Gwendolyn Harman
El Reno,OK
Summary
Proven problem-solver with strong communication skills, successfully increasing student participation through innovative teaching methods. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment while maintaining high standards of educational excellence. Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Vocational Instructor Horticulture
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
08.2013 - 02.2026
- Developed and implemented comprehensive vocational training programs for diverse incarcerated student populations, with different objectives in life
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student skills and tailor instruction accordingly to the needs of students' desired outcomes.
- Collaborated with industry partners to align the curriculum with current job market demands.
- Created instructional materials and resources to enhance learning outcomes and engagement.
- Monitored student progress and provided constructive feedback for continuous improvement and improved learning outcome
- Provided instructional handouts, texts, audiovisual aids, and other materials to facilitate learning.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Planned and documented programs of study meeting individual needs and abilities of students.
- Evaluated student performance using comprehensive assessments, providing valuable feedback on progress and areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, improve curriculum, and enhance overall instructional effectiveness.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of focus for lesson planning and targeted intervention strategies for struggling students.
- Increased student participation through engaging group activities and discussions.
- I attended professional development workshops to stay current on relevant industry trends and technologies.
- Maintained a positive classroom environment by fostering respect, open communication, and inclusiveness among all students.
- Maintained documentation on educational services, and tracked students' progress to gauge the overall success of the learning program.
- Managed resources effectively to ensure access to necessary supplies, while staying within budgetary constraints.
- Regularly reviewed vocational course content to maintain relevance with industry standards, updating material as needed based on changes in technology or market demands.
- Observed and evaluated students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
- Supervised and monitored students' use of tools and equipment.
- Engaged students in academic and practical conversations that elicited critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
- Met training needs with well-organized, factual programs based on contemporary requirements.
- Established goals for courses, with organized outlines, and detailed lessons.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops to enhance practical skills in various trades.
- Assessed individual learner needs to tailor curriculum effectively.
- Implemented sustainable practices to enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste.
- Consulted with horticultural experts to assess operational strengths and weaknesses and plan enhancements to meet changing demands.
Staff Sargent
U.S. Army Reserve Command
04.1994 - 08.2021
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment of 15-30 people
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Operated heavy-duty trucks to transport goods safely and efficiently
- Assisted in training new drivers on safety protocols and operational procedures
- Maintained accurate logs of driving hours and cargo transported
- Implemented best practices for fuel efficiency during long-haul trips
- Collaborated with dispatch teams to resolve transportation challenges swiftly
- Mentored junior drivers, fostering a culture of safety and professionalism
- Maintained a clean driving record while adhering to company policies and federal regulations for transportation safety.
- Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles for corrective action.
- Successfully navigated challenging weather conditions in order to maintain on-time delivery rates without compromising safety or cargo integrity.
- Increased safety standards by conducting thorough pre-and post-trip inspections of the truck and trailer.
- Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
- Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
- Dropped and hooked trailers and changed configuration of equipment.
- Assisted in training new drivers on company procedures, resulting in a more cohesive team dynamic among truck driver staff.
- Maintained high standards of vehicle cleanliness and organization, ensuring readiness for inspections.
- Contributed to culture of safety, participating actively in safety meetings and trainings.
- Inspected trucks and trailers before each trip to assess safety and identify maintenance concerns.
- Inspected vehicle before and after trips and logged and reported mechanical problems to avoid unsafe hazards.
- Inspected load security and checked for damages.
- Documented mileage, deliveries, pickups, customer issues and damages.
- Fastened chains, straps, covers, and binders to secure load during transit.
- Completed routine maintenance on truck to keep in working order.
- Mentored junior soldiers in leadership skills and professional development initiatives.
- Identified training needs and planned classes accordingly.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance soldier readiness and operational effectiveness.
- Coordinated logistics for training exercises, ensuring resource availability and compliance with regulations.
- Trained new squad members on equipment usage and workflow efficiency.
- Implemented best practices for inventory management and resource allocation.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and improving team performance.
- Maintained discipline within the ranks by enforcing standards of conduct expected from a professional military organization consistently and fairly.
- Conducted thorough after-action reviews following each operation to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
Dairy Foremen
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
- Coordinated team activities to optimize workflow and enhance productivity on-site.
- Supervised daily farm operations to ensure efficient workflow and productivity.
- Maximized livestock health by developing and overseeing preventative care plans for all animals.
- Reduced farm expenses by optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes.
- Managed budgets, financial records, and payroll to maintain accurate accounting information for the farm operations.
- Improved worker productivity with strong leadership, clear communication, and effective training programs.
- Led a team of farm laborers (60 - 75 people) in daily tasks, ensuring timely completion of essential duties, like planting, harvesting, and animal care.
- Supervised construction projects including barns improvements, fencing installations, which increased overall functionality of farm facilities.
- Facilitated strong relationships with vendors to secure high-quality supplies at competitive prices.
- Implemented pest control measures that minimized damage while adhering to environmental regulations and guidelines.
- Ensured farm safety through regular equipment maintenance and staff adherence to safety protocols.
- Inspected machinery following each shift to verify proper functioning for every piece of equipment.
- Maintained safe and secure job site to prevent injuries, accidents, and mistakes during logging projects.
- Taught employees how to work with animals and relate to members of public to garner interest and support for operations.
- Completed skilled spawning, grading, harvesting and handling of stock to promote optimal health and operational efficiency.
- Supervised proper setup, dismantling and removal of equipment at work sites.
