Melissa Miller
Girard,Illinois
Summary
Experienced Activity Director with nearly 10 years in healthcare, customer service, and team management. Skilled in remote customer support, social media management, and CRM systems. Proven ability to organize engaging programs, maintain compliance, and deliver compassionate care. Seeking remote customer service or work-from-home roles to leverage strong communication, organizational, and technical skills.
Culinary professional with extensive experience in high-volume kitchen management and menu development. Known for fostering collaborative environments and delivering results through effective team leadership. Skilled in operational efficiency and culinary innovation, ensuring high standards and adaptability to changing needs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Culinary Director
Courtyard Estates
Girard, IL
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Developed and implemented innovative menus tailored to resident preferences and dietary needs.
- Trained and mentored culinary staff on food safety practices and preparation techniques.
- Streamlined kitchen operations to enhance efficiency and reduce waste in food production.
- Collaborated with management to establish budgetary guidelines for culinary expenditures.
- Introduced new culinary techniques and equipment to the kitchen team, elevating the overall skill set and capabilities of staff members.
- Oversaw staff scheduling processes that ensured adequate coverage during peak periods without compromising service standards or employee job satisfaction levels.
Activity Director
Courtyard Estates of Girard
Girard, IL
11.2018 - 11.2025
- Designed and executed engaging activities for residents, focusing on holistic well-being in group and individual settings.
- Established and supervised clubs to promote hobbies and social interaction among residents.
- Maintained and updated social media platforms to keep residents and families informed and connected.
- Managed monthly calendars and daily schedules for all activities and events.
- Arranged transportation for resident outings and medical appointments.
- Organized entertainment and coordinated all external performers and events.
- Managed budgeting and supply procurement, saving the monthly budget by 50% through fundraisers and community events.
- Worked closely with the resident council to address concerns and preferences.
- Led orientation activities for new residents to ensure smooth transitions.
- Completed daily charting through Point Click Care, including progress notes and individualized activity care plans.
- Conducted one-on-one therapy for residents experiencing cognitive decline or social isolation.
- Awarded Activity Director of the Year in 2022 by the Senior U Fitness Foundation.
Account Specialist II
Humana
Girard
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline billing procedures, resulting in a [placeholder for percentage]% reduction in billing errors.
- Negotiated payment plans with delinquent customers while maintaining positive relationships.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and ensured compliance at all times.
Activities Director
Heritage Healthcare, Inc.
06.2020 - 09.2020
- Oversaw the activity department and developed individualized programs for each resident.
- Managed two aides by assigning daily job tasks and responsibilities.
- Followed MDS schedules and documented daily interactions with residents using progress notes and charting on POC.
- Maintained a professional and supportive work environment.
Cook/Prep
Joes Place
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Prepped food for the cook and prepared all customer appetizer orders.
Child Care Worker
State of Illinois
Illinois
01.2016 - 08.2017
- Provided a safe and secure environment for children in their homes.
- Prepared and served meals for children.
- Offered home tutoring and educational support.
- Assisted with bathing and personal care needs.
- Cared for children with special needs.
Cook
County Market
Girard
04.2014 - 01.2015
- Cooked and prepped food for c the deli.
- Provided customer care and answered product questions.
- Maintained product knowledge to assist customers.
Manager
The Country Hutch
02.2004 - 10.2010
- Helped run a successful gift shop and managed daily operations.
- Handled money transactions and maintained accurate records.
- Organized planograms and managed product inventory.
- Provided customer service and managed product stock.
- Processed payroll for staff.
Debt Collector
CCB Credit Services
10.2007 - 07.2008
- Worked in a high-volume call center handling inbound and outbound calls.
- Settled outstanding accounts for Nissan clients.
- Entered data accurately and efficiently.
Education
Activity Directors Correspondence Course - Certification
Outcome Services of Illinois
Illinois09-2020
Ged - GED
Basic high school
11-1999
Skills
- Wellness activities for care recipients
- Alzheimer's Care
- Fundraising
- Nursing home experience
- Long term care experience - Long term care experience (6-10 years)
- Working with seniors
- Cooking
- Medical terminology
- Senior Care
- Vital Signs
- Phone call management
- Client rights in caregiving
- Customer service manager experience
- Computer literacy
- Call center agent experience
- Grill
- Office Management
- Recreation
- Social media management - Social media management experience (3-5 years)
- Caregiving
- Caregiving documentation requirements
- Call center experience
- Outbound calling
- Resident's rights
- OSHA
- Culinary
- Kitchen Management Experience
- Phone etiquette
- Care plans
- First aid
- CRM system proficiency
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
- Time management
- Customer service
- Billing issue inquiries
- Assisted living
- Events management
- Computer Networking
- Meal Preparation
- Memory Care
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 10 staff members.
- Collaborated with team of different food wholesalers in the development of new and improved seasonal menus.
- .Activity Director of the year achievement award through Senior U Fitness program in 2022
Certification
- First Aid Certification Present
- Food Handler Certification Present
- Driver's License Present
- Food Handler Present
- Manager Kitchen Food Handler Present
- CPR Certification May 2022 to May 2027
- The ability and knowledge to perform CPR if needed.
- Food Handler Certification July 2018 to July 2023
Languages
English
Timeline
Culinary Director
Courtyard Estates
09.2024 - 11.2025
Account Specialist II
Humana
06.2021 - 12.2021
Activities Director
Heritage Healthcare, Inc.
06.2020 - 09.2020
Activity Director
Courtyard Estates of Girard
11.2018 - 11.2025
Cook/Prep
Joes Place
03.2018 - 07.2018
Child Care Worker
State of Illinois
01.2016 - 08.2017
Cook
County Market
04.2014 - 01.2015
Debt Collector
CCB Credit Services
10.2007 - 07.2008
Manager
The Country Hutch
02.2004 - 10.2010
Ged - GED
Basic high school
Activity Directors Correspondence Course - Certification
Outcome Services of Illinois
Additional Information
My passion in life is helping others know their worth. If I can make a mark on just one person's life then I know I have succeeded.