Kayan Mcfarlane-Small

Versatile education and operations professional with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience spanning mathematics instruction, department leadership, senior teaching responsibilities, retail operations, staff supervision, customer service, inventory control, and vendor management. Brings a strong record of mentoring employees and educators, improving day-to-day performance, analyzing results, resolving problems, and building productive relationships. Combines the structure and analytical discipline of an experienced mathematics educator with hands-on business management expertise.

STORE MANAGER - Health Conscious Natural Foods - Queens, New York

(2020-01)

• Direct daily store operations, staff activities, customer service, cash-handling procedures, inventory controls, merchandising support, and opening/closing functions.
• Supervise, train, motivate, and support employees to maintain service standards, productivity, accountability, and a positive customer experience.
• Monitor inventory levels, reconcile physical counts, maintain accurate inventory records, and coordinate replenishment to support product availability.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships to support reliable sourcing, competitive pricing, and efficient store operations.
• Resolve customer concerns and operational issues promptly while implementing practical process improvements that strengthen safety, efficiency, and service quality.
• Review sales and operating information to identify trends, support decisions, and improve day-to-day store performance.

RETAIL ASSOCIATE / OPERATIONS TEAM MEMBER - Health Conscious Natural Foods - Queens, New York

(2019-01 - 2020-12)

• Supported daily retail operations, customer service, product organization, inventory activities, and routine opening/closing responsibilities.
• Built strong product and operational knowledge while providing responsive customer assistance and maintaining an organized, service-focused environment.
• Demonstrated reliability and leadership potential, progressing into store management responsibilities in 2020.

SENIOR MATHEMATICS TEACHER - Ministry of Education - Kingston, Jamaica W.I.

(2007-01 - 2019-12)

• Delivered mathematics instruction using structured lesson planning, differentiated teaching strategies, educational technology, and individualized academic support.
• Developed assessments, quizzes, and progress-monitoring tools to evaluate student understanding and guide instructional adjustments.
• Mentored and supported less-experienced teachers in instructional techniques, classroom management, lesson delivery, and mathematics teaching practices.
• Applied data-informed approaches to identify learning gaps and strengthen student understanding of challenging mathematical concepts.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - MATHEMATICS - Ministry of Education - Kingston, Jamaica W.I.

(2004-01 - 2019-12)

• Provided instructional leadership for the Mathematics Department while continuing classroom teaching responsibilities.
• Supported curriculum planning, assessment development, instructional consistency, teacher mentoring, and departmental coordination.
• Guided mathematics teachers in effective instructional strategies and classroom management practices to strengthen overall teaching quality.
• Promoted collaborative planning and the use of assessment results to identify student needs and improve instructional effectiveness.

CLASSROOM MATHEMATICS TEACHER - Ministry of Education - Kingston, Jamaica W.I.

(2002-01 - 2019-12)

• Taught mathematics to students with diverse learning needs and abilities, creating engaging lessons aligned with national curriculum expectations.
• Designed lesson plans, classroom activities, assessments, and quizzes to build mathematical understanding and measure student progress.
• Provided individualized support to students requiring additional assistance with mathematics concepts and problem-solving skills.
• Maintained effective classroom management and fostered an organized, respectful, and academically focused learning environment.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MATHEMATICS EDUCATION - University of the West Indies (2008-05)

DIPLOMA - MATHEMATICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - Bethlehem Moravian College (2002-05)