Austin Wiitanen-Blanchard
Saint Paul
Summary
Adaptable Teacher's Aide with experience in classroom management and instructional support. I am known for strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, contributing to improved student outcomes and tailored support for individual needs. I have strengthened my communication skills across my various roles. My experience in fast-paced environments has made me quick to learn new skills, and provide impactful solutions.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher's Aide
New Horizon
Saint Paul, MN
08.2021 - Current
- Assisted teachers in classroom management and instructional support to enhance learning environments.
- Facilitated individual and group activities, promoting student engagement and collaboration.
- Implemented educational materials and resources, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to teachers for tailored support strategies.
- Aided students with special needs, providing individualized support and helping them reach their full potential.
- Assisted teachers with administrative tasks such as photocopying worksheets or grading papers efficiently without compromising quality feedback.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences, providing valuable input on strategies to support student growth at home.
Sales Associate
Target
Roseville, MN
10.2020 - 07.2021
- Maintained product displays, ensuring alignment with brand standards and promotions.
- Processed transactions accurately, minimizing errors during high-volume sales periods.
- Monitored merchandise levels, facilitating timely reorders to prevent stockouts.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
Service Pro
Red Lobster
Oakdale, MN
09.2017 - 04.2020
- Acting as manager on duty for service staff.
- Assigning sidework to servers and ensuring completion before end of shift.
- Handling customer complaints and ensuring they were resolved in a positive manner.
- Authorizing discounts, voids, and other transactions as needed.
- Checking server's receipts to ensure accurate cash outs at end of shift.
- Checking food temperature and quality throughout shift to align with food safety standards.
- End of shift inventory to ensure product counts were accurate.
Server/Bartender
Red Lobster
Oakdale, MN
08.2016 - 04.2020
- Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive dining experience for guests.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery.
- Trained and mentored new servers on menu items and service protocols.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently, maintaining high standards of service during peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, fostering repeat business and enhancing satisfaction levels.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
Host/Server
Country Kitchen Restaurant
Bemidji, MN
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Greeted and seated guests promptly, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- Managed reservation system to optimize seating arrangements and minimize wait times.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to communicate guest needs and special requests efficiently.
- Trained new hosts on service standards, enhancing team performance and guest satisfaction.
- Handled guest inquiries and concerns, resolving issues to improve overall dining experience.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Virginia High School
Virginia06-2015
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
- Effective communication
- Specialized training in conscious discipline
- Detail-oriented with a focus on organization
- Problem solving under pressure
- Fast learner
Accomplishments
- Completed specialized training in conscious discipline. I was selected to complete advanced training based on my skills seeing in initial training.
- Participated in panel events on communicating with children.
Timeline
Teacher's Aide
New Horizon
08.2021 - Current
Sales Associate
Target
10.2020 - 07.2021
Service Pro
Red Lobster
09.2017 - 04.2020
Server/Bartender
Red Lobster
08.2016 - 04.2020
Host/Server
Country Kitchen Restaurant
09.2015 - 05.2016
High School Diploma -
Virginia High School