Laurie Astles
Flin Flon,Manitoba
Summary
Creative and self-motivated entrepreneur, executive director, administrator and coordinator offering a 19-year record of achievement in the animal care industry, and more than 15 years of success in various roles in non-profit, government, non-governmental and other organizations. Experienced in leading, working collaboratively, building consensus, and developing flexible and dynamic programs. Innovative and accomplished event and fundraising coordinator always enthusiastically seeking new opportunities. Familiar with living and working in multicultural environments, experienced working in a variety of healthcare and education environments, open and sensitive to diverse cultural learning approaches and gifted in community relations. Talented leader experienced in developing and managing staff, budgets and programs to achieve results. Applies skills in coaching, teaching, mentoring and training to motivate organization's members in meeting organizational mission and program goals. Excellent event planning and fundraising skills coupled with drive to build exceptionally talented teams. Successfully raises public awareness about community-based programs and services.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Home Care Scheduler
Northern Health Region
Flin Flon, Manitoba
11.2022 - Current
- Create, adjust and maintain schedules for health care aides, home service workers, and clients
- Fill vacancies from sick calls, family and personal issues, and others, at times with little notice
- Communicate schedule changes, including last-minute cancellations, to clients, caregivers and workers
- Work with other schedulers, supervisors, and on-call after-hours support to cover unfilled shifts
- Maintain a calm, supportive and professional manner with clients and workers in stressful situations
- Find creative solutions to scheduling problems, conflicts, and shortages
- Work with a team of schedulers, case coordinators, nurses and supervisors, as well as independently.
Visitation Clerk
Northern Health Region
Flin Flon, Manitoba
09.2022 - 10.2022
- Greet and screen visitors for covid symptoms
- Facilitate phone and virtual visits with residents
- Sanitize equipment and high-contact areas after use
- Oversee resident outings, ensuring departure and arrival times, companions, destinations, etc
- Assist with recreational activities and accompanying residents to meals.
Business Owner/Operator
Creature Comforts Pet Services
Saskatoon, SK
07.2003 - Current
- Built successful business from ground up using business acumen and industry-specific knowledge
- Stayed on top of changes in legislation, welfare and training models, and the competitive landscape to keep the business agile and responsive to changing industry demands
- Performed or delegated forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting tasks with a view to increasing sales and reducing expenses
- Participated in ongoing education and professional development opportunities, expanding knowledge and skills in animal care, behaviour, and overall welfare
- Continued to develop skills in administering medications, assisting with therapies and reinforcing basic training
- Observed and ensure compliance with local, provincial and federal regulations
- Ensured quality customer service and pet well-being
- Routinely collaborated with related businesses, organizations and individuals to identify areas of concern and improve services.
Public Relations Coordinator
Saskatchewan Children's Festival
Saskatoon, SK
03.2003 - 06.2003
- Directed media interactions and public and community relations
- Worked with community partners to expand programming and improve service delivery
- Represented the organization to the media and partners to support festival operations
- Produced press kits and media notices to highlight campaigns and related special events.
Executive Director
Saskatoon Jazz Society
Saskatoon, SK
03.1998 - 11.2002
- Increased revenue through cost-reduction measures and fundraising initiatives
- Developed personnel, organizational, and program policies
- Directed media interactions and public relations as primary spokesperson
- Worked with community partners to gather feedback and improve service delivery
- Participated in forecasting budget and assessing long-term financial and sustainability planning
- Planned, organized and oversaw the Saskatoon Folk Festival American Pavilion and the first Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Beer Garden
- Trained and supervised staff, volunteers, and 'fine option' workers
- Established and operated the first office for the SJS, and managed the concert venue, the Bassment
- Researched, completed, and submitted funding and grant applications
- Discovered and developed fresh, diverse fundraising opportunities.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Business Planning & Entrepreneurship
04.2004
Bachelor of Education (A. D.) - Secondary English, French, and Social Studies
05.1992
Bachelor of Arts (Advanced Certificate) - English
05.1987
Bachelor of Arts - French
05.1986
Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Complex problem solving
- Team building and collaborative leadership
- Forecasting and budgeting
- Media and public relations
- Fundraising and event coordination
- Staff, board and volunteer relations
- Logistics and schedule management
- Animal care services
- MS Office Suite, Procura scheduling and other programs
- Attention to Detail
- Effective Multitasking
- Schedule Management
- Computer Skills
- Critical Thinking
Certification
- Professional 'A' Teaching Certificate (SK)
May 1993
- Class 5 Driver's License
Various Work & Volunteer Experience
- CUSO International (SK office) - Administrative Assistant
- Ness Creek Music Festival - 10 years as a Coordinator (volunteer) in various areas, 2 terms as the Office Coordinator (paid staff)
- Canada Employment Centre for Students (Yorkton) - Supervisor
- New Hope Dog Rescue, Saskatoon Fringe Festival, Saskatoon SPCA, AIDS Saskatoon, SSEA, SARBI, and more - volunteer
- Dept. of Highways, St John's Music, A & A Records, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Northland Stationery, and many more - wildly divergent roles
Timeline
Home Care Scheduler - Northern Health Region
11.2022 - Current
Visitation Clerk - Northern Health Region
09.2022 - 10.2022
Business Owner/Operator - Creature Comforts Pet Services
07.2003 - Current
Public Relations Coordinator - Saskatchewan Children's Festival
03.2003 - 06.2003
Executive Director - Saskatoon Jazz Society
03.1998 - 11.2002
Praxis School of Entrepreneurship - Graduate Certificate, Business Planning & Entrepreneurship
University of Saskatchewan - Bachelor of Education (A. D.), Secondary English, French, and Social Studies
University of Saskatchewan - Bachelor of Arts (Advanced Certificate), English
University of Saskatchewan - Bachelor of Arts, French
- Professional 'A' Teaching Certificate (SK)
May 1993
- Class 5 Driver's License
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