Kirsten Ashleigh Cook

Experience

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  N/a

  Jan 2010 - Mar 2022

  Residential Landscaping & Garden Upkeep

  Hired to create and implement a basic, last-minute landscaping plan for a $3 million home to be put on the market.Designed, implemented and maintained drought and deer resistant landscaping plans with native and ornamental plants and decorative accents for 3 family homes.Practice weed prevention and maintenance with environmentally conscious methods such as solarization, hand weeding, spot watering, and application of ground cover.Upkept a vegetable garden and fruit trees through pruning, weeding, propagation, fruit & vegetable harvesting, and watering. Show less

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  Studio Kicks

  Mar 2015 - Jul 2016

  Taekwondo Instructor

  Coordinated and implemented lessons to teach 100+ youth, aged 5 to 16, basic martial arts.Coached youth with social disabilities in self defense exercises.Instructed all belt levels in form sets, weapons forms, sparring and exercises.Earned 1st Degree Black Belt.

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  ROBERT DYER DDS & CHRISTINA FANTINO DDS DBA OAK MEADOW DENTAL CENTER

  Jun 2016 - Sept 2016

  Insurance Coordinator & Office Assistant

  Researched patient insurance benefits and eligibility. Corresponded between office and patients.Recruited for a permanent role.Practiced HIPAA medical privacy.

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  The Isla Vista Ethnobotany Project

  Sept 2016 - Mar 2021

  Project Lead

  Collaborated with 15+ environmentally oriented groups from campus to create a community of like-minded individuals to share ideas and content.Authored 4+ articles related to human-plant interactions on a local scale.Promoted environmental advocacy, indigenous advocacy, Leave No Trace, food insecurity prevention, environmental justice, nature connection and other relevant topics throughout the website.Synthesized existing ethnobotanical data and information in a public-facing manner to increase community accessibility.Compiled a database of information critical to identification and use of 40+ edible, medicinal and useful plants around campus.Indispensable source for native and ornamental plant identification.Designed and implemented a website (on the Pantheon WebOps platform) for the plant database, maps and information access.Spearheaded the overhaul and improvement of the website throughout all of 2018.Identified and mapped the locations of 520+ relevant plants in the community near campus.Researched the ethnobotanical relationships between humans and plants.Interviewed, onboarded and trained 15+ new research assistants on proper material creation.Managed and delegated product creation and copy for the website, database and maps.Responsible for 12+ artistic and cultural additions to the website.Student leader of a fluctuating 3-7 person group of undergraduate and graduate students, under the supervision of a professor. Show less

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  LTC Adventure Programs at UCSB

  Oct 2016 - Feb 2017

  Leadership Intern

  Developed leadership, outdoor recreation, and wilderness survival skills.Successfully trained to lead trips and tours such as backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing.Leadership development. Outdoor field work. Training to lead outdoor trips and tours such as backpacking, ocean kayaking, river canoeing, and rock climbing. Survival skills.

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  Your Children's Trees

  Oct 2016 - Dec 2016

  Volunteer Coordination Intern

  Oversaw several groups of 30+ volunteers while cultivating an oak tree grove. Facilitated planting and delegation of work in place of the program manager.Practiced experimental, drought-resistant seedling propagation. Taught 30+ children the basics of plant identification.

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  UCSB Recreation

  Oct 2016 - Mar 2021

  Recreation Trip Leader & Outdoor Educator

  Prepared and taught 10+ environmental advocacy Zoom workshops w/in a Nature Connection Series on a variety of nature-related topics to 40+ participants on an international scale.Executed the movement to online programming for the Adventure Programs Department by taking the initiative to start 3 Zoom workshop series on natural history, ocean weather, and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion). Orchestrated the local and national movement of Leave No Trace classes to an online setting during COVID-19, which involved new online content creation, lesson planning, and implementation of the class with 22 participants across the US in 2 separate sessions.Earned the Employee of the Quarter Award, Spring 2020.Created online nature connection media (13+ videos & 3 blog posts) during COVID-19.Coordinated and led outdoor recreation trips and classes. Designed and taught a Backcountry Vagina-inspired training class to teach new outdoors-people about personal health and care in the wilderness.Trained 10+ new staff in Leave No Trace principles for interacting in wild spaces (Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors, Social Media). Mentored 30 new staff in wilderness survival skills such as primitive fire and shelter making.Successfully led a 6 participant, 25 mile backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierra.Participated in meetings to discuss and implement the addition of Natural History into the classes and trips.Assisted in leading ocean kayaking tours.Successfully completed leadership, outdoor recreation, and survival skill trainings to lead trips and tours involving backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing.Worked with a small group of student and career staff, within a larger team of 100+ staff, on a variety of projects, classes and adventure programming to create enjoyable, safe programs for many participants. Show less

