Danielle Santisteven
Encore Creative Center
Chicago
16
years of professional experience
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with proven capacity to learn and apply new skills. A strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and personalized guest experiences will ensure the ability to thrive in dynamic and diverse environments.
Work History
Administrative & Instructional Support Coordinator
1 Year 1 Month- Developed and delivered instructional programming in digital arts and theatre for teens and pre-teens, integrating creative and innovative technology.
- Supported large scale performance and event operations, coordinating logistics, scheduling, and communication for students and families.
- Managed high-volume administrative workflows including scheduling, records organization, and database/file system improvements.
- Collaborated with staff to improve operational efficiency and streamline communication and production processes.
- Coordinated guest intake processes, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.
Guest Service Specialist II
1 Year 2 Months- Provided public service support including reader's advisory, reference assistance, account resolution, and circulation services for patrons of all ages.
- Assisted with outreach initiatives and community engagement services, including support for assisted living facility outreach and home delivery of library materials to patrons within designated service areas.
- Processed interlibrary loans, organized library materials, and performed collection maintenance activities to support accessibility and accurate inventory management.
- Managed specialized library services and collections, including oversight of the Seed Library and magazine collection processing and maintenance.
- Utilized Polaris and other library technologies to support circulation operations, patron services, and efficient access to library resources.
- Contributed to a welcoming, safe, and accessible library environment while responding professionally to patron needs and concerns
Administrative Lead
3 Months- Supported daily operations of youth camp programming serving K–8 participants in a structured educational environment.
- Maintained detailed records including attendance, medications, incident reports, and program documentation.
- Responded calmly to medical and emotional emergencies while maintaining safety protocols and certifications (CPR/First Aid/AED).
- Communicated effectively with parents, staff, and leadership to ensure consistent and safe program operations.
Cruise Vacation Agent
10 Months- Managed guest inquiries and resolved issues to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Utilized the Seaware reservation system and multiple digital platforms daily to manage complex customer inquiries and transactions
- Guided guests through all aspects of travel planning and provided tailored recommendations based on detailed policies, schedules, and offerings
- Delivered high-volume virtual reference-style support in a fast-paced call center environment, balancing accuracy, efficiency, and customer service
- Coordinated logistics between guests and third-party travel agents, ensuring accurate data entry, record maintenance, and seamless communication across systems
- Navigated multiple software tools simultaneously (Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, Slack, etc.)
Vacation Planner
1 Year- Utilized multiple internal digital systems daily to assist guests with ticketing, reservations, and planning services in a high-volume environment
- Provided detailed guidance on complex scheduling, event access, and park offerings, helping guests navigate and understand rapidly changing information
- Maintained accuracy while managing multiple requests and personalized support from guests of all cultural backgrounds
- Created welcoming and inclusive guest experiences while supporting both visitors and internal team members in a fast-paced environment
Guest Experience Management Team
7 Months- Maintained strong conflict resolution skills and built interpersonal connections to enhance guest experiences
- Demonstrated composure in high stress, high stakes situations/phone calls/emails/etc
- Utilized efficient reasoning to deliver management-level recovery and resolution for guest inquiries
- Coordinated room assignments for future and in-house guests
- Facilitated collection and analysis of guest feedback through daily surveys to improve service quality.
Front Desk Certified Field Trainer
7 Months- Delivered personalized experiences to guests during check-in and throughout their stays
- Evaluated and completed training paperwork in all aspects of front desk operations with personal and adaptable instruction techniques
- Provided comprehensive information on resort amenities and pricing structures to support guest satisfaction throughout their visit.
- Collaborated with management to refine training materials, ensuring alignment with company standards.
- Ensured secure and discreet handling of cash and credit card payments for guest services.
Beauty Advisor
7 Months- Initiative driven and focused on providing engaging, knowledgeable, and memorable interactions for every guest
- Provided hands-on, personalized cosmetic demonstrations
- Supported counter and online sales, coordinated promotional events, and managed credit card issuance to enhance customer engagement
- Organized and stocked inventory to maintain store presentation and organize shelves/promotional displays as they are received before store opening, complete inventory checks, participated in mass annual inventory review after holiday season
General Manager / Retail Coordinator
1 Year 7 Months- Oversaw the opening and management of a new store, building a diverse team of 15+ employees with a focus on 24/7 service excellence and accountability.
