Open To Work
Mary Kristen Tarpy
Office Clerk
Cheektowaga,NY
Summary
Dedicated Teaching Assistant experienced in supporting faculty with classroom needs and managing multiple priorities. Maintained organized supplies, planned engaging activities, and led field trips, contributing to a positive learning environment. Emphasized teamwork through taking on added responsibilities to achieve shared goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher Assistant Level III
Beyond Learning Center
Depew, NY
08.2017 - 07.2026
- Supported individualized education plans (IEPs) for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance instructional strategies and learning outcomes.
- Assisted lead teachers in implementing lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Mentored new assistants, providing guidance on classroom management techniques.
- Monitored student progress, offering feedback to improve academic performance.
- Organized classroom resources and maintained an orderly learning environment.
- Facilitated effective learning experiences for students by utilizing a variety of instructional techniques to meet their unique needs.
- Assisted students with special needs in achieving academic success through individualized instruction and personalized support strategies.
- Supported the lead teacher in developing curriculum materials, ensuring alignment with state standards and educational objectives.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
Department Head
HOBBY LOBBY Retail Stores
Depew, NY
11.2015 - 08.2017
- Analyzed inventory levels, optimizing stock replenishment processes to minimize shortages and overages.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through proactive problem-solving measures and excellent communication strategies with clients.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
Counter Salesperson
Macy's (Shiseido Skincare/Make-up)
Williamsville, NY
06.2013 - 11.2015
- Assisted customers in selecting Shiseido skincare and makeup products, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
- Provided product demonstrations to effectively communicate benefits and features of skincare lines.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring stock availability for high-demand products through efficient replenishment processes.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat customers, fostering loyalty and increasing return visits to the store.
- Built strong rapport with customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
- Executed visual merchandising strategies to maintain an inviting display that attracted customers and highlighted key products.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing personalized service and product recommendations.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining accountability for register balances throughout shifts.
- Performed daily store opening and closing procedures, ensuring security and readiness for business operations.
Town Clerk
The Town of Persia
Gowanda, NY
01.2004 - 12.2012
- Coordinated public meetings, preparing agendas, minutes, and reports for town officials and residents.
- Managed municipal records, ensuring compliance with state regulations and organizational standards.
- Oversaw licensing processes for businesses, maintaining accurate records and facilitating timely approvals.
- Developed and implemented efficient filing systems to enhance document retrieval and storage practices.
- Assisted in the development of town policies and procedures, contributing to effective governance.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in municipal administration.
- Maintained public information service and responded to requests for information.
- Contributed to the preparation of annual reports highlighting accomplishments and progress within the municipality.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations through diligent record keeping and documentation practices.
- Oversaw vital records management including birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates for proper handling.
- Maintained accurate financial records, contributing to fiscally responsible budget management.
- Supervised issuance of various licenses such as marriage, hunting, fishing and dog licenses.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing resident inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Attended all meetings of town board.
- Assisted in budget prep, expenditure review, and budget administration.
- Updated documents such as municipal codes and city charters.
- Performed routine data entry or document management.
- Responded to in-person and telephone requests for information from the general public, attorneys and other involved parties.
- Processed payments for fines and fees, maintained accurate drawers, issued receipts, and updated account balances.
- Stayed up-to-date on [State] laws and licensing requirements to complete accurate and efficient reviews.
- Updated operational records or licensing information using computer terminals.
- Responded to requests for information from public, other municipalities or state and federal legislative offices.
- Informed customers by mail or telephone of additional steps needed to obtain licenses.
- Researched information in municipal archives upon request of public officials or private citizens.
- Issued public notification of official activities or meetings.
- Recorded and edited minutes of meetings and distributed to appropriate officials or staff members.
- Issued various permits and licenses such as marriage, hunting or dog licenses and collected appropriate fees.
Floral Designer
Hager's Flowers and Gift Shoppe
Gowanda, NY
08.2000 - 12.2003
- Designed custom floral arrangements for various events, enhancing customer satisfaction and aesthetic appeal.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety standards and minimizing potential hazards for staff and customers.
- Collaborated closely with customers to create unique designs for bouquets, wreaths, and gifts.
- Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
- Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and consistently delivering high-quality floral arrangements.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for large-scale orders, coordinating logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation of arrangements.
