Melissa Larsen
West Des Moines,IA
Summary
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level position.
Demonstrates strong communication and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Receiving and Inventory
Burlington
12.2025 - 02.2026
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Homeschool/Stay at Home Parent
Self Employed
10.2013 - 05.2025
- Monitored children's activities to verify safety and wellbeing.
- Read stories, sang songs and facilitated creative play.
- Assisted in potty training and toilet hygiene.
- Encouraged children's emotional and social development.
- Instructed children in crafts and other activities to promote gross and fine motor skills.
- Provided support and guidance to children in conflict resolution.
- Dispensed snacks and meals to children in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
- Used positive reinforcement techniques to promote patience and other good behaviors in children.
- Created safe and engaging learning environment for groups of diverse children with various learning styles.
- Prepared group activities to enhance socialization, communication and problem-solving skills for children.
- Implemented daily routines and activities to stimulate and engage children.
- Logged information regarding naps, feedings, and any medications administered.
- Developed lessons and activities to promote children's physical and emotional development.
- Handled daily administrative tasks efficiently to minimize time away from children.
- Helped children develop motor skills in preparation for preschool and kindergarten.
- Created and implemented activities to promote language development.
- Documented children's growth and development.
- Maintained group discipline through positive reinforcement, behavior modeling, and collaboration with parents.
Activities Assistant
Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Scheduled entertainment, and other special events.
- Enhanced guest engagement by organizing and leading activities such as arts, crafts, and games.
- Coordinated special events.
- Maintained cleanliness standards within activity spaces through organization.
- Cultivated a positive atmosphere within the resort.
- Documented preferences and helped develop relevant activities.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between activities through efficient set-up and break-down procedures.
- Fostered sense of community and belonging for all guest.
- Increased social interaction among guest through facilitating group activities.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability when faced with unforeseen circumstances or changes to scheduled programming, ensuring a consistently enjoyable experience for guest.
- Increased guest satisfaction by planning activities that catered to wide range of interests.
- Evaluated supplies and requested purchases to meet activity plans.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of each activity based on participant feedback and adjusted programming accordingly for increased satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new staff members on proper procedures for conducting activities while maintaining a safe environment for residents.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during all activities, minimizing risk of injury to participants.
- Managed inventory of activity supplies, ensuring adequate materials were available for planned events while adhering to budget constraints.
- Engaged guest through events, small groups, and personal attention.
- Fostered positive, energetic environment, leading to increased participation in group events.
- Provided clear instruction to activity and program participants to deliver fun and maintain safety.
- Supervised quest activities to address issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Assisted in preparing recreational materials and supplies for each activity.
- Developed and monitored safety policies and procedures to facilitate safety of participants.
- Kept athletic and games equipment and facilities organized and maintained.
- Collaborated with other recreation staff in developing new recreational activities.
- Transported and escorted program participants to and from activities.
- Trained staff members on conducting events and following safety procedures.
- Factored-in abilities, needs and interests of participants in development of events and programs.
- Ordered and maintained all recreational equipment.
- Kept pool deck and Cabanas clean and safe.
- Kept towels clean, folded, and ready for guest.
- Hurricane and tropical storms prep and clean up.
Foster Care Provider
Bethany Christian Services
10.2013 - 10.2016
- Supported education of children under care through consistent attendance to school and attentiveness to homework assignments.
- Offered extensive care to troubled older children without likelihood of adoption.
- Maintained accurate records of foster children''s progress, including medical appointments, medications, school achievements, and behavioral issues.
- Established clear boundaries within the home environment that promoted respect for themselves and others.
- Coordinated with therapists, counselors, and other professionals to create individualized plans for each child''s development.
- Promoted healthy relationships among family members through effective communication practices and conflict resolution strategies.
- Reduced problem behaviors with positive reinforcement and supportive techniques.
- Collaborated with caseworkers and support teams to ensure proper care for each individual child in the foster system.
