ALISHA DUNN
Dunedin North,Dunedin
Summary
I am an empathetic and highly motivated individual with experience supporting people in healthcare, education, and community settings. Through my roles as a helpline volunteer with SHOUT UK, a volunteer with Riding for the Disabled, and my work in a private brain health clinic, I have developed strong skills in communication, teaching, and facilitation. I am confident in leading discussions, explaining complex information in an accessible way, and supporting people with sensitivity in challenging situations. I bring reliability, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where people feel empowered to learn and grow.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Neurotherapy
Brain Health and Biofeedback Clinic
Central Dunedin , Dunedin
01.2025 - Current
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Identified needs of patients promptly and efficiently.
- Deliver clear explanations of the therapies to patients and families, adapting communication to different ages, backgrounds, and levels of understanding
- Educated patients on lifestyle, cognitive, and behavioural strategies to support brain health and wellbeing
- Developed strong interpersonal skills through one-on-one sessions with patients.
- Provide frontline support in the clinic, working directly with clinics and healthcare professions
- Assesit with client intake, appointment coordination, administravie takss to ensure smooth clinic operations.
- Communicate with patients and families in a professional, respectful, and empathetic manner.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow strict ethical standards in handling sensitive health information.
- Contribute to a positive and supportive clinic environment through teamwork and adaptability.
Volunteer
SHOUT UK
10.2024 - Current
- Provide immediate support to children and adults experiencing a wide range of issues, including mental health crises, sexual health concerns, and experiences of violence.
- Use empathetic listening and clear communication to de-escalate distressing situations and provide reassurance.
- Deliver information and guidance in a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental way.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users.
- Develop skills in crisis management, active listening, and solution-focused support.
- Work alongside psychologists and supervisors
- Demonstrate resilience and professionalism when handling sensitive or emotionally challenging conversations.
Volunteer
Riding for the Disabled
Dunedin
01.2024 - Current
- Support riders of varying ages and abilities, providing encouragement and assistance to build confidence and independence.
- Assist with preparing horses and equipment to ensure a safe and supportive riding environment.
- Adapt communication and guidance to meet the diverse physical, emotional, and learning needs of participants.
- Foster an inclusive and positive atmosphere that promotes wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth.
- Work collaboratively with instructors and other volunteers to deliver safe and enjoyable riding sessions.
- Develop patience, empathy, and adaptability through regular interaction with individuals with disabilities.
Front of House – Wait staff
The Northern Club
Auckland CBD
08.2022 - 01.2025
- Memorised menu and offered recommendations, remained steps ahead of patrons' needs and desires and accurately gauged level of interest in conversation and small talk.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Cleaned tables after service and quickly reset supplies to maintain restaurant and service flow.
- Used POS system to input orders, create bills and issue receipts.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by quickly addressing and resolving complaints with food or service.
- Maintained neat, well-groomed appearance, impeccable personal hygiene, hair restraint to meet company standards.
- Answered customer questions about food and alcohol preparation, responding to ingredient and allergen concerns.
- Presented food and beverages to guests at tables.
- Provided excellent service to guests and created professional relationships.
- Trained new employees.
- Exceeded expectations of position and helped create a team working environment.
Wait Staff
Salt Bar and Restaurant
Dunedin
02.2024 - 11.2024
- Memorised menu and offered recommendations, remained steps ahead of patrons' needs and desires and accurately gauged level of interest in conversation and small talk.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Cleaned tables after service and quickly reset supplies to maintain restaurant and service flow.
- Used POS system to input orders, create bills and issue receipts.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by quickly addressing and resolving complaints with food or service.
- Maintained neat, well-groomed appearance, impeccable personal hygiene, and hair restraint to meet company standards.
- Answered customer questions about food and alcohol preparation, responding to ingredient and allergen concerns.
- Presented food and beverages to guests at tables.
- Manage sections individually under high volume and maintain flow.
- Under a duty manager's supervision, prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, tap and bottled beer.
- Stocked bar with beer, wine, liquor and related supplies.
- Advertised, marketed and recommended drink options to guests.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements needed to purchase alcohol.
- Used POS system to input orders, create bills and issue receipts.
- Managed high volume of shift customers.
Front of House Team Member - Bar staff
Brothers Beer
Mt Eden, Auckland
04.2021 - 07.2022
- Under a duty manager's supervision, prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, tap and bottled beer.
- Stocked bar with beer, wine, liquor and related supplies.
- Advertised, marketed and recommended drink options to guests.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements needed to purchase alcohol.
- Used POS system to input orders, create bills and issue receipts.
- Managed high volume of shift customers.
- Answered customer questions about food and alcohol preparation, responding to ingredient and allergen concerns.
- Presented food and beverages to guests at tables.
- Conducted weekly stock takes and reported stock levels.
- Closed bar, POS and cash register.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience And Psychology
The University Otago University
Dunedin, NZ06-2026
High School -
St Mary's College Ponsonby
AucklandSkills
- Point of Sale (POS) System Operations
- Fine Dining
- Menu Memorisation
- Bar training
- Critical Thinking
- First Aid/CPR
- Relationship Building
- People Skills
- Organisational Skills
- Customer Service
- Good Work Ethic
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Reliable & Trustworthy
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Interpersonal communication
- Self-Directed
- Leadership
- Flexible and adaptable
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
Certification
- Basic First aid Training, 2022
- NCEA levels 1, 2 & 3
- University Entrance
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 09/21/04
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Neurotherapy
Brain Health and Biofeedback Clinic
01.2025 - Current
Volunteer
SHOUT UK
10.2024 - Current
Wait Staff
Salt Bar and Restaurant
02.2024 - 11.2024
Volunteer
Riding for the Disabled
01.2024 - Current
Front of House – Wait staff
The Northern Club
08.2022 - 01.2025
Front of House Team Member - Bar staff
Brothers Beer
04.2021 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience And Psychology
The University Otago University
High School -
St Mary's College Ponsonby
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