Diane Howk
Dillsboro,NC
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills. Proven ability to manage household operations and create engaging learning environments, fostering children's development and well-being.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Stay at Home Mom of 8 Children
Howk Family
Dillsboro, NC
12.2010 - Current
- Managed daily household operations, ensuring smooth functioning of family activities and schedules.
- Coordinated educational and recreational activities to promote children's development and learning.
- Developed and maintained budgets for household expenses, optimizing resource allocation effectively.
- Implemented meal planning strategies to enhance nutritional value and reduce food waste.
- Implemented daily routines and activities to stimulate and engage children.
- Read stories, sang songs and facilitated creative play.
- Provided support and guidance to children in conflict resolution.
- Created safe and engaging learning environment for groups of diverse children with various learning styles.
- Facilitated organization of family events, enhancing social skills and community engagement among children.
- Developed lessons and activities to promote children's physical and emotional development.
- Created and implemented activities to promote language development.
In-Home Nanny
Sandi Fischer
Mapleton, MN
03.2001 - 05.2012
- Developed and implemented daily schedules to enhance children's learning and play activities.
- Provided nurturing care in a safe environment, ensuring emotional and physical well-being.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding children's progress and daily activities, building trust and rapport.
- Assisted with homework and school projects, fostering academic growth and confidence in children.
- Managed household responsibilities, including meal preparation and light housekeeping, to maintain a welcoming home environment.
- Adapted caregiving strategies based on individual needs of children, promoting inclusivity and personalized support.
- Fostered a love of learning through interactive educational activities helping children develop curiosity and critical thinking skills.
- Taught children basic life skills, manners, language and personal hygiene.
Sales Associate
Shopko
Mankato, MN
02.2004 - 03.2006
- Facilitated customer transactions efficiently, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring stock levels met customer demand.
- Trained new team members on sales techniques and store policies.
- Developed strong product knowledge to support customer inquiries effectively.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
Direct Support Professional
REM Heartland
Mankato, MN
02.2004 - 03.2006
- Provided direct care and support to individuals with intellectual, cognitive and physical disabilities in daily living activities.
- Developed and implemented personalized care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated support.
- Trained new staff on best practices for client engagement and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and improve client outcomes.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem, dignity and general wellness.
- Medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
Dietary Assistant
Mankato House
Mankato, MN
09.2000 - 09.2005
- Assisted in meal preparation and service, ensuring dietary restrictions were met for residents.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain cleanliness and organization in food preparation areas.
- Supported nutrition team by accurately documenting residents' dietary needs and preferences.
- Trained new dietary assistants on protocols and best practices for food safety and hygiene.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail while completing daily tasks such as taking accurate meal orders from nurses or directly from patients when necessary.
- Ensured food safety standards were met by adhering to proper storage, handling, and sanitation procedures.
- Enhanced team efficiency through effective communication with kitchen staff, dietitians, and nursing personnel.
- Collaborated with dietitians to develop specialized menus for patients with specific dietary requirements, resulting in better overall health outcomes.
- Arranged tray and or table settings with proper tableware, condiments, and tray card.
- Kept all kitchen areas clean, tidy and free of hazards.
- Washed plates, cups, serving, and eating utensils and kitchen equipment in commercial dishwasher.
- Set and cleared tables and removed dishes, trays, and utensils from dining room to dishwashing area.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Spanish Language And Literature
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN05-2008
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management and multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Caring and responsible
- Punctual and reliable
- Organizational skills
- Active listening and thoughtful responses
- Verbal and written communication
- Positive reinforcement
- Emotional support
- Adaptability and teachable
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Stay at Home Mom of 8 Children
Howk Family
12.2010 - Current
Sales Associate
Shopko
02.2004 - 03.2006
Direct Support Professional
REM Heartland
02.2004 - 03.2006
In-Home Nanny
Sandi Fischer
03.2001 - 05.2012
Dietary Assistant
Mankato House
09.2000 - 09.2005
Bachelor of Science - Spanish Language And Literature
Minnesota State University, Mankato