Elise Smith

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Design and implement marketing materials for VISTA programs to increase volunteer interest and community engagement.
• Promote the AmeriCorps VISTA mission through public speaking engagements and outreach activities, raising awareness of program outcomes and community impact.
• Organize and lead workshops and events, such as the Stop Traffick Walk and webinars, to amplify real-life experiences, share actionable prevention strategies, and raise awareness about human trafficking.
• Educate community members on strategies for social change, facilitating discussions and encouraging civic engagement.
• Oversee social media platforms, increasing online engagement through targeted content strategies.

Resource Accessibility and Referral Support

• Enhance resource accessibility for underserved communities by coordinating cash and in-kind donations and implementing donor engagement strategies.
• Refer community members to specific programs and departments within the Dream Network and Short Creek Dream Center, connecting them to housing, employment opportunities, and critical resources.
• Address food insecurity by coordinating food pantry partnerships to provide consistent support to community members.

Program Development and Capacity Building

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to boost program visibility, volunteer participation, and brand engagement.
• Strengthen local partnerships by actively attending meetings and collaborating with nonprofits and community organizations to expand program reach.
• Facilitate connections between job seekers and employers through networking events and media channels, including conducting internship interviews.
• Create public relations and advertising materials to promote programs and enhance their reach across the state for facility expansion.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Coordinate guest speakers and facilitate workshops or events to address critical topics and meet diverse community needs.
• Organize and execute community outreach events, increasing engagement and awareness of available services and programs.
• Develop customized art therapy projects, incorporating participant interests to improve engagement and therapeutic outcomes.

Reporting and Strategic Planning

• Author comprehensive reports detailing program impact, supporting data-driven strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Collaborate on strategic planning efforts, aligning short- and long-term goals with organizational priorities.
• Implement volunteer tracking tools to enhance resource allocation, program efficiency, and volunteer retention.
• Support grant writing efforts by providing materials, video scripts, editing, and publishing contributions to secure additional funding for community programs.

Training and Policy Implementation

• Train new VISTA member and supervisor in AmeriCorps policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and quality across all projects.
• Serve as a liaison between organizational departments and supervisors, fostering collaboration and ensuring productive communication.

Donor Appreciation and Marketing

• Plan and execute donor appreciation initiatives, such as personalized thank-you notes, branded gifts, and informational materials.
• Design impactful marketing campaigns to highlight program successes and encourage ongoing donor support.
• Develop and distribute digital and print content showcasing organizational achievements and community impact.
• Manage donor communication through newsletters, emails, and social media, ensuring consistent engagement and relationship-building.
• Create visual assets using tools like Canva to align with branding and increase outreach effectiveness.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Advocated for the organization’s mission to raise awareness and expand support into new and underserved areas.
• Built partnerships with companies and organizations to amplify the impact of volunteer and community initiatives.
• Planned and executed special events to engage the community, increase visibility, and align with organizational objectives.

Volunteer Program Development and Oversight

• Developed and implemented volunteer policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and program standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Recruited and trained new volunteers, aligning them with the organization’s mission and program objectives.
• Managed the volunteer calendar, ensuring coverage for key roles and handling scheduling gaps.
• Monitored volunteer performance, addressing issues and ensuring adherence to policies and expectations.

Executive and Operational Leadership

• Served as the sole employee, overseeing daily operations and managing all aspects of the organization.
• Set organizational goals and objectives to guide focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
• Facilitated strategy development and planning in collaboration with cross-functional teams, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collected and responded to user feedback to continuously improve site structure, social media presence, and public-facing materials.

Animal Care and Facility Management

• Oversaw the maintenance of ranch facilities, including cleaning stables, repairing equipment, and ensuring animal living spaces met health and safety standards.
• Managed the care of equines, goats, canines, and felines, including brushing, walking, and monitoring health needs.
• Taught younger volunteers proper animal handling techniques to promote safety and humane treatment.

Client Relations and Customer Service

• Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring client satisfaction and fostering long-term retention through personalized attention and care.
• Answered questions and cross-sold grooming, lodging, and daycare services, providing detailed explanations of pricing and offerings.
• Resolved customer concerns professionally and efficiently, building trust and strengthening client relationships.
• Educated visitors and staff on proper animal care, handling, and grooming techniques to promote safe and humane practices.

Animal Grooming and Health Maintenance

• Delivered high-quality grooming services, including breed-specific clips for Poodles, Schnauzers, and Yorkshire Terriers.
• Performed specialized grooming tasks such as undercoat removal, de-shedding, dematting, and hair trimming for paws, ears, and tear-stain cleaning.
• Administered grooming health services, including nail trimming, plaque removal, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression to ensure pet health and comfort.
• Maintained coats by implementing regular washing, brushing, and trimming schedules tailored to individual pet needs.
• Recommended and applied appropriate grooming products for sensitive skin or breed-specific requirements.

Animal Care and Behavior Management

• Monitored animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury, notifying owners and seeking veterinary care when necessary.
• Assisted with the development and implementation of behavior modification plans to improve animal welfare and safety.
• Administered medications and treatments prescribed by veterinarians, ensuring adherence to care protocols.
• Designed and executed enrichment plans to keep animals mentally and physically stimulated, promoting overall well-being.
• Provided compassionate care for sick or injured animals, maintaining detailed records of treatment and progress.

