Professional Experience
Committee On Missing Persons In Cyprus (CMP)
Health & Safety Specialist, April 2009-August 2014
The CMP is responsible for searching for remains of missing Greek and Turkish Cypriots from the 1964 and 1974 conflicts. Due to my background in health and safety, and first aid, I was given the responsibility of increasing safety at excavation sites and at the anthropological laboratory. In working with the committee, I prepared several reports on ways in which safety can be increased, and worked with everyone involved in implementing the recommendations. To assist in this venture I created a general Health & Safety manual, a specific CMP Health & Safety manual, and a Health & Safety website. In conjunction with safety, I provided first aid training sessions for members of the excavation teams. In addition, I was involved in actual excavating and looking for remains at various sites throughout the island.
Cypriot National Guard, 2008-2009
As a repatriated Cypriot, it was my duty and honor, to serve in the Cypriot National Guard. The emphasis was on teamwork, maintenance of equipment, weapons training, and logistics.
Cyprus Book Exhibition Attendant, Fall of 2008
Volunteered for 3 months at a book exhibition sponsored by the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO. The purpose of the exhibition was to increase cultural and historic awareness.
Toronto CPR
Account Manager, 2003-2007
This was a company I set up along with a business partner. We started from scratch and within three years build it up to a $300,000 a year company. Our focus was training people in first aid, CPR, and defibrillation, in accordance with Canadian Red Cross and Workplace Safety & Insurance Board standards. Our customers were primarily students who came to our public courses, and companies which hired us to teach their staff on site. We had a staff of about ten contracted instructors, and organized courses throughout the GTA. Having now sold my share of the company I have remained as an instructor and instructor trainer. During my three years with the company I was responsible for:
- Generating and maintaining new accounts through marketing and selling initiatives
- Hiring and training of new staff, as well as looking after scheduling, payroll, and dealing with instructor issues
- Organizing and scheduling over 30 courses per month.
- Managing inventory: ordering and restocking, shipping to courses
- Reconciling all accounts, payroll, banking, and administration
- Dealing with inquiries and customer issues
- Maintaining the company website
- Reference Letter #1
- Reference Letter #2
City of Mississauga, Frank Mckechnie Community Centre
Assistant Aquatic Supervisor, 2004-2005 (1 yr/pt contract)
During my time with the City of Mississauga I was responsible for:
- Supervising over 40 aquatic staff
- Dealing with customer service issues
- Conducting in-service training
- Recording and submitting payroll
- Responsible for scheduling, monitoring, and evaluating all leadership courses
- Assuring that instructors have the required materials.
Canadian Red Cross, Toronto
Manager, First Aid & Safety Services, 2000-2003
Along with my staff of 6 full time employees we increased profits in the department by 30%. This was achieved by aggressive marketing and more efficient use of resources. My duties included:
- Preparing yearly budget and assuring it was adhered to
- Reconciling AR and AP accounts
- Developing marketing and promotional strategies to achieve revenue expectations
- Preparing monthly reports for Regional Director
- Scheduling courses and instructors for all first aid & CPR courses
- Hiring and training office staff and instructors, as well as conducting performance evaluations
- Contributing to the Senior Management Team which dealt with regional issues
- Reference Letter #1
- Reference Letter #2
- Red Cross Qualifications List
Sport Alliance of Ontario, 2000-2004
Assisted in developing and testing a new Sport First Aid program, as well as training new instructors.
City of Toronto
Leisure Complex Pool Manager, 1999-2000 (1 year contract)
- Managing day-to-day operations of the facility such as scheduling of staff, resolving staff performance issues, and dealing with customer concerns
- Responsible for staff in-service training, orientations, and staff qualification checks
- Ensuring that safety standards and M.O.H. regulations were maintained
Scarborough Swim Club, 1998-2000
As a swim coach I was responsible for coaching 2 novice groups, and assisting with the provincial group. in addition, I looked after taking my groups to competitions designed to orient them to the competitive world of swimming.
Lifesaving Society of Canada, 1997-2008
As an instructor of lifeguarding courses (NLS, Bronze Cross, Medallion) I am responsible for teaching young students all aspects of lifeguarding, examining their skills, and assuring the environment is safe and conducive to learning. Over the years I must have taught over 600 students on how to become lifeguards.
Pool People Limited, 1991-1996
My position with Pool People LTD involved the coordination of a multi-million dollar recreation centre of three luxury condominiums. I was responsible for:
- Maintaining a safe environment in accordance with health & safety regulations
- Facilitating the hiring, scheduling, and supervising of staff for various activities such as life guarding, swimming classes, aerobic classes, aqua-fitness classes, art classes, and martial art lessons
- Enhancing recreational opportunities by organizing events such as squash, badminton, billiard, and tennis tournaments, as well as organized trips to various attractions
- Reference Letter #1
- Reference Letter #2
- Reference Letter #3
- Reference Letter #4
Canadian Red Cross, Toronto
Instructor/Instructor Trainer, 1983-2008
Since getting involved in teaching AED, first aid, CPR, and instructor’s courses I estimate that I have taught over 40,000 students. Always providing a safe, and comfortable learning environment.
City of Toronto - Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre
Head Lifeguard / Instructor, 1985 - 1991
When I first started working at DSAC it was as a lifeguard. Then I obtained my qualifications to instruct swimming lessons. Soon after that I applied, and was accepted, as a head guard / instructor. In this position I was responsible for:
- Assisting the manager in organizing and booking instructors for the various programs
- Assuring that students were placed in the right level and that instructors had the tools to conduct the classes effectively
- Dealing with parents that brought issues to our attention