Karen Wasilka
Ottawa
Summary
Experience delivering customer service and administrative excellence, including clerical support and public interaction. Excels in calendar management, scheduling, data entry and database administration. Dedicated to offering exceptional assistance to team members and clients. Skilled at coordinating appointments, organizing mail, and collecting messages to facilitate office communication. Positive and upbeat with strong relationship-building abilities.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant Director of Mental Health
Youth Services Bureau
09.2023 - Current
- 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.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
Bilingual Family Peer Supporter
Pleo
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Worked on the help line supporting parents of children with Mental Health and addiction challenges.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
- Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care across service providers.
- Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
- Mentored new support workers by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and modeling effective client-centered care techniques.
- Assisted clients in accessing available resources such as housing options, financial supports, and healthcare services.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Spoke at community events including Ottawa Public Health and The Royal Ottawa Hospital
STRATEGIC PLANNING ANALYST
Government of Canada - PSPC
02.2009 - 06.2022
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the organization, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
- Supported executive decision-making by providing timely and accurate data-driven insights.
- Enhanced corporate growth by identifying and evaluating potential merger and acquisition opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align on corporate goals and drive consistent progress towards objectives.
- Reduced costs to the company by identifying areas of improvement within existing operations.
- Optimized resource allocation with thorough financial modeling and scenario analysis.
- Increased operational efficiency, streamlining processes through strategic initiatives implementation.
- Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Government of Canada
02.2009 - 04.2022
- Developed administrative processes to achieve organizational objectives and improve office efficiency, Coordinated project materials by managing physical and digital files, monitoring spreadsheets, and updating reports, Managed accounting other financial operations
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
- Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
- Coordinated office supply inventory management, proactively ordering necessary items before depletion to avoid workflow disruptions.
- Supported executive staff through scheduling meetings and preparing crucial documents.
- Optimized calendar management for executives by scheduling appointments strategically while considering priorities and minimizing conflicts.
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures to ensure timely payment of vendors while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers for office supplies, equipment and services.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Built and maintained excellent customer relationships through timely response to inquiries and going above and beyond to accommodate unusual requests.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
Government of Canada - ISED
02.2009 - 04.2022
- Increased employee awareness of safety practices by delivering engaging training sessions and workshops.
- Enhanced workplace safety by conducting regular inspections and implementing effective hazard control measures.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance through ongoing communication and feedback mechanisms.
- Maintained compliance with OSHA regulations by ensuring proper documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping.
- Provided expert guidance on occupational health matters such as industrial hygiene monitoring, medical surveillance programs, and exposure control strategies.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills through participation in industry conferences, seminars, and educational workshops.
- Collaborated with management to develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
- Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitored workplace activities to determine compliance with safety regulations and standards.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT OFFICER
Government of Canada - ISED
02.2009 - 04.2022
- Kept project and team on schedule by monitoring deadlines, milestones, and performance,
- Defined and initiated projects and managed costs, schedule, and project performance while supervising tasks from initiation through completion,
- Maintained close connection with project personnel to quickly identify and resolve problems, Brought in additional project personnel and resources to meet demands,
- Oversaw large scale Government moves of up to 300 employees, Responsible for ordering furniture and equipment to assist in office reconfiguration
- Developed and deepened relationships with key stakeholders.
- Facilitated successful project outcomes by maintaining open lines of communication among team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
- Developed and monitored project schedules and objectives for successful completion.
- Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction by conducting thorough project needs assessments and delivering customized solutions.
AESTHETICIAN
Brookstreet Hotel
08.2006 - 02.2009
- Educated clients on proper skincare routine maintenance and guided them in selecting appropriate home care products.
- Maintained strict sanitation protocols to ensure a clean and safe environment for both staff and clients.
- Performed various facial treatments for optimal skin health, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and LED therapy.
- Established long-lasting relationships with clients by providing personalized care and consistently delivering outstanding results.
- Sterilized equipment for patient treatments.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and professionally to ensure satisfaction.
- Recommended retail products for at-home use.
- Advised clients on proper home-care regimens.
- Analyzed skin condition and made appropriate product recommendations.
- Fostered friendly, warm, and exceptional customer experience.
- Stocked treatment rooms with proper supplies.
- Performed waxing, body wrap application, and gentle exfoliation to improve overall skin condition.
- Demonstrated proficiency in various waxing services, resulting in smooth skin with minimal discomfort for clients.
- Enhanced spa revenue through upselling additional services and retail products during consultations.
- Assisted management in inventory control, regularly monitoring stock levels and placing orders as needed.
- Promoted overall wellness among clientele by incorporating aromatherapy techniques into treatments when appropriate.
- Recommended and performed microdermabrasion and peels
- Practiced new makeup application techniques and color combinations to promote various makeup brands.
AESTHETICIAN
Classy Image Day Spa
09.2002 - 07.2006
- Educated clients on proper skincare routine maintenance and guided them in selecting appropriate home care products.
- Maintained strict sanitation protocols to ensure a clean and safe environment for both staff and clients.
- Performed various facial treatments for optimal skin health, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and LED therapy.
- Established long-lasting relationships with clients by providing personalized care and consistently delivering outstanding results.
- Sterilized equipment for patient treatments.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and professionally to ensure satisfaction.
- Recommended retail products for at-home use.
- Advised clients on proper home-care regimens.
- Analyzed skin condition and made appropriate product recommendations.
- Fostered friendly, warm, and exceptional customer experience.
- Stocked treatment rooms with proper supplies.
- Performed waxing, body wrap application, and gentle exfoliation to improve overall skin condition.
- Demonstrated proficiency in various waxing services, resulting in smooth skin with minimal discomfort for clients.
- Enhanced spa revenue through upselling additional services and retail products during consultations.
- Assisted management in inventory control, regularly monitoring stock levels and placing orders as needed.
- Promoted overall wellness among clientele by incorporating aromatherapy techniques into treatments when appropriate.
- Recommended and performed microdermabrasion and peels
- Practiced new makeup application techniques and color combinations to promote various makeup brands.
Education
Aesthetic Diploma -
Ottawa Academy of Aesthetics - Ottawa, ON
01.2002
College Diploma - Tourism - Travel Studies
Algonquin College - Ottawa, ON
04.1999
High School Diploma -
High School - Aylmer, QC
01.1996
Skills
- Fully Bilingual (French/ English)
- Organization skills
- Time Management
- Telephone skills
- Data Entry
- Customer/Client relations
- Scheduling appointments
- Office Administration
Accomplishments
Worked over 800 hours volunteering in a seniors home as a teen as an activities aid.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant Director of Mental Health
Youth Services Bureau
09.2023 - Current
Bilingual Family Peer Supporter
Pleo
06.2022 - 09.2023
STRATEGIC PLANNING ANALYST
Government of Canada - PSPC
02.2009 - 06.2022
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Government of Canada
02.2009 - 04.2022
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
Government of Canada - ISED
02.2009 - 04.2022
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT OFFICER
Government of Canada - ISED
02.2009 - 04.2022
AESTHETICIAN
Brookstreet Hotel
08.2006 - 02.2009
AESTHETICIAN
Classy Image Day Spa
09.2002 - 07.2006
Aesthetic Diploma -
Ottawa Academy of Aesthetics - Ottawa, ON
College Diploma - Tourism - Travel Studies
Algonquin College - Ottawa, ON
High School Diploma -
High School - Aylmer, QC
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