Open To Work
MARIA GONZALEZ
Pal American Security
Colorado Springs,CO
Work Preference
Job Search Status:
Open to work
Desired start date:
Immediately
Work Type
Full Time
Location Preference
RemoteHybridOn-Site
Location:
Colorado Springs, CO
Open to relocation:
No
Important To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceWork from home optionFlexible work hoursPaid time offPaid sick leave
1
Certification
24
years of professional experience
Seasoned law enforcement professional with expertise in security and hospitality, focused on creating safe, welcoming environments. Skilled in effective communication and rapid decision-making to enhance customer satisfaction and public safety. Leverages hands-on experience to optimize operations and foster secure atmospheres across diverse settings.
Work History
School Resource Officer / Healthcare Security Officer
1 Year 9 Months- Built and sustained positive, trust-based relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members daily, enhancing community engagement and support
- Communicate calmly and professionally with diverse populations, serving as a primary point of contact and reliable support resource in high-traffic environments
- Responded to and de-escalated tense situations using active listening, empathy, and clear communication, fostering a safer and more supportive environment
- Conduct safety patrols and threat assessments while maintaining a consistently welcoming, approachable presence for all community members
Residential Supervisor
10 Months- Supervised, trained, and evaluated team of five staff members, fostering collaborative, supportive environment that enhanced consistency and compassionate care
- Communicated compassionately and effectively with residents from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds, providing steady guidance and individualized support
- Monitored resident wellbeing, maintained accurate documentation, and ensured compliance with organizational standards and reporting requirements
- Delivered performance feedback and resolved interpersonal conflicts through constructive, empathetic communication strategies, promoting a positive team dynamic
Server
1 Year- Provided enthusiastic, personalized table service to guests in a high-volume, casual-dining burger and craft brew environment, consistently earning positive guest feedback
- Guided guests through food and drink selections, including tailored craft beer pairings, enhancing their dining experience with thorough menu knowledge
- Managed multiple tables simultaneously with accuracy and speed during peak dining hours, maintaining quality and attentiveness throughout every shift
- Collaborated closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely, correct order delivery and a seamless guest experience from first greeting to final check
- Collaborated with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely order delivery, contributing to a seamless guest experience from first greeting to final check
- Resolved guest concerns promptly and professionally, enhancing service quality and fostering guest loyalty through effective problem-solving
- Maintained a clean, organized, and welcoming dining environment throughout every shift in accordance with health and safety standards
Server
1 Year- Delivered attentive, friendly, and efficient table service in a busy sports bar and grill environment, consistently contributing to a positive and energetic guest atmosphere
- Established rapport with regular guests, fostering a welcoming environment that encouraged repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth
- Coordinated with kitchen and front-of-house team to ensure smooth, seamless service flow during high-traffic rush periods
- Coordinated with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service flow during high-traffic periods, enhancing guest experience
- Built genuine rapport with regular guests, creating a welcoming, familiar environment that encouraged repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth
- Leveraged thorough knowledge of menu items, including allergen information and dietary accommodations, to assist guests with diverse needs confidently
Corrections Corporal / Shift Team Leader
19 Years 9 Months- Led shift operations supervising 28 staff and managing a population of up to 530 in a demanding, high-pressure environment — developing exceptional multitasking and composure under pressure
- Applied verbal de-escalation techniques and active listening to defuse volatile situations and maintain a stable, orderly environment
- Conducted disciplinary hearings, ensuring compliance with legal standards while effectively communicating with courts, legal entities, and external agencies
- Produced accurate incident reports and activity journals, utilizing NCIC, CJIS, and surveillance systems to enhance operational oversight
- Developed and executed emergency response strategies, enforcing policies consistently and fairly to maintain safety and order
Security Forces Journeyman
20 Years 10 Months- Executed security, force protection, and air base defense missions, ensuring safety and operational integrity over 20+ years of military service
- Trained and mentored personnel in safety protocols, procedures, and professional standards as a Combat Arms Instructor.
- Managed communications and intrusion-detection systems during presidential protection missions, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and situational awareness
Education
Associates of Arts - Anthropology
Certificate - Health Coaching, Nutritional Balance Focus
Certificate - Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team
Bachelor of Science - Sociology, Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Skills
Emergency Response
Crisis Intervention
Safety Protocols
School safety
Situational Awareness
Conflict resolution
Student support
Community Engagement
Health Regulations
Personnel management
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Composure Under Pressure
Active listening
POS Systems & Cash Handling
Multicultural Sensitivity
Certification
- Taser Certified
- Firearms Certified
- Crisis Intervention Certified
- CPR / AED / Narcan Certified
Timeline
School Resource Officer / Healthcare Security Officer
Pal American Security
10.2024 - CurrentRead More
Residential Supervisor
Volunteers of America
10.2023 - 08.2024Read More
Server
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brew
01.2022 - 01.2023Read More
Server
Crooked Pint
01.2021 - 01.2022Read More
Corrections Corporal / Shift Team Leader
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
01.2004 - 10.2023Read More
Security Forces Journeyman
South Dakota Air National Guard
11.2002 - 09.2023Read More
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Applied Science from Criminal Justice
Read More
Pikes Peak State College
Associates of Arts from Anthropology
Read More
Institute For Integrative Nutrition
Certificate from Health Coaching, Nutritional Balance Focus
Read More
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
Certificate from Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team
Read More
South Dakota State University
Bachelor of Science from Sociology, Criminal Justice
Read More