Melissa Casaus
Executive Administration Operations and Technology Specialist Human Resources Airlines/Aviation Education Management
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Strategic and empathetic Executive Assistant with 20+ years of experience supporting C-level leaders in dynamic, high-growth environments. Adept at managing complex calendars and travel, anticipating executive needs, and streamlining workflows to drive operational excellence. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, plan high-impact events, and communicate with clarity and discretion on behalf of leadership teams. Known for building trust, navigating ambiguity, and delivering results with grace under pressure.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
CS&S Operations Associate
Southwest Airlines
01.2023 - 04.2025
- Provided excellent customer service and support to employees regarding their schedules, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Collaborated with various teams to maintain integrity of confidential information and support workflow as a remote employee.
- Managed administrative duties and supported customer service representatives, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring timely completion of tasks and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Trained and mentored new team members, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
Station Administrative Coordinator
Southwest Airlines
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered operational and administrative support to station leadership, ensuring compliance with Ground Ops requirements.
- Maintained integrity of confidential information and performed audits and reconciliations to support station operations.
- Prepared and processed employee badges, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with security standards.
Front Desk/Sales Associate
Club Pilates
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Assisted members with inquiries and resolved membership-related issues efficiently.
- Sold memberships and promoted additional options to drive studio growth.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining accountability for all financial exchanges at the front desk.
- Streamlined check-in and check-out processes for increased efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Secured and opened studio, maintaining a clean and inviting environment.
Personal Care Assistant
Always There Home Care
04.2013 - 08.2020
- Facilitated daily living and medical assistance for special needs patients, enhancing comfort and wellness.
- Coordinated medical appointments and financial matters to ensure comprehensive support.
- Managed medication administration and meal preparation, adhering to high care standards.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to achieve nutritional objectives.
- Engaged patients in socialization and activities while providing personal care assistance.
- Adapted quickly to new client situations, building rapport through active listening and empathy.
- Recognized and reported abnormalities in patients' health status to case manager.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of best practices in personal care through professional development.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
Special Education Teacher
Bernalillo Academy Residential Treatment Facility
09.2014 - 03.2016
- Provided individualized instruction to children with special needs, adapting methods for diverse learning styles.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and communicated effectively with guardians.
- Developed tailored IEPs to ensure academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted positive learning environments through differentiated instruction and individualized support.
- Modified general education curriculum using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Implemented consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies for behavior management.
- Supported students in reaching their highest potential while progressing beyond limitations.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication regarding student progress.
Accounting/HR/Finance Manager
Vigil and Associates Architectural Group
09.2013 - 02.2015
- Managed all financial operations, including payroll, budgeting, and cash flow oversight.
- Ensured accurate and timely invoicing and payment processing for customers.
- Conducted bank reconciliations to maintain precise financial documentation.
- Identified and addressed financial discrepancies through thorough documentation reviews.
- Streamlined month-end closing process, reducing manual task duration and enhancing data accuracy.
- Processed invoices and contacted appropriate parties for timely payment receipt.
- Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
Exec, Finance, HR, & Project Manager
Gigablast, Inc.
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Led interdepartmental technology projects, managing timelines and resources to achieve project goals.
- Oversaw financial operations, including payroll and budgeting, contributing to the company’s growth and stability.
- Recruited and managed engineering teams, ensuring successful project completion and client satisfaction.
- Enhanced employee engagement by implementing innovative HR programs and initiatives.
- Improved training effectiveness by developing customized learning solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Introduced diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.
- Enhanced communication channels between departments through regular meetings, updates, and feedback sessions.
- Drafted and submitted budget proposals to fulfill departmental needs while maintaining awareness of spending constraints.
- Negotiated favorable terms for benefits packages, providing cost-effective solutions for employees'' healthcare needs without sacrificing quality of coverage.
- Formulated policies and procedures compliant withh federal regulations while simultaneously meeting organizational requirements.
- Organized and managed payroll and timekeeping operations.
- Reduced labor costs through effective workforce planning and proactive talent management practices.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Reviewed incoming communications for urgency or importance; prioritized correspondence accordingly for executive review or action.
- Scheduled appointments promptly, ensuring optimal use of executive time while minimizing conflicts or cancellations.
- Scheduled appointments and handled calenders for senior leadership.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, expediting project completion times and enhancing overall efficiency.
- Organized and updated schedules for executives.
- Enhanced communication between departments through proactive coordination of meetings and events.
- Organized travel arrangements, ensuring smooth transitions for executives during business trips.
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets, and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Ensured timely completion of projects by monitoring progress against deadlines, providing updates to executives as needed.
- Supported human resources initiatives by coordinating interviews and assisting with new hire orientations.
- Assisted in event planning efforts, executing successful corporate functions that bolstered brand image and networking opportunities.
- Used software to coordinate meetings, appointments, and tasks senior executives.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for board of directors, president and executive vice president.
Education
Alternative Teacher Licensure Program - Education
Central NM Community College
Albuquerque, NMMBA - Information Technology Concentration
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NMBBA - Management Information Systems
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NMSkills
- Microsoft Office and Google Suite proficiency
- Adobe Acrobat and QuickBooks expertise
- Advanced Excel skills
- Workflow redesign experience
- Team leadership and collaboration skills
- Complex project management
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Customer service focus
- Emerging technologies knowledge
- Software development methodologies understanding
- Relationship building techniques
- Deadline management strategies
- Calendar scheduling and management
- C-Level Executive Administrative support
- Workload prioritization techniques
Certification
- CAP - Certified Administrative Professional License
- Lean Six Sigma, White Belt Certification
- 200 HR Hot Yoga Teacher Certification
- 20 HR Yin Yoga Teacher Certification
- Level One Alternative K-8 Elementary License
- Level One Alternative Pre-K-12 Special Education
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Affiliations
- Brain Injury Advisory Council
- Brain Injury Alliance
- American Lung Association
Interests
- Enjoy participating in hot yoga for overall physical and mental well-being
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Gym Workouts
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Adventure Travel
- Supporting STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs
- Web Development and Design
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Camping
- Enjoying the art of baking and pastry-making, experimenting with recipes
- Sharing recipes, cooking tips, and culinary experiences through blogs and social media platforms
- Baking
- Cooking
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureHealthcare benefitsPaid time off4-day work weekPaid sick leaveWork from home optionTimeline
CS&S Operations Associate
Southwest Airlines
01.2023 - 04.2025
Station Administrative Coordinator
Southwest Airlines
08.2022 - 01.2023
Front Desk/Sales Associate
Club Pilates
09.2021 - 04.2022
Special Education Teacher
Bernalillo Academy Residential Treatment Facility
09.2014 - 03.2016
Accounting/HR/Finance Manager
Vigil and Associates Architectural Group
09.2013 - 02.2015
Personal Care Assistant
Always There Home Care
04.2013 - 08.2020
Exec, Finance, HR, & Project Manager
Gigablast, Inc.
01.2005 - 12.2007
Alternative Teacher Licensure Program - Education
Central NM Community College
MBA - Information Technology Concentration
New Mexico Highlands University
BBA - Management Information Systems
New Mexico Highlands University