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  Fairview Gardens

  Oct 2016 - Dec 2016

  Environmental Farming Cultivator

  Cultivated edible flora typical of small-scale Californian farms. Learned experimental, ecologically sustainable farming techniques.

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  Freelance

  Jan 2017 - Jan 2020

  Portrait & Event Photographer

  Baby showers; Pregnancy reveals; Family events; Linkedin profiles; Birthdays

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  UCSB Adventure Programs

  Apr 2017 - Jun 2020

  Ropes Course Facilitator

  Coordinated ropes course events and taught use of the climbing wall while advocating Challenge by Choice for 1000’s of participants.Provided opportunities for individuals and groups to gain in personal confidence, strengthen communication skills, increase mutual support, enhance agility and physical coordination, experience joy in one's physical self and in being with others, and develop personal and group risk management skills.Tailored ropes course experiences to fit unique needs of groups.Supervised set-up, tear-down and safety checks to manage and assess risk.Responsible for equipment maintenance. Took charge of a low course program of 50 participants when Lead-facilitator was delayed.Promoted from Belay Staff to Co-Facilitator, and then promoted to Facilitator.Interpreted a program in Spanish to assure a participant of safety.Assisted in the marketing program.Part of a team of 100+ staff that worked together to create interesting, fun, safe programming for participants of all ages. Show less

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  YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

  Jun 2017 - Aug 2017

  Assistant Director: Ropes Course

  Facilitated and supervised children in outdoor recreation classes such as climbing, volleyball, and canoeing.Planned and led low and high ropes courses with many groups of 10+ kids.Improvised and executed the 40ft ascent and 3 obstacle traverse of a blind participant.Participated in gear and equipment maintenance.Trained 10+ counselors on proper and safe use of climbing and belaying equipment.Supervised 30+ youth, age 7 to 16, in their housing units and during daily activities. Show less

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  Wilderness Youth Project

  Sept 2017 - Jun 2018

  Outdoor Education Supervisor

  Introduced 20+ youth to survival and life skills through connection with the outdoors. Planned and supervised team and confidence building activities.Used Coyote-style mentoring to interact with teenagers age 13 to 16 in nature.Worked with 3 teenagers on the autism disorder spectrum.Worked closely on a team of 3 people, meeting twice daily to create a plan for the day, and to discuss what went well, what did not, and what we could change for the next day.

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  UCSB Disabled Students Program

  Oct 2017 - Jun 2020

  Exam Proctor & Notetaker

  Work with students with disabilities to overcome inequity and challenges presented by traditional classroom and test-taking environments.Handle confidential information to maintain participant privacy.

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  UCSB Advanced Environmental Education Course

  Jan 2018 - Jun 2018

  Environmental Educator

  Invited to return to the class to provide expert insight on online educational content creation as a guest speaker in 2020.Earned top marks from the professor for the work done on this project. Devised and taught 10 college students a 5 lesson nature connection and ethnobotany unit.Synthesized a portfolio with 5 lesson plans, experiences and findings after completion of unit.Topics included safety and interaction with natural hazards, edible plant identification, sustainable harvesting, meal preparation, indigenous history, nature connection games & craft making.Learned and implemented the educational methods of Coyote Mentoring from Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature. Show less

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  RIVRLAB ♦ Riparian InVasion Research Laboratory

  Jan 2018 - Feb 2018

  Research Assistant

  Assisted researchers in native and nonnative riparian plant and insect projects.Transplanted seedlings in a controlled greenhouse setting.Sorted and prepared seeds for propagation.

