Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Elaina Weddell-Benson

Clinton Township,MI

Summary

Professional in animal care and training, with track record of improving canine behavior and obedience. Skilled in developing personalized training plans and fostering strong bonds between dogs and their owners. Known for reliable teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Dog Trainer

PetSmart
07.2024 - Current
  • Assisted in developing training plans tailored to individual dog needs.
  • Implemented basic obedience commands to enhance canine behavior.
  • Observed and recorded dog progress to adjust training techniques.
  • Engaged with dog owners to provide guidance on proper handling methods.
  • Employed positive reinforcement strategies to promote desired behaviors.
  • Attended workshops to expand knowledge of canine psychology and training methods.
  • Maintained clean training arena for group classes.
  • Instructed owners and dogs on basic obedience commands using different techniques to match dogs' drives for reward.
  • Consulted with owners to discuss behavioral concerns and determine final goals.
  • Strengthened relationships between handlers and working dogs by facilitating bonding exercises designed to build trust and mutual understanding.
  • Watched dogs for triggers, signs of aggression and pack behaviors to formulate possible solutions.
  • Increased client retention by establishing trust and rapport with both dogs and their owners throughout the training process.
  • Developed individualized plans for addressing aggression issues, improving safety within clients'' homes and communities.
  • Addressed separation anxiety issues in dogs by implementing gradual acclimatization strategies, reducing stress for pets and owners.

Hostess

Red Lobster
03.2024 - 06.2024
  • Greeted and seated guests promptly, ensuring positive first impressions.
  • Managed waitlist efficiently, optimizing table turnover and guest satisfaction.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and accuracy of orders.
  • Assisted in training new hosts on customer service standards and restaurant protocols.
  • Monitored dining area for cleanliness and ambiance, enhancing overall guest experience.
  • Resolved guest concerns quickly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
  • Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
  • Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
  • Proactively assisted servers during busy times, helping to expedite food delivery and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction throughout their meal.
  • Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
  • Seated patrons based on guest preferences and seating availability.
  • Backed up servers by checking on tables and retrieving items for guests.
  • Opened and closed seating sections according to volume of guests.

Edutainment

Sea Life Aquarium
06.2023 - 09.2023
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Made learning about our oceans and the creatures in them safe and fun!
  • Ensured the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our care.

Front Desk Receptionist

Ramada Inn
02.2022 - 06.2023
  • Greeted and assisted visitors, enhancing customer service experience.
  • Managed multi-line phone system, directing calls to appropriate departments.
  • Scheduled appointments and maintained calendar for staff and clients.
  • Processed incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring efficient communication flow.
  • Coordinated with various departments to support office operations effectively.
  • Resolved client inquiries promptly, improving overall satisfaction rates.
  • Utilized office software for data entry and record keeping tasks efficiently.
  • Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
  • Maintained organized and clean front office area to create professional and welcoming environment for visitors and employees.
  • Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
  • Completed all tasks in compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive data to protect customer and business information.
  • Resolved billing discrepancies promptly with thorough attention to detail, fostering trust between clients and the organization.
  • Reviewed security cameras for guest and client safety.

Customer Service Representative

McDonald's
03.2020 - 04.2021
  • Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and complaints efficiently.
  • Managed cash register operations, ensuring accurate transactions and balanced drawers.
  • Trained new team members on operational procedures and customer engagement techniques.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to enhance customer experience.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline order preparation and reduce wait times.
  • Handled high-volume customer interactions while maintaining professionalism under pressure.
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
  • Assisted customers in navigating company website and placing online orders, improving overall user experience.

Kennel Technician

Veterinarian's Blood Bank
02.2019 - 04.2019
  • Administered daily care routines for animals, ensuring health and safety standards were met.
  • Monitored animal behavior and reported any concerns to veterinary staff promptly.
  • Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of kennel facilities.
  • Implemented feeding schedules, adapting to individual dietary requirements of animals.
  • Developed enrichment activities, enhancing animal well-being and engagement during stays.
  • Conducted regular safety inspections of kennels, identifying potential hazards and taking corrective action as needed.
  • Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.

To-Go Specialist

Chili's Bar and Grill
06.2018 - 01.2019
  • Prepared and packaged to-go orders efficiently, ensuring accuracy and quality for customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain streamlined order processing during peak hours.
  • Managed inventory levels, assisting in stock replenishment to prevent shortages and maintain service flow.
  • Trained new employees on best practices for order preparation and customer interaction protocols.
  • Assisted in resolving customer inquiries and issues related to takeout orders, ensuring positive experiences.
  • Monitored food safety standards during order assembly, contributing to compliance with health regulations.
  • Organized workspace effectively to improve efficiency and reduce wait times for customers picking up orders.
  • Handled high-stress situations gracefully, resolving customer concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Answered to-go order phone calls, conveying menu options over telephone and accurately estimating time of delivery.
  • Operated cash register to accept cash, debit and credit card payments from customers.
  • Maintained a clean and inviting pickup area, contributing to a positive customer experience.
  • Increased drink, appetizers, entree, and dessert orders by suggestively selling daily specials or popular items.
  • Maintained clean, sanitary work station by removing trash, sweeping floors and wiping down countertops.
  • Addressed any special dietary requests or accommodations made by customers while placing their orders with precision.

Sandwich Artist

Subway
08.2016 - 02.2017
  • Prepared high-quality sandwiches according to customer specifications and company standards.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, adhering to food safety regulations.
  • Assisted in training new team members on proper sandwich preparation techniques and customer service protocols.
  • Managed inventory by tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure optimal stock levels.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving complaints efficiently.
  • Monitored food freshness and quality, ensuring compliance with health standards and company policies.
  • Greeted guests, promoted specials, and took orders.
  • Operated the cash register with accuracy, ensuring proper handling of transactions.
  • Demonstrated flexibility by covering shifts when needed, ensuring consistent staffing levels for optimal operation.
  • Promoted hygiene practices within the team by consistently following food safety guidelines and regulations.
  • Organized freezers, refrigerators and storage rooms by receiving, recording, and moving food and beverage supplies and products.
  • Built rapport with regular customers by remembering their names and preferred orders, fostering a welcoming environment.
  • Helped with food preparation.

Education

High School Diploma -

Medora Jr. & Sr. High School
Medora, IN
05.2018

Skills

  • Creative problem solving
  • Obedience training
  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Dog body language interpretation
  • Continuing education commitment
  • Customer service
  • Effective multitasking
  • Patience and empathy
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Payment processing
  • Exceptional communication

Interests

  • Horseback Riding
  • Gardening
  • Volunteering
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Photography
  • Creative Writing
  • Music
  • Cooking

Timeline

Dog Trainer

PetSmart
07.2024 - Current

Hostess

Red Lobster
03.2024 - 06.2024

Edutainment

Sea Life Aquarium
06.2023 - 09.2023

Front Desk Receptionist

Ramada Inn
02.2022 - 06.2023

Customer Service Representative

McDonald's
03.2020 - 04.2021

Kennel Technician

Veterinarian's Blood Bank
02.2019 - 04.2019

To-Go Specialist

Chili's Bar and Grill
06.2018 - 01.2019

Sandwich Artist

Subway
08.2016 - 02.2017

High School Diploma -

Medora Jr. & Sr. High School