Winifred VanHaren
Summary
Well-organized, personable, detail-oriented, results-focused, innovative, flexible, fast learner, works well under pressure, and able to multitask. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Partage by The Everyday Chef and Wife
Grand Rapids, MI
02.2023 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of business, cafe, and catering. Plan for and manage catering for small and large scale events.
- Manage staffing, schedules, and employee performance
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
Instructional Support Specialist
Kent ISD
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Provide support for individual students, enabling them to participate fully in activities
- Support students with emotional or behavioral concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills
- Collect and report data through special education student management system.
Substitute Teacher
EduStaff LLC
08.2020 - 11.2021
- Follow lesson plans left by the permanent teacher and maintain effective classroom management strategies
- Determine appropriate consequences for inappropriate student behavior
- Wrote a report for the teacher about the day's achievements and struggles.
Para-Professional
Forest Hills Public Schools
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Coordinated closely with teachers, administrators, and other team members in providing quality instruction
- Worked with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by the teacher
- Assisted students with specific personal and physical needs.
Host
The Sovengard
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Greeted and sat patrons communicated delays
- Accepted, organized, and prioritized reservations to accommodate customers
- Prepared seating assignments before service and presented plans to restaurant staff during the pre-shift meeting.
Sales Representative/ Project Manager
Metal Components
04.2017 - 05.2019
- Worked with customers to determine their needs, created solutions, and ensured a smooth sales and product launch process
- Quoted prices, terms, and delivery dates on new or repeat orders subject to the approval of the sales supervisor
- Coordinated internal and external resources, ensuring projects remained within scope, schedule, and defined budgets, in collaboration with project staff
- Managed the design and launch of the company website.
Teller
Lake Michigan Credit Union
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Efficiently conducted financial transactions for members; received funds, posted transactions, and paid out funds as requested and maintained a balanced cash drawer
- Utilized effective communication skills to successfully determine members intended transactions
- Resolved member and internal inquiries regarding policies, practices, and products using problem-solving strategies.
Office and Production Assistant
Michigan Foam Products
07.2016 - 04.2017
- Completed shipping orders and assisted with general clerical, human resources, and factory work.
Project Assistant
Vedder Price, P.C
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Assisted the E-Discovery team with document production and coding
- Prepared and organized key documents for attorney review, client review, opposing counsel, trial, or deposition
- Drafted subpoenas and prepared letters requesting records
- Researched and identified supporting evidence to statements in summary judgment briefs; prepared appendixes and assembled exhibits for filing briefs.
Campus Tour Guide
DePaul University
10.2011 - 06.2013
- Led small and large group campus tours to prospective students, parents, and special groups
- Participated in Campus Visit Days as a tour guide and campus representative multiple times per year.
Education
Irish Foreign Studies Program
Bachelor of Arts in History -
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06.2013
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI12.2012
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites
- Strong communication
- Problem-solving
- Flexibility
- Time management
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict management
- Active listening
- Solution-focused
- Staff Management
- Deadline-oriented
- Project Planning
Timeline
General Manager
Partage by The Everyday Chef and Wife
02.2023 - Current
Instructional Support Specialist
Kent ISD
11.2021 - 01.2023
Para-Professional
Forest Hills Public Schools
10.2020 - 06.2021
Substitute Teacher
EduStaff LLC
08.2020 - 11.2021
Host
The Sovengard
05.2019 - 10.2019
Sales Representative/ Project Manager
Metal Components
04.2017 - 05.2019
Teller
Lake Michigan Credit Union
07.2016 - 04.2017
Office and Production Assistant
Michigan Foam Products
07.2016 - 04.2017
Project Assistant
Vedder Price, P.C
07.2013 - 07.2015
Campus Tour Guide
DePaul University
10.2011 - 06.2013
Irish Foreign Studies Program
Bachelor of Arts in History -
DePaul University
Grand Rapids Community College