Heather DeFreest
Barnwell,SC
Summary
Resourceful and dependable professional with strong experience in leadership, operations, compliance, and team support across multiple work environments. Skilled at organizing workflows, solving problems, and keeping daily operations running smoothly. Known for clear communication, flexibility, and a positive, people-focused approach. Comfortable learning new systems, managing details, and adapting to different roles while staying professional and dependable. I bring a steady work ethic, practical decision-making, and a commitment to doing things the right way, no matter the job.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Service Field Manager
Barnwell County School District
07.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement K–12 cycle menus that comply with all USDA meal pattern requirements, nutrient standards, and district goals.
- Maintain and update menus, recipes, and nutrient analyses in Health-e Pro to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Provide operational oversight to multiple school kitchens, ensuring consistency in food quality, service standards, and daily workflow.
- Conduct routine site visits to monitor food safety, HACCP documentation, equipment use, and adherence to district procedures.
- Train and support managers and staff on new menu items, recipes, equipment, Health-e Pro, eTrition, and food safety requirements.
- Serve as a liaison between district leadership and school kitchens, communicating updates, expectations, and operational changes.
- Assist with staffing support, scheduling, and problem solving to maintain smooth operations across all assigned schools.
- Monitor inventory, ordering, and production practices to ensure cost-effective and compliant food service operations.
- Support preparation for USDA/state reviews by maintaining accurate records, logs, and documentation at all sites.
- Promote a positive team culture by mentoring managers, addressing concerns, and modeling professionalism and respect.
Food Service Kitchen Manager
Barnwell School District 45
07.2003 - 06.2024
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring timely, safe, and efficient preparation and service of USDA-compliant school meals.
- Supervise and train kitchen staff in food preparation, portion control, sanitation, and district procedures.
- Maintain accurate production records, temperature logs, HACCP documentation, and CCP monitoring for all menu items.
- Coordinate ordering, receiving, and inventory management to ensure proper stock levels and cost-effective food usage.
- Prepare and serve meals according to standardized recipes, portion sizes, and USDA meal pattern requirements.
- Ensure compliance with ServSafe standards, district policies, and state/federal regulations.
- Manage workflow, task assignments, and daily scheduling to support smooth meal service for breakfast and lunch.
- Operate and maintain kitchen equipment; submit maintenance requests as needed and ensure safe handling practices.
- Communicate regularly with school administration, field managers, and staff to coordinate menus, events, and operational needs.
- Promote a positive work environment by modeling professionalism, teamwork, and student-centered service.
Special Education Aide/Shadow
Barnwell School District 45
08.2002 - 07.2003
- Provide one-on-one support to a visually impaired student to ensure full access to academic instruction, classroom activities, and school environments.
- Assist the student with locating materials, navigating the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and school grounds safely and independently.
- Adapt classroom materials by reading aloud, organizing tactile resources, enlarging print, and communicating visual information as needed.
- Support the student with orientation and mobility skills as directed by the teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) or related service providers.
- Implement accommodations, modifications, and IEP goals while monitoring the student’s progress and needs throughout the day.
- Reinforce academic instruction by clarifying directions, supporting assignments, and helping maintain focus and task completion.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and service providers to ensure consistency in support and instructional access.
- Maintain student confidentiality, follow behavior plans, and provide positive reinforcement to encourage independence and self-advocacy.
- Assist with specialized equipment such as magnifiers, braille tools, audio devices, and assistive technology when required.
- Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment tailored to the student’s unique needs.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Barnwell School District 45
10.1999 - 06.2002
- Deliver classroom instruction by following lesson plans provided by the regular teacher to maintain continuity of learning.
- Manage classroom behavior, maintain a positive learning environment, and enforce school rules and expectations.
- Adapt quickly to different grade levels, subjects, and classroom routines across multiple schools.
- Supervise students during class activities, transitions, lunch, recess, and dismissal as required.
- Provide clear directions, assist students with assignments, and support learning for diverse academic needs.
- Maintain accurate attendance records and document any incidents, concerns, or progress for the returning teacher.
- Communicate effectively with staff, administrators, and students to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Monitor the safety and well-being of students at all times, responding appropriately to emergencies or behavioral issues.
- Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and reliability while working in various classroom settings.
Education
Associate of Science - Nutrition & Health
Barton Community College
Great Bend, KS05-2025
Skills
- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drive)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Health-e Pro menu planning software
- eTrition POS and inventory systems
- Canva design and digital content creation
- Email communication and professional correspondence
- Basic data entry and database management
- HACCP-certified
Technical & Software Skills
Food Service & Nutrition Skills
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager certified
- Food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance
- Staff training, workflow organization, and kitchen operations
- Strong communication and teamwork
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Time management and multi-tasking
- Conflict resolution and professionalism
- Reliability, flexibility, and confidentiality
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, changing environments
Leadership & Organizational Skills
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager – Certified
- HACCP Certified – Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points
Timeline
Food Service Field Manager
Barnwell County School District
07.2024 - Current
Food Service Kitchen Manager
Barnwell School District 45
07.2003 - 06.2024
Special Education Aide/Shadow
Barnwell School District 45
08.2002 - 07.2003
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Barnwell School District 45
10.1999 - 06.2002
Associate of Science - Nutrition & Health
Barton Community College