Jessica Gardner
Dupont,WA
Summary
Dedicated paraprofessional with a strong background in special education and culinary arts. Expertise in adapting instructional materials and implementing behavior management strategies to foster a positive learning environment and promote student success.
Dynamic in relationship building, and creative thinking.
Developed strong communication and organizational skills in educational environment, contributing to effective classroom management and student support. Demonstrates adaptability and ability to work collaboratively with educators and students to enhance learning experiences. Looking to transition into new field in cake decorating where these transferrable skills can be utilized to foster positive outcomes.
Offering a passionate and supportive demeanor, well-suited for assisting in educational settings and ready to learn and develop in this new bakery environment. I bring the understanding of my culinary background paired with skills in communication and teamwork in a schooling setting. I am ready to use and develop my skills in this cake decorating and customer service role.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Paraprofessional
Steilacoom Historical School District
DuPont, WA
09.2025 - 06.2026
- Assisted k-8 teachers in implementing lesson plans and supporting diverse student needs.
- Facilitated classroom management to promote a positive learning environment.
- Adapted instructional materials for students with varying abilities and learning styles.
- Collaborated with educators to monitor student progress and provide feedback.
- Supported individual and small group instruction to enhance academic achievement.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain focus and engagement.
- Participated in professional development sessions to improve instructional skills and techniques.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Provided one-on-one assistance to students who needed additional support, enabling them to achieve academic goals, emotional regulation, and social success.
- Promoted a safe learning environment by closely monitoring student behavior and intervening when necessary to maintain orderliness in the classroom across settings.
- Provided coverage for absent teachers as needed, seamlessly adapting to various teaching styles and subject matter expertise areas.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Collaborated with special education staff to implement appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring their success in the classroom.
- Established rapport with students through consistent support and guidance, fostering positive relationships that promoted academic growth.
- Assisted in the development of classroom routines and procedures, reinforcing consistency and predictability for students.
Global Volunteer
Steilacoom Historical School District/homeschool
DuPont, WA/ Homeschooling Locations Mentioned
2017 - 2026
- Assisted in organizing educational events and community outreach programs.
- Collaborated with educators to develop engaging lesson plans for diverse learning needs.
- Participated in co-ops as a teacher of the arts and sciences! This included culinary arts, mixed media, hands on science, Lego, life cycles, etc...
- Coordinated volunteer schedules to ensure adequate support at various school activities.
- PTA support and culinary support. Particularly in the week of May 4th when we did a May the 4th be with you Star Wars food theme!
- Volunteered to make decorated cakes, cookies, and confections for various community events.
Homeschool Educator/Special Needs Mother
Multiple Districts In: TN, KY, NC, OK, FL, TX, WA
2017 - 2025
- Wrote, developed, and implemented personalized lesson plans tailored to individual learning styles.
- Implemented a comprehensive kinesthetic curriculum designed to foster academic achievement and essential life skills, with a focus on arts and culinary education.
- Developed engaging life skills curriculums that promote autonomy and proficiency in culinary arts, with an emphasis on baking, pastry, and cake decorating techniques.
- Designed and implemented hands-on activities that highlighted essential baking and pastry skills, including recipe development, piping, fondant, chocolate techniques, cake and pastry design, and flavor profile enhancement.
- Delivered comprehensive instruction on food history and recipe variations, focusing on foundational recipes such as buttercream, chocolate mousse, and cake bases.
- Guided learners in identifying and applying structural techniques for choosing recipes that yield specific baking results, such as denser textures for sculpted cakes.
- Integrated a STEAM approach to sculpted cakes, and confectionary projects ensuring high quality results and artistic presentation.
- Documented and presented a collection of baking and pastry works created by students and parents, emphasizing creativity and skill.
- Developed and implemented a curriculum that seamlessly integrates food science and art, fostering interdisciplinary learning.
- Designed and executed themed cake decorating activities for project presentations, enriching the learning experience in English Language Arts novel unit studies. (E.g. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone "Happy Birthday" cake for Harry)
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.
- Organized and maintained a structured learning environment that promotes inquiry and exploration.
- Mentored students in time management and study skills, fostering independence in their learning journey.
- Established routines and procedures that promoted a structured yet flexible learning environment conducive to academic success.
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, resulting in measurable improvements in student progress.
- Supported social development through group activities such as co-op classes or community service projects within the homeschool community.
- Implemented hands-on learning activities for improved retention and engagement in subject matter.
- Managed record-keeping and documentation requirements, maintaining accurate records of student performance and progress reports.
