Tara Sones Email & Phone Number

As a dedicated volunteer at the Houston Zoo, I actively support wildlife conservation efforts. My role encompasses a variety of responsibilities that contribute significantly to animal welfare and visitor engagement.Wildlife Conservation Support: I participate in initiatives to preserve animals in their natural habitats. This involves working closely with the zoo staff on various conservation projects, which gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by wildlife and the efforts needed to protect them.Guest Interaction and Education: One of my primary roles is to enhance visitor experiences through informative and engaging interactions. I explain the vital link between the zoo's conservation efforts and the well-being of animals in the wild, helping guests appreciate the importance of preserving natural habitats.Promoting Conservation Awareness: By engaging with visitors, I help raise awareness about conservation issues and the role of zoos in protecting endangered species. This involves sharing knowledge about specific animals and the global environmental challenges they face.Contributed to the zoo's mission of connecting people with wildlife, inspiring action to save animals in the wild. Played a pivotal role in educating the public about wildlife conservation, potentially influencing positive changes in visitor attitudes and behaviors towards environmental stewardship.

Dayton, Texas, United States

As a dedicated Preschool Paraprofessional, I play a vital role in creating a nurturing, educational, and safe environment for young learners. My primary focus is to assist in implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum and provide personalized support to enhance each child's academic experience.Key Responsibilities:Classroom Assistance: Actively support the lead teacher in daily classroom activities, ensuring a structured and engaging learning environment. Assisted in preparing educational materials and setting up activities that stimulated cognitive and social development.Student Engagement: Engage children in interactive activities that promote language development and social skills. This includes storytelling, arts and crafts, and group games, all tailored to meet the developmental needs of preschool-aged children.Individualized Support: Provide one-on-one assistance to students, particularly those who need extra help or attention, ensuring they keep pace with the curriculum and reach their full potential.Parental Communication: Maintain regular communication with parents, providing updates on their child’s progress and involvement in school activities. Collaborate with the lead teacher in organizing parent-teacher conferences.Classroom Management: Help maintain a safe and organized classroom environment. Supervise children to ensure their safety and well-being, both in the classroom and during outdoor activities.

Humble, Texas, United States

As Lead Gate Guard at Flatiron Construction Company, I spearheaded security operations at Bush Intercontinental Airport, ensuring strict adherence to FAA guidelines and TSA security protocols while executing company procedures efficiently.Key Responsibilities:Airport Security Management: Obtained necessary airport clearance and meticulously followed federal and organizational security regulations to maintain a safe and secure environment.Personnel Supervision and Training: Managed and directed a team of 5–10 personnel, overseeing their daily tasks and ensuring compliance with safety standards. I was responsible for training new hires and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.Adaptability in Challenging Conditions: Worked long hours in intense weather conditions, showcasing my resilience and commitment to maintaining high operational standards regardless of external challenges.Payroll and Administrative Duties: Handled company payroll activities, particularly for truck movements in and out of the airport, and meticulously recorded hours worked by the team for accurate reporting to management.Safety Compliance and Reporting: Conducted daily safety meetings and wrote safety 'star' cards post-shift, reinforcing the importance of safety protocols and procedures.Operational Efficiency: Performed various tasks, including unlocking gates, managing keys, and ensuring all individuals were properly escorted, searched, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.Traffic and Equipment Operation: Authorized to drive on airport taxi lanes, escort traffic, and control traffic flow as needed. Proficient in operating machinery such as box tractors, sweeping machines/trucks, soil compactors, and water trucks.Achievements:Successfully maintained secure and efficient operations at a major airport, ensuring construction activities' safety and smooth functioning under demanding conditions.

Spring, Texas, United States

As a Traffic Safety Flagger and Certified Flagger, I was crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of road construction operations at Bush Intercontinental Airport and various bridge construction and retention pond projects. My responsibilities required a high level of diligence, safety awareness, and operational coordination.Key Responsibilities:Road Safety Management: Assisted in maintaining road safety for construction areas, including airport facilities and bridge sites, and implemented traffic control measures to ensure the safe passage of vehicles and construction equipment.Logistics and Record Keeping: Managed truck load logs and ensured accurate payment processing for truck movements. This task demanded meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of logistics.Leadership and Administrative Support: Served as the superintendent's lead gate security and assistant. My role involved participating in meetings, keeping detailed records of discussions, and tracking critical tasks and priorities.Signage and Road Maintenance: Responsible for setting up and removing roadway signs daily. Conducted road clean-up operations, including shoveling rocks and sand, and operated street sweepers to clear debris from major highways.Flood Mitigation and Vehicle Maintenance: Operated water pumps to clear flooded areas as needed and performed essential vehicle maintenance, ensuring operational readiness and safety.

Cleveland, Texas, United States

As a Customer Service Representative at Walgreens, I was at the forefront of delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive shopping experience for every customer. This role required a blend of communication, problem-solving, and product knowledge.Key Responsibilities:Customer Interaction and Support: Engaged directly with customers to understand their needs, provide product information, and offer assistance. This included answering questions, guiding them through product selections, and helping them navigate the store.Handling Transactions: Efficiently managed the checkout process, including handling cash, processing credit card transactions, and administering loyalty program sign-ups. Ensured accuracy in all transactions to maintain trust and integrity.Issue Resolution: Addressed and resolved customer complaints and inquiries, demonstrating empathy and problem-solving skills and acting quickly to provide solutions, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.Stock and Inventory Management: Assisted in stocking shelves, organizing products, and maintaining a clean and orderly store environment. Conducted inventory checks and reported discrepancies or needs for replenishment.Collaboration and Teamwork: Worked collaboratively with team members to ensure a seamless customer experience and efficient store operations. Shared product knowledge and participated in team meetings and training sessions.Notable Achievement:Employee of the Month: Awarded Employee of the Month at Walgreens for exceptional customer service, outstanding teamwork, and dedication to operational excellence. This accolade reflects my commitment to consistently delivering high-quality service and contributing positively to the store's overall success.

Dayton, Texas, United States

As a dedicated Customer Service Representative at Valero Cornerstore, I played a versatile role in ensuring smooth store operations and providing excellent customer service in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. My responsibilities spanned various aspects of retail management and customer engagement.Key Responsibilities:Financial Management: Efficiently operated the cash register and managed monetary transactions, ensuring accuracy and security. Handled the safe, overseeing the store's daily financial operations and cash flow.Stock and Inventory Control: Diligently stocked shelves and maintained inventory levels, ensuring product availability and store neatness. Performed regular inventory checks to track stock levels and identify reorder needs.Shift Flexibility and Workload Management: Adapted to working various shifts, including double shifts, demonstrating flexibility and commitment, managing a high workload efficiently, and maintaining store operations effectively during peak hours.Food Service Handling: Acquired food handling and preparation skills, adhering to health and safety standards. Ensured the quality and hygiene of food products served to customers.Customer Interaction and Service: Engaged with a diverse clientele, addressing inquiries, providing product information, and resolving issues promptly. Cultivated a friendly and welcoming store atmosphere.Problem-Solving in High-Pressure Situations: Excelled in quickly identifying and resolving problems, ensuring customer satisfaction and store efficiency even during busy periods.Notable Achievement:Employee of the Month: Recognized as Employee of the Month for exceptional performance, demonstrating commitment, reliability, and excellence in customer service.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Psychology Minor In Biology

Activities and Societies: Vice President, Phi Chapter, Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority, Lamar University As Vice President of the Phi Chapter.

Associate Of Science - As, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, 3.85 Magna Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta

High School Diploma

Activities and Societies: French Club, Art Club, and UIL Competitions