KAREN EASTBURN
Lake Panasoffkee,FL
Summary
Proven leader in enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction at Walmart, adept at safety management and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in process improvement and critical thinking, I have a track record of mentoring teams to exceed business goals. My strategic approach to workflow management and commitment to excellence drive significant business growth.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional
Sumter County School Board
Bushnell, FL
07.2024 - Current
- Supported classroom instruction and facilitated student engagement through individualized learning strategies.
- Assisted teachers with lesson planning and implementation, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards.
- Monitored student progress and behavior, providing feedback to educators for improved educational outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop tailored intervention plans for students with special needs.
- Coordinated classroom activities and resources, enhancing overall learning environment and student participation.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to promote a positive learning atmosphere among diverse learners.
- Evaluated educational materials for relevance and effectiveness, contributing to curriculum development initiatives.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Assisted in the administration of standardized testing, ensuring accurate assessment of student performance levels.
- Strengthened student literacy skills through targeted reading intervention programs tailored to individual needs.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Monitored student safety during school outings, ensuring secure learning environment.
- Assisted in administration of standardized tests, facilitating smooth testing process.
- Utilized technology in classroom to enhance learning experiences.
- Fostered positive learning environment, managing classroom behavior effectively.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and staff, enhancing school community.
- Improved classroom management with development of behavior modification plans.
- Provided feedback to teachers on student progress, aiding in adjustment of teaching strategies.
- Coordinated with teachers to monitor student progress, identifying areas for improvement.
- Engaged with students during extracurricular activities, supporting their interests beyond classroom.
- Facilitated small group tutoring sessions for students struggling in math and reading.
- Enhanced student engagement by implementing interactive learning activities.
- Collaborated with school librarian to organize literacy events, encouraging love of reading.
- Supported teachers in grading assignments, ensuring timely feedback for students.
- Assisted in organization of school events, contributing to vibrant school culture.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Monitored students in computer lab to enforce proper use of resources.
Activities Room (EA) Lead
Sumter Youth Center (Childcare & Thrift Store)
Bushnell, FL
09.2014 - Current
- Mentored junior staff members on proper process execution techniques, helping them develop valuable skills that translated into career growth opportunities.
- Assisted supervisors in workforce planning and resource allocation to ensure optimal staffing levels during peak periods.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations by conducting thorough audits and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Identified and resolved process issues to drive optimal workflow and business growth.
- Conducted root cause analysis for recurring issues, leading to targeted corrective actions that effectively resolved problems.
- Collaborated with team to define business requirements for organizational processes, achieve productivity standards, and adhere to accuracy standards.
- Enhanced team productivity by conducting regular training sessions on the latest industry best practices.
- Assisted in the development of key performance metrics to track progress against departmental goals, enabling data-driven decision making.
- Maintained knowledge of industry techniques, methods, and equipment to create competitive advantage leading to business growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
- Improved process efficiency by identifying bottlenecks and implementing streamlined solutions.
- Implemented a robust quality control system, resulting in reduced defects and increased customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing among team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Conducted training and change management processes to improve operations.
- Supervised processes to eliminate weak points or bottlenecks in business operations.
- Evaluated product or service by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.
- Assessed products or services to evaluate conformance with quality standards.
- Prioritized initiatives to increase success rates of strategic projects.
ICS Stocker
Walmart
Bushnell, FL
03.2014 - 09.2014
- Enhanced inventory accuracy by diligently tracking stock levels and replenishing items as needed.
- Improved overall efficiency with regular communication between departments regarding inventory needs and updates.
- Supported successful promotional events by ensuring adequate stock levels and timely merchandise displays.
- Reduced out-of-stock incidents by consistently maintaining a well-organized stockroom.
- Participated in regular inventory audits, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
- Ensured customer satisfaction, promptly addressing inquiries and locating products in the stockroom.
- Streamlined product restocking with efficient use of handheld devices for scanning and data entry.
- Maximized storage space utilization by implementing effective organization strategies within the stockroom.
- Facilitated prompt customer service, retrieving requested items from the stockroom quickly and professionally.
- Increased operational efficiency by streamlining workflows within the stockroom using time-saving techniques.
- Assisted in loss prevention efforts through vigilant monitoring of inventory discrepancies and reporting suspicious activity.
- Contributed to store revenue growth through proactive stocking of high-demand items during peak seasons.
- Completed physical inventory counts each month.
- Performed data entry and completed proper paperwork.
- Recorded information, shortages, and discrepancies to keep records current and accurate.
- Kept work areas neat, clean and free from debris.
- Followed orders precisely for correct items, sizes and quantities.
- Maintained tidy and clean work areas to promote optimal productivity and safety standards.
- Kept aisles clear and clean while restocking to prevent accidents and enable others to easily pass by.
- Stocked designated items on shelves, end caps and displays.
- Operated equipment such as pallet jacks and hand trucks to move heavy boxes.
- Safely and securely loaded items to prevent damage during transport.
- Labeled products, rotated stock and fronted merchandise for appealing display.
- Labeled boxes, crates and containers with accurate order information, destinations and codes to minimize shipping errors.
- Moved cardboard, plastic ties, and other debris from unboxing to trash.
- Interacted with guests in friendly and knowledgeable way.
- Transported merchandise to sales floor and replenished out-of-stock and low-stock items.
- Moved merchandise using forklifts, pallet jacks and hand trucks.
- Stocked shelves to match planogram images and instructions.
- Pulled merchandise from inventory storage and documented quantities to maintain accuracy.
