Kayla Nelson
Madison,WI
Summary
Safety-focused, service-driven professional with experience in high-stress, safety-critical environments and extensive customer-facing roles. Proven ability to remain calm under pressure, de-escalate conflict, enforce procedures, and deliver empathetic, professional service to diverse populations. Known for clear communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Seeking a Flight Attendant position with American Airlines to contribute strong safety leadership and exceptional customer care.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Reading Tutor / Dyslexia Specialist
Step By Step Tutoring
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Provided individualized instruction to children and adults with learning differences, maintaining a calm, supportive, and structured environment.
- Built strong relationships with families through clear, empathetic communication and consistent progress updates.
- Managed high-needs situations requiring patience, adaptability, and emotional regulation.
- Maintained detailed documentation and followed structured instructional plans aligned with established protocols.
- Airline translation: One-on-one service, emotional intelligence, responsibility, professionalism.
Special Education Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School District
Madison, WI
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Held primary responsibility for the safety, well-being, and supervision of high-needs students in a structured learning environment.
- Independently managed high-stress behavioral situations, including emotional meltdowns, while maintaining safety for all individuals present.
- Designed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), safety plans, and behavior protocols in compliance with district and legal requirements.
- Led and executed emergency drills (fire, shelter-in-place, etc.) while providing calm, clear instructions under pressure.
- Enforced rules and boundaries consistently, even in situations involving resistance or emotional escalation.
- Collaborated closely with co-teachers, administrators, and families to ensure continuity of care and communication.
- This is GOLD for airlines: Safety authority, emergency response, rule enforcement, calm leadership - this reads very much like cabin crew experience.
Server
The Grist Bar & Table
Madison, WI
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Delivered high-quality service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, managing multiple guests simultaneously.
- Resolved guest concerns professionally, maintaining a positive experience even during peak service times.
- Trained and mentored new staff members on service standards, teamwork, and professionalism.
- Worked collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth operations.
- Airline translation: Multitasking, teamwork, customer recovery, stamina.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Special Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI05-2023
Skills
- Passenger Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Conflict De-escalation & Crisis Response
- Customer Service Excellence
- Clear & Calm Communication Under Pressure
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Multitasking in Fast-Paced Environments
- Procedure-Driven & Compliance-Focused Work
- Adaptability & Schedule Flexibility
Additional Information
Valid U.S. Passport with unrestricted travel eligibility, Open to early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, Comfortable with long duty days and non-traditional schedules, Extensive personal travel experience; highly comfortable with air travel and airports
Timeline
Private Reading Tutor / Dyslexia Specialist
Step By Step Tutoring
01.2024 - 01.2026
Special Education Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School District
01.2023 - 01.2024
Server
The Grist Bar & Table
01.2019 - 01.2024
Bachelor's Degree - Special Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison