Katharine Wright
Seattle,WA
Summary
Proficient instructor delivering encouragement and feedback to help students be successful. Energetic professional with great poise. Trained in trauma-informed approach and experienced working with diverse populations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Work-Based Learning Manager
FareStart
08.2022 - Current
- Develop new curriculum and revise existing curriculum using a trauma-informed approach for all youth/young adult and adult career pathways
- Work with external partners such as DCYF to design programs that extend job training to individuals unable to attend onsite training at FareStart
- Manage a diverse team of 3 culinary trainers and 2 barista trainers
- Provide students with technical culinary training developing their skills for work in commissary, catering, and restaurant kitchens
- Increase student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Implement new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
- Provide trainers and students ongoing coaching and feedback supporting them in their skills development
- Actively participate in meetings for student support, program development, organizational information, and professional development
- Work closely with case managers and kitchen managers providing wrap-around support to students in crisis.
- Maintain professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and students.
- Facilitate successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Onboard new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Mentor junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Evaluate employee performance and convey constructive feedback to improve skills.
Program Manager and Instructor
the Pantry
11.2019 - 09.2022
- Developed and taught classes online and in-person to a diverse customer base
- Prepared kitchen spaces for classes maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment
- Developed, tested, and wrote recipes for classes, community meals, and private dinners
- Worked as part of the kitchen team producing meals for dinner service and private events
- Assisted fellow instructors and their guests during classes
- Managed documents and edited all class packets for in-house and visiting instructors
- Managed ordering company-wide for ingredients, equipment, and supplies; maintained weekly inventory
- Coordinated communication between departments to ensure classes ran smoothly
- Worked with purveyors for sourcing and pricing.
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
- Boosted guest morale by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Optimized instruction by providing guests with industry best practices.
- Optimized class schedules based on guest performance and feedback.
- Evaluated guest assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement for the program, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
Online Sales and Marketing Associate
Bulkley Associates
12.2016 - 11.2019
- Managed vendor accounts ensuring new products were available to the marketplace, monitored sell through on seasonal and discontinued items.
- Implemented marketing and sales plans for each quarter.
- Boosted brand visibility by developing and executing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Edited website content and database to keep information correct and up to date.
- Assisted in budget management, maximizing ROI on marketing initiatives.
- Generated reports to support development and implementation of marketing plans.
- Wrote engaging and successful marketing, advertising, and website copy.
Sr. Sales Support/Product Development/Account Manager
Taylor Precision Products (formerly Chef'n Corp.)
09.2013 - 12.2016
- Supported multiple channels in all stages of the sales and fulfillment cycle.
- Communicated with international partners at factories coordinating samples for key account products and packaging.
- Wrote product descriptions and detailed instructions for customer information sheets.
- Educated clients on new products or services to increase customer engagement with brand.
- Recommended brand products to customers to encourage repeat purchases and foster customer loyalty.
- Actively participated in networking events within the industry, expanding professional connections and generating leads.
- Assisted in the development of training materials for new hires, ensuring smooth onboarding process.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
Pastry Sous Chef
Dahlia Workshop/Tom Douglas Restaurants
04.2008 - 05.2013
- Developed and tested recipes for production; converted, proofread, and edited recipes for home use.
- Produced baked goods for bakery cookbook photoshoot
- Trained, mentored, and managed a diverse staff of 20.
- Taught community baking classes as part of the culinary summer camp team.
- Tracked orders to plan and manage pastry production to meet the needs of catering division, retail bakery, and twelve restaurants.
- Built strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Consistently met production deadlines by efficiently prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations by maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary workspace at all times.
- Supported catering department by creating seasonal dessert menus with regional ingredients, preparing large quantities of desserts while adhering to strict quality standards.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to develop innovative dessert menus for seasonal promotions and special events.
- Managed inventory effectively, ensuring proper stock levels of ingredients necessary for daily operations and special events.
- Developed custom dessert options for clients with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to guarantee timely delivery of all pastries, cakes and desserts.
Pastry Chef
Volunteer Park Café
01.2008 - 04.2008
- Managed all morning pastry production for weekday breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch service.
- Collaborated with the chef for weeknight dinner dessert offerings.
- Maintained weekly pars and inventory for all pastry needs.
- Created unique daily specials to drive business growth.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to guarantee timely delivery of all pastries, cakes and desserts.
- Cycled menus to keep offerings fresh and interesting for customers.
- Developed new pastry recipes using regional ingredients for seasonal menus.
- Continuously researched industry trends to stay current on industry trends.
Pastry Cook
Earth & Ocean
10.2007 - 01.2008
- Maintained inventory and pars for pastry kitchen.
- Worked on the line plating desserts and prepping for the next service.
- Baked cakes and special request desserts for guest services.
- Collaborated with the Executive Chef on dessert specials for holiday menus.
- Created new dessert items for seasonal and special events.
Lead Patissier
Le Panier
03.2004 - 10.2007
- Maintained inventory and pars for pastry kitchen.
- Tracked orders to plan and manage pastry production to meet the needs of a busy retail bakery.
- Created new dessert items for seasonal menus and special events.
- Contributed ideas during brainstorming sessions for promotional events or special offers that would attract new clientele or re-engage existing customers.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines during high volume periods.
Education
Master of Education - Career and Technical Education
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA08.2023
Certificate - Specialty Breads & Pastry
Seattle Culinary Academy
Seattle, WA03.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO12.1997
Skills
- Time Management
- Team Leadership
- Staff Training and Development
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Curriculum Design
- Class Instruction
- Student Engagement
- Online Teaching Experience
- Student-centered learning focus
- Continuing education
- Student Advocacy
- Trauma-informed Approach
Volunteer Experience
Seattle Public Schools, CTE Advisory Committee Member 05/2023 - Present
Certification
State of Washington Education Certificate, 10/2023 - 6/2029
Endorsements: Culinary Arts, Career Choices, Food Production, Worksite Learning Coordination
Timeline
Work-Based Learning Manager
FareStart
08.2022 - Current
Program Manager and Instructor
the Pantry
11.2019 - 09.2022
Online Sales and Marketing Associate
Bulkley Associates
12.2016 - 11.2019
Sr. Sales Support/Product Development/Account Manager
Taylor Precision Products (formerly Chef'n Corp.)
09.2013 - 12.2016
Pastry Sous Chef
Dahlia Workshop/Tom Douglas Restaurants
04.2008 - 05.2013
Pastry Chef
Volunteer Park Café
01.2008 - 04.2008
Pastry Cook
Earth & Ocean
10.2007 - 01.2008
Lead Patissier
Le Panier
03.2004 - 10.2007
Master of Education - Career and Technical Education
Eastern Washington University
Certificate - Specialty Breads & Pastry
Seattle Culinary Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Colorado State University
Similar Profiles
Brandon Chase HarmanBrandon Chase Harman
Barista/Server at FarestartBarista/Server at Farestart
Kelli SmitheKelli Smithe
Lead / Label Making Associate at FarestartLead / Label Making Associate at Farestart
Victor BautistaVictor Bautista
Transportation Manager at J.B. HuntTransportation Manager at J.B. Hunt
Jamison MaehlerJamison Maehler
Police Lieutenant at Seattle Police DepartmentPolice Lieutenant at Seattle Police Department
ALEX GODDARDALEX GODDARD
Field Service Engineer II at HologicField Service Engineer II at Hologic