Starrla Armwood
Edison,NJ
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at the Chinese Shar Pei Club of America and Morris Animal Inn, excelling in strategic planning and team management. Enhanced operational efficiency through innovative process improvements and fostered strong relationships, driving accountability and employee development. Adept at decision-making, I successfully guided cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Eastern Director
Chinese Shar Pei Club of America
Edison, NJ
01.2026 - Current
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align organizational goals with market trends.
- Directed cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and enhance operational efficiency.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate departmental success and drive accountability.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions to gather insights and foster collaborative decision-making.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and resource allocation.
- Mentored junior leaders, promoting professional development and succession planning within the organization.
- Analyzed industry data to inform strategic direction and identify growth opportunities for the company.
- Spearheaded change management efforts, guiding teams through transitions while maintaining productivity levels.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Daycare Coordinator
Morris Animal Inn
Morristown, NJ
08.2023 - Current
- Coordinated daily activities and schedules for children, ensuring a structured environment.
- Assisted in developing age-appropriate educational programs to promote child development.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding children's progress and behavioral concerns.
- Implemented safety protocols and maintained cleanliness standards within the facility.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, incidents, and developmental milestones for reporting purposes.
Daycare Team Leader
Morris Animal Inn
Morristown, NJ
08.2023 - Current
- Supervised daily operations and team performance to ensure high-quality animal care.
- Developed training materials and conducted onboarding sessions for new staff members.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing efficiency in service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Coordinated communication between departments to streamline workflow and address client needs effectively.
- Monitored inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies for all operational needs and maintaining budget compliance.
- Evaluated team performance metrics, providing constructive feedback to drive individual growth and development.
- Fostered a positive work environment through recognition programs and team-building activities to boost morale.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by closely monitoring service quality standards and addressing any issues promptly.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
- Facilitated decision-making processes within group through open dialogue and consensus-building techniques.
Professional Dog Walker
Rover
Summit, NJ
12.2022 - Current
- Managed daily dog walking schedules, ensuring timely and reliable service for clients.
- Maintained accurate records of pet behaviors and health updates for client communication.
- Developed strong rapport with dogs, enhancing their comfort and reducing anxiety during walks.
- Executed safe handling practices for various dog breeds, promoting a secure walking environment.
- Implemented feedback from clients to improve service quality and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Monitored environmental conditions to ensure safe walking routes for pets under care.
- Implemented positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior during walks and training sessions.
- Ensured dogs'' safety and well-being through attentive supervision during walks.
Dog Handler
Self Employed
Edison, NJ
04.2021 - Current
- Trained dogs in obedience and behavioral skills to enhance companionship and safety.
- Developed customized training programs to address individual dog needs and owner preferences.
- Managed daily care routines, including feeding, exercise, and grooming for multiple dogs simultaneously.
- Implemented positive reinforcement techniques to improve dog responsiveness and reduce anxiety during training sessions.
- Conducted regular assessments of canine behavior to adjust training methods and ensure consistent progress.
- Established strong relationships with clients by providing ongoing support and education on pet care best practices.
- Mentored aspiring dog handlers through hands-on training experiences, enhancing their skills and confidence in the field.
- Led community workshops on responsible pet ownership, promoting awareness of animal welfare and training techniques.
- Managed up to Number dogs of varying breeds and sizes, providing attentive care.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with different breeds of dogs ranging from small toy breeds to large working breeds effectively understanding their specific needs.
- Provided a safe environment for dogs by conducting thorough evaluations of each animal''s temperament and behavior before handling them.
- Transported dogs safely and maintained clean driving record.
- Interpreted body language to keep dogs engaged in fun activities and de-escalated potential cases of aggression.
- Reduced instances of behavioral issues among dogs by implementing structured routines during daily activities such as feeding, walking, and playing.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs, and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Continuously expanded knowledge on dog handling techniques and industry trends through attending workshops, conferences, and seminars regularly to enhance professional development.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals due to outstanding service as a dog handler.
- Incorporated positive reinforcement methods to correct behavior problems and train for competitions, law enforcement use, and home security.
- Champion and campaign many dogs.
Private Nanny
Several
Summit, NJ
03.2021 - 11.2025
- Provided personalized care and support for children, fostering a nurturing environment.
