Elena Minkey
San Carlos
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated youth advocate with experience as a high school Special Education Teacher and in nonprofit settings supporting unhoused adolescents. Skilled in building trusting relationships with young people, fostering safe and inclusive environments, and helping students develop self-worth, academic skills, and career readiness. Proven ability to design and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), facilitate family and team collaboration, and provide guidance that empowers youth to explore educational pathways and future opportunities. Passionate about equipping adolescents with the life skills, confidence, and resources they need to thrive.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
Summit Everest Public Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Developed, implemented, and monitored Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
- Created and adapted IEP goals tailored to each student’s strengths, challenges, and developmental milestones.
- Designed and delivered lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards while differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Facilitated and scheduled IEP meetings in collaboration with parents, general education teachers, administrators, and related service providers.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional strategies to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged student engagement and independence.
Teachers Assistant/ Camp Counselor
Adventures In Writing
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Implemented lesson plans created by teachers
- Assisted with writing prompts
- Classroom management
- Directed recreational time
- Monitored students and provided feedback to the teacher
- Graded assignments
Sever/ Team Lead
Highlands Bar and Grill
San Carlos, California
09.2024 - Current
- Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
- Taught servers to memorize menu ingredients and provide information on preparation methods.
- Assisted in new server onboarding and orientation to cultivate seamless transitions.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with trainees to drive successful learning outcomes.
- Built relationships with customers and improved social skills daily
Bartender/Team Lead
Drakes
San Carlos, California
08.2021 - 09.2023
- Provided daily support to diverse clientele, often managing high-stress or emotionally charged situations with empathy and professionalism
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
Kitchen Manager
Hosea Youth Services Project
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Developed relationships with youth
- Connected youth to resources in the community(housing, clothing, food)
- Organized donations
- Checked Guests in
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies, procedures and quality standards.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Family and Human Services, Psychology
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon06.2022
Skills
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Relationship Building and Trust Development
- Career transition and Guidance
- Social and Emotional Support
- Classroom Management
- Communication skills
- IEP expertise
- Community advocate
- Conflict Resolution
- Multicultural education
Volunteering
Volunteer, Hostel Assistant, Bridge Backpackers, New Zealand | September 2023- April 2024
- Assisted international guests with lodging, local guidance, and cultural integration, deepening cross-cultural communication and empathy.
- Helped manage guest concerns and communal living conflicts with patience and diplomacy
- Cleaned and maintained guest rooms, bathrooms, and common areas to ensure a welcoming and hygienic environment.
- Built strong interpersonal relationships with international guests, enhancing their overall travel experience.
- Prepared meals and assisted in coordinating communal dinners, promoting a sense of community among travelers.
- Hosted social events to foster guest engagement and cultural immersion.
Volunteer, Food packer, Reality SF Food Pantry, San Francisco 2022-2023 & 2024-2025
- Organized and packed food items for distribution, ensuring efficiency and accessibility for unhoused community members.
- Distributed meals and essentials with care and respect, supporting the pantry’s mission to serve the local community.
- Operated the coffee stand, greeting guests warmly and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Engaged in meaningful conversations with unhoused guests, offering emotional support and fostering a sense of dignity and connection.
Timeline
Sever/ Team Lead
Highlands Bar and Grill
09.2024 - Current
Education Specialist
Summit Everest Public Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
Teachers Assistant/ Camp Counselor
Adventures In Writing
06.2024 - 08.2024
Bartender/Team Lead
Drakes
08.2021 - 09.2023
Kitchen Manager
Hosea Youth Services Project
09.2020 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Family and Human Services, Psychology
University of Oregon