- Worked independently to complete tasks and projects
- Managed retail inventory coordination across four stores to enhance stock levels and vendor relationships.
- Achieved payroll accuracy through effective processing of end-of-day reports. Exceeded monthly sales goals by implementing strategic tracking measures. Improved inventory efficiency by executing thorough supply assessments. Enhanced staff productivity through meticulous employee scheduling management.
- Managed social media platforms and organized holiday and promotion events to enhance customer engagement
- Redesigned and standardized policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency
- Effectively responded to animal medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries
Magic Maker/Performer
3 Years- Entertained groups of 10-50+ children through themed improvisation, games, and songs while maintaining character integrity to enhance overall experience
- Served as Master of Ceremonies for large holiday events of 150+ guests, ensuring performer safety, maintaining show flow, assisting with event setup and breakdown, and facilitating attendee interactions to maximize event enjoyment
- Collaborated with team members to create interactive and memorable experiences.
Game Master
9 Months- Monitored, assisted, and ensured the safety of diverse groups from parties ranging in size from 4-30 as they completed tasks in their chosen escape room
- Communicated effectively with groups to facilitate a smooth game experience
- Coordinated corporate events for parties of 30+, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction
- Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills during game sessions and on-the-fly fixes for both in and out of game experiences
- Crafted themed introductions and engaging storytelling to fully immerse guests in game environments
Attractions – Skull Island: Reign of Kong & The Hogwarts Express
7 Months- Contributed to successful launch of new attraction, ensuring smooth operations during night shifts.
- Maximized ride efficiency by following standard operating procedures and adhering to strict safety guidelines at all times.
- Managed ride downtimes, coordinated evacuations, and resolved difficult guest situations
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through engaging interactions and personalized service.
WDW Cast Member, Paid Internship + Part Time
5 Years 3 Months- Attractions, Hollywood Studios – 05/2011-01/2012
- Theatre Operations, Animal Kingdom - 08/2015- 01/2016
- Photographer, Magic Kingdom – 01/2016-08/2016
Counselor (2 Sessions)
7 Months- Oversaw a cabin of 25 middle-grade campers.
- Facilitated diverse creative classes and managed opening and closing procedures for off-site camp workshops.
- Developed and organized diverse activities, including dance performances and guest panels, to enrich event engagement.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance communication and teamwork among campers.
- Developed individualized support plans to address campers' emotional and social needs.
Education
Masters in Library & Information Science - Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies
BFA Theatre Arts - Minor Communication Studies
Skills
Administrative organization with records and database management
Proficient Microsoft Office
Google Workspace
scheduling and point-of-sale systems
Event planning and coordination
Crisis management
Community outreach & engagement
Reader's advisory & public service support
Team leadership
training
& staff development
Workload and deadline management
Effective teamwork and self-management
Effective verbal and written communication
Invoice
payroll
and inventory processing
Timeline
Administrative & Instructional Support Coordinator
Encore Creative Center
12.2024 - 01.2026Read More
Guest Service Specialist II
Eagle Public Library
10.2023 - 12.2024Read More
Administrative Lead
Denver Zoo Summer Safari
05.2023 - 08.2023Read More
Cruise Vacation Agent
Disney Cruise Line
07.2022 - 05.2023Read More
Vacation Planner
Walt Disney World
07.2021 - 07.2022Read More
Guest Experience Management Team
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
11.2020 - 06.2021Read More
Front Desk Certified Field Trainer
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
11.2020 - 06.2021Read More
Beauty Advisor
ULTA Beauty
09.2019 - 04.2020Read More
General Manager / Retail Coordinator
PUPS Pet Club
01.2018 - 08.2019Read More
Magic Maker/Performer
Magic, Music, & More Chicago Princess Parties
08.2016 - 08.2019Read More
Game Master
Fox in A Box
08.2016 - 05.2017Read More
Attractions – Skull Island: Reign of Kong & The Hogwarts Express
Universal Studios Orlando
01.2016 - 08.2016Read More
WDW Cast Member, Paid Internship + Part Time
Walt Disney World
05.2011 - 08.2016Read More
Counselor (2 Sessions)
Young Actors Theatre Camp
12.2009 - 07.2010Read More
University of Idaho
BFA Theatre Arts from Minor Communication Studies
Read More
Louisiana State University
Masters in Library & Information Science from Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies
Read More