Nicole Gulch
Hastings
Summary
Organized and detail-oriented professional with experience in child care, front desk operations, and program oversight. Skilled in communication, problem solving, and program support. Dedicated to creating safe and enriching environments and building relationships with clients, colleagues, and leadership.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2020
2020
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Teacher
YMCA BASC Thornapple Kellogg
Middleville
01.2025 - Current
- Manage daily site operations
- Comply with state licensing regulations, including conducting emergency drills, maintaining proper child-to-staff ratios, completing required daily documentation, implementing curriculum requirements, and mantain sanitation standards
- Build relationships with children, families, school personnel, and YMCA leadership to support a positive and safe environment
- Support and nurture children's needs to allow for growth and positive development
- Communicate with supervisors regarding program operations and incidents
- Respond to parent inquiries in person and via phone in timely manner
- Train new staff members in program operations and licensing procedures
- Manage and redirect challenging behaviors through appropriate strategies
- Provide daily snack while accommodating food allergies and restrictions
Site Administrator and Lead Teacher
YMCA BASC Caledonia
Caledonia
09.2022 - Current
- Manage daily site operations
- Comply with state licensing regulations, including conducting emergency drills, maintaining proper child-to-staff ratios, completing required daily documentation, implementing curriculum requirements, and mantain sanitation standards
- Build relationships with children, families, school personnel, and YMCA leadership to support a positive and safe environment
- Support and nurture children's needs to allow for growth and positive development
- Communicate with supervisors regarding program operations and incidents reports
- Respond to parent inquiries in person and via phone in timely manner
- Train new staff members in program operations and licensing procedures
- Manage and redirect challenging behaviors through appropriate strategies
Summer Day Camp Counselor
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Caledonia
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Managed front desk operations including answering phones, greeting families, directing children to appropriate groups, and keeping attendance
- Served as primary point of contact for parents and children
- Oversaw new child intake forms, medication forms, and any other forms were filled out properly
- Helped support daily operations by floating between groups to fill in for absences and provide staff coverages for breaks
- Helped maintain a clean environment using licensing sanitation procedures
- Coordinated with my supervisor to prepare weekly staff appreciation gifts
Customer Service Representative
GEICO
Lakeland
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Determine liability and coverage for each claim
- Address customer complaints and questions in a timely manner
- Provide professional and welcoming customer service via phone
- Take recorded statements of all parties involved
- Write and send letters and emails to all interested parties
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL 08.2017 - 12.2019
Associate of Science -
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI 08.2013 - 05.2017
Thornapple Kellogg High School
Middleville, MISkills
- Front desk operations
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Customer service
- Records management
- Problem solving and conflict resolution
- Relationship building
- Time management
- Program oversight
- Mentorship and training
- Reliability and Professionalism
- Emergency response and safety awareness
- Multitasking in fast-paced environments
Certification
- Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certified
Accomplishments
- Shark Tagging Research with long lines, drum lines, and satellite tags
- Assisted with a dolphin necropsy
Timeline
Lead Teacher
YMCA BASC Thornapple Kellogg
01.2025 - Current
Summer Day Camp Counselor
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
06.2023 - 08.2025
Site Administrator and Lead Teacher
YMCA BASC Caledonia
09.2022 - Current
Customer Service Representative
GEICO
09.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
Florida Southern College
08.2017 - 12.2019
Associate of Science -
Grand Rapids Community College
08.2013 - 05.2017
Thornapple Kellogg High School