- Enhanced the well-being of foster children by providing a safe, nurturing environment and addressing emotional, social, and educational needs.
- Improved children's health by preparing healthy meals and snacks.
- Effectively managed financial resources available for the care of each child within state guidelines.
- Assisted foster children with completing homework assignments and improving their overall academic performance.
- Helped reunify birth families through coordinated visitation strategies.
- Communicated effectively with biological parents as appropriate to facilitate reunification efforts when possible.
- Advocated on behalf of each child in court hearings as necessary.
- Implemented creative problem-solving techniques to address challenging behaviors exhibited by some foster children while maintaining a supportive atmosphere within the home setting.
- Organized engaging activities for leisure time that encouraged social interaction between all household members while promoting personal growth opportunities for the individuals involved.
- Transported kids to mandated therapy, extracurricular activities and medical appointments.
- Offered consistent guidance during difficult transitions or life changes to help foster children adapt more easily.
- Prepared and maintained individual beds and personal space for foster children.
- Managed daily routines and schedules, fostering consistency and stability in the lives of foster children.
- Cared for medically fragile children in need of extensive support.
- Developed trust-based relationships with each child by offering emotional support and empathetic listening skills when needed most.
- Maintained open communication with caseworkers and support teams to ensure that the needs of each child were being met effectively.
- Assisted children through recovery from difficult home or school situations.
- Fostered a sense of belonging among all household members by celebrating achievements, special occasions, and cultural traditions together.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in foster care provision.
- Provided transportation to school, appointments, extracurricular activities, and family visits as needed.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
- Developed and implemented programs to support children's mental health and well-being.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Planned, promoted and managed parent workshops on assisting children in attaining academic success.
- Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
Cosmetologist
Kutting Krue
05.2003 - 10.2006
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking product usage, reordering supplies as needed, and maintaining an organized workspace.
- Utilized social media platforms effectively for promoting the salon''s services which led to increased foot traffic into the establishment.
- Coordinated with fashion and wedding planners to offer specialized beauty packages, expanding salon's clientele.
- Mentored junior cosmetologists on best practices within the industry ensuring consistency in quality across the team.
- Contributed to salon's social media marketing, creating engaging content that showcased services and attracted followers.
- Fostered culture of continuous learning among staff, leading to improved service offerings and client satisfaction.
- Customized makeup applications for special events, enhancing clients' satisfaction and boosting word-of-mouth referrals.
- Trained new staff on cutting-edge beauty techniques, ensuring salon's services remained competitive and top-notch.
- Led team in revamping salon interior, creating more inviting and modern atmosphere that enhanced client experience.
- Organized workshops on beauty and wellness, positioning salon as thought leader in local beauty community.
- Boosted salon revenue by introducing innovative hair coloring techniques that attracted diverse clientele.
- Trained salon staff in traditional and innovative haircutting techniques and salon management.
- Kept work areas, tools, and equipment clean and properly sanitized to minimize disease transfer and health risk of shared environment.
- Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
- Developed strong rapport with clientele through consistent high-quality service, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Demonstrated exceptional time management skills by efficiently scheduling appointments and managing multiple clients simultaneously.
- Skillfully executed various color applications including balayage techniques for natural-looking results that met client expectations.
- Suggested treatments and styles to suit customer appearance and fashion choices.
- Increased salon revenue by upselling additional treatments, products, and services to clients during appointments.
- Processed payments, entering sales in register for prompt customer service.
- Applied makeup to clients for special occasions to meet requirements.
- Expanded the salon''s service offerings by mastering new techniques in hairstyling, coloring, cutting, extensions application among others.
- Answered phone calls and emails to schedule client appointments.
- Maintained client treatment records and designed long-term care programs for return customers.
- Developed new techniques to improve appearance of customer and provide different looks.
- Demonstrated high level of customer service to increase retention and satisfaction.
- Attended regular trainings and workshops to maintain cosmetology license and stay current on technique and skills.
- Supported reception desk, receiving phone calls, entering appointments, and collecting payments for services rendered.
