MELINDA JENNINGS

melindajennings@yahoo.com  |   712-249-1941  |   Blue Springs , MO 64015

Summary Organized planner, classroom manager and educational support professional with more than 17
years of related experience and strong desire to positively impact students' lives. Knowledgeable
about school processes and improvement strategies.

Skills  Exceptional interpersonal skills  Notable multi-tasking

 Fluent in American Sign Language  Self-directed
 Event coordination  Report analysis
 Training facilitation and development  Large group presentations

Experience Owner/Operator 11/2017 - Current

The Patriot's Bunker | Corning, IA
Created, developed, and implemented business plan.
Facilitated construction of location working with different contractors.
Consulted with graphic designers and created brand.
Assessed all aspects of business operations to implement a realistic annual budget utilizing profit
margins and sales forecasts.
Stayed abreast of all state regulations to ensure that the organization's processes were fully
compliant, and building up to code.
Scheduled inspections and safety compliance checks with 100% pass rate for all on site
inspections.
Submitted licensing, taxes, and permits abiding by state and federal laws.
Maintained a cash flow debt free business from the ground up.
Managed cash stock and inventory balances accurately.
Directed strategic and brand-appropriate marketing initiatives to improve presentation and
maximize sales.
Offered exceptional customer service to differentiate and promote the company brand.

Student Series Outreach Lead 01/2020 - 04/2020

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Shawnee Mission, KS
Identify, recruit, and network with schools and coordinators in assigned counties to promote the
Pennies for Patients Campaign and drive fundraising success.
Manage and coach schools to achieve fundraising goals through planning, customer service,
and stewardship. Facilitate planning meetings with administration and student groups.
Ensure metrics set were met for number of commitments to Pennies for Patients program as well
as number of strategy meetings and assemblies scheduled.
Draft concise, effective and personable communications to volunteers, participants, and
donors.
Provide administrative assistance to campaigns through email, phone, and website account
 management, and database.
Manage high level of detail across multiple projects and a caseload of over 100 schools.
Demonstrate flexibility and quickly adapt to changes while maintaining high levels of
productivity and effectiveness under pressure.
Develop training for new student series team members.

Sign Language Interpreter 08/2007 - 05/2012

Villisca Community School District | Villisca, IA
Provided effective communication through American Sign Language as an interpreter.
Developed lesson plans to teach course materials according to schedule.
Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among class.
Routinely met with students' parents regarding in-class issues and learning interruptions to discuss
solutions.
Provided continuous evaluation of program operations as compared with established mission
and set parameters.
Collaborated with project leaders and stakeholders to accomplish objectives.
Kept youth safe and secure at facility and in public.

Case Management 06/2006 - 06/2008

Adams County | Corning, IA
Scheduled and Facilitated meetings between parents, community resources liaisons, and
professionals working with clients.
Processed monthly reports for department performance.
Provided DHS (Department of Health Services) with corrective action plans.
Evaluated health education needs of patients and provided necessary training and instruction.
Established facility's annual budget and conducted monthly reviews to ensure finances were
being properly allocated.
Performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvement of
processes and treatments.
Cooperated with other health related agencies and organizations in community activities.
Served as liaison between management, clinical staff and the community.
Oversaw implementation of patient management plans.
Provided education to patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery,
coping skills and community resources.
Advocated for clients rights and needs.
Monitored and advised families on goal objectives.

Education and Associate of Science: Interpreting 2001

Training Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA

Activities and National presenter for Thirty One

Honors Training in facilitating Family Team meetings
#1 sales for state of Iowa; #2 for the state of Missouri
Iowa Licensed Sign Language Interpreter