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  UCSB Greenhouse

  Sept 2018 - Dec 2018

  Horticulture Assistant

  Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of typical care for specific ornamental plant Families. Identified plants down to Family, Genus & Species via recognition of common characteristics.Competently practiced greenhouse activities such as potting, repotting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, propagating seeds, planting seedlings, taking cuttings.Assisted researchers in seed scarification for research projects.Practiced pest management and prevention for whitefly, black mold, spider mites, and mealybugs. Show less

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  Just a Girl and a Backpack

  Dec 2018 - now

  Blog Owner, Developer, Marketer & Content Creator

  Sponsored by Chicken Tramper Gear with 5 gear items in exchange for a blog review. Published exceptional written copy for 5+ educational articles and 32+ relevant journaling posts to share personal experiences and connect with readers.Photograph professional and artistic images of landscapes, equipment and people for copy and marketing.Produce finished images and graphics in Photoshop and Lightroom from Camera Raw photos.Compile and research relevant information from a variety of sources to form educated informational articles on different backpacking topics.Vocal advocate of diversity & inclusion in the outdoors, environmentalism and Leave No Trace.Creation and management of social media marketing & influence for company (Instagram: 553 Followers; Facebook Page: 135 Followers; Website/Blog: 152 Subscribers).Skilled grasp of blogging software including WordPress, Bluehost, Photoshop, Lightroom, Facebook Creator Studio, Google Adsense, Google Analytics, & Google Suite.Developed an educational backpacking blog singlehandedly, from scratch.https://justagirlandabackpack.blog/ Show less

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  Restoration Ecology Course

  Jan 2019 - Jun 2019

  Restoration Ecology Student

  Integral member in creating a municipal park restoration and recuperation plan in Santiago

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  Huertas Urbanas

  Mar 2019 - Sept 2019

  Urban Horticulturist & Greenhouse Technician

  Built a manual and database from scratch in order to improve education on cultivation and ethnobotanical uses of 20+ local flora, garden fruits and vegetables; written in Spanish.Improved knowledge of horticultural terms in Spanish. Trained to manage all garden and greenhouse tasks including lombriculture, composting, seed and fruit harvest, basic carpentry, cleaning of seeds, and transplanting.Worked together with a team of six: 2 gardeners, 3 midlevel specialists and the owner.Navigated cultural, social and language barriers to work with people from different backgrounds and resolve problems that arose from such differences. Show less

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  Lucira Health

  Aug 2020 - Oct 2020

  Spanish-English Interpreter & Clinical Research Associate

  Integral to the development of instructions specifically for Spanish-speaking populations.Collaborated with a small team of 10 medical professionals, engineers and administrative staff to achieve FDA Emergency Use Authorization for the first at-home COVID-19 self-testing device.Determined participant eligibility for participation in FDA trials for usability of at-home COVID-19 tests.Interviewed Spanish-speaking study participants to collect data for FDA EUA submission.Edited Spanish translations of relevant instructional and interview documents.Translated long-answer interview responses from Spanish to English in real time.Greated FDA clinical trial participants in a friendly and attentive manner.Trained in Good Clinical Practices, FDA legal practices and HIPPA.Recorded data relevant to the study.Followed up with 100+ study subjects via phone, email, and text to collect data for FDA EUA submission. Show less

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  Re/Max Real Estate Broker Nancy Burniche

  Sept 2020 - Jan 2021

  Marketing Assistant

  Website Editing (iHouseWeb), Blog Content Creation, Community & House Photography, Postcard & Newsletter Production & Distribution, Social Media Marketing & Influence (Instagram)

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  Blue River Sports

  Nov 2020 - Apr 2021

  Ski Technician & Customer Service Representative

  Selected the best snowboard and set up bindings based on height, weight, foot size, ability level and preferences of the customer in order to reduce risk and liability. Selected the best ski and set up the DIN and forward pressure based on the customers’ height, weight, foot size and skier level in order to reduce risk and liability.Answered questions from customers about the gear, the slopes, the sports and the town.Greated and conversed with customers in a friendly manner while finding the right pair of boots to keep them comfortable and safe while on the mountain.Communicated in Spanish with 10+ customers with limited English speaking ability.Tested 1500+ ski bindings for safety and functionality. Assisted in the preparation for sale of retail items by tagging, organizing and hanging them.Tuned hundreds of skis and snowboards daily using heavy machinery such as a base grinder, ptex gun, stone grinder, edger, waxer and buffer.Certified by 3 ski companies to tune and put bindings on skis.Invited to return as a manager for the following season.Ski Technician & Customer Service Representative Show less

