Natalia Z. Watkins
Torrance,CA
Summary
Professional with strong background in customer interactions and service solutions. Highly skilled in conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Effective team collaborator, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently focused on achieving results through efficient and empathetic service. Known for reliability and proactive approach to meeting customer and organizational goals.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Staff
Harbor Supported Living
Santa Cruz, CA
07.2024 - 02.2026
- Managed challenging behaviors through effective communication, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention strategies, contributing to 66.6% reduction in maladaptive behaviors
- Assisted 4 clients weekly with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, basic hygiene, and administering medication for increased autonomy and satisfaction.
- Demonstrated adaptability and self motivation by frequently covering shifts, including with new clients.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to enhance knowledge base and stay current on best practices within the field.
- Improved client well-being by providing emotional support and fostering strong relationships.
Lead Peer Advisor
UC Santa Cruz
Remote - Santa Cruz, CA
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Enhanced student success by developing and implementing comprehensive academic plans
- Answered student inquiries and resolved problems related to the education major and course prerequisites at UC Santa Cruz
- Performed clerical duties such as balancing emails, Zoom meetings, and individual student spreadsheets
- Served as first point of contact for 219 education students
Hostess/Server
Black Bear Diner
Torrance, CA
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Greeted and seated upwards of 50 customers and prepared 10-20 to-go orders per day.
- Proactively assisted servers during busy times, helping to expedite food delivery and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction throughout their meal.
- Organized, stocked and cleaned establishment's front lobby during shifts to maintain welcoming appearance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education, Democracy, And Justice
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA03-2023
Skills
- First aid and CPR
- Multitasking and organization
- Team collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Scheduling
- Google and Microsoft Office suite
- Self-motivation
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
Languages
Serbo-Croatian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Direct Support Staff
Harbor Supported Living
07.2024 - 02.2026
Lead Peer Advisor
UC Santa Cruz
08.2022 - 03.2023
Hostess/Server
Black Bear Diner
07.2019 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Education, Democracy, And Justice
University of California, Santa Cruz