MEREDITH R. SOMMER
Louisville
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
LOWE ELEMENTARY
Louisville, KY
07.2016 - Current
- Delivered instruction individually or in small groups with support from instructor.
- Tutored and assisted children to help master assignments and reinforce learning concepts.
- Evaluated individual student needs and assessed academic and social situations to address challenges and goals.
- Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
TEACHER
ST. MATTHEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL
Louisville, KY
07.2013 - 06.2016
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
RELOCATION MANAGER
Rainey, Jones and Shaw Realtors
Louisville, KY
08.2006 - 02.2010
- Handled inquiries from prospective and current customers with real estate needs.
KEY ACCOUNT
ONECOAST NETWORK
Chicago, IL
12.2001 - 07.2006
- Directed sales for large chain retailers and direct mail catalog accounts including Target.com, Macy's, Sears, The Great Indoors, Touch of Class & Seventh Avenue.
- Negotiated and finalized all contract and agreement terms with over 30 suppliers, vendors and business partners.
- Implemented and used multimedia tools and technology to facilitate Internet sales and ecommerce.
- Received the 2005 Spotlight of Excellence Award for client retention.∙ Selected for international trip to Asia to provide buyers with merchandise trend reviews and select product mix from Vietnam and China for The Great Indoors retain chain.
MERCHANDISER
ALSTO
Highland Park, IL
08.2001 - 06.2002
- Small retail catalog organization providing innovative products for internal and external residential décor.
- Directed all aspects of Sky Mall catalog from product selection to final layout for major airlines including United, American and Delta.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Studied and monitored market trends to identify potential suppliers.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
BUYER
PANACHE
Libertyville, KY
02.1999 - 08.2001
- Small catalog-based company specializing in themed party and event supplies, décor and apparel for corporate and private events.
- Researched competitors and sourced new vendors.
- Assessed trends and inventory usage to provide maximum product coverage for different time frames.
- Negotiated product prices, discounts and shipping incentives with vendors.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Spiegel Catalog
Downers Grove, IL
05.1998 - 02.1999
- Assisted in product development across all apparel categories for a new contemporary Women’s catalog entitled Elements.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Textiles & Apparel
OHIO DOMINICAN COLLEGE
Columbus, OH.01.1998
Skills
- Vendor relationship management
- Procurement
- Cost reduction strategies
- Strategic marketing
- Demand forecasting
- Verbal and written communication
- Multi-tasking strength
- New market research
Timeline
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
LOWE ELEMENTARY
07.2016 - Current
TEACHER
ST. MATTHEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL
07.2013 - 06.2016
RELOCATION MANAGER
Rainey, Jones and Shaw Realtors
08.2006 - 02.2010
KEY ACCOUNT
ONECOAST NETWORK
12.2001 - 07.2006
MERCHANDISER
ALSTO
08.2001 - 06.2002
BUYER
PANACHE
02.1999 - 08.2001
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Spiegel Catalog
05.1998 - 02.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Textiles & Apparel
OHIO DOMINICAN COLLEGE