Nicole Richards
MILLINOCKET,Maine
Summary
Dependable food service professional with experience leading kitchen teams, training staff, and supporting busy service periods. Strong background in clear communication, conflict resolution, and daily scheduling, with a focus on smooth operations and high-quality food service. Known for maintaining sanitation standards, managing supplies, and helping control labor and food costs.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Katahdin General
MILLINOCKET, Maine
2023.06 - 2025.10
- Supervised kitchen prep and service operations at Katahdin General food counter
- Coordinated daily inventory checks and product rotation for kitchen supplies
- Trained staff on sanitation rules and safe food handling procedures
- Monitored equipment cleaning and kitchen maintenance tasks
- Prepared work schedules and staffing coverage for busy meal periods
- Reviewed food quality and presentation before customer service
- Assisted with ordering ingredients and tracking delivery shipments
- Supported front line teamwork between kitchen staff and store operations
- Maintained a clean work environment by adhering to sanitation guidelines as required by law.
- Organized inventory and placed orders for food, equipment, and supplies to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations in the kitchen area.
- Assisted with the hiring, training and supervision of kitchen staff.
- Coordinated scheduling of cooks and other kitchen personnel to meet restaurant needs.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly through observation of job duties during shifts.
- Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to staff members to encourage professional development.
- Performed regular audits of supplies used in preparation of meals to ensure freshness.
- Collaborated with chefs on menu planning strategies that increased profits while maintaining high quality standards.
- Facilitated communication between front-of-house staff and back-of-house staff on a daily basis.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service promptly and professionally.
- Created weekly schedules according to business demands while ensuring labor costs remained within budget parameters.
- Addressed any issues related to staffing shortages or overtime hours as needed.
- Worked closely with management team to develop marketing plans that drove sales growth.
- Implemented new systems for tracking inventory levels, ordering procedures.
- Developed menus, recipes, and plate presentations that complied with company standards.
- Monitored food cost percentages and labor costs to ensure budgetary goals were met.
- Analyzed customer feedback surveys to identify trends in customer satisfaction ratings.
- Conducted daily pre-shift meetings to review menu changes, special requests, and upsell opportunities with waitstaff.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally and efficiently.
- Trained employees on cooking techniques, safety standards and performance strategies.
- Motivated kitchen staff by establishing goals to increase productivity and quality.
- Kept kitchen equipment properly functioning by following manufacturer's operating instructions and educating staff on proper use.
- Received, organized and rotated paper goods and food ingredients.
- Worked with vendors to establish strong relationships and maintain proper inventory supplies.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance team performance, improve processes and boost results.
- Interviewed, hired and supervised back of house staff to clean tables, remove dishes, take food to tables and assist servers and bartenders.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
Supported Living Services Provider
KFI
MILLINOCKET, Maine
2017.10 - 2022.02
- Supported KFI clients with daily living routines and personal care.
- Monitored medication schedules and documented support notes for KFI records.
- Assisted KFI clients with meal preparation, hygiene, and household tasks.
- Encouraged independent living skills during community outings and home activities.
- Reported changes in client health, behavior, and safety concerns.
- Followed KFI service plans and individual support instructions carefully.
- Coordinated transportation to appointments, errands, and scheduled activities.
- Maintained clean, safe KFI living spaces and client equipment.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided to each client.
- Observed changes in mood or behavior patterns and reported them immediately to supervisor.
- Provided transportation to appointments, errands, or recreational activities as needed.
- Assisted in the development of social skills by engaging in recreational activities with clients.
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Promoted a positive attitude among clients by providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Trained new staff on proper procedures related to supported living services.
- Educated family members on caring for their loved ones with disabilities.
- Educated family members about available resources within the community.
- Monitored client progress and documented changes in behavior or health status.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate services for clients' well-being.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss client care plans and updates.
- Ensured that clients followed prescribed medical treatments and medications.
- Assessed risks posed by the environment and took appropriate corrective action when needed.
- Attended seminars, workshops, conferences to stay up-to-date on best practices.
- Implemented behavior management techniques aimed at reducing challenging behaviors.
- Advised families about available resources within the community for their loved ones.
- Encouraged independence through teaching life skills such as budgeting and cooking.
- Coordinated communication between families and other service providers involved in care plan.
- Facilitated group sessions focused on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, stress management.
- Developed individualized support plans for clients to meet their needs.
- Assisted clients with maintaining good personal hygiene.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
- Maintained cleanliness of clients' environment by cleaning surfaces and washing clothes or dishes.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Recorded client status progress and challenges in logbooks and reports.
- Organized oral medications for clients following dosage and schedule requirements.
- Maintained detailed records of services performed on clients.
- Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
- Drove clients to doctors' appointments and social outings.
- Contacted medical providers on behalf of clients to follow up on appointments.
- Monitored clients' activity levels and helped prevent sedentary behavior.
- Helped clients adjust to new lifestyles during periods of incapacitation or recuperation.
- Collected and recorded patients' blood pressure, pulse, and respirations (TPRs) to evaluate and note basic health status.
- Helped clients communicate with loved ones by typing written messages and relaying verbal messages.
CRMA/Direct Support Professional
Stearns Assisted Living
MILLINOCKET, Maine
2009.09 - 2013.03
- Administered resident medications under residential care policies and medication orders.
- Verified medication labels, dosages, and schedules before each administration.
- Documented medication administration in resident records and care logs.
- Monitored residents for side effects and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Assisted residents with routine daily living support in residential settings.
- Maintained medication storage areas, carts, and supply organization.
- Followed infection control, safety, and privacy procedures during resident care.
- Communicated clearly with residents, families, and care team members.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement when needed.
- Assisted in the administration of medications as prescribed by physicians, while following all safety protocols.
- Promptly reported any changes in a resident's condition or behavior to the supervising nurse or physician.
- Ensured proper disposal of expired or unused medications according to regulations.
- Provided education to residents about their medications, possible side effects, and how to properly take them.
- Facilitated group activities designed to improve the physical well-being of the residents.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, therapists regarding patient care needs.
- Supported daily living tasks for individuals in residential care settings.
- Assisted with personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Monitored client safety and reported concerns to care supervisors.
- Documented service notes and behavior updates in support records.
- De-escalated stressful situations using calm communication and active listening.
- Encouraged community participation through outings, activities, and social support.
- Followed individualized care plans and behavioral support guidelines.
- Coordinated shift handoffs with team members and family contacts.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
- Maintained detailed records of services performed on clients.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Organized oral medications for clients following dosage and schedule requirements.
Education
High School Diploma -
Stearns High School
Millinocket, ME2009-06
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Kitchen inventory control
- Staff scheduling
- Menu planning
- Cost control
- Food service operations
- Supply ordering
- Sanitation standards
- Team leadership
- Clear communication
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Food preparation
- Food preparation management
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Food safety
Timeline
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Katahdin General
2023.06 - 2025.10
Supported Living Services Provider
KFI
2017.10 - 2022.02
CRMA/Direct Support Professional
Stearns Assisted Living
2009.09 - 2013.03
High School Diploma -
Stearns High School