Kayla Vaughn
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Dynamic and skilled chef with extensive expertise in event coordination and activity management, adept at crafting engaging experiences for diverse audiences. Proven track record of organizing inclusive events that enhance participant satisfaction and cultivate a vibrant community atmosphere. Strong logistical management capabilities combined with effective team collaboration ensure seamless execution of activities. Passionate about creating memorable culinary experiences that resonate with attendees and elevate overall event success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Philips Seafood
04.2025 - 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.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
Community Engagement Specialist
Cookmunity
10.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented community outreach programs to enhance local engagement.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for volunteers, increasing participation rates.
- Collaborated with local organizations to coordinate culinary centered events promoting community engagement.
- Developed and executed comprehensive social event strategies to enhance guest experience and brand engagement.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts, ensuring cost-effective service delivery for events.
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns to promote events, increasing attendance and participant satisfaction.
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring timely setup and execution.
Adult Day Program Director
Maryland Medical Day Services
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Onboarding and discharging clients and employees
- Verify clients insurance is active by using the EVS system
- Uploaded clients freedom of choice documents into LTSS
- Conducted staff in-service training, or delegated in-service training to the most qualified department head.
- Oversaw the completion and filing of client careplans, pain and fall risk assessments, meal benefit forms,ADCAP progress notes, non-ADCAP progress notes, and BIMS assessments.
- Refer clients to AERS, to receive in-home nurse evaluations to be approved to receive government funding for adult day services.
- Led program development initiatives, enhancing service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Oversaw compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring quality care and operational integrity.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design effective treatment plans for clients.
- Implemented staff training programs, improving team performance and service skills.
- Managed budget allocations, optimizing resource utilization across multiple programs.
- Analyzed program outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and strategic growth opportunities.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Adult Day Activities Coordinator
Maryland Medical Day Services
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Developed and implemented engaging program schedules for diverse participant groups.
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring seamless execution and high participant satisfaction.
- Collaborated with community partners to enhance resources and opportunities for program participants.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices in activity facilitation and organization.
- Managed budgets for activities, optimizing resource allocation while maintaining quality standards.
- Encouraged, supported and assisted residents with activities and documented activity attendance and degree of involvement.
- Document clients activity, engagement level, activity interest, and overall health and wellbeing changes in the monthly progress notes.
- Take daily attendance and log all clients meals and snacks.
- Promoted physical wellness through the implementation of group exercise classes tailored to various ability levels.
- Tailored activities to cater to diverse needs of community, including special programs for seniors and youth.
- Conducted accessibility audits for all event locations, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with regulations.
Culinary Instructor
Cozymeal
09.2018 - 01.2025
- Designed and implemented lesson plans that enhanced student engagement and culinary skills.
- Mentored students in advanced cooking techniques, fostering creativity and confidence in the kitchen.
- Developed course materials incorporating industry trends, enhancing relevance of training programs.
- Organized and facilitated workshops, improving student understanding of culinary arts fundamentals.
- Incorporated cultural diversity into lessons by exploring traditional cuisines from around the world.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities such as cooking competitions to enhance teamwork and showcase student talent.
Front of House Manager
Camp Airy & Louise
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Partnered with back-of-house management in order to maintain seamless communication between teams, ensuring a smooth dining experience for each dining shift.
- Resolved camper complaints while maintaining positive camp environment.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Acted as the main point of contact for all dining inquiries, addressing concerns promptly and professionally while maintaining a positive rapport with camper and counselors.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedure, s as well as proper food handling techniques which resulted in reduced turnover rates.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet camper expectations.
- Monitored inventory levels closely to minimize waste while keeping costs under control through careful planning and purchasing decisions.
- Fostered a culture of teamwork among staff members by encouraging collaboration in problem-solving tasks related to front-of-house operations.
Confidential Private Chef
Johnson Keland Management
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Prepared high-quality meals for clients with diverse palates, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients.
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen workspace, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines and safety protocols.
- Developed innovative recipes and cooking techniques to continually exceed client expectations.
- Upheld confidentiality agreements with high-profile clientele while providing discrete personal chef services in various settings.
- Coordinated with event planners during large gatherings or parties, ensuring seamless service and guest satisfaction.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by creating customized menus tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences.
- Implemented creative presentation techniques that added visual appeal to dishes while maintaining taste quality.
- Provided exceptional private catering services for special events, creating memorable dining experiences for guests.
- Collaborated with other household staff to provide seamless services for clients, fostering a positive work environment.
- Provided easy-to-read cooking preparation instructions for clients.
- Trained junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques, contributing to their professional development and overall team success.
Professional NFL Private Chef
Chef Kayla J. Vaughn, LLC
11.2018 - 02.2023
- Provided comprehensive nutritional private chef services to the following clients : Matthew Judon,DeShon Elliot,Broderick Washington,Lamar Jackson,Carl Granderson,Noah Brown,Jamarcus Bradley,and Khadarel Hodge.
- Purchased groceries, prepared and packaged meals as per the client's requests
- Private event catering, for special occasions such as anniversary, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc
- Weight loss coaching and macro based meal plan development
- Expense Management
- Innovative event menu development
- Worked closely with clients regarding their nutritional goals and implemented meal plans accordingly.
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in menu requests or guest counts without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
Culinary Expert
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Build sales and create customer relationships
- Instruct cooking and technique classes for all sizes and age groups
- Conduct live demonstrations and organize in store events
- Provide customers with culinary information, product use, and application
- Management and associate technique training
- Plan, prepare, and execute monthly culinary activity calendar
- Ensure store adheres to health and safety codes and train other store how to meet health code standards
- Develop culinary school relationships to source new hires
Prep/Dinner Cook
Keswick Multi-Care Center
02.2017 - 08.2017
- Prepare meals for 250 daily in a high volume kitchen with exceptional precision
- Train and supervise novice staff members at food stations
- Ensure compliance with menu, portioning, and presentation
- Maintain food stations compliant with sanitation and hygienic regulations
- Skilled to use standard food preparation utensils and kitchen equipment
Education
Associates Degree - Culinary Arts
Stratford University
07.2016
Skills
- Calendar management
- Facility management
- Event coordination
- Critical thinking
- Data entry
- Food safety regulations
- Menu development
- Demonstration skills
- Collaborative mindset
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Client relationship building
- Activity planning experience
Timeline
Server
Philips Seafood
04.2025 - Current
Community Engagement Specialist
Cookmunity
10.2024 - Current
Adult Day Program Director
Maryland Medical Day Services
08.2024 - 03.2025
Adult Day Activities Coordinator
Maryland Medical Day Services
08.2024 - 02.2025
Front of House Manager
Camp Airy & Louise
04.2024 - 09.2024
Confidential Private Chef
Johnson Keland Management
05.2023 - 09.2023
Professional NFL Private Chef
Chef Kayla J. Vaughn, LLC
11.2018 - 02.2023
Culinary Instructor
Cozymeal
09.2018 - 01.2025
Culinary Expert
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
05.2018 - 01.2019
Prep/Dinner Cook
Keswick Multi-Care Center
02.2017 - 08.2017
Associates Degree - Culinary Arts
Stratford University