MELISSA RAGAINI
Catskill,NY
Summary
Dedicated, flexible, and highly motivated professional with extensive experience in leadership, transportation, HR support, childcare, customer service, and animal handling. Known for building strong relationships, inspiring teams, solving problems under pressure, and maintaining safety in fast-paced environments. Leads by example and supports positive team culture and growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
DAYCARE ASSISTANT
Marianne LaFountain Daycare
11.2022 - Current
- Ensure a safe, clean, nurturing environment for ages 3 months-school age.
- Supervise children during play, meals, and activities.
- Support potty training, diaper changes, and developmental learning.
- Prepare allergy-friendly meals and snacks.
- CPR/AED (Adult & Child) + First Aid certified.
TEAM LEADER • TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR • MANAGER
Far Fetched Acres Dog Camp
04.2022 - Current
- Transportation & Client Relations
- Safely transport dogs between NYC and camp; handle animals during loading/unloading.
- Serve as primary company representative during client interactions.
- Communicate professionally with clients via email, phone, and in person.
- Create daily route maps and coordinate fleet maintenance.
- Prepare vans for transport and ensure safe placement of dogs.
- Dog Care & Handling
- Monitor and manage off-leash groups of 20+ dogs, ensuring safety and positive behavior.
- Prepare meals, administer medications, and maintain kennels.
- Provide grooming, enrichment, and daily care services.
- Leadership
- Train dog handlers; support performance and professional development.
- Conduct interviews, meetings, tours, and performance reviews.
- Promote a respectful, motivated, supportive team environment.
DANCE INSTRUCTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER
Creative Studio of Dance
02.2021 - Current
- Teach dance to students K–12 using varied instructional styles.
- Develop choreography for classes and recitals.
- Maintain a positive, safe learning environment.
- Communicate with parents and students regarding progress and expectations.
GENERAL MANAGER
Snap Fitness
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Oversaw daily operations, staff schedules, sales goals, and commissions.
- Processed payroll using ADP; scheduled tours and new member appointments.
- Managed personal trainer scheduling and payroll.
- Maintained facility cleanliness, safety, and equipment repairs.
- Handled confidential tasks for the owner including banking and purchasing.
- Hired, interviewed, and coached staff.
DEPUTY CLERK TREASURER
Village of Catskill
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Managed payroll, employee paperwork, benefits, and HR compliance.
- Filed reports with the state and IRS; maintained compensation logs.
- Balanced 15 municipal bank accounts and prepared financial statements.
- Processed tax payments and prepared journal entries and reconciliations.
- Served as board secretary—organized meetings and recorded minutes.
- Filed workers’ compensation claims and attended PERMA training.
- Supported office duties including event bookings and water bill payments.
DANCE INSTRUCTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER
Roz's Dance Works
01.2005 - 01.2015
- Taught and choreographed multiple dance styles.
- Managed front-desk duties including payments and parent communication.
- Maintained studio cleanliness and helped administer the dance program.
Education
GED -
Columbia-Greene Community College
Hudson, NYSkills
- Team Leadership & Training
- Customer & Client Relations
- Transportation Coordination
- Safety Awareness
- Payroll & Time Tracking (ADP)
- HR Support & Employee Relations
- Hiring & Interviewing
- Benefits Administration
- Communication (Email, Phone, In-person)
- Childcare & First Aid
- Animal Handling & Behavior Knowledge
- Multitasking & Problem Solving
Timeline
DAYCARE ASSISTANT
Marianne LaFountain Daycare
11.2022 - Current
TEAM LEADER • TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR • MANAGER
Far Fetched Acres Dog Camp
04.2022 - Current
DANCE INSTRUCTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER
Creative Studio of Dance
02.2021 - Current
GENERAL MANAGER
Snap Fitness
01.2008 - 01.2015
DEPUTY CLERK TREASURER
Village of Catskill
01.2006 - 01.2015
DANCE INSTRUCTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER
Roz's Dance Works
01.2005 - 01.2015
GED -
Columbia-Greene Community College