- I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
- Horse owner of 3 horses and personal riding skills with a focus on eventing
- Cultural exchange providing a family environment for exchange and international students from differnt cultures
Colleen Lalka
Westlake,OH
Summary
Experienced shop manager and riding instructor with a passion for teaching, training, and fostering positive environments to nurture skill development and confidence. Dedicated to helping young workers cultivate exceptional customer service and leadership abilities. Skilled in instructing in diverse settings, ranging from recreational to classroom environments. Recognized for adeptly tailoring teaching methods to individuals' strengths and learning styles.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Riding Instructor and stablehand
Elevate Equestrian
10.2021 - Current
- Teach beginner and advanced beginner lessons for young children and adults
- Assess students’ needs based on abilities, skills and interest
- Develop exercises and lesson plans for students to develop a balanced, independent seat and strength needed for successful riding
- Teach basic horse care, grooming and handling skills
- Match students with horses to match ability to ensure safety
- Ensure rider safety by teaching proper horse handling skills, use of safety equipment and understanding of horse behavior
- Helped with night check, clean stalls and assisted with turnout
Shop Manager
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
10.2012 - Current
- Hire and train all team members
- Complete staff evaluations
- Develop and implement staff recognition and incentive programs
- Create training activities for Team Leader and manager meetings designed to improve specific skills for excellent customer service and leadership
- Responsible for maintaining good customer relations
- Create a positive store culture and environment for young workers to develop good work habits and maintain high employee retention
Pool Supervisor, lifeguard and Swim instructor
Westlake Recreation Center
09.2010 - 07.2016
- Created and implemented lesson plans for swim instruction
- Taught Pre-School thru level 5 Red Cross Swim Lessons
- Supervised and trained Lifeguards and swim instructors
- Provided swim instruction for swimmers with special needs
- Taught Deep Water Aerobics
- Insured safety of pool patrons as a lifeguard
Substitute teacher and Teacher’s Aide
Our Lady of Angels
08.2009 - 06.2010
- Created and implemented lesson plans for instruction for 1st and 3rd grades for long term substitution
- Designed and set-up classroom for engaged learning in a stimulating and friendly environment
- Held teacher conferences and communicated regularly with parents
- Graded test and papers
- Assisted teachers with class lessons where extra help was needed and worked one on one with students who needed extra help
Stable Assistant
Fashion Farm Arabians
06.1991 - 10.1993
- Maintained overall stable conditions through stall cleaning, water bucket sanitizing, and tack cleaning and organization.
- Assisted with turnout of horses handling foals, stallions and young horses.
- Provided support during veterinary visits, handling horses and following treatment instructions.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized stable environment for optimal horse health and safety.
- Enhanced horse care by providing daily grooming, feeding, and exercising routines.
- Supported the training process by preparing horses for training including lunging, or groundwork sessions as required including working with foals, yearlings and stallions.
- Assisted with flatwork and hacking young horses for conditioning and fitness.
Stable Assistant
Lake Erie College
09.1989 - 06.1990
- Assisted with daily turnout of horses.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized stable environment for optimal horse health and safety.
- Assisted in the organization and execution of stable events, including clinics, shows, and open houses for increased community engagement.
- Enhanced horse care by providing daily grooming, feeding, and exercising routines.
- Provided treatment for injuries and health issues as directed by the veterinarians.
Education
BS - Recreation / Therapeutic Recreation
Ohio University
01.1996
Skills
- Horse handling
- Animal care
- Teaching and evaluating
- Customer service
- Workplace safety
- Strong communicator
- Child supervision
- Adaptable
- Positive attitude
- Equestrian knowledge
- Team player attitude
- Employee management
Interests
Timeline
Riding Instructor and stablehand
Elevate Equestrian
10.2021 - Current
Shop Manager
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
10.2012 - Current
Pool Supervisor, lifeguard and Swim instructor
Westlake Recreation Center
09.2010 - 07.2016
Substitute teacher and Teacher’s Aide
Our Lady of Angels
08.2009 - 06.2010
Stable Assistant
Fashion Farm Arabians
06.1991 - 10.1993
Stable Assistant
Lake Erie College
09.1989 - 06.1990
BS - Recreation / Therapeutic Recreation
Ohio University
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