Leigh Fernandez
East Rutherford,NJ
Summary
Experienced professional with a proven track record in managing and leading cross-functional teams. Exceptional problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills resulting in effective motivation and leadership of teams. Highly organized, motivated, and results-driven, consistently striving for operational excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Golden Steps ABA
03.2025 - Current
- Achieved team goals through formalized training plans, coaching, and performance management.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Analyzed customer feedback and identified areas for improvement to drive business success.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Established and monitored quality assurance standards to achieve operational excellence.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Operations Manager
Golden Steps ABA
12.2023 - 03.2025
- Implemented and enforced operational policies and guidelines to adhere to organization's expectations.
- Executed new growth directives, collaborating across departments.
- Partnered with Talent Acquisitions to recruit talent and oversee employee onboarding/training.
- Managed client onboarding in collaboration with intake coordinator.
- Provided operational support to therapists ensuring quality care.
- Optimized business workflows to enhance efficiency.
- Interacted with clients and staff to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Worked with peers to better understand business process and initiate improvements, to help achieve organizational goals.
- Promoted energetic and collaborative environment with purpose to drive efficiency in client care and experiences.
- Implemented escalation procedures to effectively handle time-sensitive issues.
Director of Business Operations
Sperling Dermatology
07.2019 - 12.2023
- Set and implemented strategic goals and initiatives to align with company missions, values, and visions.
- Collaborated on process improvements, cost savings, and organizational development initiatives
- Oversaw daily operations of multiple locations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
- Managed employees in order to achieve business objectives and maximize performance
- Implemented effective change management strategies to ensure successful adoption of new processes or technologies
- Hired and onboarded team members to meet immediate and expected demands
- Resolved conflicts between personnel by employing creative problem-solving techniques
- Developed training programs for staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge base in order to support organizational objectives
- Reviewed financial statements, sales reports, and other performance data to measure productivity.
Medical Receptionist
Sperling Dermatology
04.2017 - 07.2019
- Greeted patients and visitors promptly to ensure a positive experience
- Answered phones promptly and directed calls appropriately
- Scheduled appointments, managed calendars, and coordinated meetings efficiently
- Collected co-payments and co-insurance and issued appropriate receipts during check-in
- Educated patients on current and upcoming cosmetic treatments offered.
Medical Receptionist
Ridgedale Family Eye Care
01.2015 - 04.2017
- Greeted patients immediately upon arrival, providing excellent customer service
- Managed patient check-ins by verifying insurance coverage, collecting payments, and updating accounts accordingly
- Answered phones promptly and directed calls appropriately
- Processed payment transactions for cash, checks, and credit and debit cards
- Scheduled patients for exams and screenings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Kean University
Union, NJ05.2019
Associate of Science - Business Administration And Management
County College of Morris - Township
Randolph, NJ05.2015
Skills
- Operations Management
- Business Planning and Strategy
- Strong Interpersonal Communication
- Training and Development
- Strong Analytical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Process Improvement
- Performance monitoring
- Workflow Optimization
- Staff Development
- Process improvement
- Leadership training
- Strategic planning and execution
- Business management
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Director of Operations
Golden Steps ABA
03.2025 - Current
Operations Manager
Golden Steps ABA
12.2023 - 03.2025
Director of Business Operations
Sperling Dermatology
07.2019 - 12.2023
Medical Receptionist
Sperling Dermatology
04.2017 - 07.2019
Medical Receptionist
Ridgedale Family Eye Care
01.2015 - 04.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Kean University
Associate of Science - Business Administration And Management
County College of Morris - Township