Destanie Hager
Lexington
Summary
Dedicated educator with proven leadership in classroom organization and student advocacy. Adept at fostering inclusive environments and implementing individualized education plans, ensuring diverse learners thrive.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kitchen Specialist
Pathways Learning Academy
Lexington, KY
12.2025 - Current
- Prepared and organized ingredients for daily meal services, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Supported inventory management by tracking supplies and placing orders as needed for kitchen operations.
- Implemented portion control techniques to minimize food waste while maintaining quality standards.
- Provided training to new staff on kitchen protocols and safety procedures to ensure consistency in operations.
- Adapted quickly to changing menus and dietary requirements, demonstrating flexibility in high-pressure situations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workspaces to promote efficient operations.
Learning and Behavioral Disorders Paraeducator
Fayette County School System
Lexington, KY
07.2025 - 02.2026
- Assisted students with daily activities and learning tasks, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement individualized education plans tailored to student needs.
- Coordinated small group instruction to reinforce lessons and facilitate peer learning opportunities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve instructional strategies and support techniques.
- Supported classroom management by reinforcing positive behavior and addressing challenges effectively.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted teachers in managing classrooms effectively by maintaining clear expectations, enforcing rules consistently, and reinforcing positive behavior choices.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive learning environment by addressing behavioral issues promptly and following established protocols.
- Strengthened communication between school staff, parents, and students by serving as a liaison for information sharing.
- Documented behaviors, implemented interventions, and treatment results.
Lead Teacher
Childcare Network
Lexington, KY
09.2023 - 07.2025
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Mentored and trained new teachers on curriculum standards and classroom management techniques.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting emotional and social development.
- Collaborated with parents and caregivers to support children's learning goals effectively.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor student progress and adapt instructional strategies.
- Implemented behavior management strategies improving overall classroom discipline and culture.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Designed and executed project-based learning experiences, promoting teamwork, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections for students.
Delivery Driver/Trainer
KeeWest Logistics
Lexington, KY
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Trained new delivery drivers on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Developed training materials to enhance driver performance and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated hands-on training sessions to ensure efficient delivery practices among staff.
- Mentored junior trainers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning.
- Reduced accident rates by providing thorough instruction in defensive driving techniques and vehicle maintenance best practices.
- Boosted on-time delivery performance through the implementation of time management strategies and route planning techniques during training sessions.
- Served as a mentor for new hires, offering guidance and support throughout their onboarding process and providing valuable insights into company culture and expectations.
- Promoted teamwork among drivers through team-building exercises designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships and improve collaboration within the group setting.
Lead Teacher
Big Blue Bird Early Childhood Center
Lexington, KY
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Organized rooms in line with current educational thinking to maximize educational opportunities for students.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
Lead Teacher
All About Kids Childcare Center
Lexington, KY
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Organized extracurricular activities enhancing student engagement and community involvement.
- Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
General Manager
Big City Pizza
Lexington, KY
12.2019 - 10.2021
- Led operational strategies to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Implemented staff training programs that improved employee performance and retention rates.
- Streamlined kitchen operations, resulting in improved food preparation times and quality standards.
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control measures.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture through team-building activities and effective communication practices.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Learning And Behavioral Disorders P-12
Asbury College
Wilmore12-2027
Skills
- IEP compliance
- Classroom organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Learning disabilities support
- Verbal and written communication
- Student advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Recreation program leadership
- Team leadership skills
- Leadership and supervision
- Teamwork and leadership qualities
Affiliations
RISE Football Club
*Head soccer coach for U11 boys team
*Assistant soccer coach for U9 coed team
Certification
- Licensed Soccer Coach
- Lexington-Fayette County Food Safety Manger Training (2026-2029)
- First Aid/CPR AED certification (2026-2028)
- NCRC Gold Status Certification (2017)
Timeline
Kitchen Specialist
Pathways Learning Academy
12.2025 - Current
Learning and Behavioral Disorders Paraeducator
Fayette County School System
07.2025 - 02.2026
Lead Teacher
Childcare Network
09.2023 - 07.2025
Delivery Driver/Trainer
KeeWest Logistics
08.2022 - 05.2023
Lead Teacher
Big Blue Bird Early Childhood Center
05.2022 - 08.2022
Lead Teacher
All About Kids Childcare Center
12.2021 - 05.2022
General Manager
Big City Pizza
12.2019 - 10.2021
Bachelor of Science - Learning And Behavioral Disorders P-12
Asbury College