Cashier
Dollar General Store
Bushnell, FL
01.2014 - 03.2014
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
Owner/Director
Playtime Childcare & Learning Center
Bushnell, FL
06.2010 - 12.2013
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
Lead Teacher
Hobby Horse Daycare
Bushnell, FL
09.2007 - 05.2010
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
Support Manager
Walmart
Bushnell, FL
02.1997 - 07.2007
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the support department.
- Monitored employee and customer interactions to assess quality of service.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the team by organizing workshops and sharing relevant resources regularly.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and coaching to enhance their skillsets and career progression potential.
- Reduced customer complaints by implementing proactive troubleshooting strategies and preventive measures.
- Collaborated with other teams to identify and resolve customer issues quickly and professionally.
- Coached employees through day-to-day work and complex problems.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and guidance for professional development.
- Analyzed customer service data to identify trends, identify solutions and improve customer experience.
- Prepared employee schedules for maximum coverage during key hours.
- Created, prepared, and delivered reports to various departments.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, ensuring the support team remained well-versed in best practices.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for successful product launches and seamless integration of new features.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Education
High School Diploma -
South Sumter High School
Bushnell, FL05.1994
Skills
- Safety Management
- Workflow Management
- Assignment Delegation
- Management Support
- Process Improvement
- Process flows
- Paperwork Processing
- Inventory Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Multitasking and Time Management
- Fast Learner
- Workflow Planning
- Customer and client relations
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Service
- Project Planning
- Report Development
- Data retrieval systems
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- During my 10 Year employment at Walmart, I wanted to learn everything I could. I just have a love for retail and to try to make things better for the customers whether its keeping things neat and tidy, or safe from hazards, or helping them find the things they are looking for. Below are some of the positions I held At the Hometown Store as well as when it was moved to the new building as a Super Center In 2002-2003. I was very involved in that move including setting up side counters and racks and transferring stock from the small store to the shelves of the new.
- -Unloader/Stocker (Hometown Store so I worked every Department)
- -Cashier (Closer so I learned how to front things and make it look full for the next day)
- -Sales Floor Associate
- -Softlines(clothing)
- -Fabrics/Crafts
- -Electronics
- -Sporting Goods/Hardware/Automotive
- -Department Manager
- -Toys
- -Furniture
- -Chemical/Paper Goods
- -Automotive/Tire and Lube
- -Receiving Associate
- -Support Manager (hourly manager)
- Fundraising Experience
I would like to add that I have several experiences with fundraising. At Walmart, we raised funds for Children’s Miracle Network, using different techniques. I have grilled hot dogs and sold them with chips and a drink and asked to support at the checkout. Walmart also has programs for funds and donations in place that non-profits can apply for. I have written to our Bushnell Walmart for help when my sons were in their ball-playing years and needed funds to help them get to different places in the state and the country. There were several other fundraising events that took place for that reason over the course of several years such as hat drops, several different raffles, selling 50/50 tickets, selling tickets for chicken and rice dinners or spaghetti dinners, and even visiting the businesses in our city to ask for donations or just to sell them tickets. I think these are ideas that could come into play for raising funds for our Sumter Youth Center.
Since my time at the Sumter Youth Center, I have done small fundraisers such as KIDS NIGHT OUT, raffles, and yard sales. KIDS NIGHT OUT was my spin on FRIDAY NIGHT DONE RIGHT events. I wanted the younger children to have something too. I thought it would be great to offer a service to children that was fun and safe and their caregivers, that was affordable and reliable. Hopefully this event can start anew to serve our community.
I also have aspirations that not only serve as fundraisers but as outreach to the communities that could grow into fundraising generators. Working for the Sumter County School Board at Webster Elementary, I now have professional “bridges” to expand support and who can and will advocate for us. I think volunteering to help at the schools with their PBIS programs can lead to support for us, not only by the local school officials such as teachers and staff, but to school board officials and to the parents that have children who attend those schools. Parents of those children are potential donors and/or supporters of our beloved youth center. We need to show them where our heart is!
I am an empty-nester of four healthy, thriving children and have a husband with a heart of gold. I have the time, the effort and the heart to put into the Sumter Youth Center. As I said, I come paired with a husband who loves the Sumter Youth Center as much as I do. For several years now, he has dedicated his time, service, equipment, and other costs associated, at no cost to the youth center. He received his love for the youth center through Bil who meant the world to our family. My husband’s love of service to his community has accumulated over 30 years working for the citizens of the city of Bushnell. He will continue to support the needs of the Sumter Youth Center even after his retirement.
The other part of fundraising is the grant writing. I have little knowledge of writing grants but have enlisted three mentors who are happy to help me learn. One mentor is an assistant principal at a local school. Another is a seasoned teacher who has mentored me as a para for the last two years. And the third is a seasoned public official who has been in the business of seeking large grants. I know with their mentorship and any training that Della will provide, I can be a great leader for the Sumter Youth Center. I have accompanied Della on community events in the past as well.
I look forward to many other community events, fundraising events and ideas. I have some ideas that I am working out the details for. Some of you have known me for a very long time but I look forward to working with you all.
Timeline
Paraprofessional
Sumter County School Board
07.2024 - Current
Activities Room (EA) Lead
Sumter Youth Center (Childcare & Thrift Store)
09.2014 - Current
ICS Stocker
Walmart
03.2014 - 09.2014
Cashier
Dollar General Store
01.2014 - 03.2014
Owner/Director
Playtime Childcare & Learning Center
06.2010 - 12.2013
Lead Teacher
Hobby Horse Daycare
09.2007 - 05.2010
Support Manager
Walmart
02.1997 - 07.2007
High School Diploma -
South Sumter High School