Benjamin Cook
Toronto,ON
Summary
Multidisciplinary professional with exceptional patience and more than 15 years of experience in skills training, team-building, and leadership roles. Effective mentor with extensive knowledge of neurodivergent psychology, creative problem-solving, and strengths-based intervention. Dedicated to individualized relationships and compassionate listening.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Mentor
Jess Jones Recreation Therapy Inc.
2022.09 - Current
- Developed personalized mentorship plans for each individual, resulting in improved self-esteem and confidence levels.
- Established a safe and supportive environment for open discussion, fostering strong relationships between mentor and mentee.
- Coordinated with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent support for the youth's overall development.
- Implemented goal-setting strategies with mentees, promoting personal accountability and growth towards their objectives.
- Encouraged the exploration of personal interests by guiding youths in identifying their strengths and passions.
- Modeled critical and lateral thinking skills to challenge maladaptive worldviews through a strengths-based lens.
- Served as a positive role model by exhibiting strong work ethic, time management skills, and commitment to personal growth throughout the mentoring relationship.
- Developed strong communication skills in youths by providing constructive feedback and regularly engaging them in reflective conversations about their progress.
Creator/Editor
Bonfire Press
2017.04 - Current
- Created, wrote, and edited an original comic series.
- Hired and coordinated with artists to produce cover and line art.
- Developed and led a successful Kickstarter campaign that achieved 122% project funding.
- Conducted various marketing and communications efforts to build an audience for the series.
- Made regular appearances on podcasts and social media to promote crowdfunding projects, convention
appearances, book store signings, etc.
Owner/Operator
Ben Cook Handyman Services
2016.01 - Current
- Expanded services from simple repairs to full room renovations (self-trained).
- Single-handedly manage day-to-day business operations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
- Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining proper documentation and licensing requirements.
- Evaluated company performance against objectives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired results.
Sous Chef
Lola's Kitchen
2012.09 - 2014.01
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Assisted in the development of staff training programs, improving overall consistency and efficiency within the kitchen environment while fostering professional growth among junior team members.
- Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
- Served as an integral part of the hiring process for new kitchen staff members, contributing valuable insights into candidate selection based on experience and skill set compatibility with existing team dynamics.
- Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Reduced staff turnover rates through effective communication skills, creating a supportive work atmosphere for all team members.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Child And Youth Care
Humber College
Toronto, ON04.2027
Skills
Group and individual sessions
Youth Advocacy
Teamwork and Collaboration
Leadership and Skills Training
Discipline Strategies
Creative and Innovative Problem-Solving
Academic Support
Empathy, Patience and Tolerance
Excellent Interpersonal Communication (Active Listening, Reframing, Trauma-Informed Messaging)
Excellent Writing Communication
Adaptability and Flexibility
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Spanish
Limited Working
German
Elementary
Professional musician with a diverse library of recorded music
I have been a drumming and writing music professionally for over 10 years, with an extensive collection of recordings from an array of different genres and styles. My main specialties are improvised composition and instrumental music.
Timeline
Youth Mentor
Jess Jones Recreation Therapy Inc.
2022.09 - Current
Creator/Editor
Bonfire Press
2017.04 - Current
Owner/Operator
Ben Cook Handyman Services
2016.01 - Current
Sous Chef
Lola's Kitchen
2012.09 - 2014.01
Bachelor of Arts - Child And Youth Care
Humber College
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