Denise Vess
Black Mountain
Summary
With a proven track record at Asheville Academy for Girls, I excel in kitchen management and team leadership, significantly enhancing menu development and waste reduction. My expertise in food safety regulations and fostering a collaborative environment underscores my ability to elevate culinary standards and operational efficiency.
Healthcare professional committed to delivering compassionate care and supporting patient needs. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with medical staff and adapt to dynamic healthcare environments. Reliable team player focused on achieving optimal patient outcomes through empathetic care and attention to detail.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef/kitchen Manger
Asheville Academy for Girls
09.2020 - 09.2024
- Led kitchen staff by providing training and fostering collaborative environment.
- Analyzed inventory for optimizing purchasing and minimizing overhead expenses.
- Inspected dishes for presentation and flavor before serving to uphold restaurant reputation.
- Created seasonal menus by sourcing local ingredients and incorporating culinary trends.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Maintained strict adherence to health department regulations by enforcing proper food handling practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to lower grocery costs.
- Led staff meetings to discuss upcoming events, address concerns or challenges, and reinforce company values as well as expectations within the workplace environment.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for kitchen staff members to provide constructive feedback and set goals for continuous improvement.
- Fostered culture of creativity and excellence in culinary arts, leading by example and encouraging innovation among staff.
- Maintained high standards of kitchen cleanliness, consistently passing inspections with exemplary ratings.
- Optimized kitchen layout for maximum efficiency, enabling faster preparation times without sacrificing food quality.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
Lead CNA
Black Mountain Neuro Medical Treatment Center
02.2019 - 09.2020
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide comprehensive patient care and improve overall treatment outcomes.
- Ensured a safe and comfortable environment for patients by maintaining a clean and organized living space.
- Boosted morale among residents in long-term care settings by organizing recreational activities that promote socialization, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing.
- Maintained patient privacy and dignity throughout the caregiving process, ensuring respect for their personal boundaries and preferences while providing care.
- Supported families during end-of-life care with compassionate emotional support and guidance on navigating the complexities of decision-making during this difficult time.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing individualized care plans and providing personalized support.
- Reduced patient anxiety levels through empathetic listening skills, open communication, and calming techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships among colleagues, leading to more effective teamwork and collaboration.
- Assisted in improving patient outcomes by monitoring and documenting vital signs regularly, alerting nursing staff to any concerning changes that warranted immediate attention.
- Improved team efficiency by mentoring new CNA hires through hands-on training, guidance, and ongoing support.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Supported needs of 30+ residents under long-term care.
CNA Scheduler
BMNTC
10.2017 - 02.2019
- Scheduled monthly work schedule for CNA's on 2nd shift.
- Received calls from CNA's calling out of work.
- Making coverage for daily outage for 2nd shift and for the next shifts so we could maintain proper coverage of staff.
- Filling in as CNA to help make coverage.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Assisted in emergency situations under the direction of nursing supervisors or physicians, providing crucial support during life-saving interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and medical staff to ensure clear communication and understanding of treatment plans.
CNA Supervisor
BMNTC
05.2005 - 10.2017
- Managed scheduling, training, and supervision of CNA staff for efficient shift coverage.
- Improved patient care by implementing new protocols and procedures for CNA team members.
- Maintained high standards of care by ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Developed strong relationships with patients and their families to foster trust and understanding of treatment plans.
- Participated in regular meetings with upper management to discuss staffing issues, policy updates, and budgetary concerns.
- Implemented ongoing professional development opportunities for CNA staff, leading to improved skills and knowledge.
- Streamlined communication between CNAs, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular evaluations, coaching, and constructive feedback.
- Assisted in hiring qualified candidates for CNA positions, contributing to a skilled workforce.
- Facilitated smooth transitions during shift changes by communicating pertinent information to incoming supervisors.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Created monthly schedule for staff days off and vacations.
- Created schedule for resident outings.
RAL
BMNTC
04.2003 - 05.2005
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Provided actives for residents.
- Helped hone skills of residents.
- Provided outings for staff and residents
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
CNA
BMNTC
07.2002 - 04.2004
- Monitored vital signs and reported significant changes to nursing staff.
- Communicated effectively with healthcare team to coordinate patient care plans.
- Supported mobility exercises to enhance patient physical well-being.
- Operated electronic health records system to update patient information accurately.
- Employed infection control protocols to maintain sterile environment.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Conducted routine safety checks on equipment, promptly reporting any malfunctions or safety concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Participated in ongoing educational opportunities in order to stay up-to-date on best practices in nursing care.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and medical staff to ensure clear communication and understanding of treatment plans.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Supported needs of 30+ residents under long-term care.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
Draw Tender
Beacon Blankets
10.1996 - 09.2001
- Operated machine that was the presses for making yarn.
- Fork lift operator.
- Repair of needle boards.
Sewing Machine Operator
Whisper Knits
07.1985 - 06.1995
- Adjusted machine settings to ensure proper stitch quality.
- Replaced needles and thread as required to maintain machine function.
- Inspected finished products for defects and made necessary repairs.
- Operated sewing machine to assemble garments according to specifications.
- Loaded and unloaded materials from sewing machines as needed.
- Maintained an organized work area, ensuring efficient access to tools, materials, and supplies for optimal productivity.
- Produced high-quality garments through careful monitoring of stitch quality and consistency.
- Supported performance targets by maintaining clean and neat work areas.
- Met strict deadlines for garment production by efficiently managing workload and prioritizing tasks.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new machinery models as they were introduced into the workshop setting.
- Checked conformance of finished pieces with rulers.
Education
No Degree - Phlebotomy
McDowell Tech Community Collage
Marion, NC04-2025
CNA
AB Tech
Asheville, NC07-2002
Skills
- Food safety
- Kitchen management
- Team management
- Menu development
- Menu planning
- Waste reduction
- Food safety regulations
School
I am currently attending school to achieve my Phlebotomy Certification and I will be finished in April.
Also I have just finished re-cert for CNA and waiting to take stat test as soon as there are opening.
Timeline
Head Chef/kitchen Manger
Asheville Academy for Girls
09.2020 - 09.2024
Lead CNA
Black Mountain Neuro Medical Treatment Center
02.2019 - 09.2020
CNA Scheduler
BMNTC
10.2017 - 02.2019
CNA Supervisor
BMNTC
05.2005 - 10.2017
RAL
BMNTC
04.2003 - 05.2005
CNA
BMNTC
07.2002 - 04.2004
Draw Tender
Beacon Blankets
10.1996 - 09.2001
Sewing Machine Operator
Whisper Knits
07.1985 - 06.1995
No Degree - Phlebotomy
McDowell Tech Community Collage
CNA
AB Tech
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