Mary Seppala
Sault Ste. Marie,MI
Summary
Hardworking professional offers great people skills, organized file management and deep understanding of patient/client protections. Enhances office operations by staying on top of patient/client and staff needs. Experience with electronic recordkeeping and insurance documentation. Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Parent Aide
Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians ACFS
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Advocated for clients'' needs within various systems such as schools, courts, or social service agencies, ensuring client received fair treatment and adequate support throughout their journeys as parents.
- Collaborated with other professionals such as social workers, schools, and healthcare providers to create a comprehensive support network for families.
- Coordinated group sessions where parents could share experiences, exchange ideas, and build connections with others facing similar challenges.
- Facilitated educational workshops on topics such as child development, positive discipline methods, and self-care for parents.
- Promoted healthy family functioning by modeling appropriate interactions during supervised visits between parents and children.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex legal systems related to custody arrangements or child welfare cases by providing accurate information and emotional support.
- Encouraged positive parenting practices, resulting in improved parent-child attachment and overall emotional well-being for both generations.
- Established rapport with diverse clientele using active listening skills and empathetic communication techniques that demonstrated genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, connecting families with appropriate resources to address urgent safety concerns or mental health issues.
- Maintained detailed documentation of case notes, intervention plans, and reports for review by supervisory staff or external agencies as required.
- Empowered parents by teaching them practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors effectively while maintaining nurturing bonds with their children.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of parenting education and support services.
- Maintained clean, neat and hazard-free areas to protect kids, personnel and families.
- Used patience, skill and various behavior modification techniques to maintain order and safety.
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
- Kept children between ages of 0 and 18 safe and secure with vigilant oversight.
- Monitored children's activities to verify safety and wellbeing.
- Used positive reinforcement techniques to promote patience and other good behaviors in children.
- Encouraged children's emotional and social development.
- Responded to inquiries from parents and guardians.
- Handled daily administrative tasks efficiently to minimize time away from children.
Head Start Teacher's Assistant
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe Of Chippewa Indians
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Utilized answer sheets and electronic marking devices to grade homework and tests, accurately computing and recording results.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline for 20 students.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
- Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
- Assisted with school field trips and special events by collecting permission slips and payments.
- Developed and delivered presentations on course topics.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Responsible for 20 students daily.
Waitress/Night Manager
R&K Santa Fe
08.2015 - 07.2021
- Answered customer questions and addressed complaints quickly and courteously to patrons' satisfaction.
- Oversaw general upkeep of public areas and restrooms.
- Treated associates with fairness and respect, providing recognition of accomplishments.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Developed and mentored team members to provide hospitable, professional service while adhering to established service models.
- Coordinated with staff to clarify information and enforce procedures resulting in effective problem solving and smoother operations.
- Coordinated work of 6 employees by offering clear direction and motivational leadership.
- Addressed internal and customer-related issues each day and affected strategic resolutions.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Identified business issues, creating customized solutions for individual problems.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and when dealing with unhappy customers, effectively diffusing situations.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Handled over $5000.00 in funds each day in fast-paced restaurant environment.
Dental Receptionist
Monarch Dental
08.2014 - 10.2016
- Collected payments from patients and arranged payment schedules.
- Gathered medical information, dental health history and vitals from patients.
- Scheduled cleanings and dental appointments for patients using appointment software.
- Verified, updated and entered patient information into system.
- Received and distributed incoming fax, mail and parcels to staff to facilitate communication.
- Arranged documents for insurance claims.
- Answered and managed incoming calls and emails.
- Demonstrated proficiencies in telephone, e-mail, fax and front-desk reception within high-volume environment.
- Maintained master calendar and scheduled new appointments based on provider availability.
- Communicated with patients to gather intake data and verify chart information.
- Created and maintained accurate and confidential patient files according to regulatory mandates.
- Managed medical practice administrative needs to provide patient satisfaction.
- Contacted other medical facilities to confirm medical histories and prevent inaccurate diagnoses.
- Maintained office supplies inventory by checking stock and ordering new supplies.
- Called patients to schedule dental appointments, consistently double-checking information and availability.
- Managed incoming telephone calls, took messages and directed callers to personnel.
- Updated patient financial information to promote accurate record keeping.
- Adhered to HIPAA requirements to safeguard patient confidentiality.
- Completed claims forms for different types of appointments and worked on resolutions for denials or other insurance issues.
- Helped patients complete paperwork and explained processes and procedures.
- Prepared new charts, updated existing charts and managed records transfers between offices.
- Answered 200 average daily phone calls to schedule appointments and address patient inquiries.
- Coordinated office schedules for new patients, diagnostic assessments and procedures.
Manager
Granny's Kitchen
09.2011 - 07.2015
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Scheduled and directed staff in daily work assignments to maximize productivity.
- Trained workers in food preparation, money handling and cleaning roles to facilitate restaurant operations.
- Updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials.
- Counseled and disciplined staff to address issues promptly and provide constructive feedback.
- Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
- Prepared employee schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels during peak periods.
- Supervised staff preparing and serving 4 meals per day.
- Mentored front of house personnel on company policies customer service techniques and professional communication.
- Exhibited thorough knowledge of foods, beverages, supervisory duties, service techniques and guest interactions.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Performed restaurant walk-throughs to gauge timeliness and excellent service quality.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Determined root cause of performance trends and developed process improvement plans which targeted assurance in safety, health, quality and customer satisfaction.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Minimized loss and misuse of equipment through proper restaurant supervision and staff training.
- Resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Obtained highest rating from county health department year over year.
CNA
Santa Fe Nursing Home
07.2008 - 09.2011
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Used mobility devices to transport patients.
- Looked for physical, emotional and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Attended to patients in 20-bed unit, continuously checking on needs and maintaining high standards of patient care.
- Provided basic care to over 20 patients per shift, assisting with bathing, changing linens and preparing meals.
- Prepared examination and patient rooms for medical procedures, checking supply availability and laying out instruments.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
Weatherford College
Weatherford, TXCurrently Attending - Social Work
Bay Mills Community College
Bay Mills, Michigan05.2026
Skills
- Customer Service
- Professional and Courteous
- Computer Skills
- Scheduling and Coordinating
- Hiring and Training
- Performance Evaluations
- Documentation and Reporting
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Shift Scheduling
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Records Management
- Multitasking
- Microsoft Office
References
Lindsey Patino
Weatherford, Tx
Mororda Senior Living
Nurse
Former co-worker
Known 17 years
(682)-351-9808
Carol Smart
Brimley, Mi
Former co-worker
Known 27 years
(906)-322-2647
Dawn Fegan
Rudyard, Mi
Former Supervisor Sault Tribe Head Start
Known 25 years
(906)-632-5258
Heather Pavlat
Rudyard, Mi
Former Supervisor ACFS
Known 1 year
(906)-495-1232
Additional Information
There is a gap in my work history starting in October of 2023. My mother had a massive stroke and I resigned from my position at Sault Tribe ACFS to become her full-time caregiver until her death on September 2nd, 2024.
Timeline
Parent Aide
Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians ACFS
06.2023 - 10.2023
Head Start Teacher's Assistant
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe Of Chippewa Indians
05.2022 - 06.2023
Waitress/Night Manager
R&K Santa Fe
08.2015 - 07.2021
Dental Receptionist
Monarch Dental
08.2014 - 10.2016
Manager
Granny's Kitchen
09.2011 - 07.2015
CNA
Santa Fe Nursing Home
07.2008 - 09.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
Weatherford College
Currently Attending - Social Work
Bay Mills Community College
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