Eliza Pyles
Pearisburg
Summary
Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a focus on Mental Health and Counseling. Experienced in supervisory roles, training coordination, administrative tasks, scheduling, record keeping, and reception duties. Demonstrates strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Proven ability to work independently and quickly acquire new skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Olive Garden
Christiansburg
09.2025 - Current
- Delivered food and beverages promptly to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Provided excellent customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas throughout shifts.
- Resolved guest concerns swiftly to uphold a positive atmosphere.
- Took orders accurately and in a timely manner to ensure efficiency.
- Operated POS terminals for order input, bill splitting, and total calculation.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to increase revenue.
Cook/ Teachers Aid
The Imagination Station
Pearisburg
07.2025 - 09.2025
- Prepared meals adhering to established recipes and safety standards.
- Managed kitchen inventory and ordered supplies as necessary.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of food preparation areas.
- Collaborated with team members for timely meal service delivery.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils, and dishes effectively.
- Wrapped, dated, and labeled food items for safety and freshness.
- Implemented classroom behavior management strategies to promote a positive environment.
- Supported children in developing social skills through engaging group activities.
Training Coordinator
New River Valley Regional Jail
Dublin
05.2017 - 07.2025
- Credentialed by Department of Criminal Justice as Basic Jailor, Field Training Officer, PREA Investigator, General Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor.
- Coordinated scheduling of training sessions and workshops for staff.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate training effectiveness and participant understanding.
- Collaborated with department leaders to align training with organizational goals.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions for new employees across various departments.
- Provided support to trainers in delivering engaging and informative content.
- Maintained records of training activities and participant progress for compliance reporting.
- Supported onboarding of new employees by hosting orientation sessions.
- Maintained accurate records of all trainings conducted.
- Managed training calendars to inform participants of upcoming training session topics and dates.
- Developed training materials and documents such as manuals, handouts, exercises and facilitator guides.
- Evaluated employee performance before, during, and after training sessions.
- Coordinated with subject matter experts to develop effective training content.
- Updated existing curriculums based on changes in technology or industry standards.
- Facilitated group discussions among trainees regarding topics covered during a session.
- Ensured that all necessary equipment was available prior to a session commencing.
- Collaborated with department heads to tailor training programs to specific job roles and functions.
- Facilitated team-building exercises to enhance workplace collaboration and morale.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of training trends, developments, and best practices.
- Utilized learning management systems (LMS) to administer online training and track employee progress.
- Implemented diversity and inclusion training programs to foster an equitable workplace environment.
- Supervised daily operations and enforced facility policies and procedures.
- Conducted regular inspections to ensure safety and security compliance.
- Coordinated inmate movements and monitored interactions within facility areas.
- Trained new staff on protocols, safety measures, and emergency procedures.
- Managed incident reports and maintained accurate documentation of activities.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and external agencies during emergencies.
- Led shift briefings to communicate updates, concerns, and operational changes.
- Resolved conflicts among inmates by applying de-escalation techniques effectively.
- Supervised subordinate officers in their daily duties.
- Reviewed incident reports and other documentation submitted by subordinates.
- Diffused disruptive behavior by verbal interventions.
- Enforced discipline among inmates according to established rules and regulations.
- Communicated information regarding security, safety and operations through chain of command.
- Investigated allegations of misconduct by inmates and staff members.
- Searched building and grounds, living quarters and work areas for contraband.
- Briefed superiors of incidents and misconduct and recommended disciplinary actions.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving riots, hostage situations, escapes or other critical events.
- Conducted daily briefings to pass on pertinent info to oncoming shifts.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior management to discuss operational needs and objectives.
- Supervised visitation and checked visitors for proper identification and contraband.
- Received and inspected mail and property from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Implemented defensive tactics and physical restraints to maintain safety and security of personnel and general public.
- Conducted urinalysis tests on staff and inmates to test for illicit drugs.
- Collaborated with medical personnel in determining appropriate treatment plans for mentally ill inmates.
- Established effective working relationships with local law enforcement agencies when necessary.
- Used weapons, handcuffs and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
- Conducted scheduled headcounts to verify presence of prisoners.
- Maintained order in building and on grounds of prison.
- Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
- Assigned and monitored training needs of subordinate staff members to close knowledge and performance gaps.
- Recorded prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.
Production Line
Karona Candles
Dublin
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Server, Cook, Ran Till
Pizza Plus
Rich Creek
08.2011 - 08.2016
- Served food and beverages to customers in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and service stations.
- Trained new servers on restaurant procedures and customer service standards.
- Processed payments accurately using point-of-sale system.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
Cashier/Lawn and Garden
Wal-Mart
Pearisburg
04.2013 - 07.2013
- Processed customer transactions efficiently at a high-volume retail environment.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided excellent service.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer and balanced funds at shift end.
- Maintained cleanliness of checkout area including countertops, registers, windowsills and floors.
- Issued receipts, refunds, credits or change due to customers.
- Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
- Worked closely with front-end staff to assist customers.
Nurses Aid
Country View Assisted Living
Peterstown
06.2012 - 04.2013
- Assisted residents with daily living activities and personal hygiene needs.
- Provided companionship and emotional support to enhance residents' well-being.
- Assisted in transferring and repositioning residents safely to prevent injuries.
- Documented care provided in resident records accurately and timely.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
Production assembly
Identification International Inc.
Blacksburg
06.2011 - 08.2011
- Inspected products for quality and compliance with specifications.
- Assembled components according to established procedures and safety protocols.
- Organized production line equipment and materials for assembly tasks.
- Rotated through various positions on the assembly line as needed by management.
- Cleaned tools, equipment, and workstations as needed throughout shift.
- Communicated effectively with team members regarding production goals and objectives.
- Inspected incoming raw materials prior to use in order to ensure quality assurance.
- Stacked finished products onto pallets in preparation for shipment from the facility.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire01.2026
Skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and supervision
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Customer service
- Training development
- Multitasking and organization
- Record keeping
- First aid and CPR certification
- Critical thinking
Certification
Certified through the Department of Criminal Justice for Basic Jailor, Field Training Officer, PREA Investigator, General Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor
Awards
- Received 4 Commendations for saving lives while employed at New River Valley Regional Jail
- Certification of recognition as a member of the 2025 Virginia Association of Regional Jails Training Committee
References
Available upon request.
Leadership Experience
I was one of the booking Sergeant’s on my shift as well as a housing Sergeant. I was a supervisor of up to twenty-five officers for 4 years and supervised 800-900 inmates for 8 years. This gave me excellent conflict resolution skills and problem-solving skills. When I transferred to a Training Coordinator I was over the new hires and had to help lead and train them. I was also a Field Training Officer and would be responsible for trainees.
Communication Skills
I have excellent communication skills. From working in a Jail for 8 years, all the way to serving tables, I have encountered a vast variety of people with different religions, diverse cultural backgrounds, and different cultural norms. I can diffuse situations with just communication, listening, empathy, and understanding. This helped me gain critical thinking skills and interpersonal communication skills in a fast-paced, very high-stressed atmosphere.
Timeline
Server
Olive Garden
09.2025 - Current
Cook/ Teachers Aid
The Imagination Station
07.2025 - 09.2025
Training Coordinator
New River Valley Regional Jail
05.2017 - 07.2025
Production Line
Karona Candles
08.2016 - 04.2017
Cashier/Lawn and Garden
Wal-Mart
04.2013 - 07.2013
Nurses Aid
Country View Assisted Living
06.2012 - 04.2013
Server, Cook, Ran Till
Pizza Plus
08.2011 - 08.2016
Production assembly
Identification International Inc.
06.2011 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University