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
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
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
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
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
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