Grace Shonhiwa
Chilliwack,Canada
Summary
I have over 11 years experience in the child industry as an Early Childhood Education & Mentor through the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, am an experienced Front Desk Receptionist with extensive experience and proven success in managing high volume environments. Skilled in implementing new systems and processes to improve efficiency and increase customer service. I have ability in adapting and maintaining professional demeanor while handling multiple tasks and providing exceptional customer service. Additionally, I have six (6) years’ experience in the travel industry as a travel consultant in domestic, regional, and international travel bookings with a proven track record of building strong client relationships and driving business growth. Skilled in researching and recommending unique travel destinations, negotiating exclusive deals, and creating tailored itineraries to exceed customer expectations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Educator
Society of Saint Vincent DePaul
02.2014 - 02.2024
- Supported children with special needs, creating customized learning strategies to accommodate various abilities.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Boosted children''s social skills development through group projects and collaborative games.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
- Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
- Contributed to staff meetings and professional learning communities, sharing insights and strategies for continuous improvement of teaching practices.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, sharing best practices to improve overall instruction quality across the school.
Receptionist
SGS South Africa
05.2013 - 01.2024
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
Intern Teacher's Assistant
Mikinder Preschhol
08.2021 - 08.2021
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Worked with teacher to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Monitored student behavior in classes, laboratories and on field trips for unsafe or rule-breaking concerns.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Encouraged small groups to discuss topics and explore concepts through hands-on activities.
- Handled class records for attendance, assignment grades and course participation scores.
- Shared important information with students concerning upcoming assignments and tests.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
Education
High School Diploma -
Canada Red Cross
Chilliwack, BC 08.2024 - 8 2024
High School Diploma -
IEFA Training
SOUTH AFRICA 10.2022 - 10 2025
Business Communication -
University of South Africa (UNISA)
01.2012
Certificate in Meeting Conference and Incentives -
University of South Africa (UNISA)
01.2011
Some College (No Degree) -
Damelin College, Polokwane
South AfricaSkills
- Excellent verbal communication
- Good telephone communication etiquette
- Organized and resourceful
- Customer-focused
- Active listener
- Adapt at prioritizing, scheduling and multitasking
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications
- Ability to handle office equipment (eg, the telephone system, printer and the fax machine)
- Fast and eager learner
- Excellent knowledge of traveling software (computer reservations systems, GDS systems and e-travel)
- Well versed in various areas of travel (domestic/international, business/holidays, group/individual etc)
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Demonstrable ability to handle crises
Classroom Management
Parent-Teacher Communication
Lesson Planning
Gross Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills
Classroom Organization
Outdoor Play
Circle Time Management
Practical Learning
Motor Skill Development
Dramatic Play
Storytelling Techniques
Meal organizing
Children's literature
Nutrition education
Music Appreciation
Organizational and Planning Skills
Strong Work Ethic and Dependable
Communicating with Parents and Teachers
Certification
- 2017, Generic Management Certificate, Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) South Africa
- 2011, International and Africa International Fares and Ticketing, intermediate Certificate, Galileo - Development and training Strategies (DTS) – Accreditation by ASATA
References
Available upon request
Languages
English
Full Professional
Tennis
I play tennis socially
Baking
I enjoy baking during my spare time
Timeline
High School Diploma -
Canada Red Cross
08.2024 - 8 2024
High School Diploma -
IEFA Training
10.2022 - 10 2025
Intern Teacher's Assistant
Mikinder Preschhol
08.2021 - 08.2021
Early Childhood Educator
Society of Saint Vincent DePaul
02.2014 - 02.2024
Receptionist
SGS South Africa
05.2013 - 01.2024
Business Communication -
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Certificate in Meeting Conference and Incentives -
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Some College (No Degree) -
Damelin College, Polokwane
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