Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Marena Parker

Summary

Dynamic Health Technician Dietetic with proven expertise in patient communication and electronic health records at Hines VA Hospital. Recognized for delivering exceptional customer service while ensuring food safety compliance. Adept at nutritional analysis and diet management, demonstrating adaptability and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Health Technician Dietetic

Hines VA Hospital
04.2023 - Current
  • Delivered administrative and customer service support for veterans within hospital environment.
  • Communicated effectively with veterans and nursing staff via telephone, email, and in person.
  • Adhered to standard procedures to retrieve computerized patient information efficiently.
  • Utilized software systems to review diet orders and input meal selections for patients.
  • Maintained organized workspace by filing forms and records systematically by date.

Cashier

SMG-Savor- McCormick Place
09.2019 - Current
  • Ensured compliance with SMG food and beverage regulations.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to all guests.
  • Accurately processed cash and credit card transactions via Micro Pos.
  • Maintained safe, sanitized, and well-stocked working areas.

Line Cook

Instawork
03.2018 - Current
  • Utilized various cooking methods like grilling, frying, and baking for meal preparation.
  • Managed kitchen equipment operation including ovens and slicers for optimal performance.
  • Adhered to production guidelines while preparing dishes according to standardized recipes.
  • Executed precise food preparation tasks involving chopping and mixing of ingredients.
  • Maintained strict food sanitation protocols by handling and storing food correctly.

Line Cook

Brookfield Zoo SSA
07.2021 - 04.2023
  • Simultaneously prepared and cooked food items for various orders.
  • Measured ingredients for specific food items to ensure accuracy.
  • Operated large-volume cooking equipment, including grills, ovens, and deep fryers.
  • Washed, cut, and arranged foods designated for cooking preparation.
  • Maintained sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
  • Verified that prepared food met quality and quantity requirements.
  • Coordinated next day operations using daily menus for efficient preparation.

Line Cook

Neiman Marcus Café
08.2022 - 01.2023
  • Utilized Merry Chef oven to efficiently cook a range of food items.
  • Verified internal cooking temperatures for grilled chicken and salmon for safety compliance.
  • Implemented food safety measures and sanitation practices diligently.
  • Strictly adhered to recipes for soups, chilies, and specialty breads.
  • Prepared customized salads while being mindful of allergen management.
  • Sustained cleanliness and stocking levels in all work areas during operations.
  • Engaged with front of house staff regarding specific customer requests.

Line Cook

Ford Assembly Plant – Aramark
03.2022 - 08.2022
  • Executed preparation of high-quality food items based on specific recipes.
  • Employed precise portioning for meats, starches, and vegetables to ensure consistency.
  • Monitored and maintained safe temperatures for all food products.
  • Adhered to safe food-handling procedures for storing and discarding excess food.
  • Maintained cleanliness of refrigerators, preparation areas, and storerooms for operational efficiency.
  • Implemented FIFO practices for effective product rotation.
  • Operated kitchen equipment according to operational guidelines.
  • Supported production planning and contributed to record keeping and reporting tasks.

Line Cook

University of Chicago- Aramark
01.2018 - 05.2022
  • Established workstation with necessary ingredients and equipment for efficient cooking.
  • Adhered to safety policies regarding food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Measured, weighed, mixed, diced, and peeled food items for preparation.
  • Utilized various equipment including ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, and blast chillers safely.
  • Employed multiple cooking methods such as baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming.
  • Performed cleaning and sanitization of work areas, equipment, and utensils.
  • Implemented waste reduction strategies to minimize spoilage and enhance freshness.

Line Cook

McMaster Carr- Aramark
08.2021 - 03.2022
  • Maintained optimal production quantities across grill, deli, and entrée stations.
  • Created grab-and-go options, including fruit cups, salads, sandwiches, and parfaits for café patrons.
  • Conducted taste tests on all food items to ensure high flavor standards and appealing presentation.
  • Utilized equipment such as robot coupe and immersion blender to develop diverse menu selections.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service through direct interaction with guests during meal preparation.
  • Collaborated with line cooks to streamline workflow and improve service efficiency.

Team Lead

BSD Industries L3C -Employment and Training Program
04.2021 - 07.2021
  • Achieved Leadership Level through targeted training and development programs.
  • Completed 20 hours of financial education and money management training.
  • Facilitated effective communication and group collaboration through structured exercises.
  • Collaborated with team members to enhance problem-solving and time management skills.

Line Cook

Compass Group- Lexington Healthcare
12.2019 - 05.2020
  • Delivered healthy, nutritious meals for 80-120 residents while adhering to dietary guidelines.
  • Managed internal food temperatures to ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Ensured uniformity of food textures for liquid, puree, and mechanical diets.
  • Kept food properly stored in coolers and hot tables, ensuring a safe environment.
  • Communicated effectively with staff about special dietary needs and allergy concerns.

