Kara Decker
Urbandale
Summary
Customer-focused, reliable professional with experience in fast-paced hospitality, clinical support, and educational settings. Proven strengths in customer service and sales, inventory management, cash handling, staff training, and safety compliance-organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable; ready to bring strong communication and teamwork to a garden center role.
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Server
Wasabi
Johnston
11.2020 - 04.2025
- Provided attentive, efficient table service in a fast-paced sushi restaurant, managing orders, special requests, and payment processing across multiple sections per shift.
- Drove incremental sales through suggestive selling of specials and add-ons, consistently supporting team revenue targets.
- Coordinated with kitchen and bar staff to ensure accurate, timely delivery of dishes, minimizing order errors and improving guest satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new servers on POS operations, menu knowledge, and service standards to maintain consistent service quality.
- Maintained cash-handling accuracy, completed end-of-shift reports, and upheld sanitation and safety procedures.
Certified Medical Assistant
CareMore
Des Moines
02.2019 - 12.2019
- Performed clinical and administrative duties in an outpatient setting, including rooming patients, taking vitals, administering injections and point-of-care tests, and assisting providers with procedures.
- Accurately documented patient histories and clinical information in the electronic health record, managed appointment scheduling, and processed referrals and prior authorizations.
- Educated patients on medications, immunizations, and follow-up care to support adherence and improved outcomes.
- Maintained exam room readiness, sterilization standards, and inventory controls to support efficient clinic operations.
Special Education Paraeducator
Urbandale Community School District
Urbandale
01.2014 - 11.2018
- Supported students with diverse learning needs in classroom and one-on-one settings, implementing individualized instruction and accommodations aligned with IEP goals.
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, and families to adapt lesson materials, monitor progress, and participate in IEP meetings.
- Implemented behavior support strategies and de-escalation techniques to promote a safe, inclusive learning environment.
- Assisted with classroom management, transitions, and specialized care routines; documented student progress and communicated observations to the IEP team.
- Utilized assistive technology and differentiated instruction to increase student engagement and independence.
Education
AAS - Medical Assisting
Kaplan University
Urbandale 08.2005 - 06.2007
Medical Transcriptionist Technician -
Kaplan University
Urbandale, 01.2005 - 07.2005
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Customer service
- POS operations
Hobbies and Interests
- Gardening
- Landscaping
Timeline
Server
Wasabi
11.2020 - 04.2025
Certified Medical Assistant
CareMore
02.2019 - 12.2019
Special Education Paraeducator
Urbandale Community School District
01.2014 - 11.2018
AAS - Medical Assisting
Kaplan University
08.2005 - 06.2007
Medical Transcriptionist Technician -
Kaplan University
01.2005 - 07.2005