Irma Fernandez
Severna Park,MD
Summary
A highly motivated employee with a desire to take on new challenges. Strong management skills, strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Motivated professional offering research in outreach in underserved communities in Howard County. Adds value to any organization in need of great collaboration, interpersonal, and multitasking abilities. Meets tight deadlines. Supervisor/ Instructor with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to foster a positive learning environment conducive to success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Children’s Instructor and Supervisor
Howard County Library System
07.2023 - Current
- Managed a 6-person team, evaluated, and submitted new performance evaluations for team, Outreach opportunities for the department (i.e
- Gary Arthur Community Center), Stories Galore for schools
- Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance.
- Established robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential disruptions.
On The Road to Kindergarten Instructor/Research Specialist
Howard County Library System
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Enhanced classroom collaboration through the implementation of group projects and team-building activities.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with early literacy and best practices for effective instruction.
Children's Librarian
Howard County Library System
04.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed and monitored technology resources and materials
- Inspected collection and discarded outdated or worn books and resources
- Communicated with classroom teachers to plan library visits
- Brainstormed and coordinated hands-on crafts and other children's activities
- Made copies of reference materials for patrons and processed associated fees
- Compiled circulation statistics and drafted reports to illustrate metrics
- Ran cables, arranged speakers, and managed projectors for diverse event requirements
- Attended to circulation desk by checking books in and out, issuing library cards, placing holds and more
- Transported and reimplemented AV equipment and verified functionality following moves between locations to optimize performance
- Planned and oversaw a summer reading program by enrolling parents and children to ReadSquared
- Helped teachers incorporate literacy skills and build love of education in students
- Helped children select and locate age-appropriate books and educational materials
- Used physical books, internal databases, and online resources to help patrons with diverse questions
- Directed library tours to familiarize groups with layout, materials and technology available
- Led storytime every week for children ages 0-5 to local community centers, daycare, and schools.
Customer Service Associate
Howard County Library System
11.2018 - 04.2019
- Provided outstanding service to new and long-standing customers by attending closely to concerns and developing solutions
- Operated networked and standalone PCs, photocopier, fax machine and scanner
- Maintained well-rounded knowledge of automated library systems and reference data to share with patrons and visitors
- Handled in-person and telephone requests for information and materials
- Generated overdue notices and followed up with patrons to recover items
- Sourced and processed interlibrary loans across networks
- Greeted patrons upon entrance to library and offered assistance with needs or issues
- Enforced current library policies fairly with patrons
- Returned books to circulation by placing on proper shelves
- Located desired materials for institutional staff special projects
- Verified and documented inter-library loans in computer system
- Maintained accurate library records for inventory of periodicals and books
- Prepared and maintained displays and displayed cases
- Restocked returned items to correct shelf or storage locations
- Answered routine inquiries and referred patrons to librarians
- Handled daily tasks, facility maintenance and security to support staff members
- Collected fines from customers for overdue books and resources.
Business Owner/Operator
Kolache Kreations, LLC
01.2010 - 07.2016
- Managed operations budgeting, accounts payable and accounts receivable and payroll
- Kept up to date on regulatory changes affecting business operations
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue
- Kept records for production, inventory, income, and expenses
- Analyzed financial statements and trends to manage cash flow and make business decisions
- Took care of escalated customer concerns to increase satisfaction
- Made financial and organization decisions in the best interest of the company
- Developed business from ground up and prepared records and operations for smooth handover to new owners
- Established favorable relationships with vendors and contractors, facilitating contract negotiation and development of marketing and sales strategies
- Supervised company social media and marketing efforts to expand brand awareness and attract new customers
- Interviewed, trained, and supervised employees
- Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines
- Reconciled daily sales, prepared bank deposits, and assessed financial transaction reports
- Mentored and trained new hires on sales techniques and customer service procedures
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
Education
Associate of Arts - Library And Information Science
Maryland's Library Associate Training Institute
11.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Houston, TX06.2000
Skills
- Organizing Findings
- Qualitative Research
- Problem-Solving
- Data Entry
- Self-Driven and Motivated
- Microsoft Office
- MS Excel
- Effective Multitasking
- Progress Evaluations
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Critical thinking development
Accomplishments
2023 Library Journal's Mover and Shaker Award- Educator
Timeline
Children’s Instructor and Supervisor
Howard County Library System
07.2023 - Current
On The Road to Kindergarten Instructor/Research Specialist
Howard County Library System
01.2022 - 07.2023
Children's Librarian
Howard County Library System
04.2019 - 01.2022
Customer Service Associate
Howard County Library System
11.2018 - 04.2019
Business Owner/Operator
Kolache Kreations, LLC
01.2010 - 07.2016
Associate of Arts - Library And Information Science
Maryland's Library Associate Training Institute
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
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