide, other staff, and parents to ensure open communication and consistent support to each child's growth.
• Health and Safety- Ensured a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment, prioritizing the well-being of every child.

This experience has deepened my understanding of the Montessori philosophy and the developmental needs of toddlers, and has allowed me to cultivate a patient, caring approach while supporting children in their journey toward independence.

As a member of the team at a vibrant, community-focused gift shop, I had the opportunity to contribute to a space dedicated to promoting local artists and businesses. In this role, I worked closely with customers to provide personalized service while showcasing unique, handcrafted items from talented artisans in the state.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Service- Assisted customers in selecting thoughtfully curated gifts, providing detailed information about the artists and the stories behind their work.
• Product Knowledge- Developed a deep understanding of the locally made products we carried, from artwork and jewelry to home decor and specialty goods, enabling me to share creative processes and values of makers.
• Visual Merchandising- Helped create visually appealing displays that showcased local artistry and seasoned items, ensuring the shop's layout reflected our commitment to supporting local talent.
• Inventory Management- Assisted with inventory control ensuring shelves were well-stocked with unique items, and supported the store's reordering process to keep offering fresh and aligned with customer interests.
• Community Engagement- Participated in local events, including pop-up shops, art walks, and community festivals, to promote the shop and featured artists, strengthening the shop's ties to the local community.
• Sales Support- Worked with the team to meet sales goals while maintaining a focus on fostering meaningful connections with customers, encouraging repeat visits and supporting local commerce.

This role allows me to not only assist customers but also actively contribute to the success of local creators and small businesses, fostering a sense of community and pride in support local artisans.

As a line cook I was responsible for preparing high quality meals in a fast paced, team-orientated kitchen environment. I worked alongside other kitchen staff to ensure every dish was cooked to perfection and served in a timely manner, following standards for both taste and prevention.

Key Responsibilities:

• Food Preparation- Prepared and cooked a variety of menu items, including ribs, steaks, seafood and sides, according to the restaurant's established recipes and quality standards.
• Efficiency and Timing- Ensured all orders were prepared in a timely maner, maintaining high-quality standards during peak hours and working to minimize wait times for customers.
• Kitchen Organization- Maintained a clean. organized work station, ensuring food safety standards were met, including proper storage and handling ingredients.
• Team Collaboration- Worked closely with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations, assisting with prepping ingredients, managing orders, and maintaining communication throughout service.
• Quality Control- Monitored food temperatures, portion sizes, and palting, ensuring that each dish met the restaurant's standards for quality and presentation before being sent to the customer.
• Stock Management- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring that ingredients were always fresh and stocked appropriately, and communicated and shortages or issues to management.

Through this role, I gained strong culinary skills, a focus on precision, and an understanding of the importance of teamwork in a high-volumes restaurant setting. My experience at Montana's Rib and Chop House reinforced my passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest.

As a server, I provided exceptional customer service while delivering an authentic dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. I worked closely with both guests and kitchen staff to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish, embodying the restaurant's commitment to quality food, service and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Service- Greeted guests warmly, provided menu recommendations, answered questions about the menu, and endured a personalized dining experience with attention to detail.
• Order Management- Accurately took and entered orders, ensuing special dietary requests and preferences were noted and communicated clearly to the kitchen staff.
• Food and Beverage Knowledge- Maintained in-depth knowledge of the menu, including Italian cuisine, wine pairings, and daily specials, to assist guests in making informed decisions and enhancing dining experience.
• Table Service- Delivered food and beverages promptly, ensuing that all items met the restaurant's quality standards and were served in a courteous and professional manner.
• Upselling and Recommendations- Suggested additional items, such as appetizers, wines, or desserts, to enhance the dining experience and increase sales.
• Maintaining Cleanliness- Ensured tables were clean and ready for the next guests, assisted in maintaining a tidy dining area, and followed health and safety standards.
• Team Collaboration- Worked closely with the kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely delivery of orders and coordinated service during busy periods to provide seamless service.
• Guest Relations- Handled customer concerns or complaints with professionalism, aiming to resolve issues swiftly and ensure guest satisfaction.

Through this role, I honed my multitasking and communication skills, developed a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine, and contributed to a positive and welcoming atmosphere for every guest.