Culinary and Food
Nutrition/ Natural Healing
Gardening
Football
Baseball
Softball
Dance
Family
Dogs
Sara Jane Hedges
Paducah ,KY
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in food and nutrition services. Skilled in implementing training programs and developing nutrition education initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and promote healthy eating, positively impacting student well-being and satisfaction. Looking for new adventures where I can utilize my leadership skills and energetic personality to better the organization.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
Ballard County Schools
Ballard County, KY
07.2022 - Current
- Defined strategic objectives for team members to boost participation rates and ensure budgetary balance.
- Achieved improved staffing efficiency during busy periods through strategic employee scheduling and effective workload management. Enhanced staffing framework by incorporating retirees and appointing new leadership, resulting in a more cohesive team environment.
- Successfully managed Federal budgets (Student Nutrition Program, CACFP, Summer Feeding) and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Implemented training programs for school food service staff to enhance operational efficiency and promote essential skill development.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with team members to elevate company morale throughout the district. Collaborated effectively with athletics, the 21st Century program, Family Consumer Science Department, and more to support initiatives.
- Developed and conveyed strategic targets and objectives, enhancing uniformity in food service across the district.
- Developed and implemented nutrition education programs for students, promoting healthy eating habits.
- Oversaw daily operations of food service program ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
McCracken County Public Schools
Paducah, KY
07.2012 - 06.2022
- Enhanced meal programs by collaborating with school staff to align offerings with student preferences and dietary needs. Achieved compliance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and federal nutrition regulations, resulting in improved student satisfaction.
- Implemented effective inventory control strategies to streamline resource allocation and decrease waste in food services for 11 schools.
- Trained and mentored staff (80 plus employees) on food preparation techniques and customer service best practices.
- Evaluated menu options regularly to align with nutritional standards and budgetary constraints. Completed 3 successful KDE Administrative Reviews.
- Analyzed feedback from students and parents to continuously improve meal satisfaction rates across the district- maintaining high participation.
- Implemented health and safety guidelines consistently, maintaining an exemplary sanitation record.
- Streamlined operations to increase efficiency, resulting in timely meal service and improved guest experience.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to design nutritious menus that catered to diverse dietary needs.
- Led the design and staffing initiatives for new kitchen facilities at McCracken County High School and Lone Oak Middle School. Partnered with district administration, KDE, and architects to align project objectives with educational needs.
- Established positive working environment through effective communication and team-building exercises.
- Facilitated meal delivery operations, providing 7,000 meals daily via bus while maintaining staff morale and adherence to KDE standards during COVID.
Family and Consumer Sciences High School Teacher
McCracken County Public Schools
Paducah, KY
07.2010 - 06.2012
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in family and consumer sciences curriculum.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences to enhance student understanding of nutrition and wellness.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units, promoting connections between subject areas for deeper understanding.
- Mentored students in career readiness skills related to consumer sciences and life management.
- Coordinated guest speakers from industry experts, providing students with valuable insights into potential career paths within the field of family and consumer sciences.
Education
Alternative Certification Secondary Education - Family And Community Services
Murray State University
Murray, KY12-2008
Bachelor of Science - Health And Human Services- Area in Dietetics
Murray State University
Murray, KY05-2007
High School Diploma -
Murray High School
Murray, KY05-2002
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Health promotion
- Menu development
- Food safety compliance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Strategic planning
- Creativity and innovation
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Budget control
- Issues resolution
- Hiring and retention
- Federal Financial reporting
- Charismatic leader
- Positive role model and mentor
- Community involvement
- Faculty collaboration
Certification
Serve Save Certified
Interests
Timeline
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
Ballard County Schools
07.2022 - Current
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
McCracken County Public Schools
07.2012 - 06.2022
Family and Consumer Sciences High School Teacher
McCracken County Public Schools
07.2010 - 06.2012
Alternative Certification Secondary Education - Family And Community Services
Murray State University
Bachelor of Science - Health And Human Services- Area in Dietetics
Murray State University
High School Diploma -
Murray High School