Kirsty Clifford
Somerset,WI
Summary
I’m a motivated and compassionate professional with a strong foundation in business and healthcare, holding an Associate of Arts degree and an Accounting Clerk Certificate from Century College, along with academic experience in Health Care Administration at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s AACSB-accredited College of Business. My journey has been shaped by personal challenges—stepping away from my studies to become a full-time caregiver for my high school sweetheart during his battle with terminal cancer. That chapter taught me strength, adaptability, and how to lead with empathy. Since his passing, I’ve taken time to travel and reconnect with life, gaining invaluable perspective along the way. Now, I’m fully ready to channel my skills, life experience, and drive into a meaningful role where I can grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special education classroom life skills aide
Siuslaw School District 97J
Florence, USA
11.2024 - Current
- Supported teachers in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and customized lesson plans.
- Delivered one-on-one and small group instruction to reinforce academic concepts in reading, writing, and math.
- Assisted students with personal care tasks, including feeding, toileting, dressing, and grooming.
- Promoted student independence by teaching and reinforcing self-care and life skills.
- Monitored student behavior; applied positive reinforcement, redirection, and de-escalation techniques.
- Participated in crisis intervention and collaborated on behavior management strategies.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student progress, behavior plans, and interventions.
- Communicated consistently with teachers, and staff regarding student needs and development.
- Supported goal-setting and planning.
- Supervised students during transitions, recess, and extracurricular activities.
- Assisted with classroom organization, learning material preparation, and instructional support.
- Fostered social skill development and encouraged appropriate peer interactions.
- Demonstrated patience, empathy, and professionalism in high-need educational environments.
- Provided basic first aid and supported medical needs as necessary.
- Worked effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
Front Desk
Afton House Inn
Afton, USA
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Handled reservations for hotel accommodations, on-site restaurants, and dinner cruises, ensuring accuracy and excellent guest service.
- Provided front desk support including check-ins, guest inquiries, and concierge services.
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, multi-functional hospitality setting.
- Performed office and clerical duties such as data entry, filing, and document reorganization.
- Processed payments and managed transactions with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Stepped in as needed to support food service operations, assisting as a food runner and busser during peak hours.
Member Service Specialist
Safe Harbor Marinas
Marathon, USA
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Supported daily operations across the marina, RV park, dry storage, and vacation rental services, including reservations and scheduling.
- Delivered customer service and maintained strong client relations in person, via phone, and by email.
- Performed inventory receiving and stock control for retail and operational supplies.
- Completed daily fuel reporting and maintained accurate records for regulatory compliance.
- Executed data entry, record-keeping, and office clerical tasks with attention to detail.
- Handled retail responsibilities, including stocking shelves, assisting customers, and processing sales.
- Collected, reviewed, and filed vendor and customer documents, including insurance and compliance paperwork.
Concierge
Marlin Bay Resort & Marina
Marathon, USA
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed marina reservations and supported scheduling for boat slips and guest services.
- Assisted in day-to-day operations of both the resort and marina, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.
- Delivered friendly and responsive customer service to guests and patrons.
- Maintained accurate records through data entry, filing, and ongoing documentation.
- Performed general office and clerical duties to support administrative functions.
- Assisted in retail operations, including stocking merchandise and processing sales as a salesclerk.
Swimming Teacher
Go Swim USA
Wisconsin, USA
05.2017 - 11.2018
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to students’ needs and learning styles.
- Maintained a safe, supportive, and inclusive teaching environment.
- Fostered a fun, positive, and encouraging atmosphere to promote learning and personal growth.
- Built meaningful connections with individuals through personalized interaction and communication strategies.
PCA Personal Care Assistant
Orion ISO
Lake Elmo, USA
05.2015 - 09.2018
- Provided compassionate, one-on-one support to individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities.
- Assisted with daily living activities, including hygiene, dressing, mobility, and household tasks.
- Maintained and prepared meals aligned with specific dietary requirements.
- Effectively managed challenging behavioral situations using patience, empathy, and individualized strategies.
- Administered medications safely and in accordance with prescribed protocols.
- Supported clients in achieving greater independence while ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Secretary / Assistant
Eric's canoe and kayak rental
Saint Croix Falls, USA
05.2014 - 06.2015
- Coordinated scheduling and organization of both customers and staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Handled cash, card transactions, and balanced registers with accuracy and accountability.
- Maintained a clean, orderly, and safe environment for guests and employees.
- Managed phone communication, including answering inquiries and processing bookings and reservations.
Lifeguard
New Richmond Area Centre
New Richmond, USA
04.2014 - 05.2015
- Ensured a safe and secure environment for all patrons by actively supervising pool areas.
- Administered first aid and CPR in accordance with certification standards during emergencies.
- Monitored and recorded pool chemical levels to maintain water safety and health compliance.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN05.2018
Certificate - Accounting clerk certificate
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN05.2018
Some College (No Degree) - Healthcare Administration (HCAD)
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WISkills
Administrative & Office Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Data Entry & Document Management
- Accounting Software Proficiency
- Cash Handling & Register Operation
- Clerical & Front Desk Experience
- Time Management & Task Prioritization
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Attention to Detail & Record Keeping
Customer Service & Communication
- Customer Service & Support (Phone, In-Person, Live Chat)
- Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving
- Active Listening & Communication Skills
- Team Collaboration & Relationship Building
- Critical Thinking & Decision-Making
Caregiving & Health Support
- Personal Care Assistance (PCA, PCW, DSP, DWS)
- Medication Administration & Medical Terminology
- Care Plan Implementation
- Home Health & Companion Care
- Feeding, Dressing, Grooming & Hygiene Support
- Meal Preparation & Injury Prevention
- Safety Compliance & Lifting Ability
- Exceptional Patient Care & Emotional Support
Childcare & Education Support
- Childcare, Babysitting & Toddler Care
- Autism & Special Needs Experience
- Behavior Management & Positive Reinforcement
- Teaching & Instructional Support
- Student Supervision & Social Skills Development
Other Relevant Skills
- Lifeguard Certified & Pool Maintenance
- Swimming Instruction
- Computer Literacy
- Goal Setting & Self-Awareness
- Flexibility, Responsibility & Assertiveness
Certification
- Accounting clerk certificate, Present
- MANDT, 03/01/25, 03/01/26
Timeline
Special education classroom life skills aide
Siuslaw School District 97J
11.2024 - Current
Front Desk
Afton House Inn
06.2023 - 11.2023
Member Service Specialist
Safe Harbor Marinas
12.2022 - 04.2023
Concierge
Marlin Bay Resort & Marina
03.2022 - 10.2022
Swimming Teacher
Go Swim USA
05.2017 - 11.2018
PCA Personal Care Assistant
Orion ISO
05.2015 - 09.2018
Secretary / Assistant
Eric's canoe and kayak rental
05.2014 - 06.2015
Lifeguard
New Richmond Area Centre
04.2014 - 05.2015
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Century College
Certificate - Accounting clerk certificate
Century College
Some College (No Degree) - Healthcare Administration (HCAD)
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire