Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Server
Katherine Saeger

Katherine Saeger

Machesney Park,IL

Summary

Adept at leading teams to exceed sanitation and food safety standards, my tenure at Morning Star Village showcases a proven track record in staff development and strategic planning. Leveraging skills in inventory management and staff leadership, I've successfully enhanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, embodying a commitment to excellence and innovation in food service management.

Ambitious Food Service Director with proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Food Service Director

Morning Star Village
06.2024 - Current
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation, ensuring compliance with all health department regulations.
  • Oversaw daily operations in the kitchen, ensuring timely meal preparation and delivery for large-scale events or busy dining periods.
  • Managed budgets effectively, controlling costs through efficient inventory management and supplier negotiations.
  • Monitored food quality and freshness during all stages of preparation, storage, and service to ensure consistently excellent dining experiences for guests.
  • Developed a strong team atmosphere within the kitchen staff, enhancing productivity and employee retention rates.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Developed strategies for minimizing waste during food preparation processes by utilizing proper portioning techniques and reusing ingredients when appropriate.
  • Implemented a system for tracking inventory levels accurately, preventing shortages or overstock situations that could impact service quality.
  • Increased employee engagement by fostering positive relationships among team members and addressing concerns proactively.
  • Optimized workflow processes by analyzing data on staff performance, customer feedback, and sales trends to make informed decisions about staffing levels and work schedules.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for food service employees, promoting professional growth and development opportunities.
  • Maintained sound financial footing by overseeing department profit, loss and budgeting.
  • Designed creative menus that catered to various dietary needs while maintaining an appealing aesthetic for clients.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by implementing new menu options and providing excellent food presentation.
  • Collaborated with other departments to develop cross-functional partnerships that improved overall facility operations and efficiency.
  • Developed strategies to improve food service levels for busy facility handling 150 meals each day.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.

Nutrition Services Manager

YMCA of Rock River Valley
06.2022 - 06.2024
  • Developed successful relationships with vendors, resulting in cost-effective purchasing agreements for quality food products.
  • Managed budget effectively through careful monitoring of expenses, optimizing resources to meet operational goals without compromising quality or safety standards.
  • Enhanced team performance by providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities for nutrition services staff.
  • Increased efficiency in meal preparation tasks through the optimization of kitchen workflows and resource allocation.
  • Maintained high hygiene standards with regular staff training on sanitation and cleanliness procedures.
  • Conducted regular audits of food safety processes, ensuring adherence to strict HACCP protocols at all times.
  • Facilitated strong cross-departmental communication by liaising regularly with nursing, pharmacy, and other allied health professionals to ensure seamless coordination of patient care.
  • Implemented innovative recipes that met diverse dietary needs while maintaining a focus on taste and presentation.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication, teamwork, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Reduced food waste by implementing effective inventory management and portion control strategies.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.

Lead Teacher, Toddler Room

YMCA of Rock River Valley
01.2017 - 06.2022
  • Developed strong relationships with families, fostering trust and creating a welcoming atmosphere within the classroom.
  • Adapted lessons to accommodate individual needs, supporting diverse learners in reaching their full potential.
  • Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment that encouraged exploration and learning.
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop a cohesive and consistent curriculum for the Toddler Room.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all children.
  • Led enriching outdoor activities that promoted physical fitness, coordination, and exploration of the natural world.
  • Supported language acquisition efforts by introducing new vocabulary words during daily conversations.
  • Conducted regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss each child''s progress and address concerns or suggestions.
  • Improved fine motor skills among toddlers by designing engaging arts and crafts projects.
  • Enhanced toddler development by implementing age-appropriate learning activities and playtime experiences.
  • Achieved high levels of parental satisfaction through open communication and timely updates on their child''s growth and development.
  • Implemented early literacy strategies through engaging storytimes and interactive reading sessions.
  • Administered developmental assessments to evaluate each child''s progress and identify areas for targeted intervention.
  • Organized special events like holiday celebrations or themed days to create memorable experiences for children and families alike.
  • Fostered independence among toddlers by guiding them through self-help tasks such as dressing themselves or cleaning up after snack time.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Maintained detailed records of each child''s developmental milestones, using this information to plan future lessons and provide personalized support.
  • Partnered with parents in addressing challenging behaviors, developing effective strategies for improvement.
  • Promoted social-emotional learning by facilitating group activities that encouraged teamwork and cooperation.
  • Provided daily care routines such as diaper changes, mealtime assistance, and nap supervision, ensuring the well-being of each child in the Toddler Room.
  • Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
  • Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
  • Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
  • Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
  • Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
  • Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
  • Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
  • Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
  • Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
  • Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
  • Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.

Housekeeper

YMCA of Rock River Valley
01.2017 - 06.2022
  • Disinfected and mopped bathrooms to keep facilities sanitary and clean.
  • Vacuumed rugs and carpeted areas in offices, lobbies, and corridors.
  • Used chemicals by following safety protocols and procedures to avoid burns and injuries.
  • Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
  • Hand-dusted and wiped down office furniture, fixtures, and window sills to keep areas clean and comfortable.
  • Upheld high standards of sanitation in common areas, contributing to an inviting atmosphere for guests.
  • Disposed of trash and recyclables each day to avoid waste buildup.
  • Adhered to professional house cleaning checklist.
  • Picked up housekeeping shifts for extra money while teaching in a toddler classroom.

