

Melissa A. Willis
artist, teacher, entry-level accounting
I am an artist that is legally blind, currently living in Portland, Ontario and looking for work in any field.
Having vision loss has never stopped me from accomplishing my goals and enjoying life, not even from exploring Europe.
My philosophy is based on the thought that everything is possible. One just needs to find the way to accomplish the task/dream, because life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Being a lifelong learner as well encourages me to take on new challenges and push myself as my parents always told me there was nothing I could not do, I only had to try. Failure is not meant to be feared, but embraced as a testament to trying.
My art is a way to see and discover the world around me by observation and my own perception. I never truly know what the viewer would see, for in truth I can never fully see my pieces as my vision is blurry and am only capable of seeing light, high contrast and colours. Many have asked me how I can create art with such low vision and I can never fully explain it to them for I do not understand it myself.
Commission work to me is another tool to discover and meet new people I never would come across on a day-to-day basis. It gives me the privilege of briefly learning about someone by working with them one-on-one. Work created for others is a glimpse of my perspective and a piece of the individual that will receive the completed piece.
To learn more about my education and work background please scroll further down to view my resume.

Artist, teacher, life long learner.

Outside my home in Portland, Ontario

On the Spanish steps in Rome, Italy during a two month stay in Europe, 2010 with stops in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, and Luxembourg.
Resume
Highlights
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Established a professional rapport with fellow colleagues that earned their respect
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Excellent written and oral English skills when communicating with others internally and externally
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Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; capable of working well within a group or independently
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Proven ability to maintain a well-disciplined and highly motivated team environment
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Competent to act logically and remain calm and non-confrontational in order to effectively evaluate and respond to situations
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Positive and caring personality; compassionate, empathetic and non-judgmental by nature
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Interact with others in friendly and professional manner; patient and reliable
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Offer individual support and provide positive encouragement to ensure that each colleague succeeds
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Good knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access; Internet Search Applications and Adaptive Technology, Simply Accounting
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Knowledge of event planning, fundraising, marketing and public relations
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Multi-task oriented individual; able to set, prioritize and meet deadlines through the use of critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving skills to complete tasks and projects in a timely matter
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Demonstrated capacity to learn quickly on the job, with minimal supervision
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Detail oriented; follow instructions, guidelines and procedures accurately
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Enthusiastic, hard worker with strong work ethic; willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities
Currently:
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Just recovered from health issues and volunteer with Accessibility Advisory Committee in township
Future Plans:
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Continue forward to see where life and work takes me.
Skills & Experience
Guest Services Coordinator
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Follow up on applications: for instance, incomplete information, health forms, payments, questions, etc.
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Respond to all communications in a timely manner
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Provide confidential and professional support pre-season, during main guest season, and post-season.
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Worked in a team environment to effectively represent the organization’s mission
Teaching
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Positive and caring personality, compassionate, empathetic and non-judgmental by nature
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Use critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills on daily basis to implement lesson plans
Office Administration
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Skilled in daily office responsibilities, including Accounts Payable/Receivable and coding
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Provide excellent client service
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Responded to client inquiries and\or complaint issues in a timely professional manner
Event Planner
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Assisted with the planning and execution of both 50th Birthday and iFactor music contest through CNIB
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Mobilized committees to facilitate the planning of volunteer teams to ensure support for successful events
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Managed the mutual responsibilities and expectations of both volunteers and staff
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Worked in a team environment to effectively represent the organization’s mission
Bookkeeper for Actor/Yoga Instructor
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Tracking revenue and expenses in relation to both careers and for HST purposes
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Reconciling expenses after a completed contract for tax returns
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Compiling information for final tax returns every year using Microsoft Excel and receipts
Professional Development:
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Developing Literacy in the Social Sciences — Allan Hux speech, TDSB
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Come Walk Awhile in Our Shoes, Canadian History Workshop
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OCT/OTF Presentation & Boards Fair
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Teaching Overseas Recruitment Fair (TORF), Queens University, Kingston, ON
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Europe travels from January 12, 2010 to March 8, 2010, and April 2014
Employment & History
Event Planner
Administration
Supply Teacher
Guest Services Coordinator
Administration
Education & Training
Bachelor of Fine Arts Honors in Visual Arts Studio
Bachelor of Education (Visual Arts and History)
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Professional Development Workshops and Courses for education
Professional Accounting Diploma
Volunteer / Community Involvement
Accessibility Advisory Committee Member
Skate the Lake
Rideau Lakes Public Library
SLICE Artist Participant - Innercity Art Show
References
Available upon request
CNIB, Toronto and Ottawa, ON
BDO Canada, Manotick, ON
Toronto District School Board - Toronto, ON
CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, MacTier, ON
Dr. L. Sulyma, Toronto, ON
York University, Toronto, ON
York University, Toronto, ON
Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON
Township of Rideau Lakes, ON
Portland, ON
Elgin, ON
Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON Toronto, ON
2010-2011
2000-2011
2006-2010
2008-2010
2007-2008
2005
2006
2013
2019 - Present
2017 - Present
2019 - Present
2013 2010