Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Michelle Mantanona

Albuquerque

Summary

I have spent most of the last 23 years focused on taking care of the needs of my family, supporting my husband’s military career and homeschooling our two children. My youngest child graduated from high school in 2024 and is now in his second semester in college. I’m hardworking and dedicated to whatever I decide to do. Prior to Covid, I had been successfully operating my own little travel agency. Unfortunately, as Covid shut down the travel industry..my business struggled until I eventually had no choice but to close. Upon moving to New Mexico in 2020, I started my own small scale catering business which is still active today. I began working for the exchange program in 2020 with ETC where I worked to place students and worked to help them thrive during their time in the program.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Local Coordinator/ Area Manager

Education Travel & Culture
05.2022 - 10.2023
  • Organized orientation sessions for new exchange students, helping them acclimate quickly to their new surroundings.
  • Improved communication between host families and exchange students by conducting regular check-ins and providing support.
  • Supported successful student placements by thoroughly evaluating potential host families based on compatibility assessments.
  • Developed strong relationships with local schools, promoting the benefits of hosting exchange students to increase program participation.
  • Maintained detailed records on student progress throughout their stay, using this data to inform future program decisions.
  • Ensured compliance with program regulations by closely monitoring student progress and addressing any issues promptly.
  • Boosted program visibility within the community through marketing efforts such as social media campaigns and public speaking engagements.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution between host families and exchange students when necessary, ensuring a positive experience for all parties involved.
  • Collaborated with other Local Coordinators to share best practices for supporting exchange students and host families.
  • Provided ongoing training to host families on cultural sensitivities, facilitating a welcoming environment for exchange students.
  • Assisted in the recruitment of new host families through targeted outreach efforts and informative presentations.
  • Served as a reliable point of contact for both local schools and international partners, maintaining open communication channels at all times.

Travel Agent

Self Employed
04.2017 - 02.2020

I successfully ran my own agency, Plumeria Travels for 2 years prior to moving to New Mexico. My husband is Active Military and so we tend to move quite a bit. My specialty was Disney but I also sold everything from cruises to Honeymoon packages. During that time I executed the following…

  • Established base of loyal clientele due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
  • Sustained operational efficiencies, coordinating domestic/international customer travel accommodations while managing airfare, hotel bookings and rental car reservations.
  • Handled travel arrangements for groups, couples, executives and special needs clients.
  • Responded immediately to clients' questions, issues and complaints and found effective solutions when required.
  • Cultivated strong value-added relationships with customers daily by delivering accurate travel itinerary and knowledge to drive business development.
  • Addressed client inquiries and resolved issues and complaints regarding various travel arrangements.
  • Explained benefits of purchasing travel insurance with clients.

Antonio MeLani Specialist

Dillards Department Store
01.2015 - 10.2016
  • Operated cash register, collected payments and provided accurate change.
  • Helped customers find specific products, answered questions and offered product advice.
  • Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and promotions.
  • Arranged new merchandise with signage and appealing displays to encourage customer sales and move overstock items.
  • Reset store displays for special events and seasonal merchandise changes.
  • Served as a personal shopper for customers
  • Assisted in organizing annual fashion show.

Education

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL
03.2004

Skills

  • Travel Itineraries
  • International Reservations
  • Tour Package Sales
  • Leisure Travel
  • Retail Sales
  • Reservations Booking
  • Travel Planning
  • Customer Service
  • Detail-Oriented
  • Critical Thinking
  • Customer Needs Assessment
  • Family Mediation
  • Works well with children

Timeline

Local Coordinator/ Area Manager

Education Travel & Culture
05.2022 - 10.2023

Travel Agent

Self Employed
04.2017 - 02.2020

Antonio MeLani Specialist

Dillards Department Store
01.2015 - 10.2016

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

American InterContinental University
Michelle Mantanona