Donna Smith-Thrall
Molalla,OR
Summary
Seasoned Lead Cook with a proven track record at Molalla Manor Care Facility, showcasing expertise in kitchen management and menu development. Elevates culinary standards through innovative recipe creation and meticulous food presentation, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards. Demonstrates exceptional leadership in guiding teams towards enhancing service quality and efficiency, with a keen focus on allergy awareness and special diets.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead First Cook
Molalla Manor Care Facility
Molalla, OR
05.2020 - 09.2024
- Trained, managed and guided kitchen staff to improve overall performance, service quality and productivity.
- Resolved conflicts between team members when required.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Adhered to all health codes and sanitation guidelines while preparing meals.
- Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
Lead First Cook
Avamere Rehabilitation of Oregon City
Oregon City, OR
01.2017 - 05.2020
- Prepared special food and liquid textures.
- Adhered to all health codes and sanitation guidelines while preparing meals.
- Took inventory counts before and after shifts to complete food inventory or storage sheets.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator.
- Provided guidance to junior staff regarding any issues they may have encountered while working in the kitchen.
Lead Cook
Gilman Park Assisted Living
Oregon City, OR
03.2015 - 05.2020
- Washed, sliced, peeled and cut various foods to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
- Stood in for other members of kitchen staff.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant laws and regulations regarding food safety.
- Optimized kitchen processes to increase efficiency and reduce order preparation times.
- Conducted regular quality control checks to ensure all dishes met hygiene and taste standards.
- Double-checked plated meals for last-minute changes before sending to dining room.
- Provided guidance during meal rushes in order to maintain an organized workflow within the kitchen area.
Lead Cook
Homewood Heights Assisted Living
Milwaukie, OR
09.2005 - 03.2015
- Developed and executed menu items, maintaining consistency with restaurant's culinary standards.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant laws and regulations regarding food safety.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies of customers.
- Optimized kitchen processes to increase efficiency and reduce order preparation times.
- Experimented with new recipes and ingredients to refresh menu offerings.
- Double-checked plated meals for last-minute changes before sending to dining room.
- Assessed staff performance and provided constructive feedback and training.
- Provided guidance during meal rushes in order to maintain an organized workflow within the kitchen area.
Education
High School Diploma -
Canby Union Highschool
Canby, Oregon06-1978
Skills
- Ingredient knowledge
- Kitchen management
- Menu development
- Food storage
- Allergy awareness
- Cooking techniques
- Food presentation
- Garnishing techniques
- Special diets
- Sanitation standards
- Recipe creation
- Portion control
- Food plating
- Waste reduction
- Recipe-based cooking
- Hospitality service expertise
Certification
- Current foodhandler card
Accomplishments
- Flawless attendance records. 25+ years of experience.
Timeline
Lead First Cook
Molalla Manor Care Facility
05.2020 - 09.2024
Lead First Cook
Avamere Rehabilitation of Oregon City
01.2017 - 05.2020
Lead Cook
Gilman Park Assisted Living
03.2015 - 05.2020
Lead Cook
Homewood Heights Assisted Living
09.2005 - 03.2015
- Current foodhandler card
High School Diploma -
Canby Union Highschool
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