Maria Villatoro
Muscatine
Summary
Graduate from Iowa State University with minors in Design Studies, Public Relations, and Dance. Bilingual in English and Spanish, possessing strong skills in photography, social media management, and digital design. Recognized for organizational abilities, adaptability, and effective communication. Aiming to contribute to creative and collaborative environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Dance Instructor
Momentum Dance Force
Muscatine
08.2025 - Current
- Designed engaging dance lesson plans for various skill levels and styles.
- Instructed students in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance techniques.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through encouragement and constructive criticism.
- Created a safe environment where students can learn without fear of criticism or judgment.
- Demonstrated proper technique while teaching new movements or steps.
- Developed and implemented dance classes for students of all ages, levels and abilities.
Freelance Photographer
Self-Employed
10.2023 - Current
- Make clients feel comfortable during photo sessions
- Operate and maintain professional camera equipment
- Edit photos using Lightroom Classic and Photoshop
- Schedule and manage multiple client shoots
- Build and manage an online presence through social media
Barista
The Coffee Belt
Muscatine
04.2017 - Current
- Prepared and served coffee, tea, and pastries according to company standards
- Maintained cleanliness and customer service excellence in a fast-paced setting
- Made customers feel welcome and helped with what they needed
- Trained new team members on beverage preparation and customer service standards.
Design Days Intern
HNI Corp, Allsteel Plant
Muscatine
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of production techniques.
- Communicated with team members to coordinate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Assisted with event planning, support and execution of virtual and in-person engagements.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
Admissions Office Assistant
Iowa State University
Ames
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Scan and organize critical documents such as exam scores and letters
- Review files on Docfinity (university database system)
- Package acceptance gifts for newly admitted students
- Support with administrative and office tasks as needed
Teacher Educated Services Office Assistant
Iowa State University
Ames
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Scanned and organized critical documents, including teacher licenses.
- Reviewed files on TK20 to maintain accurate records.
- Answered phone calls to facilitate communication.
- Checked students in for meetings with advisors to streamline appointment processes.
Banquet Server & Bartender
The Merrill Hotel
Muscatine
08.2020 - 08.2024
- Delivered personalized service to guests and addressed special needs
- Managed event set-up/clean-up and coordinated with staff for smooth operations
- Trained new employees and provided hands-on guidance
- Assisted with bartending and kitchen support as needed
Education
High School Diploma -
Muscatine High School
Muscatine, IA05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Ames, IASkills
- Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Microsoft Excel
- Social media management
- Content creation
- Photography
- Visual storytelling
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer service skills
- Public speaking
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Respectfulness
- Organization
- Leadership
- Lesson planning
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
Communication Consult Report with Allsteel
Timeline
Dance Instructor
Momentum Dance Force
08.2025 - Current
Design Days Intern
HNI Corp, Allsteel Plant
06.2025 - 07.2025
Freelance Photographer
Self-Employed
10.2023 - Current
Admissions Office Assistant
Iowa State University
10.2023 - 05.2025
Teacher Educated Services Office Assistant
Iowa State University
09.2022 - 05.2023
Banquet Server & Bartender
The Merrill Hotel
08.2020 - 08.2024
Barista
The Coffee Belt
04.2017 - Current
High School Diploma -
Muscatine High School
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Iowa State University of Science and Technology