Melissa Toombs Walsh

Experience

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  Gate Gourmet

  Aug 2005 - Aug 2011

  Manager, Training - West Region

  Division of gategroup• Collaborated with leadership at all levels to assess learning and organizational needs, ensuring training initiatives aligned with team and individual goals.• Coordinated and implemented region-wide training programs, supporting additional regions in achieving organizational objectives.• Developed and facilitated training strategies and modules that bridged gaps between organizational goals and demonstrated behaviors/skills, driving performance improvement.• Led regional and national projects and workshops that resulted in significant innovations, including new employee support and retention positions, streamlined programs, and institutionalized employee rewards initiatives.• Project leader for national training initiatives such as new employee orientation and the Team Lead Basics curriculum, enhancing onboarding and leadership development.• Managed regional training budgets effectively while meeting training needs across 9 locations, supporting 130 management members and 1,300 non-exempt and union employees.• Assisted in the organization and identification of the national Learning Management System (Taleo), optimizing training delivery and tracking.• Locations supported: LAX, SAN, LAS, HNL, SFO, SEA, OGG and PHXCity Workers' Compensation Manager, Chicago, IL 11/2006 - 8/2007Supervisor, Human Resources and Recruiter, Chicago, IL 8/2005 - 10/2006 Show less

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  Consultant

  Sept 2011 - Jul 2013

  Trainer, Instructional Designer and Artist/Graphic Designer
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  Photo Nanny

  Jul 2013 - May 2017

  Project Manager / Ops Manager

  We simplify life and preserve what really matters – your life story, it's not just documenting history!• Led operations for a memorabilia and digital organizing firm serving the West University and River Oaks communities, simplifying life and preserving cherished stories and histories.• Utilized unique organizational techniques to sort, scan, and convert outdated media to current formats, managing photo libraries for families and local organizations, including the River Oaks Country Club and The Kinkaid School.• Designed custom photo books, slide shows, and graphic presentations to celebrate significant milestones such as weddings and anniversaries, enhancing the preservation of family narratives.• Oversaw the operations, technical, and administrative departments, managing 100 projects and supporting 36 clients from inception to completion.• Streamlined workflows and improved project efficiency, ensuring high-quality deliverables and client satisfaction. Show less

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  Mighty Tidy

  Jun 2017 - Jan 2021

  Professional Organizer

  • Founded and managed a successful small business focused on helping clients declutter and organize their spaces for improved well-being and productivity.• Developed customized organizing solutions tailored to individual client needs, enhancing their living and working environments.• Handled all aspects of business operations, including process development, billing, marketing, and sales, ensuring a seamless client experience.• Implemented effective marketing strategies that increased brand visibility and client acquisition, fostering a loyal customer base.• Cultivated strong relationships with clients, providing ongoing support and guidance to maintain organized spaces and reduce stress. Show less

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  Lone Star College-CyFair

  Sept 2019 - Oct 2020

  L&D Staff Assistant

  • Created and developed training modules for the Learning Management System (LMS), enhancing accessibility and engagement for faculty and staff.• Supported faculty and staff by organizing training opportunities and managing schedules to facilitate professional development.• Served as a key resource for faculty and staff, providing assistance with online platforms and troubleshooting technical issues.• Monitored the computer lab, ensuring a productive learning environment and offering support to users as needed.• Fostered strong relationships with faculty and staff, promoting a collaborative approach to learning and development initiatives. Show less

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  Summerhouse Houston

  Jan 2021 - now

  Director of Employment

  Creating a more inclusive Houston one person and one employer at a time.• Leads a team of five in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) to secure competitive integrated employment (CIE) in the Houston area.• Guides young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in locating, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful work.• Collaborates with Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Workforce Solutions, and waiver providers to enhance employment opportunities.• Serves as a certified VAT & Pre-ETS trainer, equipping transitional students and young adults with essential skills for workforce success.• Advocates for inclusive hiring practices among local businesses, fostering a more diverse and inclusive Houston community. Show less