Darlene Horton
Peoria
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at YWCA, excelling in menu planning and food safety compliance. Proven track record in team leadership and cost control, enhancing kitchen efficiency and reducing waste. Adept at training staff and ensuring high-quality food presentation, committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef
YWCA
- Prepared and executed high-quality meals in accordance with dietary guidelines.
- Assisted in menu planning and recipe development for diverse clientele.
- Monitored food safety standards to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on culinary techniques and best practices.
- Implemented portion control measures to reduce food waste and cost overruns.
- Ensured consistent presentation and quality of dishes served to guests.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Streamlined kitchen operations to enhance efficiency during peak service times.
Prep Cook/Concession Manager
Trinity Health&Rehab
- Prepared ingredients and meal components to ensure timely service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace and equipment.
- Assisted in menu preparation by following recipes and dietary guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently to support food production.
- Implemented food safety protocols to maintain high hygiene standards.
- Monitored inventory levels and reported shortages to management promptly.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace during busy shifts.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and monitoring expiration dates.
- Contributed to a positive work atmosphere through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Stocked inventory efficiently, enabling seamless transition between meal services.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by paying close attention to dietary restrictions and special requests.
- Contributed to menu development, incorporating seasonal ingredients for freshness and variety.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, demonstrating flexibility and keen ability to learn new recipes.
- Minimized cross-contamination risks by diligently organizing food storage and prep areas.
Lead Cook
Bethel Health Care Center
- Operated machinery to assemble automotive components efficiently.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment.
- Conducted quality inspections to ensure product specifications were met.
- Facilitated training sessions for new team members on operational procedures.
- Performed routine quality checks on finished products, ensuring adherence to company standards before shipping out units.
- Adhered to production schedules, contributing to timely project completion.
- Followed safety procedures and guidelines to maintain safe working environments.
- Used equipment properly to avoid workplace hazards or injuries.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
Production Worker
NISHIKAWA COOPER LLC
2015.07 - 2026.03
- Operated machinery to assemble automotive components efficiently.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment.
- Conducted quality inspections to ensure product specifications were met.
- Facilitated training sessions for new team members on operational procedures.
- Performed routine quality checks on finished products, ensuring adherence to company standards before shipping out units.
- Adhered to production schedules, contributing to timely project completion.
- Followed safety procedures and guidelines to maintain safe working environments.
- Used equipment properly to avoid workplace hazards or injuries.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
Adocacy Coordinator
CLAIM
2008.12 - 2010.03
- Coordinated advocacy efforts for underserved populations to enhance access to healthcare services.
- Developed training materials and resources for community outreach programs.
- Engaged with stakeholders to gather feedback and improve advocacy strategies.
- Facilitated workshops and seminars to educate community members on health rights.
- Organized events that connected clients with essential support services in the community.
- Supported grant-writing efforts by providing information on program outcomes related to advocacy activities.
- Engaged diverse community members through targeted outreach efforts aimed at increasing participation in advocacy activities.
- Served as a liaison between staff members, board members, volunteers, and community partners to ensure seamless coordination of advocacy efforts.
- Delivered presentations to educate the public on relevant policy issues affecting their communities.
- Coordinated volunteer recruitment, training, and management to support successful advocacy campaigns.
Education
Human Services - Social Work
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
South Bend, IN2015-06
Skills
- Team leadership
- Kitchen leadership
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Safe food handling
- Food presentation
- Menu planning
- Food preparation
- Customer service
- Kitchen organization
- Safety management
- Safe handling
- Detail-oriented
- Cost control
- Kitchen management
- Ordering and requisitions
- Equipment usage
- Plating
- Sanitation procedures
- Recipes and menu planning
- Garnishing and plating
- Special diets
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Heavy lifting
- Operations support
- Foodservice
- Compliance
Certification
Food Service sanitation license
Human Services certification
Food Service Management Sanitation License
Recieved Food Service licensure in 2008 they are expired at present. I am able to obtain the food service license again as a requirement to work in food service again.
Timeline
Production Worker
NISHIKAWA COOPER LLC
2015.07 - 2026.03
Adocacy Coordinator
CLAIM
2008.12 - 2010.03
Sous Chef
YWCA
Prep Cook/Concession Manager
Trinity Health&Rehab
Lead Cook
Bethel Health Care Center
Human Services - Social Work
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana