Gina Pippenger
Laotto,Indiana
Summary
Dynamic operations manager with expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, and team development. Proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business growth through innovative solutions.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Gigi's Goodies and Concessions
Laotto, Indiana
06.1994 - Current
- Coordinated event logistics and setup for various community functions.
- Developed menus and pricing strategies to enhance customer offerings.
- Engaged with customers to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
- Implemented marketing strategies to promote services at local events.
- Managed daily operations of the business, including staff, sales, inventory, and accounting.
- Ensured compliance with all local laws, health regulations, policies, safety standards and procedures related to the operation of the business.
- Developed business plan and budget to maximize profitability.
- Calculated net income and adjusted strategies to increase income and bottom-line profits.
- Oversaw hiring process for new employees, from recruiting to onboarding and training.
- Analyzed market trends and customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth.
Area Manager
KinderCare Learning Centers/Champions
Laotto, IN
05.2025 - 11.2025
- Assisted in budget management and resource allocation for center operations.
- Facilitated performance evaluations and provided feedback to teaching staff.
- Promoted positive customer service experiences by promptly resolving conflicts.
- Managed 8 sites and staff schedules at Before and After School centers.
- Developed strategies for increasing enrollment, market share and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw the recruitment process for new staff members including interviewing and training.
- Implemented training initiatives to coach staff on best practices and protocol for enhanced profitability and quality programming.
- Collaborated with other departments such as Human Resources or Marketing on initiatives related to Area Management duties.
- Scheduled regular meetings with site directors to discuss objectives, performance metrics and customer feedback.
- Analyzed financial data such as KPI reports, budgets and payroll records to identify areas of improvement.
Administrative Assistant
JAM Early Education Center
Garrett, Indiana
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Facilitated development of infants and toddlers through Reggio Emilia philosophy.
- Developed engaging activities aligned with school curriculum to enrich learning experiences.
- Assisted Administrative Team with enrollment initiatives and managed teacher breaks and absences.
Guest Toddler Teacher
Oak Farm Montessori School
Avilla, Indiana
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed engaging lesson plans for toddlers using Montessori methods.
- Created a nurturing classroom environment to support children's emotional development.
- Communicated effectively with parents about children's progress and classroom activities.
- Monitored children's behavior and provided guidance to foster positive interactions.
- Collaborated with other teachers in planning lessons that were tailored to meet the needs of each child.
Preschool Director/Teacher
Our Hope Lutheran Church & School
Huntertown, Indiana
09.2002 - 10.2023
- Managed daily operations of preschool, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Coordinated staff training sessions to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management.
- Developed early childhood education programs aligned with community values and standards.
- Oversaw curriculum implementation, fostering engagement among children and parents.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations and accreditation requirements for preschools.
- Led team meetings to discuss goals, challenges, and innovative practices in education.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to enrich the preschool experience for families.
- Wrote newsletters and email to communicate monthly activity schedules to parents.
- Handled admission and placement of new students and increased enrollment.
- Oversaw the hiring of qualified staff members, including teachers and classroom aides.
- Managed financial resources allocated for the preschool program, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities.
- Prepared monthly reports outlining the overall performance of the preschool program.
- Performed various administrative tasks such as ordering supplies or equipment needed by faculty members or students.
- Created policies and procedures related to curriculum design, student behavior management, safety protocols.
- Ensured compliance with state licensing regulations as well as federal laws related to early childhood education programs.
- Coordinated field trips, special events, and other extracurricular activities for preschoolers.
- Collaborated with administrative personnel at other schools or organizations to share best practices in early childhood education.
- Established effective communication channels with parents, faculty, and students.
- Coordinated facility operations by establishing logical policies and communicating to staff, teachers and parents.
- Managed school's social media accounts to promote positive image to area families.
- Created and updated records to document employee and participant information.
- Trained, managed and motivated employees to promote professional skill development.
- Developed engaging lesson plans that aligned with curriculum standards.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain student focus and respect.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Utilized technology such as interactive whiteboards and online resources to enhance instruction.
Education
Bachelor of General Studies - Elementary Education
Ball State University
Muncie, IN05-2021
Skills
- Strategic and business planning
- Financial planning
- Human resources development
- Operations management
- Collaborative leadership
- Innovation and ideation
- Data analysis
- Fundraising strategies
- Continuous learning
- Project coordination
- Entrepreneurship
- MS Office proficiency
Timeline
Area Manager
KinderCare Learning Centers/Champions
05.2025 - 11.2025
Administrative Assistant
JAM Early Education Center
08.2024 - 05.2025
Guest Toddler Teacher
Oak Farm Montessori School
02.2024 - 08.2024
Preschool Director/Teacher
Our Hope Lutheran Church & School
09.2002 - 10.2023
Owner/Operator
Gigi's Goodies and Concessions
06.1994 - Current
Bachelor of General Studies - Elementary Education
Ball State University