Denise Kerkhoff
Madison,WI
Summary
Versatile and dynamic, with a proven track record at VibeGetaways Travel Agency, I excel in client relationships and sales leadership. Expert in multitasking and organization, I've successfully managed diverse educational roles, enhancing training and development. My approach, blending my service heart with unparalleled people skills, consistently delivers exceptional outcomes.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School District
Madison, USA
01.2025 - Current
- Taught various grade levels and curriculum throughout the Madison School District
- Addressed individual student needs and accommodated learning differences.
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies to manage student disputes.
Independent Consultant
VibeGetaways Travel Agency
Madison, USA
10.2014 - Current
- Planning and booking trips for couples, families, and groups.
- Provided mentorship and training resources for junior consultants as needed throughout engagements.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Kept customer information confidential and handled details accurately.
- Managed client relationships through regular communication regarding expectations, timelines, deliverables.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
5th/6th Grade Teacher
Salem Grade School
Salem, USA
08.1995 - 11.1999
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing additional help.
- Fostered a classroom culture that supports diversity and inclusivity.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Created safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve teaching skills and knowledge.
- Arranged field trips as tool to provide students with real-world experiences.
- Encouraged creativity by giving students choices in learning topics and methods.
- Created a positive learning environment by encouraging student participation and fostering self-esteem.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design curricula, develop instructional materials, and plan field trips.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through projects, discussions, presentations, and problem solving exercises.
- Supervised recesses ensuring safety while allowing children time for physical activity.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Provided individual assistance to help struggling students understand course material.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, assignments, test scores, and other pertinent information.
- Handled challenging classroom behaviors with positive and affirming techniques.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and address any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to parents and administrators.
- Provided guidance counseling services for students experiencing social or emotional difficulties.
Field Sales Consultant
SOUTHWESTERN ADVANTAGE COMPANY
Detroit , MI
05.1992 - 09.1993
- Studied geographic areas to identify potential buyers and increase door-to-door sales.
- Attended regular training sessions on new products or selling techniques.
- Identified potential new customers through cold-calling activities.
- Developed prospect lists to define target criteria and zone in on potential customers.
- Ensured accurate completion of paperwork related to sales transactions.
- Demonstrated product knowledge and features to potential buyers.
- Greeted prospective customers in a friendly and professional manner.
- Convinced clients to purchase products or services by following persuasive script.
- Listened to customers to understand needs and put together optimal solutions.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss performance results and strategies for improvement.
- Circulated among potential customers or traveled by foot or automobile to deliver or sell merchandise or services.
- Generated leads by networking with existing customers, as well as cold calling new prospects.
- Weeded out unlikely prospects quickly and redirected time and efforts to potential customers.
- Explained products and prices to customers, demonstrating use of products.
- Collaborated with other members of sales team to reach targets.
- Wrote and recorded orders for merchandise or entered orders into computers.
- Taught and trained new sales personnel on customer service and sales techniques.
- Recorded daily sales figures accurately in order to track progress towards goals.
- Developed relationships with prospects through follow-up calls and visits.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Spanish Minor
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI12.1994
Graduate Credits - Continuing Education Credits
Viterbo University
Lacrosse, WISkills
- Strong Typing Skills
- People skills
- Confident with Spreadsheets and Excel
- Sales leadership
- Multitasking and organization
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Training and development
- Attention to detail
- Client relationships
- Decision-making
- Team collaboration
Affiliations
- St. Thomas Aquinas Church
Accomplishments
- Sandals Resorts Chairman Royal Club Member (Top 100 Travel Agents in US)
- Top Sandals Wedding Specialists
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School District
01.2025 - Current
Independent Consultant
VibeGetaways Travel Agency
10.2014 - Current
5th/6th Grade Teacher
Salem Grade School
08.1995 - 11.1999
Field Sales Consultant
SOUTHWESTERN ADVANTAGE COMPANY
05.1992 - 09.1993
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Spanish Minor
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduate Credits - Continuing Education Credits
Viterbo University
Similar Profiles
Katherine PinkstonKatherine Pinkston
First Grade Classroom Teacher at Madison Metropolitan School DistrictFirst Grade Classroom Teacher at Madison Metropolitan School District
Donna GilbertDonna Gilbert
Nursing Assistant at Madison Metropolitan School DistrictNursing Assistant at Madison Metropolitan School District
Ahren BrownAhren Brown
Special Education Teacher at Madison Metropolitan School DistrictSpecial Education Teacher at Madison Metropolitan School District
Jim DalyJim Daly
Warehouse Manager at Standard Electric Supply CoWarehouse Manager at Standard Electric Supply Co
Unish TamangUnish Tamang
Garments Hanging/Sorting at CINTAS, CORPORATION NO 2Garments Hanging/Sorting at CINTAS, CORPORATION NO 2