MARY ZIMMERMAN
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Compassionate and faith-driven Catholic professional with experience in childcare, classroom support, and ministry. Skilled in creating nurturing, safe, and structured environments that promote children's social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Past business and administrative roles have strengthened my ability to handle stressful situations, communicate professionally, and adapt to changing work environments. Strong collaborator, committed to supporting teachers, engaging families, and integrating Catholic values into daily learning experiences.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Catholic FOCUS Missionary
Fellowship of Catholic University Students
Golden, Colorado
05.2023 - Current
- Evangelized and mentored college students through intentional relationships, small-group Bible studies, and one-on-one discipleship.
- Delivered engaging presentations to large and small audiences on faith, vocation, and personal formation.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills by managing multiple programs, schedules, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced ministry environment.
- Directed and coordinated international mission trips, providing leadership, logistical planning, and training, while guiding participants in service, evangelization, and faith formation.
- Collaborated with chaplains, campus ministry staff, and fellow missionaries to support student spiritual growth.
- Planned and executed retreats, outreach events, and leadership training initiatives.
- Adapted quickly to new technology platforms, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, to support organization, communication, and program management.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored student leaders to multiply mission impact.
- Managed personal salary through means of fundraising.
Front Desk Associate
Collier Community Park
Oakdale, Pennsylvania
03.2022 - 04.2023
- Served as a welcoming first point of contact for families, children, and community members, modeling professionalism, patience, and respectful communication.
- Managed front desk operations, including check-ins, program registrations, payments, and scheduling support.
- Collaborated with supervisors, staff, and family engagement initiatives to support programming and events.
- Used online software to process reservations, check-ins, and check-outs.
- Provided information about park amenities, events, and services to visitors.
- Assisted with scheduling facility rentals and coordinating event logistics.
- Maintained accurate records of visitor attendance and facility usage.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance overall guest experience at the park.
- Handled customer complaints professionally and resolved issues promptly.
- Ensured front desk area remained organized, clean, and well-stocked with materials.
- Trained newly hired employees on front desk procedures and business operations.
Classroom Aide
Red Balloon Early Learning Center
Carnegie, Pennsylvania
04.2021 - 11.2021
- Assisted lead teacher in daily classroom activities and lesson implementation.
- Organized classroom materials and supplies to maintain an orderly learning environment.
- Engaged with parents during pick-up times to communicate child progress and concerns.
- Supported children during playtime and structured activities to encourage social skills.
- Helped prepare snacks and meals, ensuring compliance with health guidelines.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss curriculum planning and classroom management strategies.
- Created and assembled classroom displays and decorations.
- Kept students safe in classroom and outside environments.
- Participated in parent and teacher conferences to review student performance data.
- Supervised children during meals, naps and recess to ensure safety.
Co - Head Playroom Attendant
Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center
Upper Saint Clair, PA
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Created a welcoming, nurturing, and structured environment for children, ensuring safety, engagement, and emotional support for ages 8 weeks to 10 years.
- Assisted in curriculum or activity planning to promote learning, creativity, and age-appropriate skill-building.
- Provided attentive care to 32 or more children simultaneously, adapting strategies to meet the needs of different age groups and developmental levels.
- Communicated effectively with parents, guardians, and caregivers regarding daily activities, behavior, and developmental milestones.
- Trained and mentored new staff in safety procedures, classroom management, and best practices for child development.
- Responded calmly and effectively to emergencies, behavioral incidents, or special needs, ensuring the well-being of all children.
- Maintained cleanliness and order in play areas for a safe environment.
- Implemented health and safety protocols to comply with community recreation standards.
- Maintained an inventory of toys, games, books, art supplies and other items used in the playroom.
- Kept records of attendance, incidents, medical issues or concerns reported by parents and guardians.
Education
Associate of Applied Business - Business Management
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH05-2023
High School Diploma -
The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School
Midland, PA05-2019
Skills
- Child development
- Behavior management
- Communication skills
- Excellent classroom management
- Public speaking
- Relationship building
- Teaching
- Multitasking
- Administrative support
- Educational leadership
- Organizational skills
- Customer service
- Training and mentoring
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Microsoft Word and Excel
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Catholic FOCUS Missionary
Fellowship of Catholic University Students
05.2023 - Current
Front Desk Associate
Collier Community Park
03.2022 - 04.2023
Classroom Aide
Red Balloon Early Learning Center
04.2021 - 11.2021
Co - Head Playroom Attendant
Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center
10.2018 - 03.2020
Associate of Applied Business - Business Management
Eastern Gateway Community College
High School Diploma -
The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School