Theresa Dean

Guest focused Front Desk professional and Activities Director with extensive experience in resort operations, high‑volume check‑ins, and late‑night guest support. Skilled in managing reservations, processing payments with accuracy, balancing daily reports, and resolving guest concerns with calm, confident professionalism. Known for creating a warm, welcoming environment and delivering service that reflects a Disney‑inspired standard of hospitality.

Disney-trained in guest engagement, with a track record of driving revenue and customer satisfaction. Excel at multitasking in fast‑paced settings, maintaining organized workspaces, and collaborating seamlessly with housekeeping, maintenance, and food/beverage teams to ensure smooth operations.

Volunteer Camp Host at California State Parks & Recreation (2025-10 – 2026-01)

Assisted with campground operations and guest support including reservations, check-in procedures, and facility maintenance.

• Assisted with reservations by providing information for first-come-first-served sites during the off-peak season
• Welcomed and provided guidance by greeting campers, answering questions, and helping with check-in procedures
• Maintained campground facilities ensuring picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and drinking water spigots are clean and functional
• Ensured campers followed park rules, such as campsite occupancy limits, fire safety, and keeping pets leashed
• Managed firewood availability and sales while advising campers of local conditions, especially during snow or wet weather

Activities Director for Santa Barbara & Soledad Canyon, CA at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso and Soledad Canyon RV Resorts (2024-04 – 2025-06)

Oversaw comprehensive event management including venue setup, catering coordination, audiovisual needs, and attendee accommodations for over 100 annual events.

• Spearheaded over 100 events annually, resulting in a 30% increase in guest participation and satisfaction
• Processed invoices, receipts, and post event reports within required timelines
• Orchestrated a budget of $70k, reducing costs by 15% in 30 days, while maintaining high-quality programming between 2024 to 2025
• Served as the on‑site point of contact for internal teams and outside vendors, including A/V, rentals, entertainment, and specialty services
• Collaborated with a team of 4 staff members, improving team productivity by 20% through targeted training and development initiatives
• Implemented feedback mechanisms that increased guest satisfaction scores by 25%
• Authored and designed a complete and comprehensive leadership training program, focusing on teambuilding, conflict resolution, and effective communication for all activities supervisors
• Streamlined administrative processes by implementing organized filing and network systems, resulting in a 20% improvement in document retrieval times
• Managed confidential event documentation and electronic records with discretion, utilizing Microsoft Office tools to enhance workflow efficiency within 2 months
• Coordinated travel arrangements for entertainment and vendors, while managing sensitive information with the utmost discretion

Work Camper Resort Manager at Glen Echo Resort (2023-10 – 2024-04)

Ensured seamless day-to-day resort activities with reservations, group events, check-in and check-out procedures while implementing revenue and operational improvements.

• Ensured seamless and efficient day-to-day resort activities, with reservations, group reservations, group events, check-in and check-out procedures, resulting in a 20% improvement in operational efficiency
• Implemented measures resulting in a 15% reduction in expenses due to inaccurate reconciliation with store merchandise and purchasing
• Fostered a collaborative and high-performance work environment, which increased staff productivity by 25% and reduced turnover by 10%
• Initiated training programs to elevate staff performance and uphold the resort's standards of excellence, leading to a 30% improvement in guest service ratings
• Developed and implemented innovative guest experience initiatives, such as themed events and personalized services, resulting in a 20% increase in positive online reviews
• Analyzed guest feedback and market trends to continuously refine service offerings and exceed guest expectations, leading to a 15% increase in repeat guest bookings
• Formulated and executed revenue management strategies, including targeted promotions, resulting in a 12% increase in overall resort revenue
• Identified new business opportunities to drive revenue growth, leading to a 10% increase in new guest acquisitions
• Established and nurtured key partnerships with local businesses and attractions to enhance the resort's offerings, resulting in a 15% increase in guest participation in local activities
• Negotiated yearly vendor contracts and agreements to bring exclusive experiences to resort guests, increasing yearly guest commitments by an additional 18%

Admission Advisor (Remote Position) - Sales at Thrive DX (formerly Hacker USA) (2021-08 – 2023-09)

Guided prospective students through the admissions process using CRM systems and conducted virtual information sessions.

• Successfully guided prospective students through the admissions process, resulting in a 15% increase in enrollment rates
• Utilized CRM systems remotely to track and manage leads, improving follow-up efficiency by 20%
• Developed, wrote and designed, as well as conducted virtual information sessions, curriculum material and one-on-one consultations, enhancing prospective student engagement by 10%

Work Camper/Host Guest Services-Reservations/On-Site Workcamper at Spanish Trail RV Resort (2019-09 – 2020-02)

Managed sales and reservations via multiple channels while performing front desk duties and administrative responsibilities.

• Managed sales and reservations via phone, internet, and email, increasing booking efficiency by 20% through streamlined processes
• Assisted guests with site specifications according to size, additional vehicles, and people, improving guest satisfaction by 15%
• Utilized CVUE Reservations and Excel documents for group bookings, enhanced accuracy and reduced booking errors by 10%
• Performed front desk duties, administrative responsibilities, and janitorial tasks throughout the resort, contributing to a 10% improvement in overall guest experience

Work Camper/Guest Services-Reservations/On-Site Workcamper at Sun Communities, Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground (2019-02 – 2019-08)

Managed sales and reservations via multiple channels while performing front desk duties and administrative responsibilities.

• Managed sales and reservations via phone, internet, and email, increasing booking efficiency by 10% through streamlined processes
• Assisted guests with site specifications according to size, additional vehicles, and people, improving guest satisfaction by 75%
• Utilized CVUE Reservations and Excel documents for group bookings, enhancing accuracy and reducing booking errors by 300%
• Performed front desk duties, administrative responsibilities, and janitorial tasks throughout the resort, contributing to a 32% improvement in overall guest experience

Regional Director of Admissions (Remote Position) at High School Education Coach (HSEC) (2009-02 – 2019-11)

Collaborated with admissions teams through targeted outreach, enrollment data analysis, and CRM management to increase regional enrollment and conversion rates.

• Collaborated with 5 teams of admissions advisors, through targeted outreach sales & marketing engagement strategies
• Increasing awareness through high school presentations, increasing regional enrollment by 25% per year
• Analyzed enrollment data to identify trends and opportunities, utilizing digital and social media and targeted emails resulting in a 15% increase in conversion rates between all 5 teams
• Utilized CRM systems to track and manage leads, improving follow-up efficiency by 20%
• Authored and designed virtual information sessions, curriculum material and one-on-one consultations, enhancing prospective student engagement by 22%
• Successfully guided prospective students through the admissions process, resulting in a 13% increase in enrollment rates
• Implemented training programs for new advisors, improving team performance and consistency by 37%

Entertainment Character and Dixieland Banjo Musician at Disneyland (1982-09 – 1993-11)

Served in a dual role as a live entertainer, character actor, and Dixieland banjo musician with mentorship from Disney executives.

• Served in a dual role that blended hands-on mentorship with Disney executives and creative performance as a live entertainer, character actor, and Dixieland banjo musician
• Developed deep knowledge of guest engagement, brand storytelling, and entertainment production while contributing to some of the park's most beloved performances and experiences
• Disney Magic Award for exceptional guest engagement and commitment to performance excellence
• Character Performer of the Year nominee for consistent professionalism and creativity in portraying beloved characters
• Backstage Excellence Commendation for contributions to entertainment programming and mentorship