- Researched latest trends in hair and makeup to stay updated on color, style, and technique.
- Grew sales with great work ethic, individualized beauty care plans and positive attitude.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling, reducing wait times and improving overall client experience.
- Developed loyal customer base through exceptional service and follow-up, contributing to increased salon bookings.
- Stayed current with industry trends and techniques by attending workshops, trade shows, and continuing education courses.
- Collaborated with colleagues to organize promotional events, driving awareness and attracting new customers.
- Educated clients on proper hair care techniques to promote healthier hair between appointments.
- Implemented environmentally friendly practices in salon operations, promoting sustainability and attracting eco-conscious clients.
- Provided expert advice on home hair and skin care, empowering clients to maintain their salon looks independently.
- Maintained high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring safe and welcoming environment for clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized cosmetology services based on individual needs and preferences.
- Utilized feedback from client surveys to refine services and address any areas needing improvement.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment by following strict sanitation guidelines and procedures.
- Elevated salon's market presence by participating in local beauty events and showcasing latest cosmetology trends.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory health and safety standards, preserving salon's reputation and client trust.
- Negotiated with suppliers for better rates on salon products, aiding in cost reduction without compromising on quality.
- Implemented creative marketing strategies that attracted new clients while retaining existing ones.
- Conducted detailed client consultations to understand their style preferences, ensuring tailored services for each individual.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with personalized skincare routines, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Contributed to the salon''s positive reputation through excellent customer service, attention to detail, and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough consultations with clients to assess their desired outcomes and develop customized treatment plans accordingly.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a seamless and enjoyable customer experience for all salon clients.
- Educated clients about products and self-maintenance for healthy hair based on needs and preferences.
- Developed loyal following of clients by providing high-quality services.
- Maintained high number of return customers through precise cutting, coloring and styling of clients' hair.
- Increased revenue through effective customer service and inventory management.
- Utilized latest techniques in balayage, ombre, highlights and color correction.
- Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.
- Maintained regular client list and successfully handled walk-in customers.
- Provided pre- and post-service consultations to accurately assess clients' needs.
- Styled hair, makeup and nails for customers for special events and occasions.
- Offered professional cuts, color services and extensions to salon customers.
- Shampooed, conditioned, and rinsed guests' hair using salon-exclusive products while educating clients on product benefits to increase product sales.
- Developed creative techniques to provide clients with latest hairstyles.
- Demonstrated thorough knowledge of all salon products and services.
- Attended hair shows, classes and seminars to stay up-to-date on latest trends.
- Evaluated client needs and recommended treatments and strategy to achieve desired results while maintaining hair health.
Cosmetologist
Hair PHD and Golden Tan
11.2001 - 05.2003
- Kept work areas, tools, and equipment clean and properly sanitized to minimize disease transfer and health risk of shared environment.
- Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
- Developed strong rapport with clientele through consistent high-quality service, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Demonstrated exceptional time management skills by efficiently scheduling appointments and managing multiple clients simultaneously.
- Skillfully executed various color applications including balayage techniques for natural-looking results that met client expectations.
- Suggested treatments and styles to suit customer appearance and fashion choices.
- Increased salon revenue by upselling additional treatments, products, and services to clients during appointments.
- Processed payments, entering sales in register for prompt customer service.
- Applied makeup to clients for special occasions to meet requirements.
- Expanded the salon''s service offerings by mastering new techniques in hairstyling, coloring, cutting, extensions application among others.
- Answered phone calls and emails to schedule client appointments.
- Maintained client treatment records and designed long-term care programs for return customers.
- Developed new techniques to improve appearance of customer and provide different looks.
- Demonstrated high level of customer service to increase retention and satisfaction.
- Attended regular trainings and workshops to maintain cosmetology license and stay current on technique and skills.
- Supported reception desk, receiving phone calls, entering appointments, and collecting payments for services rendered.
- Researched latest trends in hair and makeup to stay updated on color, style, and technique.