Call Center Agent

Sodexo - Mercy Hospital
07.2019 - 09.2019
  • Delivered prompt, friendly service to patients for meal selections via phone.
  • Maintained active communication with nursing and dietary staff during admissions and discharges.
  • Ensured accurate checks for diet restrictions, allergies, and special instructions.
  • Managed inventory of office supplies alongside various food options on the menu.

Foodservice Worker

Sodexo -Museum of Science and Industry
04.2019 - 07.2019
  • Provide friendly service to guests by promoting various sales and promotions
  • Consistently replenish and prepare pizza, pasta, and salad stations promptly
  • Effectively monitor the temperature of all food in temperature logbooks
  • Maintain sanitized and presentable working areas

Guest Relations Associate

Trinity Hospital
06.2017 - 12.2018
  • Maintain sufficient communication with the nursing and dietary staff
  • Adequately deliver and pick up trays to designated units promptly
  • Ensure patient & guest satisfaction while sanitizing & stocking department areas
  • Effectively operate cash registers, café grill, serve guests, and replenish food

Pawnbroker

Cash America
03.2017 - 08.2017
  • Evaluated and calculated merchandise value to assess loan eligibility.
  • Conducted credit history checks for potential loan recipients.
  • Monitored layaway items and delinquent accounts to ensure timely payments.
  • Performed inventory audits on electronics and jewelry to maintain stock accuracy.
  • Balanced cash register and processed sales and returns efficiently.

Cashier

Home Depot
12.2016 - 04.2017
  • Delivered a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers and promoting credit card options.
  • Ensured precision in all transactions through effective operation of cash registers and credit card machines.
  • Kept retail environment organized and clean by regularly restocking merchandise.
  • Provided assistance with guest inquiries while coordinating communication with sales floor associates.

Customer Service Representative

Circle K
03.2016 - 10.2016
  • Greeted customers and collected payments for merchandise, Illinois Lottery, and cash lottery tickets.
  • Brewed fresh coffee and replenished hot snacks, cups, and chilled items.
  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of store interior and exterior.
  • Balanced cash register accurately, administered cash drops, and performed closeouts.

Crew Member

Wendy’s
06.2014 - 08.2015
  • Ensured a friendly, efficient, and clean dining experience for every customer.
  • Handled greetings, order collection via drive-thru and dining room, and payment transactions using Micro POS.
  • Prepared sandwiches and salads with precision while assisting in food packaging and drink setup.
  • Sanitized all restaurant areas regularly and kept supplies well-stocked for operations.

Sales Associate

TJ Maxx
05.2014 - 07.2015
  • Ensured exceptional shopping experiences by promoting TJX credit cards to all customers.
  • Kept sales floor and register areas organized to facilitate smooth operations.
  • Assembled clothing racks with precision, categorizing tops, bottoms, and multiple styles.
  • Executed all purchases and returns via cash register, returning items to appropriate areas.

Receptionist

Chicago Department of Transportation
05.2014 - 08.2014
  • Promptly answered phone calls, routing inquiries to correct departments.
  • Adequately updated conduit records in both digital and manual databases.
  • Handled document filing, copying, faxing, and scanning, while preparing meeting spaces.
  • Maintained precise office supply inventory to support operational needs.

Education

Associate of Applied Science -

Olive Harvey College
Chicago, IL
06-2019

Skills

  • Patient communication
  • Electronic health records
  • Nutritional analysis and diet management
  • Food safety compliance
  • Dietary regulations

Adaptability

Customer service excellence

Communication proficiency

Flexibility and attention to detail

Food safety certifications

Intermediate computer skills

Microsoft Office and Micro POS proficiency

Cash handling expertise

Timeline

Health Technician Dietetic

Hines VA Hospital
04.2023 - Current

Line Cook

Neiman Marcus Café
08.2022 - 01.2023

Line Cook

Ford Assembly Plant – Aramark
03.2022 - 08.2022

Line Cook

McMaster Carr- Aramark
08.2021 - 03.2022

Line Cook

Brookfield Zoo SSA
07.2021 - 04.2023

Team Lead

BSD Industries L3C -Employment and Training Program
04.2021 - 07.2021

Line Cook

Compass Group- Lexington Healthcare
12.2019 - 05.2020

Cashier

SMG-Savor- McCormick Place
09.2019 - Current

Call Center Agent

Sodexo - Mercy Hospital
07.2019 - 09.2019

Foodservice Worker

Sodexo -Museum of Science and Industry
04.2019 - 07.2019

Line Cook

Instawork
03.2018 - Current

Line Cook

University of Chicago- Aramark
01.2018 - 05.2022

Guest Relations Associate

Trinity Hospital
06.2017 - 12.2018

Pawnbroker

Cash America
03.2017 - 08.2017

Cashier

Home Depot
12.2016 - 04.2017

Customer Service Representative

Circle K
03.2016 - 10.2016

Crew Member

Wendy’s
06.2014 - 08.2015

Sales Associate

TJ Maxx
05.2014 - 07.2015

Receptionist

Chicago Department of Transportation
05.2014 - 08.2014

Associate of Applied Science -

Olive Harvey College