Heather Leander
Summary
Seasoned restaurant hospitality professional with 15+ years in the restaurant and bar industry, ranging from upscale craft cocktail bars to small local bars and high-volume, fast-paced nightclub environments. Experienced and confident executing full bar, vast cocktail recipe knowledge & proper preparation and presentation. Ability to create and build unique recipes. Thrives in high-speed service while maintaining accuracy, guest engagement, and quality. Dual experience working both behind the bar and as a server in full-service restaurants, with a strong ability to read guests, upsell appropriately, maintain flow during peak hours, and deliver a consistent guest experience under pressure. Certified, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing elevated, efficient, and profitable service across varying bar concepts and environments.
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Experienced canine professional with 8+ years of hands-on handling in daycare/boarding facilities, rescue/shelter environments, and individualized private care. I specialize in temperament assessment, identifying behavior markers, and safely managing high-drive, anxious, and reactive dogs. I also bring 5+ years as a certified professional dog trainer focused on behavior modification, reactivity management, owner/dog relationship building, and rehabilitation specifically for rescue dogs. I am formally educated and fully certified in canine behavior and training — recognized and acknowledged by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) — and I currently serve (mostly virtually) on the Board of Directors for a newly opened non-profit rescue in Maine, supporting the development, training protocols, and overall welfare of the dogs in care.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner
The Golden Bond K9
01.2024 - Current
- I currently am sole owner and operator of a dog training business catering specifically to behavioral cases/modifications, rescues, large and working breeds. Besides my specialty - I train all dogs for various reasons from basic obedience, owner-canine relationship building, new puppy basics, canine socialization and confidence building, building and maintaining boundaries, trust and respect between owner and their dog. I curate my own schedule, based off of clients’ needs, or what is plausible for my current life events.
Bartender/Server
Stark Brewery
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Serve beverages: Pour and serve a variety of craft beers and other drinks, both on-premise and for to-go orders like growlers.
- Engage with customers: Educate guests on different beer styles, make recommendations based on their preferences, and build rapport to create a positive atmosphere.
- Handle transactions: Take food and drink orders, manage open tabs, and handle cash and credit card payments accurately using a Point-of-Sale (POS) system.
- Ensure responsible service: Check identification to verify customers are of legal drinking age and monitor for signs of intoxication.
- Maintain cleanliness: Wash and maintain clean glassware, clean bar and taproom areas, and restock supplies, merchandise, and inventory.
- Support brewery operations: Update beer boards and menus, assist with events like festivals, and help with other tasks as needed.
Assistant Dog Trainer/Dog Handler
She’s a Keeper
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Supported the development and implementation of training programs.
- Provided support for basic obedience (sit, stay, recall) and advanced training like agility.
- Educated dog owners on training techniques, behavior management, and proper handling.
- Provided support and follow-up with clients to ensure they could continue training at home.
- Communicated with clients to set up training plans for their dogs.
- Monitored dog behavior during sessions, providing feedback and reinforcing desired actions.
- Assisted with behavioral training and correcting issues such as leash pulling or reactivity.
- Helped with puppy socialization and basic manners.
- Record Keeping and Logistics:
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of each dog's progress, behaviors, and concerns.
- Assisted with general dog care and kennel maintenance as needed.
- Assisted in training dogs for specialized tasks like service or therapy work.
- Participated in client matching for service dogs based on compatibility.
- Gave presentations and demonstrations on dog training to the public.
Bartender
Cue and Cushion
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Bartending a pool hall, and very popular small town bar with consistent regulars, and steady business. When started, we used classic paper and cash register to maintain customer tabs, and cash outs, to later helping the owners and team adapt to clover system (as I’m very familiar) for all guest’s beverages etc.
- Accurate cash handling, POS
- Beverage knowledge and preparation
- Building customer rapport
- Cleaning, restocking, bar backing for myself
- Lottery handling, cash outs, and selling various tickets from machine- accuracy on cash by end of shift
Lead Dog Handler
Preppy Paws
09.2020 - 12.2022
- Interacted with dogs in playgroups using appropriate toys and tools to ensure safe levels of play and minimizing stress levels of all dogs in playgroups.
- Maintained visual observation of dogs at all times and spread attention and play among all dogs in playgroup.
- Controlled level of play by following dog management and control procedures and instructions provided by management.
- Used proper dog handling techniques.
- Used appropriate praise and dog correction methods.
- Maintained a structured schedule throughout the day, including down time, lunch, and assure access to water.
- Creating multiple playgroups for the day based off of the dog’s size, play style, and known overall which dogs pair well with which dogs and without incident. Ensured I knew all dogs and their respectable owners daily in the playgroups and can properly identify them.
- Did new client behavior evaluation, slowly introducing them to dogs, and identifying if they will be a good fit for daycare.