Facility and Inventory Management

• Maintained clean, organized, and hygienic environments for animals, including cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas.
• Conducted routine safety inspections of equipment and facilities, promptly addressing issues to ensure optimal operations.
• Managed inventory levels, ordered supplies, and ensured timely replenishment to meet organizational needs.
• Documented animals’ weight, size, and condition in the computer system for comprehensive tracking and review.
• Trained and mentored junior staff and volunteers in facility maintenance and animal care protocols.

Leadership and Problem-Solving

• Acted as a point of contact for escalated issues, resolving conflicts between clients, staff, and animals with professionalism.
• Designed workflows to optimize grooming schedules and ensure efficient use of resources and time.
• Introduced new care protocols and procedures to enhance animal well-being and staff productivity.

Resident Support and Engagement

• Facilitated residents' daily needs by researching medical groups, arranging transportation, and assisting with daily living activities.
• Provided information on Brookdale activities and events, fostering resident participation and community engagement.
• Scheduled reservations for visitations, fitness classes, and movie theater events to enhance resident experiences.
• Assisted residents with emergencies, swiftly responding to pager alerts and offering support until emergency services arrived.

Customer Service and Communication

• Explained security policies and procedures to visitors and staff, promoting confidence and ensuring safety.
• Remedied issues promptly and effectively using active listening, conflict resolution, and dynamic communication skills.
• Answered multi-line phone systems to respond to inquiries, transfer calls, and assist with sales and management concerns.
• Educated residents and visitors about property amenities, including restaurants, fitness centers, and community activities, to acclimate them to an independent environment.

Administrative and Security Operations

• Managed scheduling and coordination for appointments, transportation, and local shopping trips.
• Protected guest valuables by maintaining secure storage in the main safe or individual safety boxes.
• Monitored and enforced security protocols, handling emergency situations with professionalism and discretion.

• Measure each and every patient pulse oximetry daily along with document vital signs and health history each day for 219 residents within 7 hours. Report any unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to Brookdale director.
• Determine resident's needs by asking relevant questions and listening actively to responses. Follow up with family members and coworkers.
• Offer assistance to resident's requests, or observe efficiently to offer assistance with technology, medication bottles, and other everyday tasks that may come up.
• Explain new and consistently changing Covid19 procedures to residents to reduce anxieties and increase cooperation.
• Sanitize handrails, tables, chairs, and other frequently touched surfaces with approved covid19 sanitizer.

Client Support and Employment Development

• Assisted clients in identifying potential vocations by building application documents, including resumes tailored to their skills and career goals.
• Matched clients to open positions that aligned with their skill sets and work requirements.
• Conducted assessments, interviews, and job trials to develop person-centered employment plans and provided monthly progress reports to the Ohio Department of Disabilities.
• Recognized employment barriers for clients and devised personalized strategies to overcome them, ensuring sustainable job placements.

Business and Community Engagement

• Organized and cultivated partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create diverse job trial opportunities for clients.
• Developed and maintained relationships with diverse businesses to establish competitive and permanent job opportunities for clients.
• Represented clients at job fairs to gather information and connect prospective job seekers with opportunities.
• Fostered collaboration between employers and clients to promote workplace inclusivity and long-term success.

Training and Workforce Management

• Trained managers on coaching and disciplinary strategies to improve employee performance and retention.
• Planned, monitored, and appraised employee work results to ensure alignment with client and organizational goals.

Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities

• Maintained detailed records of consumer employment activities, including current and potential employers, to track progress and identify opportunities.
• Delivered detailed monthly reports to the Ohio Department of Disabilities on client progress and employment outcomes.

Junior Clinic Administrator

• Managed daily cash box operations, ensuring accurate handling of receipts and financial reconciliation.
• Conducted incident interviews and prepared detailed reports to address workplace occurrences.
• Facilitated therapist evaluations through practice sessions to ensure service quality met organizational standards.
• Designed and maintained spreadsheets and task lists to streamline administrative processes.
• Organized front lobby, office, storage, and break room areas to uphold a professional and efficient work environment.

Sales Associate

• Scheduled and confirmed customized client appointments tailored to muscle ache relief and skin care concerns.
• Communicated membership activity, benefits, and wellness program details to current and prospective clients.
• Educated guests on product knowledge and promotions, driving sales and enhancing engagement.
• Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering a welcoming environment and ensuring client satisfaction.

Advisory Team Member

• Contributed to the creation and implementation of the Advisory Team to address therapist burnout and improve team morale.
• Developed strategies to enhance communication and foster team-building efforts among staff.
• Trained and reviewed new hires, providing performance feedback and aligning team members with organizational values.
• Mediated guest complaints, resolving issues promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
• Participated in monthly management meetings to align team goals with company objectives and implement supportive measures.

• Greeted pet owners and performed intakes to go over array of available services, outline costs and determine special needs of animal while in care.
• Maintained and updated daily log of time spent with dogs for calculating payments, itemizing activities and services provided.
• Collected animal waste produced on walks and discarded in trash or approved receptacles.
• Led dogs away from hazards, obstacles and other animals to protect safety.

• Supervised server balance and monitored table turnover to accurately seat customers and keep customers happy.
• Cultivated positive guest relations by managing information and orchestrating speedy seating.
• Stayed in open communication with kitchen team to assess cooking times, avoid worker overload and minimize customer dissatisfaction.
• Checked each food item for freshness and provided feedback to kitchen supervisor for removal.
• Prepared food items to meet recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
• Received food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete entire order together and serve hot.