- Organized field trips and enrichment activities, enhancing real-world understanding of academic concepts.
- Developed comprehensive curriculum covering a broad range of subjects, ensuring students received well-rounded education.
- Continually sought professional development opportunities to stay current in homeschool best practices and educational trends, resulting in enhanced teaching effectiveness.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring support in areas where students struggled, leading to significant improvements in performance.
- Adapted instructional materials for use in special education settings when necessary to meet individual needs of students with disabilities or exceptionalities.
- Encouraged independent study habits by providing resources and guidance for self-directed learning opportunities.
- Promoted creative problem-solving by incorporating real-life scenarios and projects into the curriculum.
- Led groups of students on field trips to enriching destinations, introducing to new experiences and broadening education.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Acted as mom, teacher, chef, co-therapist in various therapies, giving me years of experience and self development in both support, and leadership roles. I did this independently, and as part of the community.
Culinary Arts Student
AIA, Gwinett Tech
Atlanta Ga And Gwinett Ga
2007 - 2009
- Assisted in meal preparation and presentation, ensuring adherence to culinary standards.
- Collaborated with peers on recipe development, enhancing creativity and teamwork skills.
- Learned food safety protocols and sanitation practices to maintain a safe kitchen environment.
- Participated in menu planning sessions, contributing ideas for seasonal offerings.
- Practiced various cooking techniques, gaining proficiency in knife skills and cooking methods.
- Engaged in peer evaluations to provide constructive feedback on culinary presentations.
- Adapted easily to new recipes or techniques introduced during class sessions, displaying versatility in the kitchen environment.
- Enhanced culinary skills by participating in hands-on training and learning from experienced chefs.
- Demonstrated professionalism by adhering to strict dress codes and maintaining a respectful demeanor towards peers and instructors.
- Collaborated with fellow students on group projects, contributing to successful team performance.
- Practiced proper food safety protocols to maintain clean workspaces and prevent cross-contamination.
- Received serve-safe training and education.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interaction with classmates and instructors during practical exercises.
- Established a strong foundation in basic nutrition principles to create well-balanced and health-conscious menu options.
- Developed a strong understanding of flavor profiles, resulting in creative and delicious dishes.
- Managed time effectively during high-pressure situations, ensuring prompt completion of tasks.
- Developed excellent multitasking abilities while managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
- Supported event catering efforts by preparing quality dishes within tight deadlines under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
- Received constructive criticism gracefully from instructors, utilizing feedback to continuously enhance skillset.
- Expanded knowledge of international cuisine by exploring various cultural cooking styles and ingredients.
- Participated in recipe development sessions for innovative dishes that received positive feedback from instructors.
- Improved plating techniques through practice, creating visually appealing presentations for guests.
- Assisted with the planning and execution of themed events, showcasing culinary skills and creativity.
- Cleaned kitchen counters, refrigerators, and freezers.
- Observed head chefs and how each prepared different specialties to gain knowledge in cooking techniques.
- Checked expiration dates, rotated food, and removed any items that were no longer usable.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
- Developed expertise in wedding cake design and confectionary baking, focusing on artistic presentation and flavor.
- Engaged in educational development focused on advanced piping techniques, sugar work, chocolate work, and fondant to enhance culinary skills.
- Mastered foundational recipes for baking and pastry examinations.
- Studied flavor combinations and design techniques to enhance pastry and cake presentation.
- Participated in hands-on training under guidance of head baking and pastry chef to advance expertise in pastry arts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School
Gainesville GaHigh School Diploma -
Art Institute of Atlanta/ Gwinnett Tech
GAHigh School Diploma -
Vector Training
Steilacoom, WAHigh School Diploma -
Hand On ABA, SLP Therapy, Occup. Therapy, Parent Training
Skills
- Technology skills
- IEP management
- Special education
- Interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Creative thinking
- Sound judgment
- Multitasking and organization
- Culinary Arts Background and Expertise
- Fast Paced Learner
- Prior Bakery employment
- Excellent Time Management
Timeline
Substitute Paraprofessional
Steilacoom Historical School District
09.2025 - 06.2026
Global Volunteer
Steilacoom Historical School District/homeschool
2017 - 2026
Homeschool Educator/Special Needs Mother
2017 - 2025
Culinary Arts Student
AIA, Gwinett Tech
2007 - 2009
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School
High School Diploma -
Art Institute of Atlanta/ Gwinnett Tech
High School Diploma -
Vector Training
High School Diploma -
Hand On ABA, SLP Therapy, Occup. Therapy, Parent Training