Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Elissa McQuarry

135 Maryland Ave, Palmyra

Summary

Strategic communicator with experience at both Jefferson Health and Yard House, combining professional writing skills with real-world interpersonal experience. Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively across diverse settings, whether crafting inclusive content or navigating fast-paced, customer-facing environments. Skilled in collaborative problem-solving, cross-team coordination, and delivering messages that resonate, and build trust.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Restaurant Hostess

Yard House
Moorestown
02.2022 - 05.2025
  • Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
  • Assigned patrons to tables suitable for their needs and restaurant section rotation.
  • Accommodated special seating requests for guests to enhance satisfaction.
  • Greeted customers warmly upon arrival, and provided a friendly and warm presence throughout their dining experience.
  • Answered incoming calls with appropriate greeting and provided information about menu items or services offered.

Internal Communications Specialist

Jefferson Health
Philadelphia
05.2024 - 08.2024
  • Developed and formatted engaging content for the Jefferson One website, and enterprise-wide email communications.
  • Designed strategic communication plans aimed at improving long-term efficiency and consistency.
  • Gained insight into the impact of language choice and tone across various communication formats.
  • Communicated clearly and inclusively, ensuring messages were accessible and transparent for diverse audiences. Including the health and university side.
  • Actively contributed to both virtual (Zoom) and on-site meetings, offering input and support during collaborative discussions.
  • Took an active role in preparing and delivering monthly presentations, gaining hands-on experience in professional communication settings.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Teams to support daily communication, scheduling, and collaborative work.

Dog Daycare Supervisor

Absolute Control Dog Training (ACDT)
Medford
10.2020 - 01.2021
  • Gave animals proper attention to promote a secure environment in the owner's absence.
  • Managed pet safety and wellness in the owners' absence.
  • Exercised animals regularly with walks, and fun play activities.
  • Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email, and text.
  • Assisted in the training of new staff to ensure quality care and service.
  • Managed check-in and check-out processes, ensuring accurate record-keeping.

Restaurant Hostess

Robins Nest
Mount Holly
10.2016 - 03.2020
  • Delivered quick service to drive a positive dining experience, and maintained connections with repeat customer visits.
  • I watched the dining area staff to evaluate server loads and calculate accurate wait times.
  • I took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed customers of accurate wait times.
  • Prepared the dining room for service by cleaning, organizing tables, and placing table settings.
  • Communicated with servers about new tables, changes in food availability and customer comments.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communication

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
05.2026

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Computer Efficiency
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Active listening
  • Organizational skills
  • Complex problem solving
  • Strategic communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Content creation
  • Verbal and written communication

Certification

  • Empathy at work -LinkedIn
  • Improve Presentations and Executive Presence -LinkedIn

Timeline

Internal Communications Specialist

Jefferson Health
05.2024 - 08.2024

Restaurant Hostess

Yard House
02.2022 - 05.2025

Dog Daycare Supervisor

Absolute Control Dog Training (ACDT)
10.2020 - 01.2021

Restaurant Hostess

Robins Nest
10.2016 - 03.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Communication

Rutgers University