Paige Gaikowski, CFSP
Sherwood
Summary
Possessing strong organizational skills, I consistently execute my work with efficiency. My genuine demeanor enables me to create personal connections, a vital aspect of the funeral industry. Over time, I have gained a diverse array of roles in this field, encompassing fast-paced and high-stress environments, compassionate support for individuals in challenging times, attention to detail, proficient secretarial duties, and coordination with external services. Moreover, my managerial background has equipped me with leadership abilities and the aptitude to offer guidance as necessary.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Moore's Funeral Home
02.2024 - Current
- Handled all aspects of funeral service, from receiving a loved one into our care, making funeral arrangements with the family, arranging all third party vendors, memorial packages, preparing the deceased for services, and working day of funeral services.
- Provided grief support and resources for bereaved families during a difficult time, offering empathy and understanding.
- Worked with numerous outside vendors on scheduling, and providing services for the families we are caring for.
- Communicated with coroners offices, the medical examiners office, and medical professionals.
- Developed a high level of confidence when handling difficult cases related to unembalmed remains, lengthy restoration procedures, as well as basic dressing, casketing and cosmetizing deceased.
- Mentored apprentices in proper procedures, fostering an environment of continuous learning within the team.
- Managed an on site crematory ensuring all paperwork and tracking systems were in order.
Tissue Recovery Coordinator
Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency - ARORA
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Did regular assessment, recovery, packaging, and shipment of tissues for transplantation and research purposes according to industry standards.
- Maintained the quality of recovered tissues by adhering to strict sterile techniques and proper handling procedures.
- Promoted a strong team environment within the tissue recovery department, fostering open communication and shared responsibility for achieving key performance goals.
Manager - Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Boyd Funeral Home
01.2020 - 08.2023
- Managed the staff to ensure all daily functions were working well.
- Performed embalming procedures and completed case study reports.
- Often coordinated and individually completed transfer of deceased into the funeral home.
- Communicated with coroners offices and medical professionals.
- Developed a high level of confidence when handling difficult cases related to unembalmed remains, lengthy restoration procedures, as well as basic dressing, casketing and cosmetizing deceased.
- Displayed highest level of professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with grieving family members.
- Discussed pre-arranged funeral options and explained pricing to clients.
- Worked with numerous outside vendors on scheduling, and providing services for the families we were caring for.
- Completed monthly and yearly reports, both for the funeral home and state to ensure we were in compliance.
- Communicated with insurance companies to secure death benefits for payment of services.
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Roller Funeral Homes
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Traveled to the central Arkansas Roller locations to assist where needed.
- Help in all duties necessary in the funeral process, including: office duties and paperwork, family arrangements, scheduling with outside groups, as well as scheduling and directing additional staff when necessary, and all prep room activities.
- Work with various insurance companies to collect funds on behalf of the families served, as well as followed up with the families to offer additional assistance if needed.
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Scott Funeral Home
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Participated in all daily activities of a 3-location, 500/year call volume, family owned and operated funeral home and crematory in Southern Indiana/Louisville, Kentucky area.
- Active in all aspects of the funeral home—including: family arrangements, office needs; preparing obituaries, stationary packages and death certificates, prep room activities; full preparation with experience doing autopsy cases, dressing, cosmetics and casketing individuals, and crematory experience (both the human and pet side).
- Worked on a call schedule and weekend rotation.
- Frequently assisted the coroners office with cleanup and removal of unattended deaths, accidents, and suicide cases.
- Comfortable working alone if needed but excel in a strong team environment.
Education
B.S - Mortuary Science
Mid-America College of Funeral Service
2016
B.A. - Business Management
Dakota State University
2015
Skills
- Effective Communication Skills
- Proficient Computer Skills
- Effective Time Management
- Team Management
- Driven Work Ethic
- Funeral Regulations Expertise
- Administrative Expertise
- HIPPA Compliance
- OSHA Knowledge and Training
- Compassionate communication
Additional Information
- Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Arkansas, #25123
- Crematory Retort Operatory in Arkansas, #25123 State of Arkansas
- Prepaid Insurance License, #19598843
- Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), 2024
- Arkansas Notary Public
- Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Indiana, #21700045 – Currently Inactive
- Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Kentucky, #6970 – Currently Inactive
Professional References
Devin Cole - 501-454-6812 - Manager, Gateway
Bro. Jimmy Wallace - 501-412-8241 - Retired Minister, Part-time Funeral Director
Blake Ruff - 501-690-0026 - Embalmer, Ruff Mortuary
Timeline
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Moore's Funeral Home
02.2024 - Current
Tissue Recovery Coordinator
Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency - ARORA
09.2023 - 02.2024
Manager - Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Boyd Funeral Home
01.2020 - 08.2023
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Roller Funeral Homes
01.2019 - 01.2020
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Scott Funeral Home
01.2015 - 01.2019
B.A. - Business Management
Dakota State University
B.S - Mortuary Science
Mid-America College of Funeral Service
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