Marisa Hayden
Houston
Summary
Compassionate and client-focused professional with experience in end-of-life services, customer care-support, and independent business management. Trained in funeral and cremation planning, with a strong ability to guide individuals through sensitive decisions with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. Known for building trust, communicating effectively in emotional situations, and providing reliable, high-quality care.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner / House Manager & Pet Care Provider
Ruby Slippers Pet Concierge
Houston
02.2021 - Current
- Provide in-home pet and house sitting services for clients during travel
- Build strong client relationships based on trust and communication
- Nurtured new clientele via referrals
- Manage scheduling and operations independently
- Handle sensitive situations including pet health and end-of-life support
Funeral Services Trainee / Family Service Advisor
Large Corporate Funeral Provider
08.2020 - 11.2020
- Completed training in funeral and cremation arrangements
- Guided families through planning conversations with empathy and clarity
- Developed knowledge of documentation and service options
- Communicated sensitive information professionally
Senior Travel Consultant / Customer Service Manager
AffordableTours.com
Stafford
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Effectively used sales techniques and customer service to increase booking revenue
- Provided consistent communication and support to clients
- Resolved complaints and managed client relationships
- Worked remotely and maintained strong performance standards
- Ascended within our team through performance based promotions, contributing to the growth & quality of our customer escalation processes.
Educational Travel Specialist / Account Manager
WorldStrides
Houston
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Managed client relationships and presented travel programs
- Generated leads and supported clients through the full sales process
Inside Sales Associate / Executive Assistant
Questia Media, Inc.
Houston
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Supported VP of Sales and managed client relationships
- Coordinated trade shows and maintained databases
Marketing Coordinator
Rimkus Consulting Group
Houston
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Coordinated trade shows and supported sales team operations
HR Administrative Assistant
Enron
Houston
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Managed scheduling, travel, and administrative support
Education
Associates Degree - Management Development and Marketing
San Jacinto College
Skills
- Compassionate client support in emotionally sensitive situations
- End-of-life planning knowledge (cremation and funeral processes)
- Clear and empathetic communication (phone, email, and remote)
- Strong active listening and rapport-building skills
- Relationship-based sales approach (non-pressure, trust-focused)
- Conflict resolution and handling of sensitive client concerns
- Remote work experience and self-management
- High level of professionalism in difficult or emotional conversations
- Customer experience optimization and client satisfaction focus
- Business operations management (scheduling, client communication, logistics)
- Utilizes resources & takes initiative
Timeline
Owner / House Manager & Pet Care Provider
Ruby Slippers Pet Concierge
02.2021 - Current
Funeral Services Trainee / Family Service Advisor
Large Corporate Funeral Provider
08.2020 - 11.2020
Senior Travel Consultant / Customer Service Manager
AffordableTours.com
01.2011 - 01.2018
Educational Travel Specialist / Account Manager
WorldStrides
01.2006 - 01.2011
Inside Sales Associate / Executive Assistant
Questia Media, Inc.
01.2003 - 01.2006
Marketing Coordinator
Rimkus Consulting Group
01.2001 - 01.2003
HR Administrative Assistant
Enron
01.1999 - 01.2000
Associates Degree - Management Development and Marketing
San Jacinto College