DARLENE SMITH
New Orleans,USA
Summary
Oversaw janitorial and light maintenance operations for large facilities, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards. Developed and implemented best practices for chemical and equipment management. Guided staff in optimizing schedules to enhance operational efficiency.
Professional paraprofessional with solid foundation in educational support and classroom management. Experience in aiding teachers with instructional tasks and maintaining positive learning atmosphere. Reliable team player focused on adapting to changing needs and achieving results through effective communication and collaboration.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Associate
Pegeon Catering
803 Jefferson Hwy Suite 200 Jefferson LA 70121
08.2025 - Current
- Prepared dishes for catering events or during high-volume shifts.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Achieved increased client retention by delivering outstanding customer service and addressing feedback effectively.
- Helped chefs prepare and present food to event guests with strong attention to detail and presentation expertise.
Lead Custodian
Service Star
New Orleans, LA, USA
09.2016 - 05.2025
- Cleans building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
- Dusts furniture or fixtures and disposes of trash keeping all bathrooms sanitize and clean.
- Supervised daily custodial operations, ensuring cleanliness and safety standards across facilities.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to identify maintenance needs and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Contributed to improved hygiene standards by conducting regular audits of cleaning procedures followed by actionable feedback for continuous improvement.
- Performed custodial duties to maintain area in clean and habitable condition.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts for cost savings on supplies without compromising product quality.
Nursery Aide/ Parroprofessinal
Little Smart Angel Preschool
New Orleans, LA, USA
08.2012 - 06.2016
- Supported classroom activities and provided individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with educators to develop and implement effective instructional strategies for student engagement.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to enhance educational plans and interventions.
- Led small group sessions to reinforce concepts, improving comprehension and retention among students.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Assisted teachers in the development of engaging lesson materials aligned with curriculum standards for various subject areas.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Engaged with students during extracurricular activities, supporting their interests beyond classroom.
- Assisted in administration of standardized tests, facilitating smooth testing process.
- Conducted weekly review sessions to help students prepare for exams.
- Assisted with school field trips and special events by collecting permission slips and payments.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Monitored student safety during school outings, ensuring secure learning environment.
- Assisted in organization of school events, contributing to vibrant school culture.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
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Delgado Community College
11-2023
Skills
Chef support
Food safety
Food preparation
Safe food handling
Food presentation
Personal Information
Title: Lead Custodian
Timeline
Catering Associate
Pegeon Catering
08.2025 - Current
Lead Custodian
Service Star
09.2016 - 05.2025
Nursery Aide/ Parroprofessinal
Little Smart Angel Preschool
08.2012 - 06.2016
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Delgado Community College