Casteleanda Golden
Kansas City,KS
Summary
Detail-oriented Cook's Assistant with a strong focus on safe food handling, cleaning, and sanitizing practices. Experienced in maintaining high hygiene standards and supporting kitchen operations for exceptional customer satisfaction.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook's Assistant
Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Kansas City, KS
06.1992 - Current
- Supported head cook by organizing cooking stations and managing inventory supplies.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to execute daily menus efficiently and accurately.
- Streamlined food prep processes to enhance overall kitchen productivity.
- Maintained cleanliness of work areas, complying with health regulations consistently.
- Implemented improvements in ingredient sourcing for enhanced quality control.
- Facilitated teamwork among kitchen staff members through clear communication regarding tasks at hand or upcoming needs throughout shifts.
- Supported smooth restaurant operations by promptly restocking necessary supplies during peak hours.
- Maintained high levels of hygiene and food safety by regularly cleaning equipment, utensils, and kitchen workspaces.
- Enhanced presentation quality of menu items by applying plating techniques, contributing to positive customer dining experiences.
- Demonstrated flexibility by adapting to changing priorities or special requests from cook during meal preparation.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely delivery of orders through effective communication with the cook and servers.
- Assisted in successful catering events by preparing ingredients, assembling platters, and delivering exceptional service to clients.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by assisting in food preparation and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Reduced food waste by monitoring inventory levels and informing the cook about any potential shortages or expired products.
- Managed time effectively under pressure while completing multiple tasks simultaneously such as chopping vegetables, cooking side dishes, and washing dishes.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Program Manager-Department Manager
Internal Revenue Service, IRS
333 W Pershing Road Kansas City Missouri
01.1990 - 10.2025
- Led cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency across multiple projects.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for program execution and resource allocation.
- Coordinated compliance initiatives to ensure adherence to federal regulations and internal policies.
- Streamlined project management processes using Agile methodologies, enhancing delivery timelines.
- Mentored junior program staff, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.
- Analyzed program performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions to align project goals with organizational objectives.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
- Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
- Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Optimized resource allocation, effectively balancing priorities and managing competing demands.
- Built teams to address project goals and objectives for multiple projects.
- Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
- Spearheaded innovative problem-solving techniques that addressed challenges head-on, resulting in effective resolution measures.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
- Streamlined communication channels to facilitate efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
- Collaborated with business leadership to set priorities based on business needs, resource capacity and risk exposure.
- Worked with subject matter experts to develop and implement mentoring programs to promote better learner experiences.
- Engaged and worked alongside cross-functional stakeholders to manage strategic initiatives.
- Increased customer satisfaction through effective communication of program goals and expectations.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.
- Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
- Demonstrated strong writing and presentation skills to develop briefs, memorandums and analytical reports for clients.
- Leveraged project management processes and tools to define and execute projects.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential barriers to project success.
- Led change management efforts, supporting staff through transitions and promoting buy-in for new initiatives.
- Participated in pilot tests and revised programs based on feedback and results.
- Researched industry best practices in support of training development and program content.
- Interacted with customers and clients to identify business needs and requirements.
- Devised creative solutions to critical customer and user needs.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Oversaw departmental operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and internal policies.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance staff performance and efficiency.
- Analyzed complex data sets to identify trends, improving decision-making processes within the department.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows and enhance service delivery standards.
- Led strategic planning sessions, aligning departmental goals with organizational objectives for improved outcomes.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and accountability within the team environment.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through metrics analysis, driving continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
- Established clear performance expectations for staff members which led to increased accountability.
- Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
- Led a team of professionals to consistently achieve or exceed performance targets.
- Managed projects efficiently from inception to completion ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Provided ongoing staff development opportunities through training programs, workshops, and regular feedback sessions.
- Assisted in talent acquisition efforts, hiring top candidates to strengthen the department''s capabilities.
- Contributed to the creation of long-term strategic plans that aligned with the company''s overall vision and goals.
- Implemented quality control measures that resulted in improved products or services within the department offerings.
- Increased productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted solutions.
- Oversaw departmental budgets to ensure financial efficiency, leading to significant reduction in unnecessary expenditures.
- Increased customer satisfaction with proactive issue resolution strategies.
- Championed customer-first approach, significantly enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in more efficient replenishment system and reduced stock shortages.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for departmental initiatives and goals.
- Facilitated team meetings to ensure alignment with organizational goals and to foster open communication.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms, leading to significant improvements in product offerings and service quality.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading to notable enhancements in staff performance and morale.
- Initiated sustainability program, reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices within department.
- Led cross-functional teams in high-priority projects, ensuring successful outcomes within tight deadlines.
- Spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiative, resulting in more cohesive and collaborative team environment.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing streamlined workflow processes.
- Developed comprehensive risk management strategy, mitigating potential obstacles to departmental success.
- Coordinated training programs for new employees, significantly reducing learning curve and enhancing productivity.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
Catering Staff Member
Self-employed
Kansas City, KS
02.1987 - 08.1990
- Led catering operations for diverse events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors to secure high-quality ingredients and services.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing cost efficiency.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in food safety and customer service standards.
- Directed budgeting processes for catering projects, aligning financial goals with operational capabilities.
- Coordinated catering logistics, ensuring timely delivery and setup of events.
- Assisted in menu planning, aligning offerings with client preferences and dietary requirements.
- Managed inventory control processes, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Trained and mentored new team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Implemented quality assurance protocols to maintain high service standards at events.
- Oversaw event execution, resolving issues promptly to ensure client satisfaction.
- Analyzed feedback from clients to improve service delivery and menu options effectively.
- Led a team of catering staff in providing exceptional service, fostering a positive work environment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing catering events and ensuring timely service.
- Delivered top-quality service by effectively communicating with both front-of-house and back-of-house staff during events.
- Received numerous accolades from satisfied clients due to meticulous attention to detail throughout every step of the event planning process.
- Managed budgets and inventory control, reducing overall costs and minimizing waste.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety guidelines, resulting in consistently high health inspection scores.
- Ensured smooth execution of events by creating detailed timelines for all stages from planning to completion.
- Oversaw event setup and teardown, ensuring seamless transitions between functions.
- Streamlined event planning processes for improved client experience and increased repeat business.
- Coordinated closely with clients in designing custom menus tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Promoted catering packages with most profitable outcomes without sacrificing client desires.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring timely delivery and setup of catering services.
- Supervised daily catering operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.
Education
High School Diploma -
F L Schlagle
Kansas City, KSSkills
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Attention to detail
- Food preparation
- Ingredient preparation
- Safe food handling
- Customer service
- Food storage
- Workplace safety
Timeline
Cook's Assistant
Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church
06.1992 - Current
Program Manager-Department Manager
Internal Revenue Service, IRS
01.1990 - 10.2025
Catering Staff Member
Self-employed
02.1987 - 08.1990
High School Diploma -
F L Schlagle