Michele Deal
Ursa
Summary
Dedicated caregiver known for implementing engaging recreational programs and ensuring a safe atmosphere for residents. Strong background in adapting activities to meet individual needs, enhancing overall satisfaction and participation.
Compassionate Activity Aide with a focus on enhancing resident engagement. Skilled in relationship building and creative program development. Committed to fostering a supportive environment that meets individual needs.
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in senior living environments. Proven ability in activities planning, customer service, and team leadership. Ready to leverage strengths in a role that enhances resident satisfaction and community integration.
Experienced activity aide dedicated to enhancing clients' quality of life through engaging and meaningful activities. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving results. Skilled in organizing recreational programs, supporting physical and mental well-being, and fostering positive environment. Reliable and flexible, excelling in dynamic settings and committed to continuous improvement.
Experienced with creating and managing variety of recreational activities tailored to participant needs. Utilizes effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster welcoming and engaging environment. Track record of successfully implementing programs that enhance social interaction and overall well-being.
Cheerful Activity Aide plans, organizes and directs activity programs that pique interest of nursing home residents and promote life enrichment. Creative, outgoing and motivational healthcare worker passionate about planning activities and events for seniors at long-term care facility. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to meet recreation program and service goals.
Creative individual with exceptional background spent in the nursing industry. Engaging demeanor to work with people of different cultures and personalities.
Knowledgeable activities team member committed to providing quality programming to diverse range of individuals. Skilled in leading engaging activities, organizing events and developing creative solutions to best serve needs.
Approached each day and unique challenges with enthusiasm, patience, and humor.
High-energy Recreational Leader adept at developing exciting calendar events to maximize budgetary resources while fulfilling community desires. Talented problem-solver with personable and open style.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Activity Aide
Good Samaritan Home
2130 Harrison St.
06.2025 - Current
- Assisted residents in engaging activities to promote social interaction and mental stimulation.
- Implemented daily recreational programs tailored to individual preferences and abilities.
- Supported staff in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
- Adapted activities based on resident's needs and feedback to enhance overall satisfaction and engagement.
- Observed resident participation levels to identify interests and improve activity offerings.
- Organized supplies and materials for various events, ensuring readiness for scheduled activities.
- Provided companionship to residents, fostering a supportive community atmosphere within the facility.
- Visited with residents to enhance sensory stimulation and reality orientation and meet individual needs as outlined in activity care plan.
- Facilitated community outings for groups of residents, providing opportunities for social integration within the broader community setting.
- Enhanced resident engagement by organizing and leading daily activities tailored to their interests and abilities.
- Promoted mental stimulation for residents with memory-focused activities such as puzzles and trivia contests.
- Managed inventory of recreational supplies to ensure adequate resources were available for all planned activities without exceeding budgetary constraints.
- Supported physical wellbeing of residents by assisting with exercise programs and encouraging participation in activities.
- Assisted in maintaining a safe and clean environment, ensuring all activity areas were organized and properly equipped for scheduled events.
- Enriched residents'' cultural experiences by incorporating diverse music, food, and traditions into activity offerings.
- Reported hazardous conditions to supervisor or nurse to maximize safety and well-being of residents.
- Documented daily activities and intake in nursing notes, care plans and communication books to fulfill state requirements.
- Advocated for resident needs during interdisciplinary meetings, ensuring the provision of appropriate resources and support to maximize participation in desired activities.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday celebrations or themed parties, creating memorable experiences for both residents and their families.
- Fostered strong relationships between staff, residents, and family members through effective communication regarding activity schedules and updates on resident involvement.
- Empowered residents in decision-making processes by involving them in planning committees or soliciting feedback on preferred programs or events.
- Planned and implemented activity programs, special events and outings for residents to improve cognitive functions and emotional and mental health.
- Provided emotional support to residents during challenging times, offering empathy and reassurance while engaging them in appropriate coping mechanisms through activities.
- Developed monthly activity calendars catering to diverse interests, ensuring a wide array of options for residents to choose from.
- Transported residents on outings to facilitate community activity initiatives.
- Implemented creative art projects that encouraged self-expression, supporting cognitive development while fostering a sense of accomplishment among participants.
- Encouraged full participation in activities from all attendees, which helped drive excitement.
- Documented resident progress by tracking attendance, participation levels, and personal achievements in various activities.