- Assigned feeding and treatment of animals and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
- Installed new pumps, equipment and hatchery piping to update systems for current and expected demands.
- Assessed animals for signs of injury or illness, notifying managers or veterinarians.
- Monitored operations carefully to detect disease, monitor harvest and track growth.
- Performed minor repair work on field equipment and notified mechanic of major breakdowns.
- Purchased supplies such as seed, pesticides, and fertilizer.
- Led daily meetings focused on safety, policy implementation and performance improvement.
- Prepared food, cleaned enclosures and administered medications to treat acute and chronic conditions.
- Operated milking machinery to ensure efficient milk extraction and maintain animal welfare standards.
- Monitored cow health and productivity, implementing best practices for nutrition and care.
- Trained new staff on milking procedures and equipment operation, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Streamlined dairy processing operations for increased efficiency by optimizing production schedules and workflow.
- Maintained cleanliness of milking equipment and facilities to adhere to health regulations and improve safety.
- Collaborated with veterinarians to assess herd health, facilitating timely interventions and maintaining overall herd productivity.
- Enhanced overall milk production by consistently following proper milking procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Assisted in the training of new employees, sharing valuable knowledge and experience to help develop their skills within the dairy industry.
- Assisted in calving processes for safe deliveries, providing immediate care to newborn calves to ensure their wellbeing.
- Maintained detailed records of individual cows'' health, production levels, and treatments administered for effective management decisions.
- Improved herd health by administering vaccinations and medications as needed, under veterinary guidance.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for new herd members, carefully integrating them into the milking routine to minimize stress and maintain a harmonious environment.
- Conducted comprehensive quality checks on raw milk samples before processing stages to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Maintained farm equipment and vehicles.
- Milked 500+ cows using milking machinery.
- Kept stock healthy with adequate food, water and open space.
- Coordinated daily workflow to optimize resource allocation and farm productivity.
- Utilized latest advancements in dairy farming technology, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Developed relationships with local feed and seed suppliers to secure favorable prices.
- Purchased insemination services from special farms to impregnate cows and increase herd size.
- Partnered with distributors and other local farmers to get milk quickly to market and prevent waste.
- Sold off excess livestock yearly for meat or to other farmers.
- Bought new cows at auctions to keep robust herd numbers.
- Monitored milk production quality and quantity and evaluated daily data to address inefficiencies.
- Observed animals and notified supervisor of signs of illness.
- Examined animals for signs of sickness and overall herd health.
- Exercised appropriate safety and environmental protocols when cleaning and maintaining ponds and tanks.
- Rotated animals between grazing areas to provide enough access to food.
- Placed orders for animal food with vendors and confirmed delivery dates and times.
- Kept pens, stalls and farm equipment clean and sterilized to support animal wellbeing.
- Monitored cow health and behavior to maintain herd welfare and productivity.
- Operated milking machines efficiently to ensure optimal milk production.
- Implemented sanitation protocols for equipment and milking areas to ensure hygiene standards.
- Analyzed milk quality data to enhance production processes and meet industry standards.
- Developed schedules for milking shifts, optimizing labor resources and workflow efficiency.
- Contributed to team success by promptly identifying issues with milking equipment and coordinating repairs or replacements as necessary.
- Safeguarded animal welfare through regular observation of cow behavior patterns, addressing any concerns that indicated potential problems or stressors.
- Upheld strict biosecurity protocols within the dairy facility to minimize the risk of disease transmission among animals or between workers.
- Milked 500+ cows using milking machinery.
- Attended promptly to needs of sick cows to maintain health of livestock.
- Implemented successful strategies to maximize dairy production with enhanced nutrition and herd health initiatives.
Correctional Officer
Federal Bureau of Prisons
10.2005 - 08.2011
- Monitored inmate behavior to maintain safety and security within correctional facility.
- Conducted regular inspections of premises to identify potential security risks or maintenance needs.
- Collaborated with team members to implement safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
- Assisted in inmate rehabilitation programs by facilitating group discussions and educational activities.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate activities, incidents, and disciplinary actions for reporting purposes.
- Developed strategies for conflict resolution among inmates to reduce incidents of violence.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
- Supported the re-entry process for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources, such as job training programs and community-based services.
- Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
- Promoted inmate welfare by monitoring and addressing health concerns promptly.
- Implemented innovative inmate management techniques, leading to decrease in disciplinary incidents.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution strategies.
- Oversaw visitation sessions, maintaining order and ensuring safety of all parties involved.
- Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.
- Fostered supportive environment for inmate rehabilitation with educational and vocational training programs.
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular and thorough cell inspections.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Transported inmates to and from medical appointments, and other locations.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
05-2008
Associate of Science - Ornamental Floriculture Production
12-1998
Skills
- Independent drive
- Effective task prioritization
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Collaborative decision-making
- Proficient in managing multiple tasks
- Skilled in equipment upkeep
- Professional networking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Leadership development
- Flexible learning approaches
- Effective goal development
Timeline
Vocational Instructor Horticulture - Federal Bureau Of Prisons
08.2013 - 02.2026
Dairy Foremen - Federal Bureau Of Prisons
08.2011 - 08.2013
Correctional Officer - Federal Bureau of Prisons
10.2005 - 08.2011
Staff Sargent - U.S. Army Reserve Command
04.1994 - 08.2021
Elizabethtown College - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Alfred State College - Associate of Science, Ornamental Floriculture Production