Valerie Coder
Elderwood at Tonawanda
Tonawanda,NY
29
Years of experience
Dynamic culinary leader with extensive experience, skilled in food safety management and team collaboration. Successfully enhanced dining service efficiency through innovative menu development and staff training, fostering a culture of excellence and resident satisfaction. Proven ability to resolve conflicts and elevate team performance in fast-paced environments.
Work History
Director of Culinary Services
4 Years 5 Months- Directed daily culinary operations, ensuring compliant meal service, sanitation, and resident satisfaction.
- Developed menus aligned with therapeutic diets, preferences, and nutritional standards.
- Supervised kitchen staff, assigning duties and reinforcing consistent food quality standards.
- Coordinated inventory, ordering, and storage to support efficient kitchen production.
- Partnered with nursing and dietary teams to accommodate special dietary needs.
- Trained staff on food safety, portion control, and sanitation procedures.
- Monitored equipment condition and resolved service issues to maintain operational continuity.
- Reviewed workflows and implemented process improvements to enhance dining service efficiency.
- Organized regular team meetings to discuss performance updates, address challenges, share best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the culinary department.
- Scheduled kitchen staff of 20 people.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Directed daily culinary operations, aligning meal service with resident preferences and dietary requirements.
- Coordinated kitchen staffing, scheduling, and workflow to maintain consistent dining service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with sanitation standards, food safety regulations, and infection control procedures.
- Supervised menu execution, special diets, and texture-modified meal preparation for clinical accuracy.
- Trained culinary staff on safe food handling, portion control, and service expectations.
Sous Chef/Dietary Cook
21 Years 5 Months- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring consistent meal preparation and timely service for residents.
- Coordinated daily food production, maintaining quality, portion control, and presentation standards.
- Monitored food safety practices, enforcing sanitation procedures and regulatory compliance.
- Prepared therapeutic diets, accommodating resident allergies, texture modifications, and nutritional needs.
Cashier/Customer Service
5 Years 5 Months- Processed front-counter and drive-thru orders accurately using POS systems.
- Balanced cash drawers and verified payments at shift close.
- Resolved guest concerns promptly while maintaining courteous service.
- Supported order accuracy by confirming customizations and special requests.
Dietary Server
1 Year 5 Months- Served residents meals according to prescribed diet orders and food preferences.
- Assembled trays accurately for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
- Checked meal tickets to ensure correct portions and special dietary compliance.
- Delivered food promptly to resident rooms and dining areas.
Education
- General Studies
Skills
Sanitation standards
Food presentation
Culinary expertise
Allergen awareness
Sustainable practices
Food safety management
Knife skills
Kitchen operations
Food storage
Teamwork
Customer service
Problem-solving
Time management
Reliable and responsible
Attention to detail
Multitasking
Problem-solving abilities
Collaboration and teamwork
Food preparation
Calm and pleasant demeanor
Employee supervision
Delegating assignments and tasks
Health and safety regulations
Coaching and mentoring
Interpersonal skills
Conflict resolution
Food safety compliance
Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Professionalism
Adaptability
Timeline
Director of Culinary Services
Elderwood at Tonawanda
06.2022 - CurrentRead More
Sous Chef/Dietary Cook
Elderwood at Tonawanda (Formerly Tonawanda Manor)
01.2001 - 06.2022Read More
Dietary Server
Elderwood at Tonawanda
08.1999 - 01.2001Read More
Cashier/Customer Service
McDonald’s
11.1997 - 04.2003Read More
Niagara County Community College
from General Studies
Read More