Desirée Parker Gardner
Professor Of English
Hesperia,CA
Summary
Passionate educator dedicated to creating, implementing and assessing instruction to meet student needs. Analytical individual with outstanding analysis, critical thinking and writing skills. Friendly and personable with skill to stay organized and on top of important deadlines.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Manager
Summit Leadership Academy
Hesperia, CA
12.2014 - Current
- Obtained over $2 million in grant funds to enhance academic programs.
- Participated in Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) school visits and contributed to SLA's WASC self-study report to maintain accreditation.
- Cultivated high-performance team through targeted recruitment efforts, training programs, and performance management systems.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within workplace, promoting supportive environment that fosters collaboration among employees from various backgrounds.
- Improved operational workflows by identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favorable terms for company while maintaining strong relationships.
Director of Safety
Feel Good Brands, LLC
Las Vegas, NV
10.2008 - 01.2015
- Developed company safety program from ground up by creating policy manuals and training materials.
- Increased organization profitability by decreasing average annual workers' compensation claims costs by 80%.
- Enhanced employee awareness on safety practices through regular workshops, presentations, and demonstrations.
- Conducted thorough investigations into workplace accidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Spearheaded incident prevention initiatives by proactively addressing identified areas of concern within workplace environment.
- Served as liaison between employees and management on matters related to workplace safety, fostering environment of trust and mutual understanding.
- Fostered relationships with local occupational healthcare providers to maintain optimal levels of employee care and employee return-to-work programs.
Human Resources Administrator
Gevity HR
Las Vegas, NV
04.2007 - 09.2008
- Prepared and distributed benefits enrollment information to 500+ employees during open enrollment to provide information necessary to make decisions regarding health care.
- Partnered with company management, worker's compensation insurance adjusters and employees to rehabilitate employees as quickly as possible so that may return to work and prevent further indirect costs to company.
- Fielded client and employee questions pertaining to human resources, benefits, payroll and risk to inform and resolve issues.
- Performed monthly and weekly audits to prevent error and expedite resolution of client matters.
- Collected, submitted, reviewed and coordinated payroll delivery to ensure employees are paid accurately and timely.
Education
Master of Arts - English with an Emphasis in Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 03.2023 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 02.2016 - 02.2016
Associate of Arts - Secondary Education
College of Southern Nevada
Henderson, NV 08.2012 - 08.2012
Certificate - Professional Human Resources
Human Resources Certification Institute
06.2008 - 06.2008
Skills
Training & Development
Interpersonal Communication
Grant Writing
Coaching and Mentoring
Decision-Making
Academic Writing
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Google Enterprise for Education)
Coaching and Mentoring
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that all students deserve access to an equitable education that meets them where they are mentally, physically, and spiritually. I set high expectations for all students and am prepared to provide them with the tools, support, and resources necessary to achieve those standards. I also place high value on embracing diversity and connecting content to students' personal interests. Culturally responsive curriculum, fostering a safe and interactive learning environment, and connecting content to the real world, make up the pillars of my teaching philosophy.
References
- Heather Minehart, Dean of Enrollment Services, Barstow Community College
- Victor Allende, Executive Director, Summit Leadership Academy
- Felicia Ceberio, Senior Human Resources Manager, ADP
Timeline
Master of Arts - English with an Emphasis in Education
Grand Canyon University
03.2023 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Grand Canyon University
02.2016 - 02.2016
Business Manager
Summit Leadership Academy
12.2014 - Current
Associate of Arts - Secondary Education
College of Southern Nevada
08.2012 - 08.2012
Director of Safety
Feel Good Brands, LLC
10.2008 - 01.2015
Certificate - Professional Human Resources
Human Resources Certification Institute
06.2008 - 06.2008
Human Resources Administrator
Gevity HR
04.2007 - 09.2008