Marlen Jackson
Traverse City
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable professional with experience across education, food service, retail, and agriculture. Skilled in bilingual communication, customer service, and building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Proven ability to foster engaging learning environments, support student curiosity, and adapt seamlessly to diverse roles. Experienced in food preparation and safety, farm and greenhouse operations, and fast-paced, customer-facing settings. Friendly, reliable, and goal-oriented, with a strong work ethic, collaborative mindset, and commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming, and high-performing teams.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Support Staff / Substitute Teacher
Leelanau Montessori
Leelanau County
01.2025 - Current
- Supported classroom teachers in maintaining a calm, respectful, and child-centered learning environment
- Assisted with daily routines, activities, and transitions for children across age groups
- Fostered independence, curiosity, and positive social interactions consistent with Montessori principles
- Continue working with the school as a substitute, providing dependable classroom coverage
Barista · Pastry Cook · Farm Worker · Retail Associate
9 Bean Rows
Suttons Bay
07.2021 - Current
- Worked across multiple departments including café, bakery, farm, and retail operations
- Prepared and served food and beverages in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment
- Assisted with baking, pastry preparation, and kitchen prep while maintaining food safety standards
- Operated retail register, handled transactions, and provided friendly, knowledgeable customer service
- Supported farm operations including planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, and general fieldwork
- Adapted quickly between roles based on seasonal and daily needs, demonstrating flexibility and reliability
Volunteer English Language Teaching Assistant
Colegio Juana De Arco
Uruapan
12.2024 - 03.2025
- Mentored students in English pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to support inclusive and engaging learning experiences
- Built positive relationships with students through encouragement and cultural understanding
Prep Cook (Seasonal)
Peninsula Provisions (Riverside Inn)
Leland / Lake Leelanau
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Did food preparation, kitchen organization, and cleanliness
- Assisted chefs in cooking and plating dishes in a timely manner.
- Operated kitchen appliances and tools safely during food preparation tasks.
Education
Early Childhood Education Program -
Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City, MI05.2027
High School Diploma -
Suttons Bay Virtual High School
Suttons Bay, MI06.2023
Agriscience Program -
Northwest Ed Career Tech Center
Traverse City, MI06.2023
Skills
- Bilingual Communication (Spanish & English)
- Customer Service & People-Centered Care
- Team Collaboration
- Adaptability & Role Flexibility
- Time Management & Reliability
- Cultural & Multicultural Awareness
- Food Preparation & Safety
- Instructional & Support Experience
Certification
- ServSafe / Edge Food Safety Training
- CPR Training
- MSU Gold Award - Animal Systems (Arthur Berkey Agriculture)
- FFA State Degree, Chapter Degree, Greenhand Degree
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Support Staff / Substitute Teacher
Leelanau Montessori
01.2025 - Current
Volunteer English Language Teaching Assistant
Colegio Juana De Arco
12.2024 - 03.2025
Barista · Pastry Cook · Farm Worker · Retail Associate
9 Bean Rows
07.2021 - Current
Prep Cook (Seasonal)
Peninsula Provisions (Riverside Inn)
06.2021 - 09.2022
Early Childhood Education Program -
Northwestern Michigan College
High School Diploma -
Suttons Bay Virtual High School
Agriscience Program -
Northwest Ed Career Tech Center