Melanie Russell
Melfort,SK
Summary
Versatile administrative professional with over 13 years of experience in healthcare settings, and four years of experience within the criminal justice field, currently pursuing studies in Mental Health and Addictions Counseling. Strong foundation in patient confidentiality, compliance, and client-centered service , with a developing knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction principles, and mental health support practices.
Experienced in supporting individuals through structured systems and processes with empathy, professionalism, and clear communication, while maintaining sensitivity to diverse and complex needs. Recognized for building trusting relationships, demonstrating confidentiality, and contributing to safe, respectful, and efficient environments in both healthcare and justice settings.
Detail-oriented team player with expertise in electronic medical records, medical billing and office systems, combined with a compassionate, client-focused approach. Committed to ongoing learning and supporting positive outcomes through strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a calm, supportive presence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Administrative Support
Government Of Saskatchewan, Corrections
Melfort, SK
12.2022 - Current
- Carry out reception duties to greet clients, log visits, and direct clients to the appropriate person to aid in client rehabilitation.
- Adhere to strict privacy guidelines to protect client privacy.
- Process orders and paperwork directly from provincial court in a timely manner.
- Proficient in use of the Criminal Justice Information Management System (CJIMS) with regard to entering court orders, file management, data entry and organization.
- Support administrative staff by providing onboarding and training to multiple new additions to our team, in various locations in the north region, familiarizing them with the technical needs and responsibilities of the role of Administrative Support.
- Adept at use and understanding of Microsoft office including in depth knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Sharepoint.
- Format and edit a variety of documents including court documents and large databases of information in a manner that assists with maintaining, preserving and locating sensitive and important information.
Medical Office Assistant
Family Physicians Group
Melfort, SK
09.2009 - 08.2022
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA guidelines to safeguard patient privacy.
- Facilitated efficient patient scheduling and streamlined check-in, check-out, and billing payment processes to enhance patient experience.
- Executed scheduling of doctor visits and procedures through electronic medical record software, ensuring optimal coordination of patient care.
- Achieved accurate payroll processing for four physicians' offices through effective management of timesheet creation and collection. Delivered timely preparation of records of employment and T4 statements. Streamlined vacation and statutory holiday pay allocation. Facilitated compliance by calculating and remitting source deductions to Canada Revenue Agency.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training sessions for new employees on software systems and office protocols to optimize operational efficiency.
- Fluent in physician billing, procedure, and diagnostic coding. Responsible for physician billing for multiple practitioners, coding and building their billing submissions and reconciling their payment within medical billing software.
- Performed and interpreted a range of clinical lab tests, focusing on vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, alongside urinalysis, pregnancy testing, spot blood sugar readings, and visual acuity assessments.
- Carried out front office duties utilizing data entry skills in framework of medical database.
- Managed administrative tasks for patient intakes, ensuring accurate collection of case histories, insurance information, and compliance with mandated forms.
Bookkeeping Clerk and Sales Clerk
Weswood Furniture And Design
Maple Creek, SK
11.2007 - 08.2009
- Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
- Used accounting software to prepare weekly and monthly financial reports.
- Investigated daily variances and corrected errors to resolve discrepancies.
- Communicated with suppliers to reconcile invoice payments.
- Monitored status of accounts receivable and payable to facilitate prompt processing.
- Supervised daily bookkeeping operations with attention to accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking reconciliation and disbursements.
- Reviewed general ledger entries and assessed accuracy.
- Prepared itemized statements, bills or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
- Reconciled company accounts for credit cards, employee expenses and commissions.
Store Manager
The Body Shop Canada
Saskatoon, SK
10.2003 - 11.2007
- Responsible for interviewing, hiring, onboarding and mentoring new staff members
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Supervised, trained and led a team of 10+ employees successfully in a fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback, thus, encouraging my team to meet budgets, and increase store profitability.
- Managed inventory control, cash control and store opening and closing procedures.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge and service requirements while maintaining budgeting parameters.
- Entered, monitored and approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly budget.
- Coached sales associates on product knowledge by using wide variety of training tools.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Scheduled and led store meetings for all employees to discuss sales promotions and new inventory while providing platform for all to voice concerns.
Education
Mental Health And Addictions Counseling
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Prince Albert, SK06-2027
Diploma - Mental Health And Addictions Counseling
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Prince Albert, SK06-2027
Skills
- Assessment skills
- Motivational interviewing
- Client assessment
- Trauma-informed care
- Office management and coordination
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Computer proficiency
- EMR software, medical billing and ICD-9 coding knowledge
- HIPAA compliance
- Task prioritization and attention to detail
Certification
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Livingworks - February, 2026
- Transferring-Lifting-Repositioning (TLR), Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health - July, 2025
- Advanced Professional Assault Response Training (PART), Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health - August, 2025
- Mental Health First Aid, Opening Minds, Mental Health Commision of Canada - October, 2025
- Intermediate First Aid, OHS Standard First Aid, St. John Ambulance - September, 2024
Timeline
Administrative Support
Government Of Saskatchewan, Corrections
12.2022 - Current
Medical Office Assistant
Family Physicians Group
09.2009 - 08.2022
Bookkeeping Clerk and Sales Clerk
Weswood Furniture And Design
11.2007 - 08.2009
Store Manager
The Body Shop Canada
10.2003 - 11.2007
Mental Health And Addictions Counseling
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Diploma - Mental Health And Addictions Counseling
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
References
Professional References:
- Cindy Hamm - Office Administrator, Community Corrections, North Region.
ph) 306-953-2837
- Dr. Stephanie Nyberg - M.D., CCFP - Regina SK
ph) 306-541-3124
- Shelby Sloan - Medical Office Assistant for Dr. E. Strydom - Melfort, SK
c) 306-874-7976 w) 306-752-8822