- Designed custom sympathy arrangements that provided comfort during difficult times while reflecting the personality of the deceased loved one.
- Prepared potted plants and bouquets based on customer requirements.
- Participated in community events, representing the shop and expanding local the local network and potential clientele.
- Designed sympathy arrangements with sensitivity and care, providing comfort during clients' difficult times.
- Provided expert care instructions to customers, extending the life of their floral purchases.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the shop, enhancing shopping the shopping experience for customers.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, maintaining positive relationships.
New Car Sales Consultant
Basil Chevrolet
Lancaster, NY
10.1998 - 04.1999
- Guided customers through the car selection process and addressed their needs for satisfaction.
- Conducted detailed vehicle presentations, highlighting key specifications and available financing options.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, addressing concerns and answering questions promptly to facilitate informed decisions.
- Demonstrated vehicles and features, and conducted test drives.
Veterinary Assistant
Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Hosptal
Buffalo, NY
10.1998 - 04.1999
- Prepared and maintained surgical instruments, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for operations.
- Monitored patient vitals pre- and post-surgery, providing critical updates to veterinary staff.
- Educated pet owners on post-operative care, improving recovery outcomes through clear communication.
- Implemented inventory management practices for medical supplies, reducing waste and ensuring availability.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Provided compassionate care for animals during treatment and recovery from illnesses or injuries.
- Facilitated efficient inventory management through regular stock checks, ordering supplies, and organizing storage areas.
- Contributed to a clean and safe environment by maintaining surgical instruments, equipment, and facilities.
- Managed kennel duties responsibly ensuring cleanliness comfort safety nutrition hydration exercise monitoring recovering boarding animals.
Veterinary Technician & Receptionist
Germantown Farmington Animal Hospital
Germantown, TN
01.1997 - 10.1998
- Conducted comprehensive physical examinations to assess animal health and identify potential issues early.
- Administered vaccinations and medications under veterinarian supervision to ensure patient health and compliance.
- Assisted in surgical procedures by preparing instruments and managing anesthesia for safe operations.
- Educated pet owners on preventative care, nutrition, and behavioral training to enhance animal well-being.
- Effectively managed time-sensitive tasks while maintaining high-quality patient care through multitasking abilities during busy shifts at the clinic.
- Assisted in euthanasia procedures with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to grieving pet owners during difficult times.
- Administered medications and vaccinations to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian, ensuring proper dosage and administration techniques.
- Restrained animals to protect veterinarians from potential harm.
- Conducted diagnostic tests such as blood work, x-rays, and ultrasounds to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Monitored post-operative recovery processes for surgical patients closely to detect any complications early enough for prompt intervention.
- Educated clients on preventive care measures such as vaccination schedules, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, dental hygiene, and nutrition guidelines.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Maintained clean examination rooms, equipment, and kennels to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for both patients and staff members.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring a sterile environment and properly handing instruments to the veterinarian as needed.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns and answering questions about pet health and wellness.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lancaster Central High School
Lancaster, NY06-1986
No Degree - English Literature
Medaille College
Buffalo, NYNo Degree - Fine Arts
Villa Maria College
Buffalo, NYSkills
- Positive mindset
- Classroom supply management
- Calm demeanor
- Classroom maintenance
- Student health support
- Effective communication
- Strong work ethic
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Interpersonal skills
- Punctual and dependable
- Artistic creativity
- Instructional design
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteHybridRemoteTimeline
Teacher Assistant Level III
Beyond Learning Center
08.2017 - 07.2026
Department Head
HOBBY LOBBY Retail Stores
11.2015 - 08.2017
Counter Salesperson
Macy's (Shiseido Skincare/Make-up)
06.2013 - 11.2015
Town Clerk
The Town of Persia
01.2004 - 12.2012
Floral Designer
Hager's Flowers and Gift Shoppe
08.2000 - 12.2003
New Car Sales Consultant
Basil Chevrolet
10.1998 - 04.1999
Veterinary Assistant
Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Hosptal
10.1998 - 04.1999
Veterinary Technician & Receptionist
Germantown Farmington Animal Hospital
01.1997 - 10.1998
No Degree - English Literature
Medaille College
High School Diploma -
Lancaster Central High School
No Degree - Fine Arts
Villa Maria College