- Reported any unusual behavior, or eliminations and injuries to management immediately.
Lead Bartender
Tostao’s Tapas Bar
11.2017 - 11.2019
- Functioned as the primary English-speaking point of contact for guests in a bilingual environment, bridging communication and enhancing clarity, comfort, and guest understanding
- Handled high-volume bar service with speed, calm and efficiency while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive guest experience
- Collaborated with bilingual staff for smooth order flow and accurate communication between guest, bar and kitchen
- Educated guests on drink menus, cocktail builds, local beers, house specials and pairings in a way that was easy to understand and engaging
- Upheld responsible service standards, ID verification, and compliance with alcohol laws
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, service pacing, communication expectations and responsible serving practices
- Maintained strong bar organization, cleanliness, and proper inventory rotation to support fast and accurate execution
Bartender/Server/Event Staff
Rick’s Food & Spirits
2008 - 2018
- Crafted diverse cocktail menu, changing frequently for seasonal & promotional events. Creating recipes and preparation techniques, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.
- Trained new staff on bar operations and service protocols, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
- Developed strong customer relationships, promoting repeat business and loyalty.
- Collaborated with event coordinators to create tailored beverage menus for diverse clientele.
- Assisted in event setup procedures by arranging bar stations and stocking necessary items in an orderly fashion.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate food and beverage service during peak hours.
- Implemented seasonal drink specials, leading to increased customer interest and sales.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Managed order accuracy and timeliness in a high-volume environment.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
Bar Manager/ Lead Bartender
Chit Chat Lounge
2013 - 2016
- Led daily bar operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Streamlined inventory control processes, optimizing stock levels and minimizing waste.
- Designed and executed staff training programs to boost service quality and efficiency.
- Cultivated strong vendor partnerships to secure advantageous pricing and product availability.
- Mentored new bartenders in drink preparation and customer service excellence.
- Oversaw bar cleanliness and organization, adhering to health regulations.
- Fostered relationships with regular patrons to drive loyalty and repeat business.
- Directed bar opening and closing procedures, ensuring operational readiness for each shift.
Bank Teller
Bank of America
2009 - 2013
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with banking regulations.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries, providing exceptional service and promoting bank products.
- Balanced cash drawer daily, maintaining accuracy in financial reporting and identifying discrepancies promptly.
- Trained new tellers on operational procedures and customer service protocols to enhance team performance.
- Led initiatives to enhance customer engagement through personalized service and proactive problem resolution.
- Managed high-volume transactions during peak hours while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring seamless customer experience.
- Balanced cash drawers accurately at the end of each shift, minimizing discrepancies in financial records.
- Established trust with clients by maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive financial information.
- Conducted daily audits of cash drawer, ensuring accuracy and compliance with bank policies.
- Completed highly accurate, high-volume money counts via both manual and machine-driven approaches.
- Audited fellow teller currency to contribute to dual-control procedures.
- Exceeded personal sales goals consistently by proactively engaging with customers and identifying their financial needs.
- Served as primary point of contact for customers, providing assistance with account maintenance and transactions.
Education
High School Diploma -
Exeter High School
Exeter, NHBusiness Management
Hesser College
Salem, NHDog Behavioral Trainer (CCPDT-KSA)
Victoria Stillwell Academy For Dog Trainers
NH2023
Professional Dog Trainer CCDT
CATCH
2022
Skills
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification
- TIPS Certification
- ServSafe Alcohol Certification - “The ServSafe Alcohol® Training program is developed by the National Restaurant Association and experts who have direct experience with the risks involved in serving alcohol Our connection to the food service industry provides insights that help prepare you for difficult situations”
- CPDT-KA - Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction
- Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
- Driver's License
- CPR Certification
- Proficiency in a variety of restaurant POS systems
Timeline
Business Owner
The Golden Bond K9
01.2024 - Current
Bartender/Server
Stark Brewery
06.2023 - 02.2025
Assistant Dog Trainer/Dog Handler
She’s a Keeper
09.2022 - 08.2023
Bartender
Cue and Cushion
07.2021 - 08.2023
Lead Dog Handler
Preppy Paws
09.2020 - 12.2022
Lead Bartender
Tostao’s Tapas Bar
11.2017 - 11.2019
Bartender/Server/Event Staff
Rick’s Food & Spirits
2008 - 2018
Bar Manager/ Lead Bartender
Chit Chat Lounge
2013 - 2016
Bank Teller
Bank of America
2009 - 2013
High School Diploma -
Exeter High School
Business Management
Hesser College
Dog Behavioral Trainer (CCPDT-KSA)
Victoria Stillwell Academy For Dog Trainers
Professional Dog Trainer CCDT
CATCH