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  BOLD & GOLD, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

  Jun 2022 - Aug 2022

  Bilingual Wilderness Backpacking Instructor

  Updated trip spreadsheets, packing lists and other documents to streamline trip preparation.Entrusted to perform the Director’s duties when she was sick for a week, including: calling 15 families and participants to document pertinent information about participants and to communicate trip information in Spanish and English; preparing food and gear for 2 trips; shopping for $600+ of food and gear; and communicating trip information to instructors.Expertly translated into Spanish an entire 3-day expedition and 2 introductory trip preparation days on the spot, including curriculum, games and activities, for participants with no understanding of English, while simultaneously explaining everything in English for English speaking participants.Implemented a leadership curriculum that focuses on developing confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, community awareness, and wonder.Ensured both a physically and emotionally safe, inclusive environment for youth to explore themselves and nature, and learn to be leaders of their peers in the outdoors.Facilitated backpacking and leadership development trips with: a group of 5 participants aged 12-15 and a group of 7 seventeen year olds on 5-night trips along a 20 mile section of the Appalachian Trail; a group of 4 11th graders on a 10-night trip on the Vermont Long Trail; and 2 groups of 10-12 sixteen year-olds on 2-night trips near camp.Completed 1 month of extensive training in backpacking, environmental education curriculum, wilderness medicine, lifeguarding, defensive driving, and personal protection, as well as mental health awareness, prevention of abuse, risk management, awareness of neurodivergence and other relevant trainings for working with youth. Worked closely with a diverse team of 5 other instructors and a director from 3 countries on a larger team of approximately 100 staff. Show less

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  Lewistown Coffee Company

  Oct 2022 - Nov 2022

  Barista & Customer Service Representative

  Greeted and served an average of 50+ customers daily, providing prompt, personalized, and friendly service in a fast-paced environment.Memorized drink orders and preferences for regular customers to build rapport and increase brand loyalty.Prepared espresso shots, speciality espresso drinks, drip coffee, teas, cold brew, specialty energy drinks and other beverages.Wrapped burritos to maintain quality of flavor and visual presentation of product. Operated semi-automatic espresso machines and commercial coffee brewers.Took coffee, food, and other beverage orders, entered them into the point of sale system, and prepared them for customers quickly and effectively.Maintained an organized and tidy café environment by regularly cleaning equipment, espresso machines, tables, and condiment bar.Manually tamped, pulled, and observed the extraction of espresso shots to make the highest-quality drink.Anticipated customer and store needs by constantly evaluating and assessing the environment for cues.Washed dishes and restocked the bar line for continued fast service capabilities.Multitasked by making 3+ drinks at a time and taking orders during busiest rushes. Show less

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  Judith Mountain Lodge

  Oct 2022 - Nov 2022

  Housekeeper, Concierge, Server, Hostess, Bartender & Dishwasher

  Kept house for an upscale hunting lodge with 13 rooms, a 4-bedroom cabin, a conference room, an industrial kitchen, a bar and a dining hall. Created a 22+ page training manual for future housekeepers.Established and maintained clean and comfortable "home" environments by performing cleaning duties including vacuuming, cleaning windows, dusting, and sanitizing bathrooms.Assisted customers by providing detailed information, resolving their complaints, and putting smiles on their faces.Reported any damage, maintenance problems, safety issues, and potential hazards to management, ensuring adherence to safety code procedures.Diligently washed, folded and stored towels, sheets and comforters so rooms could be properly stocked.Made up rooms in a timely manner with no direction from supervisors.Took pride in high quality work by following detailed room task checklists.Replenished room supplies, such coffee supplies and bathroom items.Kept storage areas and carts well-stocked and neat.Deep cleaned industrial kitchen, breakfast bar and dining area.Commended by management for efficiency, effectiveness, a self-starting and go-getting attitude, and attention to detail.Regularly provided additional support while other co-workers were no shows.Provided excellent service, heartfelt hospitality and recommendations to guests.Worked effectively with no supervision, making judgment calls and problem solving when necessary.Made guests feel welcome by asking about their lives, chatting, and providing them with information about local things to do.Served 2-10+ customers per shift at a small, fine dining hotel-bar and restaurant. Timed arrival of drinks, appetizers, sides, entrees and dessert for a relaxing dining experience.Responsible for opening and closing tasks, including stocking food and liquor “first-in, first-out”, rolling silverware, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and dishes, and preparing salads, bread, garlic butter and other sides. Show less

