Melissa Gardner
Yakima,WA
Summary
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Studies especially in the areas of Psychology, Social Services, Family Child Life and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level position in my field. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Towel Girl
Fox and Hound Hair Company
Yakima, WA
02.2015 - Current
- 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.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Data Entry Intern
Yakima Housing Authority Assistant
Yakima, WA
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client information according to company guidelines and legal regulations.
- Supported team members with timely and accurate data entry, enabling them to focus on higher-level tasks.
- Enhanced data accuracy by meticulously entering and cross-checking information from various sources.
- Enhanced overall data management capabilities by participating in team meetings, sharing insights, and offering suggestions for process improvements.
- Updated and maintained customer information, documents and records.
- Managed documents by organizing forms, making photocopies, filing records, preparing correspondence, and creating reports.
Habitat for Humanity Internship
Habitat for Humanity Re Store in Ellensburg
Ellensburg, WA
04.2017 - 06.2017
- 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.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Community Services Class
Donated to Hopesource
Ellensburg, WA
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
Job Shadow
Kititas County Interactive Community
Ellensburg, WA
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Food Bank Assistant
Many Food Banks Over Time.
Various Locations, WA
09.1999 - 03.2016
- Assisted in daily operations of food distribution, ensuring timely service to community members.
- Implemented streamlined processes for client intake, enhancing overall efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Led initiatives to diversify food offerings based on community needs assessments, increasing accessibility for clients.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving banking inquiries.
- Participated in community outreach events as a representative of the bank, helping enhance brand visibility within local markets.
- Built lasting rapport with customers by consistently delivering professional service rooted in trustworthiness and reliability.
- Managed customer service inquiries and pinpointed and implemented proper path to resolution.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
Rainbow Valley Volunteers of Goldendale
Volunteer Club With Dues
Goldendale, WA
09.1999 - 08.2012
- Organized community events to foster engagement and participation among members.
- Developed outreach strategies to increase volunteer recruitment and retention efforts.
- Coordinated training sessions for new volunteers, ensuring smooth onboarding processes.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
Customer Service Worker
Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC
Yakima, WA
06.1993 - 09.1993
- Processed transactions accurately, maintaining cash handling protocols and minimizing errors.
- Oversaw inventory levels to ensure timely restocking and meet customer demand. Participated in stocking, cashiering, salad bar management, closing, as well as dishwashing and acting as a janitor.
- Implemented suggestions for workflow improvements, enhancing service speed and efficiency.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain cleanliness and organization of dining area and kitchen.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly, turning negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date information on company policies, procedures, and offerings for accurate service delivery.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve shared goals, consistently meeting or exceeding performance metrics.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
- Maintained clean and orderly checkout areas by mopping floors, emptying trash cans and wiping down surfaces.
Cook's Assistant
Mel's Junior
Yakima, WA
06.1993 - 09.1993
- Assisted chefs in food preparation and ingredient organization.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and work areas.
- Operated kitchen tools, including mixers, slicers, and ovens, with safety protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service during peak hours.
- Supported smooth restaurant operations by promptly restocking necessary supplies during peak hour.
- Supported cost-saving initiatives within the kitchen by monitoring ingredient usage and suggesting alternative options when necessary.
- Reduced food waste by monitoring inventory levels and informing the cook about any potential shortages or expired products.
- Kept an organized kitchen workspace by properly disposing of trash, recycling materials, and breaking down boxes efficiently.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
Customer Service Representative
Design A Burger, University of Washington Cafateria
Seattle, WA
08.1991 - 12.1992
- Partnered with kitchen staff to execute custom orders efficiently. Acted as cook, stocker, janitor, dishwasher, buffet line server and controller, also closed.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Participated in training programs to enhance product knowledge and customer service skills.
- Fostered positive customer service culture within team which led to higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Developed highly empathetic client relationships and earned reputation for exceeding service standard goals.
- Sought ways to improve processes and services provided.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
Education
No Degree - Psychology And Speech Communication
University of Washington
Seattle, WAMath Class
South Seattle Community College
Seattle, WANo Degree - Ceramics Class
Columbia Gorge Community College
The DallesArt And Government CLEP
Treaty Oaks Community College
The Dalles, ORBachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Studies BAS
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA04-2019
High School Diploma -
Goldendale High School
Goldendale, WA06-1990
Computers
Yakima Valley Community College
Yakima, WA 08.2012 - 06.2012
Skills
Problem-solving
Dependable and responsible
Excellent communication
Critical thinking
Decision-making
Problem resolution
Verbal communication
Typing
Life Long Learning
Desiring More Education
Leading, but Needs Training
Time Off
Jobs from 1991-1993 were paying positions. After that I was diagnosed with a mental illness and "stopped out" of school. Everything I have done since then was a volunteer position or an internship. I went back to school in 2012.
I know I will need time to adjust with a part-time job. I am really afraid of losing my insurance, but am looking forward to using my degree and improving with a second degree in business. More computer classes would be helpful, too.
Timeline
Data Entry Intern
Yakima Housing Authority Assistant
01.2019 - 04.2019
Habitat for Humanity Internship
Habitat for Humanity Re Store in Ellensburg
04.2017 - 06.2017
Community Services Class
Donated to Hopesource
01.2017 - 04.2017
Job Shadow
Kititas County Interactive Community
03.2016 - 06.2016
Towel Girl
Fox and Hound Hair Company
02.2015 - Current
Computers
Yakima Valley Community College
08.2012 - 06.2012
Food Bank Assistant
Many Food Banks Over Time.
09.1999 - 03.2016
Rainbow Valley Volunteers of Goldendale
Volunteer Club With Dues
09.1999 - 08.2012
Customer Service Worker
Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC
06.1993 - 09.1993
Cook's Assistant
Mel's Junior
06.1993 - 09.1993
Customer Service Representative
Design A Burger, University of Washington Cafateria
08.1991 - 12.1992
No Degree - Psychology And Speech Communication
University of Washington
Math Class
South Seattle Community College
No Degree - Ceramics Class
Columbia Gorge Community College
Art And Government CLEP
Treaty Oaks Community College
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Studies BAS
Central Washington University
High School Diploma -
Goldendale High School