Hi, I’m
Melissa Simmons
Lockhart,TX
Summary
Recent graduate with professional administrative skills and a solid foundation in teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Eager to launch a career and contribute to organizational success through dedication and a proactive approach. Demonstrates strong adaptability to new challenges while maintaining a focus on achieving results. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth in a dynamic work environment.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
Work History
MD HorsemanshipLockhart, Texas
Horse Trainer and Youth Riding Instructor
05.2010 - Current
Job overview
- Train horses for responsiveness, desensitization, and performance using natural horsemanship techniques
- Provide daily care and maintenance for horses and cattle, including veterinary, farrier, and dietary services as needed
- Deliver individualized riding instruction to children of all ages and coach them during performances at local events
- Maintain a 100% safety record while mentoring students in my program
Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, Texas
Student Worker
08.2024 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Collaborated with instructor to assess and provide feedback on assignments for Texas Government course as part of Town Hall initiative.
- Reviewed and verified academic materials to maintain quality and submitted official grades promptly via the Canvas learning platform.
- Facilitated grading and evaluation of student assignments, ensuring constructive feedback for improvement.
John Horner RanchLuling, Texas
Horse Trainer and Ranch Foreman
10.2016 - 09.2018
Job overview
- Provided daily care and maintenance for 22 horses while 8 of them were in my training program
- Trained performance horses specialized in barrel racing and team roping and hauled to local events to compete and advertise
- Started young horses under saddle for the first time with a strong focus on the basics of forward movement, the stopping of forward movement, and directional transitions
- Performed property management duties such as fencing, lawncare, and arena maintenance
Texas OncologyAustin, Texas
Insurance Specialist
02.2016 - 09.2016
Job overview
- Reviewed and confirmed insurance eligibility while coordinating pre-authorization processes for cancer care services.
- Achieved timely appointment confirmations three days in advance. Enhanced patient demographic accuracy through diligent updates. Clarified insurance benefits and coverage details, improving patient understanding.
- Assisted in resolving accounts receivable issues by resubmitting denied claims and collecting outstanding patient balances.
Robert L. Stroud, M.D., Internal MedicineAustin, Texas
Receptionist and Medical Assistant
08.2013 - 05.2015
Job overview
- Managed appointment scheduling and financial transactions to ensure efficient patient flow and revenue collection.
- Streamlined patient chart organization and updated demographic data to improve record accuracy. Enhanced correspondence filing processes to support overall office productivity.
- Administered medications and vaccines to ensure patient compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Oversaw the execution of eye exams and EKGs to enhance patient care. Monitored and documented vital signs and weight. Collaborated with physician in performing physical exams and minor procedures.
Austin Family Medicine AssociatesAustin, Texas
Receptionist
04.2011 - 08.2013
Job overview
- Handled incoming phone calls and coordinated multi-line systems to facilitate effective communication.
- Oversaw patient check-in procedures and managed collection of co-pays and overdue balances. Coordinated self-pay services to enhance patient experience.
- Conducted thorough verification of insurance information and benefits while handling medical records requests efficiently.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling and verification processes to enhance client communication.
Education
Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, Texas
Master of Science from Criminal Justice, Certificate in Homeland Security
12-2026
University Overview
- 4.0 GPA
- President's List Fall 2025
- College of Graduate Studies Scholarship Recipient
- Encouraging Graduate Academic Progress Scholarship Recipient
Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, Texas
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Homeland Security
05-2025
University Overview
- 3.5 GPA
- cum laude graduate
- President's List Fall 2022, 2024; Spring 2023, 2024
- Dean's List Summer 2022, Fall 2023
- Roger & Ruth Turney Scholarship Recipient
- Presidential Honors Scholarship Recipient
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Multitasking and prioritization
- Customer and client relations
- Administrative support
- Data entry
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Editing and proofreading
- Microsoft Office and Zoom profieciency
HONORS AND AWARDS
Member, The National Society of Leadership and Success, December 2024 – May 2025
Member, Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society, August 2024 – May 2025
Member, Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society, March 2024 – May 2025
Timeline
Student Worker
Tarleton State University
08.2024 - 05.2025
Horse Trainer and Ranch Foreman
John Horner Ranch
10.2016 - 09.2018
Insurance Specialist
Texas Oncology
02.2016 - 09.2016
Receptionist and Medical Assistant
Robert L. Stroud, M.D., Internal Medicine
08.2013 - 05.2015
Receptionist
Austin Family Medicine Associates
04.2011 - 08.2013
Horse Trainer and Youth Riding Instructor
MD Horsemanship
05.2010 - Current
Tarleton State University
Master of Science from Criminal Justice, Certificate in Homeland Security
Tarleton State University
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Homeland Security