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  Showdown Montana Ski Area

  Nov 2022 - Apr 2023

  Weekend Gift Shop Manager, Interpreter, Marketing Assistant, Ski Instructor

  Earned ‘Employee of the Week’ in February for above-and beyond performance in all areas. Appointed Weekend Gift Shop Manager after impressing company managers with ability to run the store on the busiest days of the week without supervision. Earned 3 ‘Shining Star Awards’ for commendable performance.Compose social media posts with witty blurbs and well-framed promotional photos.Take head-shot profile photos for 140+ staff members.Take action and posed photographs of guests, staff and the ski area for marketing purposes.Developed the company’s first blog with 7+ posts on a variety of topics including travel tips, gift shop promotions and company deals, advice for snowsports enthusiasts, and more.Improved SEO rankings of the website by including in posts: outside and internal links, alt text for photos for the visually impaired, and more.Translate between the company and the Spanish speaking staff to create understanding and fluidity during challenging circumstances, including for human resources problems, firing personnel, Workman’s Compensation scenarios, safety trainings, and with medical professionals. Trained staff in Spanish how to use the Point of Sale system, run the gift shop, and work the cashier counter.Translated a 6 hour safety training for lift operators into Spanish on the spot. Teach skiing with a “Safety 1st, Fun 2nd, Learning 3rd” mentality to first-time to intermediate skiers age 5 to 80+.Bartended for 100’s of guests at the lodge bar, verifying that guests purchasing alcohol were of legal drinking age. Prepare online orders for shipment, including extra gifts and notes so that customers knew they were appreciated. Restock and organize gift shop for an aesthetic and guest-friendly store.Sell gift shop clothing and goodies, food and drinks, ski area tickets, and more. Show less

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  Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

  Apr 2023 - Mar 2024

  Field Research Assistant & Field Technician

  Used carnivore scent posts to attract canids.Set up and maintained rodent track plates.Trapped, collared and monitored prairie dogs and swift foxes.Collaborated in the first indigenous-led Inter-Tribal Long Term Socio-Ecological Research Network with the goal of long-term resiliency of grassland ecosystems, bison populations and biodiversity. Collected soil samples to be tested for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous content to understand the vitality and nutrient limitation of the soils.Measured and sampled vegetation structure and cover by recording the tallest of each functional group.Performed pasture meter sampling to infer biomass along the transect.Learned how to identify local grass, shrub and forb species down to genus and species.Improved the protocols and survey techniques during the pilot season of the study.Inventoried $0.5 million dollars worth of equipment for the project.Prepared camera traps for field placement.Collected grass samples for chemistry assessment to better understand the quality of the diet of the local Bison bison (american bison) herd, as well as to assess the movement of the species in relation to food availability when compared with drone image sampling.Maintained pairs of camera traps and identified hundreds of thousands of images on Wildlife Insights.Meticulously processed grass samples by drying and grinding them.Navigated 15-30 miles/day of driving on unmaintained two-tracks.Researched identifying factors for local two-toed ungulate tracks and sign.Identified, collected and preserved fresh ungulate scat for hormone analysis.Chose transect locations based on protocol requirements for control and treatment sites.Hiked 5-15 miles/day on uneven terrain in variable spring & summer weather conditions with equipment.Navigated 20-150 miles/day of driving on dirt roads arcGIS produced maps on Avenza Maps.Performed duties with a high degree of independence and discretion. Show less

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  US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

  Mar 2024 - now

  Biological Science Technician