Meg Osgood
Portland,ME
Summary
Dynamic kitchen professional with a positive attitude, great communication skills, strong work ethic, organization and attention to detail. Kitchen background at various restaurants and Temple Beth El and catering experience through Black Tie Catering Co. Excels in food preparation, dishwashing and sanitation. Proven ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction through effective teamwork, communication and organization. Committed to continuous improvement and waste reduction, ensuring a clean and safe environment while delivering exceptional service.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Staff Member
Temple Beth El
06.2023 - Current
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene standards for optimal food safety.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Contributed to positive workplace culture through strong teamwork, open communication, and a commitment to excellence.
- Increased overall kitchen productivity by assisting in multiple stations as needed during busy shifts.
- Sanitized dining ware and kitchen equipment according to health code standards.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely meal preparation and consistent quality.
- Kept supplies in sufficient stock by assessing inventory levels and reporting lower stock items.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing best practices.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless coordination during peak service hours.
- Upheld high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen, maintaining sanitary conditions per local health department guidelines.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Provided excellent customer service by promptly addressing any concerns or questions regarding menu items or dietary restrictions.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and utilizing proper storage techniques.
- Managed time to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
- Labeled and stored all food items correctly and checked expiration dates routinely.
- Followed recipes and chef instructions to prepare food correctly.
- Plated and presented food following chef requirements.
- Operated kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Loaded dishes, glasses and tableware into dishwashing machines.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Lifted and carried heavy materials.
- Pushed, pulled and transported large loads and objects.
Cooking Instructor
Rising Chefs Maine
12.2022 - Current
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, innovations, and best practices through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Boosted enrollment rates by delivering engaging demonstrations at community events and marketing initiatives for the program.
- Consistently received favorable evaluations from students, reflecting the high quality of instruction and positive learning environment provided.
- Introduced students to diverse cuisines, broadening their culinary horizons and appreciation for various cultures.
- Enhanced students'' culinary skills by demonstrating various cooking techniques and methods.
- Increased student confidence in the kitchen through hands-on learning and personalized coaching.
- Promoted a positive learning atmosphere by encouraging questions, curiosity, and open-mindedness in the kitchen.
- Facilitated engaging group activities that fostered teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication among participants.
- Championed sustainable cooking practices emphasizing waste reduction strategies such as using leftovers creatively.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting instruction accordingly.
- Provided constructive feedback on student performance, enabling continuous improvement and mastery of techniques.
- Ensured a safe and clean cooking environment by enforcing proper sanitation practices and guidelines.
- Supported students with special dietary needs or restrictions by offering alternative recipes and ingredient substitutions.
- Inspired healthy eating habits among students by highlighting nutritious ingredients and balanced meal planning in lessons.
- Developed customized lesson plans tailored to individual skill levels, ensuring optimal progress for each participant.
- Maintained clean, neat and well-sanitized kitchen.
- Motivated students to achieve new levels of skill in diverse kitchen tasks.
- Coached junior chefs on cooking techniques and performance strategies.
- Observed and evaluated students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
- Engaged students in academic and practical conversations that elicited critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
- Supervised and monitored students' use of tools and equipment.
- Provided instructional handouts, texts, audiovisual aids and other materials to facilitate learning.
- Presented lectures and conducted discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids such as graphs, charts and slides.
- Identified program successes and failures based on student assessments and course reviews.
- Established goals for courses with organized outlines and detailed lessons.
Birth and Postpartum Doula
Primal Perinatal
09.2010 - Current
- Improved family dynamics by fostering open communication between partners during pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum phases.
- Strengthened community ties by collaborating with local organizations to offer workshops on prenatal wellness topics such as nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, and baby-wearing safety tips.
- Reduced stress levels of expectant families by providing continuous emotional support and addressing concerns promptly.
- Facilitated successful transitions into parenthood by offering practical advice on newborn routines, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones.
- Eased recovery time for postpartum clients through targeted self-care strategies and referrals to appropriate healthcare providers.
- Tailored services to accommodate diverse cultural backgrounds, respecting individual beliefs and preferences throughout the birth journey.
- Managed client needs during labor with effective pain relief techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, and positioning adjustments.
- Promoted maternal well-being through comprehensive postpartum care plans that included mental health support resources and self-care strategies.
- Provided mentorship for aspiring doulas by sharing insights, offering guidance, and modeling best practices throughout the learning process.
- Supported birthing persons in achieving their desired birth experience by creating a calm and nurturing environment.
- Empowered new parents by offering expert guidance on breastfeeding initiation, infant care, and bonding practices.
- Educated expectant families on the benefits of various childbirth methods, empowering them to make informed decisions about their birth experience.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure seamless communication and coordinated care throughout the birthing process.
- Assisted clients in preparing for labor and delivery through tailored birth plan consultations and childbirth education classes.
- Maintained detailed records of client interactions and progress, allowing for seamless collaboration among the support team members and continuity of care.
- Enhanced client satisfaction rates through personalized follow-up visits focusing on individual needs assessment.
- Assisted with postpartum care and provided guidance on postpartum recovery.
- Taught childbirth preparation classes to expectant parents.
- Educated patients on breastfeeding and provided lactation support.
- Developed and maintained patient records and documentation.
- Trained under senior midwives to obtain qualifications.
Server
Black Tie Catering
09.2022 - 09.2025
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with detailed attention to special dietary needs and preferences.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Facilitated team-oriented atmosphere, assisting coworkers during rush periods to ensure smooth operations.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Supervised set up of banquet food stations and coordinated service to multiple dining areas.
Education
Communications
USM
Portland, MESkills
- Food preparation
- Organization and cleanliness
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Safe food handling
- Ingredient preparation
- Workstation setup
- Supply restocking
- Sanitary food handling procedures
- Safe food storage
- Allergy awareness
- Ingredient knowledge
- Knife handling skills
- Ingredient assembly
- Salad assembly
- Dish garnishing
- Sandwich assembly
- Recipe-based cooking
- Sanitation and safety
- Sandwich making
- Positive attitude
- Customer service
- Kitchen organization
- Team collaboration
- Dedicated work ethic
- Dishwashing
- Workplace health and safety
- Chopping vegetables
- Kitchen cleaning and maintenance
- Continuous improvement
- Surface cleaning
- Punctual and reliable
- Cooking
- Heavy lifting
- Waste reduction
- Food presentation
- Trash removal and recycling
- Cleaning proficiency
- Knife skills
- Food plating and garnishment
- Effective customer communication
- Pantry organization
- Team contribution
Languages
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Kitchen Staff Member
Temple Beth El
06.2023 - Current
Cooking Instructor
Rising Chefs Maine
12.2022 - Current
Server
Black Tie Catering
09.2022 - 09.2025
Birth and Postpartum Doula
Primal Perinatal
09.2010 - Current
Communications
USM
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