Kayla Sparks
Fayetteville,AR
Summary
Adept at enhancing customer experiences and fostering guest satisfaction. Expert in managing high-volume dining at On The Border. Excel in conflict resolution and maintain a strong work ethic, significantly contributing to team success and client satisfaction. Cross-Trained for curriculum development, crisis mitigation, and emotional support. Experienced in classroom and retail management, and highly responsive to immediate needs/"shift triage."
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Server/Bartender
On The Border
04.2024 - Current
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Doctoral Teaching Fellow/PhD Candidate
Texas Christian University
08.2016 - Current
- Improved student comprehension by implementing creative teaching strategies and real-world examples in lessons.
- Utilized formative assessment tools to identify areas for improvement and adjusted instruction accordingly, optimizing student progress.
- Integrated multicultural elements into lessons, encouraging global awareness and appreciation for diversity among students.
- Developed personalized assessments for students, resulting in tailored instruction that met individual needs and boosted overall performance.
- Mentored new Teaching Fellows, providing guidance on effective classroom strategies and sharing valuable experiences from the field.
- Designed engaging lesson plans that incorporated diverse learning styles, accommodating the unique needs of each student.
- Organized department-wide events to promote community involvement and positive school culture, bringing together students, faculty, and disciplinary leaders for memorable experiences.
Prep/Line Cook
The Union Diner
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Worked closely with other line cooks to ensure consistency across all stations, delivering a cohesive dining experience for guests.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to effectively manage multiple orders at once while ensuring high-quality output and timely service.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in food preparation and presentation.
- Assisted in training new team members on cooking techniques, kitchen equipment usage, and company policies.
- Demonstrated adaptability during peak hours by efficiently handling high-volume orders without compromising quality or speed of service.
- Contributed to a positive working atmosphere, fostering teamwork among kitchen staff for seamless service delivery.
Greeter/Delivery Driver
The Tavern
07.2016 - 03.2020
- Displayed friendly, outgoing, and energetic behavior to create warm, fun atmosphere for guests.
- Provided friendly, attentive service throughout peak times for responsive customer care.
- Exhibited exceptional multitasking abilities by managing various tasks such as greeting guests, answering questions, and directing traffic simultaneously.
- Utilized effective communication skills when interacting with diverse clientele, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
- Delivered baked goods from The Tavern to other local businesses for wholesale delivery.
Secondary English/AP Language and Comp Teacher
Waldron Public Schools
09.2011 - 06.2016
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate varied learning styles and ensure all students received tailored support.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs and tutoring sessions to further promote student engagement and success.
- Implemented project-based learning experiences that fostered critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork among students.
- Contributed to the ongoing improvement of school culture by actively participating in faculty meetings, committees, and school-wide initiatives aimed at fostering academic excellence and student wellbeing.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Cashier
Bliss Cupcake Cafe
06.2014 - 06.2015
- 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.
Server
CharBroiler Restaurant
06.2009 - 06.2012
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
Title Examiner
Independent Contractor
01.2007 - 06.2012
- Skillfully negotiated resolutions to complex title discrepancies that facilitated smooth property transfers.
- Reduced errors in title examinations through diligent verification of property records and legal descriptions.
- Identified potential risks or concerns during the title examination process, proactively addressing them to minimize delays.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing accurate and timely title reports and documentation.
- Increased efficiency in the workplace by implementing organizational systems for managing case files and documentation.
- Excelled at multitasking under tight deadlines without compromising quality or accuracy in completed work assignments.
- Provided clear explanations of findings during examinations, aiding clients in making informed decisions about their properties.
Mental Health Paraprofessional
Perspectives Behavioral Health Management
02.2010 - 08.2011
- Reduced client hospitalization rates by providing targeted crisis intervention services.
- Actively engaged in case conferences, contributing valuable insights regarding client progress and challenges.
- Contributed to program evaluation efforts, identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based interventions in response to identified needs.
- Provided one-on-one support to clients experiencing acute distress, utilizing active listening skills and grounding techniques as appropriate.
- Built trusting relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect for individual experiences.
- Collaborated closely with supervising clinicians, seeking guidance when needed while maintaining professional boundaries within the scope of practice.
- Maintained accurate client records, ensuring proper documentation of services provided and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Server/Bartender Trainer
On The Border
06.2005 - 08.2008
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
Assistant Manager
Dollar Tree
03.2004 - 04.2005
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
- Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
Education
Ph.D. - Rhetoric And Composition
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX05.2025
Master of Arts - English/TESOL
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR05.2016
Master of Arts - Teaching
Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, AR05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
University of The Ozarks
Clarksville, AR05.2005
High School Diploma -
Waldron High School
Waldron, AR05.2001
Skills
- Strong Work Ethic
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Cash Handling
- Guest Engagement
- High-volume dining
- Food safety understanding
- Conflict and Complaint Resolution
- Social-Emotional Learning training
- Student Assessment
- Curriculum Development
Timeline
Server/Bartender
On The Border
04.2024 - Current
Prep/Line Cook
The Union Diner
03.2023 - 03.2024
Doctoral Teaching Fellow/PhD Candidate
Texas Christian University
08.2016 - Current
Greeter/Delivery Driver
The Tavern
07.2016 - 03.2020
Cashier
Bliss Cupcake Cafe
06.2014 - 06.2015
Secondary English/AP Language and Comp Teacher
Waldron Public Schools
09.2011 - 06.2016
Mental Health Paraprofessional
Perspectives Behavioral Health Management
02.2010 - 08.2011
Server
CharBroiler Restaurant
06.2009 - 06.2012
Title Examiner
Independent Contractor
01.2007 - 06.2012
Server/Bartender Trainer
On The Border
06.2005 - 08.2008
Assistant Manager
Dollar Tree
03.2004 - 04.2005
Ph.D. - Rhetoric And Composition
Texas Christian University
Master of Arts - English/TESOL
Arkansas Tech University
Master of Arts - Teaching
Southern Arkansas University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
University of The Ozarks
High School Diploma -
Waldron High School
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