Kana Lester
Plattsburgh
Summary
Social Work student with understanding of intake, assessment, and treatment planing for clients. Academic understanding of trauma informed care, evidence based practice as well as a therapeutic community approach Recently completed A.A.S. in Social Work. Currently working towards a B.A. in Social Work. Currently working to complete requirements for C.A.S.A.C trainee.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Canine Trainer
New York State Department Of Corrections
05.2023 - Current
- Worked with D.S.P and guidance staff to establish canine training program (Furry Tales) to assist local shelter in animal adoption.
- Participated in incarcerated interview and selection process for Furry Tales.
- Worked with incarcerated individuals to socialize and obedience train canine participants.
- Monitored canine progression reviewed canine journals and counseled participants in training methods and behavioral modification techniques.
- Work with volunteer trainers to assist in understanding and compliance with DOCCS directives.
- Achieved 100% adoption rate for canine program participants.
Cook
New York State Department Of Corrections
04.2021 - Current
- Implement cook chill program policies, plans, and procedures for storage, inventory control, and preparation of food.
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, maintenance of temperature and cleanliness of production and service areas.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when cooking and plating meals.
- Maintained all daily paperwork including but not limited to 1526,1533, 1541,1542
- Supervised and trained incarcerated individuals as well as performed required training, counseling and misbehavior reports.
Guidance Department Intern
New York State Department Of Corrections
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Participated in education and social programs to provide incarcerated individuals with knowledge and skills for healthy rehabilitative purposes. Specifically Parenting, TAMAR, ART
- Assisted in Facilitation of groups and classes to provide valuable services to incarcerated individuals.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to facilitate incarcerated individuals program assessment and treatment planning.
- Worked with Guidance Department Staff assisting in daily call outs and I/I requests
- Worked with O.R.C's to update incarcerated individuals records. Phone lists, Veterans Information, Family contacts.
- Retrieved data from guidance files to establish A.S.A.T need
Cook
New York State Department Of Corrections
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Implement cook chill program policies, plans, and procedures for storage, inventory control, and preparation of food for large scale population in maximum security environment.
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, maintenance of temperature and cleanliness of production and service areas.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when cooking and plating meals.
- Supervised daily feed up of as many as 900 incarcerated individuals.
- Supervised religious food production for religious festivals.
Owner/Kitchen Manager
Homestead Diner
01.2010 - 02.2019
- Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented in acceptable manner.
- Coordinate assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food as well as timely presentation. Supervising staff of up to 30 on and off site.
- Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Plan menus and food utilization based on anticipated number of guests, nutritional value, palatability, popularity, and cost.
- Schedule use of facilities for catering services for events such as banquets or receptions, and negotiate details of arrangements with clients. Providing service on any given day for up to 300 plus customers in house and up to 500 for catering service.
- Review menus and analyze recipes to determine labor and overhead costs and establish menu pricing for items.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05.2025
No Degree - Addictions
Center For Addiction Studies And Research
Stamford, CT02.2024
Associate of Applied Science - Social Work
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH07.2023
Skills
- In depth understanding of DOCCS polices and procedures
- Ability to operate in fast paced complex environment
- Understanding of symbiotic security civilian relationship inside New York State Department of Corrections facility
- Completed all DOCCS initial and annual training programs
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate number 15617350
- ServSafe Food Handler Certificate number 2369949
Military
Served United States Naval Reserve 2001 to 2004. Honorably discharged.
Timeline
Guidance Department Intern
New York State Department Of Corrections
06.2023 - 08.2023
Lead Canine Trainer
New York State Department Of Corrections
05.2023 - Current
Cook
New York State Department Of Corrections
04.2021 - Current
Cook
New York State Department Of Corrections
11.2019 - 04.2021
Owner/Kitchen Manager
Homestead Diner
01.2010 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Kentucky
No Degree - Addictions
Center For Addiction Studies And Research
Associate of Applied Science - Social Work
Eastern Gateway Community College
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate number 15617350
- ServSafe Food Handler Certificate number 2369949
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