- Trained new Activity Aides on facility protocols and best practices in delivering engaging programming for the resident population.
Cashier Team Lead
Ayerco
8800 US-24
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Supervised daily cashier operations to ensure efficient transaction processing and customer service.
- Trained and mentored new cashiers on register procedures and customer interaction techniques.
- Managed cash handling processes, including reconciliation of registers at shift end.
- Implemented workflow improvements that enhanced team efficiency during peak hours.
- Resolved customer inquiries and issues promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Conducted inventory checks to support stock management and minimize discrepancies.
- Performed store opening, closing, and shift-change actions and kept accurate shift-change logs.
- Assisted customers by answering questions and fulfilling requests.
- Communicated with customers and team members to solve problems.
- Processed both cash and card purchases and returns.
- Worked extra shifts during busy periods and covered for call-in employees to maintain service levels.
- Trained, mentored, and developed new cashiers with positive and encouraging techniques to maximize performance and team contributions.
- Maintained a clean and inviting checkout area, contributing to an enjoyable shopping experience for customers.
- Balanced cash drawers at the end of each shift, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, maintaining a positive brand image and fostering customer retention.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat customers through friendly service interactions.
- Trained team members on cash register operation and cash handling.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes. Receive truck and put away.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently processing transactions and addressing inquiries.
- Led opening and closing procedures and conducted cashier drops, cash control and vault monitoring.
- Managed cash registers, ensuring accurate accounting and reducing discrepancies in daily reports.
- Quickly and accurately counted drawers at start and end of each shift.
- Operated POS cash register and equipment to collect payments.
- Increased customer loyalty and retention.
- Assisted with merchandising tasks as needed to maintain store appearance standards and promote product visibility.
- Assisted customers in locating products, providing knowledgeable recommendations based on their needs.
CNA, Med Tech
Brightly Senior Living
Mascoutah, IL
05.2021 - 09.2022
- Provided compassionate care to residents, ensuring comfort and dignity throughout daily activities.
- Assisted with personal hygiene and mobility, enhancing residents' quality of life through attentive support.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes in health status to nursing staff for timely interventions.
- Documented patient progress accurately, maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Trained new staff on care procedures and safety protocols, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Implemented best practices for infection control, reducing risks within the facility and promoting resident safety.
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with nurses, addressing individual needs of residents effectively.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Assisted in emergency situations under the direction of nursing supervisors or physicians, providing crucial support during life-saving interventions.
- Participated in ongoing educational opportunities in order to stay up-to-date on best practices in nursing care.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from hospital settings to home or long-term care facilities, ensuring continuity of care throughout the process.
- Administered prescribed medications under the supervision of a registered nurse, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Contributed to successful discharge planning through coordination with social services and rehabilitation facilities.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
- Followed directions of licensed nurses to administer medications and treatments.
- Delivered high-quality care to patients in long term care facility.
Private Homecare Caretaker
Peggy Whitlow
Lebanon, IL
04.2018 - 05.2022
- Provided compassionate care and support to clients, ensuring comfort and well-being.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Monitored client health conditions, reporting changes to healthcare providers promptly.
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with family and medical professionals.
- Implemented efficient schedules for caregiving tasks, enhancing overall service delivery.
Education
High School Diploma -
Knox Co. High School
Edina, MO05-1988
Skills
- Patience and tolerance
- Attendance record-keeping
- Relationship building
- Activities supervision
- Activities planning
- Client relationships
- Event supervision
- Customer service
- Creative program development
- Daily attendance oversight
- Activity assessment
- Flexibility
- Senior living experience
- Documentation skills
- Recordkeeping skills
- Schedule management
- Mobility assistance
- Schedule coordination, Was a CNA coordinator
- Schedule coordination
- Resident support
- Enrichment program development
- Event planning
- Calendar management
- Family relationship development
- Arts and crafts planning
- Physical assistance
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Senior activities experience
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team leadership
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
- Certified at one time had my CNA certificate and my PTR Aid certificate. When I went into private homecare, my certificate did not stay active.
Timeline
Activity Aide
Good Samaritan Home
06.2025 - Current
Cashier Team Lead
Ayerco
05.2023 - 05.2025
CNA, Med Tech
Brightly Senior Living
05.2021 - 09.2022
Private Homecare Caretaker
Peggy Whitlow
04.2018 - 05.2022
High School Diploma -
Knox Co. High School