Kara Coughlin
Iuka,IL
Summary
Professional educator equipped with extensive experience in supporting classroom environments and focusing on student development. Skilled in implementing individualized education plans, managing classroom activities, and assisting with administrative tasks. Known for strong communication skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
Tropical Sno
Salem
07.2012 - Current
- Pleasantly greeted customers and provided prompt and courteous service.
- Removed trash, cleaned tables, swept and mopped floors for professional appearance.
- Managed daily operations including scheduling and budgeting.
- Managed inventory levels of all ingredients necessary to make snow cones.
- Maintained a clean and well-organized workspace.
- Utilized customer service skills to interact with customers and answer questions about products.
- Ensured that all ingredients were fresh before use in order to provide quality products.
- Accepted payment from customers and made change as necessary.
- Adhered to proper hygiene standards throughout shifts including wearing gloves when making snow cones.
Teacher/Teacher's Aide
My School Child Development Center
Salem
07.2020 - 01.2024
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Assisted teachers with supervision and care of group of 5-20+ children.
- Promoted physical, mental and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting and toileting.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Receptionist
Carlyle Animal Hospital
Carlyle
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients and updated client records.
- Provided clerical support by copying, faxing and filing documents.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone or postal mail
- Answered large volume of incoming calls daily to resolve customer issues and schedule appointments.
- Displayed pleasant and professional voice and demeanor, positively representing the clinic.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information obtained through job duties.
- Transmitted information and documents to customers via computer and mail.
- Provided superior customer service by responding to inquiries in an efficient and friendly manner.
Receptionist
Salem Business Center
Salem
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Communicated with clients and updated client records.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Performed basic bookkeeping activities including Excel spreadsheets, and Microsoft Word.
- Maintained Office Supply inventory and placed orders as needed.
- Operated multi-line phone and directed callers accordingly.
- Carefully relayed phone messages to the appropriate personnel.
Machine Operator
Bettendorf Stanford
Salem
12.2017 - 02.2019
- Operated machining equipment safely with team of operators.
- Complied with company and OSHA safety rules and regulations.
- Set up and ran machinery to produce exceptional products for industrial needs.
- Monitored machines during operation to detect sounds of malfunction or excessive vibration and adjusted machines to eliminate problems.
- Calibrated, tested, and adjusted machine settings or controls in preparation for production operations.
- Set accurate feed rates and trimming protocols to maintain efficient production and meet schedule demands.
- Set up and operated various machine tools and jigs to produce precision parts.
- Set appropriate stops and guides to specified lengths as indicated by scale, rule or template.
Teacher/Director's Assistant
Reaching For The Stars Daycare And Learning Center
Salem
05.2014 - 12.2017
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting and toileting.
- Made nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for children.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Associate
AMC Theaters
Mount Vernon, IL
12.2012 - 09.2015
- Answered phone calls from customers with questions about upcoming movies or showtimes.
- Kept clean theater by picking up trash and sweeping floor before each showing.
- Multitasked efficiently between ushering duties, issuing tickets at the door, or selling concessions.
- Developed knowledge of all current films playing in order to assist customers with selecting appropriate movies.
- Processed payments quickly using point-of-sale software systems for both cash and credit card transactions.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Assisted in the setup and takedown of concession stand operations, including equipment, signage, and displays.
- Collaborated with co-workers to ensure smooth operations during peak hours of business.
Teacher's Aide/Lunch Distribution/Closer
My School Child Development Center
Salem
11.2011 - 05.2014
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Assisted teachers with supervision and care of group of 5-20+ children.
- Promoted physical, mental and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Completed daily reports, meal count sheets and attendance logs.
- Participated in professional development opportunities and attended in-services and seminars.
Education
Early Childhood Education
Kaskaskia College
CentraliaCosmetology
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, ILSkills
- Paraprofessional
- Classroom Technology
- Reading and Writing Support
- Tutoring and Mentoring
- Lesson Planning
- Student Health and Safety
- Teacher Support and Collaboration
- Creating a Safe Learning Environment
- Clerical Support
Certification
- Paraprofessional
- Food Handlers
Additional Information
I tutored children that required special education for a school year and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the children was incapable of speaking and we developed fun ways of communication involving iPad, dry erase boards, or using specific ASL.
Timeline
Receptionist
Carlyle Animal Hospital
09.2021 - 04.2022
Teacher/Teacher's Aide
My School Child Development Center
07.2020 - 01.2024
Receptionist
Salem Business Center
06.2018 - 02.2019
Machine Operator
Bettendorf Stanford
12.2017 - 02.2019
Teacher/Director's Assistant
Reaching For The Stars Daycare And Learning Center
05.2014 - 12.2017
Associate
AMC Theaters
12.2012 - 09.2015
Manager
Tropical Sno
07.2012 - Current
Teacher's Aide/Lunch Distribution/Closer
My School Child Development Center
11.2011 - 05.2014
Early Childhood Education
Kaskaskia College
Cosmetology
Kaskaskia College