- Grew sales with great work ethic, individualized beauty care plans and positive attitude.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling, reducing wait times and improving overall client experience.
- Stayed current with industry trends and techniques by attending workshops, trade shows, and continuing education courses.
- Developed loyal customer base through exceptional service and follow-up, contributing to increased salon bookings.
- Collaborated with colleagues to organize promotional events, driving awareness and attracting new customers.
- Educated clients on proper hair care techniques to promote healthier hair between appointments.
- Implemented environmentally friendly practices in salon operations, promoting sustainability and attracting eco-conscious clients.
- Provided expert advice on home hair and skin care, empowering clients to maintain their salon looks independently.
- Maintained high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring safe and welcoming environment for clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized cosmetology services based on individual needs and preferences.
- Utilized feedback from client surveys to refine services and address any areas needing improvement.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment by following strict sanitation guidelines and procedures.
- Elevated salon's market presence by participating in local beauty events and showcasing latest cosmetology trends.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory health and safety standards, preserving salon's reputation and client trust.
- Negotiated with suppliers for better rates on salon products, aiding in cost reduction without compromising on quality.
- Implemented creative marketing strategies that attracted new clients while retaining existing ones.
- Conducted detailed client consultations to understand their style preferences, ensuring tailored services for each individual.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with personalized skincare routines, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Contributed to the salon''s positive reputation through excellent customer service, attention to detail, and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough consultations with clients to assess their desired outcomes and develop customized treatment plans accordingly.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a seamless and enjoyable customer experience for all salon clients.
- Educated clients about products and self-maintenance for healthy hair based on needs and preferences.
- Developed loyal following of clients by providing high-quality services.
- Maintained high number of return customers through precise cutting, coloring and styling of clients' hair.
- Increased revenue through effective customer service and inventory management.
- Utilized latest techniques in balayage, ombre, highlights and color correction.
- Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.
- Maintained regular client list and successfully handled walk-in customers.
- Provided pre- and post-service consultations to accurately assess clients' needs.
- Styled hair, makeup and nails for customers for special events and occasions.
- Offered professional cuts, color services and extensions to salon customers.
- Shampooed, conditioned, and rinsed guests' hair using salon-exclusive products while educating clients on product benefits to increase product sales.
- Developed creative techniques to provide clients with latest hairstyles.
- Demonstrated thorough knowledge of all salon products and services.
- Attended hair shows, classes and seminars to stay up-to-date on latest trends.
- Evaluated client needs and recommended treatments and strategy to achieve desired results while maintaining hair health.
Education
No Degree - Phlebotomy Training
Des Moines Phlebotomy Training
West Des Moines, IA09-2025
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
Iowa School of Beauty
Des Moines, IA11-2002
High School Diploma -
Van Meter High School
Van Meter, IA05-2000
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Dependable and responsible
- Flexible and adaptable
- Decision-making
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Customer relations
- Calm under pressure
Timeline
Receiving and Inventory
Burlington
12.2025 - 02.2026
Activities Assistant
Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center
04.2023 - 10.2023
Homeschool/Stay at Home Parent
Self Employed
10.2013 - 05.2025
Foster Care Provider
Bethany Christian Services
10.2013 - 10.2016
Cosmetologist
Kutting Krue
05.2003 - 10.2006
Cosmetologist
Hair PHD and Golden Tan
11.2001 - 05.2003
No Degree - Phlebotomy Training
Des Moines Phlebotomy Training
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
Iowa School of Beauty
High School Diploma -
Van Meter High School
Employee of the month a Sirata Beach Resort. It was in July 2023.
I received Employee of the Month at a busy resort in Florida. I organized a lot of activities and went above and beyond to make sure the pools were safe, clean, and fun. I receive great reviews from guests. Management from different departments nominated me and wrote heart warming letters on why I deserved it. Out of hundreds of employees, in the busiest and hottest month... It was a very moving and proud moment for me.