- Developed engaging activities to enhance children's cognitive and social skills.
- Assisted with homework, promoting academic growth and time management skills.
- Managed daily schedules, ensuring timely meals and activities for children.
- Communicated regularly with parents about children's progress and any concerns.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Adapted plans based on individual needs, demonstrating flexibility in caregiving approach.
- Coordinated playdates and educational outings to enrich children's experiences.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication about each child''s progress and needs.
- Oversaw household duties such as light housekeeping tasks or running errands when required.
- Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
- Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
- Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
- Bathed, dressed, and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
- Established clear expectations for behavior, setting boundaries to create a respectful atmosphere within the home.
- Established lasting, professional connections with families and children by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
- Led indoor and outdoor activities to entertain and occupy children.
- Enhanced children''s emotional well-being by providing consistent and nurturing care.
- Communicated with children at age-appropriate levels to encourage understanding and foster relationships.
Dog Nanny
Rover
Berkeley Heights, NJ
12.2022 - 03.2025
- Provided daily care and supervision for dogs, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Managed feeding schedules and medication administration for multiple pets.
- Developed personalized exercise routines to promote physical health and well-being.
- Communicated effectively with pet owners regarding behavior and health updates.
- Monitored dog behavior to identify signs of stress or discomfort, adjusting care accordingly.
- Maintained detailed records of each dog''s care, including feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any medical concerns.
- Offered basic obedience training for puppies under my supervision using positive reinforcement techniques aimed at building confidence and good manners in young dogs.
Gym Supervisor
Ymca Summit
Summit, NJ
06.2019 - 12.2022
- Supervised daily gym operations to ensure member satisfaction and safety.
- Trained and mentored staff on equipment usage and safety protocols.
- Managed facility maintenance schedules to uphold cleanliness and functionality.
- Implemented programs promoting fitness engagement among diverse member groups.
- Collaborated with management to evaluate service quality and identify improvement areas.
- Increased member retention by implementing engaging fitness programs and activities.
- Streamlined scheduling processes, minimizing conflicts and ensuring adequate staff coverage during peak hours.
Camp Counselor
YMCA Summer Camp
Summit, NJ
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Supervised daily activities, ensuring safety and engagement for all campers.
- Facilitated team-building exercises to enhance camper collaboration and communication skills.
- Assisted in planning and implementing recreational programs tailored to diverse age groups.
- Monitored camper behavior, providing guidance and conflict resolution as needed.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of camp facilities and equipment to promote a safe environment.
- Developed individualized support plans for campers with special needs to ensure inclusion.
- Trained new counselors on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and camp policies.
- Collaborated with team members to evaluate program effectiveness and suggest improvements based on feedback.
- Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
- Ensured camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
- Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
- Acted as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp''s core values.
- Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
- Boosted camp morale by fostering a supportive, inclusive, and fun environment for all participants.
- Developed strong relationships with co-counselors that resulted in seamless teamwork during challenging situations or emergencies.
- Collaborated with fellow counselors to create memorable events that promoted teamwork and strengthened bonds among campers.
Education
High School Diploma - Sustainable Sciences
Union County Vocational Technical School
Scotch Plains, NJ06.2019
Skills
Relationship building
Strategic planning
Verbal and written communication
Decision-making
Team management
Creativity and innovation
Strategies and goals
Employee development
Staff management
Organizational development
Certification
Animal Behavior & Body Language
Fear Free Certified
CPR Certified
First Aid Certified
Timeline
Eastern Director
Chinese Shar Pei Club of America
01.2026 - Current
Daycare Coordinator
Morris Animal Inn
08.2023 - Current
Daycare Team Leader
Morris Animal Inn
08.2023 - Current
Professional Dog Walker
Rover
12.2022 - Current
Dog Nanny
Rover
12.2022 - 03.2025
Dog Handler
Self Employed
04.2021 - Current
Private Nanny
Several
03.2021 - 11.2025
Gym Supervisor
Ymca Summit
06.2019 - 12.2022
Camp Counselor
YMCA Summer Camp
06.2018 - 08.2021
High School Diploma - Sustainable Sciences
Union County Vocational Technical School