Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Denise Smith

Minneapolis

Summary

Dynamic food specialist with proven expertise in ingredient tracking and kitchen sanitation at La Petite Academy Inc. Successfully developed efficient systems to enhance food preparation processes while fostering a positive team environment. Adept at ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and promoting employee engagement to achieve operational excellence.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Food Specialist

La Petite Academy Inc.
New Hope
10.2024 - Current
  • Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
  • Developed efficient systems for tracking ingredients used in each dish prepared for customers.
  • Rotated old stock, added new items to storage and maintained proper organization per codes.
  • Ensured all kitchen areas were kept clean, tidy and hygienic at all times.
  • Adhered to safety regulations when handling hazardous materials such as knives and chemicals.
  • Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
  • Supervised team of employees, maintaining positive and productive atmosphere to enhance employee experience.
  • Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen and dining areas.
  • Prepared and cooked food items in accordance with standards.

Crew Person

McDonald's Restaurant
Champlin
06.1987 - 07.2025
  • Promptly addressed guest inquiries about menu items, ensuring accuracy at all times.
  • Assisted in unloading delivery trucks to facilitate timely inventory stocking.

Teacher

General Mills Infant Care center
Golden Valley
07.2009 - 10.2024
  • Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
  • Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
  • Enforced school rules and regulations in order to maintain an appropriate learning environment for all students.
  • Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
  • Organized parent conferences throughout the year to discuss student progress.
  • Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
  • Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
  • Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.

Teacher's Aide

PICA Head Start
Golden Valley
08.2000 - 11.2007
  • Organized student performance and enrichment activities to facilitate learning.
  • Assisted faculty members or staff with student conferences.
  • Maintained confidential records related to student performance and behavior issues.
  • Assisted teachers in preparing materials for instruction and classroom activities.
  • Helped maintain a safe learning environment for all students.
  • Created and coordinated age-appropriate enrichment activities to drive social, emotional and intellectual development.

Shift Manager

McDonald's Restaurant
Robbinsdale
07.1989 - 08.1999
  • Coordinated with other departments to resolve customer inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Recommended opportunities for growth and advancement to motivate employees.
  • Calculated labor and equipment requirements and production specifications using standard formulas to boost sustainability.
  • Oversaw the training of new employees on customer service, product knowledge, and cash handling techniques.
  • Responded quickly and effectively to emergency situations as they arose.
  • Developed and maintained positive working relationships with staff, customers, and vendors.
  • Resolved conflicts between staff members in a professional manner.
  • Delegated tasks to multiple employees while maintaining efficient workplace.
  • Enforced company policies, answered coworkers' questions and trained new personnel.
  • Managed daily cash intake by counting out registers and tabulating profits.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

Education

High School Diploma -

Anoka High School
Anoka, MN
06-1989

Associate of Arts - Child Development

Hennepin Technical College
Minneapolis, MN

Skills

  • Food preparation
  • Ingredient tracking
  • Food safety
  • Inventory management
  • Kitchen sanitation

Accomplishments

  • 2005 All Around Assisant Teacher of the Year award
  • 2023 Excellence in Care and Education
  • 2025 S.T.A.R. Employee of the Month for March

Timeline

Food Specialist

La Petite Academy Inc.
10.2024 - Current

Teacher

General Mills Infant Care center
07.2009 - 10.2024

Teacher's Aide

PICA Head Start
08.2000 - 11.2007

Shift Manager

McDonald's Restaurant
07.1989 - 08.1999

Crew Person

McDonald's Restaurant
06.1987 - 07.2025

High School Diploma -

Anoka High School

Associate of Arts - Child Development

Hennepin Technical College

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Denise Smith