Personal Caregiver

Self Employed Services
09.2014 - 01.2017
  • Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
  • Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
  • Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
  • Ensured client safety by closely monitoring their health conditions and promptly addressing any concerns or emergencies.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Improved client satisfaction by providing personalized care and attention to their unique needs.
  • Promoted client health by assisting with daily hygiene tasks, medication administration, and regular exercise routines.
  • Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
  • Provided basic grooming and hygiene assistance to patients.
  • Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
  • Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
  • Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
  • Optimized meal planning according to dietary requirements, promoting healthy eating habits for improved health outcomes.
  • Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
  • Implemented creative strategies to keep clients engaged in activities that promoted cognitive functioning and mental stimulation.
  • Developed positive relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy, patience, flexibility, which led to increased trust between caregiver and client.
  • Provided respite care for family caregivers, allowing them to take breaks and focus on personal needs while maintaining a high level of care for their loved one.
  • Collaborated with family members to ensure effective communication regarding the care plan and any necessary adjustments.
  • Efficiently managed schedules, coordinating appointments with healthcare providers while minimizing disruptions to clients'' daily routines.
  • Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.

Daycare Owner/Operator

Self Employed Services
01.2013 - 01.2017
  • Organized fun-filled events and activities for children that promoted learning in an engaging manner.
  • Enhanced parent satisfaction by maintaining open communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Managed financial aspects of the daycare business, including budgeting, expense tracking, and revenue generation.
  • Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for children through regular maintenance, staff training, and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Optimized facility space usage by designing creative layouts that maximized play areas while ensuring safety standards were met or exceeded.
  • Promoted healthy eating habits among students by overseeing menu planning and meal preparation according to nutritional guidelines set forth by experts in the field of early childhood nutrition.
  • Maintained compliance with state licensing requirements through regular inspections, documentation updates, and policy reviews.
  • Increased positive feedback from parents through timely progress reports that detailed each child''s developmental milestones achieved at the center.
  • Developed age-appropriate curriculum plans focused on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
  • Improved customer retention rates by providing exceptional care services tailored to individual child needs.
  • Maintained accurate accounting of tuition and operating reports.
  • Continuously sought ways to improve the daycare center''s services and offerings by staying current with industry trends, attending conferences and workshops, and networking with fellow childcare professionals.
  • Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies to address behavioral issues that arose among students, ensuring a harmonious learning environment for all.
  • Streamlined daily operations by implementing efficient scheduling systems for both staff and students.
  • Fostered strong relationships with local schools to facilitate seamless transitions for children entering kindergarten.
  • Monitored student performance closely via assessments and evaluations aimed at identifying areas needing improvement or further attention.
  • Recruited qualified staff members through rigorous screening processes to maintain a high-quality team of childcare professionals.
  • Established partnerships with local businesses to support the daycare center''s growth within the community.
  • Implemented professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge in childcare practices.
  • Upheld high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, reducing spread of illness and ensuring healthy setting for children and staff.
  • Resolved conflicts among children with empathy and effective problem-solving techniques.
  • Increased enrollment rates through effective marketing strategies and community outreach efforts.

Shop Hand

J Industries
06.2011 - 08.2011
  • Maintained a clean and organized shop floor, ensuring safety standards were upheld at all times.
  • Performed routine equipment maintenance, prolonging the lifespan of tools and machinery.
  • Assisted team members with various tasks, contributing to a positive work environment and increased productivity.
  • Used hand trucks and forklifts to load, unload, and transport items.
  • Summer job Only

Education

CDA - Early Childhood Care And Education

Ashworth College
Norcross, GA
11-2018

High School Diploma -

Harlem High School
Machesney Park, IL
05-2012

Skills

  • Ordering and purchasing
  • Staff training and development
  • Sanitation standards
  • Staff leadership
  • Food safety compliance
  • Business leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Inventory management
  • Quality assurance
  • Allergen awareness
  • Sales planning
  • Employee scheduling
  • Facility management
  • Policy implementation
  • Menu development
  • Nutrition
  • Policy development
  • Staff productivity management

Certification

  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - National Restaurant Association.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED Certification - American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
  • Illinois Driver's License

Timeline

Food Service Director

Morning Star Village
06.2024 - Current

Nutrition Services Manager

YMCA of Rock River Valley
06.2022 - 06.2024

Lead Teacher, Toddler Room

YMCA of Rock River Valley
01.2017 - 06.2022

Housekeeper

YMCA of Rock River Valley
01.2017 - 06.2022

Personal Caregiver

Self Employed Services
09.2014 - 01.2017

Daycare Owner/Operator

Self Employed Services
01.2013 - 01.2017

Shop Hand

J Industries
06.2011 - 08.2011

CDA - Early Childhood Care And Education

Ashworth College

High School Diploma -

Harlem High School

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