Essence Butler
Dallas,GA
Summary
Adept at kitchen equipment operation and fostering teamwork, I excelled at WellStar Kennestone Hospital by ensuring top-notch food safety and customer satisfaction. My culinary artistry and positive attitude enhanced dining experiences, contributing to a high customer satisfaction rate. My background also includes diverse roles that sharpened my problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Marietta, GA
01.2023 - Current
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Checked quality of ingredients before use in order to ensure freshness.
- Ensured that all food was cooked at the correct temperature and stored correctly.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces and salads.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator.
- Interacted with waitstaff regarding special orders for customers with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
Enlisted Soldier/92G Culinary Specialist
National Guard
GA
01.2019 - Current
- Changed and sanitized all cutting boards, benches and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination
- Safely used kitchen equipment such as Knives and Hot Pans, effectively reducing injuries and burns 0%
- Prepared food items to meet recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines
- Sanitized kitchen surfaces and equipment by cleaning grills, griddles, ovens and fryers
- Cultivated excellent worth ethic, dedication to duty and timeliness in work actions.
- Followed orders and carried out mission directives with professionalism and compassion despite chaotic and emotionally stressful circumstances.
- Worked in small groups to accomplish complex goals within tight deadlines and standards.
- Provided tactical and technical guidance to facilitate unit duties.
- Developed expertise in small arms use, care and accountability.
- Displayed leadership in accomplishing assignments and learning new skills.
- Used rifles, machine guns and other weapons to suppress enemy forces during warfare.
- Conducted training to improve troops' abilities.
- Responded immediately to routine and critical accidents, incidents and other emergencies.
- Remained attentive to detail and committed to accurate and thorough responses to expressed culinary and service needs.
- Managed nutrition labeling process and execution and verified accuracy and alignment with ingredient database.
- Developed nutritious menus and ordered variety of healthy food to change up menu offerings.
- Cleaned, sanitized and maintained food storage, preparation and serving areas.
- Checked stock deliveries for safety, quality and quantity.
Prep Cook/Cook
Red Lobster
Douglasville, GA
12.2021 - 09.2022
- Organized and labeled stock of ingredients to maintain needed inventory levels.
- Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing.
- Measured and weighed food items to comply with portion requirements.
- Maintained clean and orderly kitchen by regularly washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces and taking out trash.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Utilized excellent knife skills to chop and slice vegetables and carve and grind meats and cheeses.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
- Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
- Requested supplies and equipment orders, explaining needs to managers.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
- Dressed, seasoned and garnished appetizers and salads to prepare for food service.
- Helped train and develop new talent.
- Operated grills and steamers to prepare vegetables, potatoes, rice and meats.
- Completed special orders according to customer dietary needs.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
Package Handler
FedEx
Kennesaw, GA
12.2021 - 01.2022
- Assisted in loading delivery trucks with prepared packages.
- Loaded completed orders on pallets according to delivery numbers.
- Resolved conveyor system issues by clearing jams and blockages.
- Picked products using RF scanner to fill orders.
- Braced, padded and supported items in packages to prevent shifting and damages.
- Scanned and sorted packages according to destinations and service type using handheld scanner.
- Sorted packages to appropriate slide, line or belt for final distribution.
- Recorded numbers of units handled or moved on daily production sheets or work tickets.
- Tracked parcel movement using hand-held scanners and daily production sheets to keep records accurate.
- Examined and inspected containers, materials and products to meet packing specifications.
- Loaded and unloaded shipments from trucks and picked up and moved heavy packages and items using forklifts.
Crew Member
Wendy’s
Acworth, GA
01.2020 - 03.2021
- Served food quickly for positive guest experiences.
- Packed fast food products in approved containers, cups and bags.
- Presented orders to guests within anticipated service times.
- Entered orders into computer system to send order details to kitchen, mentioning customers' special requests and food allergies in person.
- Kept restaurant lobby, front counter and restrooms neat and clean throughout shift.
- Wiped down tables and equipment, swept and refilled stock.
- Organized and restocked supplies to support operations and team productivity.
- Processed cash and credit card payments, promptly returning receipts, coin, bills and payment cards to customers.
- Restocked napkins, condiments and utensils at self-service areas during slow periods.
- Processed payments on cash register and counted back bills and change to patrons.
- Maintained safe food handling practices to prevent germ spread.
- Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.
- Served food and beverages at take-out counters to provide fast service to waiting guests.
- Talked pleasantly with customers while taking orders and promoted positive image for business.
- Warmly greeted visitors to promote great customer service and positive ordering experience.
- Packaged menu items into bags or trays and placed drink orders into carriers.
Home Health Aide
Private Duty
Dallas, GA
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Documented care provided and submitted notes to supervisor.
- Followed HIPAA regulations to maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient information.
- Assisted clients with bathing, dressing and incontinence care.
- Accompanied clients to doctors' offices and on other trips outside home, providing transportation, assistance and companionship.
- Assisted with client personal care needs to foster independence and well-being.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Recognized emergency situations and implemented appropriate procedures.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Managed patient transportation and appointment scheduling.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Monitored client behaviors and emotional states, reporting concerns to case manager and documenting information in files.
- Organized and administered medications on schedules to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Helped clients stay happy and healthy by providing mental and emotional support.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Prepared high-quality nutritious meals for patients to promote better overall health and improve eating habits.
- Cared for patients by assisting with personal hygiene tasks and completing basic household chores.
Education
CMAA Certification - CMAA
MedCerts
Remote12.2024
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts : Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA09.2022
High School Diploma -
East Paulding High School
Dallas, GA05.2019
Skills
- Kitchen Equipment Operation
- Safe Food Handling
- Recipe Preparation
- Dish Preparation
- Kitchen Operations
- Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
- Food Preparation
- Proper Portioning
- Food Storage
- Customer Service
- Plating and Presentation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Cutting and Slicing Techniques
- Kitchen Sanitation
- Attention to Detail
- Cleaning and Organization
- Culinary Art
- Team Building
- Problem-Solving
- Willingness to Learn
- Positive Attitude
- Kitchen Staff Support
- Seafood Preparation
- Food Portioning and Packaging
- Weighing and Measuring
- Tray Assembly
- Sauce and Dressing Creation
- Food Service
- Food Presentation
- Food Handler Certification
- CMAA Certification
Accomplishments
- Promoted to E5 Sergeant due to leadership and dedication that achieved a successful mission during the COVID Vaccinations.
- Promoted from E4 Specialist to E5 Sergeant, in less than 12-months.
Education and Training
Atlanta, GA
Contact
Dallas, GA 30157 30157
Certification
CMAA Certification - MedCerts (Completed December 19th 2025)
Food Servsafe Certification - (2023-Present)
Timeline
Cook
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
01.2023 - Current
Prep Cook/Cook
Red Lobster
12.2021 - 09.2022
Package Handler
FedEx
12.2021 - 01.2022
Crew Member
Wendy’s
01.2020 - 03.2021
Enlisted Soldier/92G Culinary Specialist
National Guard
01.2019 - Current
Home Health Aide
Private Duty
08.2018 - 07.2020
High School Diploma -
East Paulding High School
CMAA Certification - CMAA
MedCerts
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts : Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Atlanta