Meet The CQL Team
Gretchen Block
CQL Director of Partner Engagement
Gretchen Block serves as the point person for organizations and systems as they participate in CQL services, working directly with them throughout the process. Gretchen has over 25 years of experience in the field, holding a variety of positions for a large multi-state non-profit organization.
EMAIL MEGretchen Block
Betsy Burns
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Betsy Burns is a seasoned professional experienced in many multi-faceted programs. Betsy has served in positions like Director of Education and Training, Director of Children’s Services, Director of Support Services, Director of Service Coordination, and Assistant V.P. of Program Administration.
EMAIL MEBetsy Burns
Michael Clausen
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Michael Clausen has been improving the quality of services for people with disabilities since 2002. His experience includes Direct Support, Case Management, Quality Enhancement, Compliance, Staff Development, Community Outreach, and supporting people with psychiatric and forensic backgrounds.
EMAIL MEMichael Clausen
Trina Meeth
CQL Vice President of Finance and Administration
Trina Meeth oversees finances, human resources, information technology, and operations for CQL. Prior to joining CQL, Trina was the Director of Finance for Centare Holdings, Inc. Trina holds a Master’s Degree in Finance as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
EMAIL METrina Meeth
Katherine Dunbar
CQL Vice President of Accreditation
Katherine Dunbar leads CQL Accreditation initiatives, providing leadership for staff, creating resources, and building relationships. Katherine has decades of experience in the field, holding various leadership positions and overseeing hundreds of people in multiple states.
EMAIL MEKatherine Dunbar
Carli Friedman, Ph.D.
CQL Director of Research
Carli Friedman, Ph.D., oversees all CQL data analyses and research projects, along with providing consultation about quality enhancement. Carli’s research examines quality of life, community integration, social determinants of health, and ableism.
EMAIL MECarli Friedman, Ph.D.
Megan Harris
Bookkeeper & Administrative Assistant
Megan Harris has 20 years of experience in customer service, accounting, and administration in human services and specialty retail organizations. Megan studied business administration at Frostburg State University and Carroll Community College.
EMAIL MEMegan Harris
Kristen Heichel
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Kristen Heichel has been a Quality Enhancement Specialist for CQL beginning in 2018. Since 2010, Kristen has maintained Personal Outcome Measures® Trainer and Interviewer Certification for Children and Youth, and has conducted many POM interviews across the lifespan.
EMAIL MEKristen Heichel
Kendra Julius
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Kendra Julius has spent her career providing supports to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has worked in the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities, where she assessed the compliance of state-certified agencies, which included CQL Accreditation.
EMAIL MEKendra Julius
Angela Rapp Kennedy
CQL Vice President of Systems Transformation
Angela Rapp Kennedy supervises CQL’s special projects, state contracts, quality assurance and improvement efforts, business and professional development activities for the organization, as well as directs and manages training offerings and ongoing education.
EMAIL MEAngela Rapp Kennedy
Jen Papouchis
CQL Support Systems Specialist
Jen Papouchis coordinates administrative and operational functions for CQL. Jen is also responsible for identifying, implementing, and maintaining processes to improve efficiencies and correspondence. Prior to joining CQL, she was a Training Coordinator at a human services organization in Iowa.
EMAIL MEJen Papouchis
Seth Petre
CQL Director of Marketing
Seth Petre develops marketing strategies and implements communication tactics across CQL’s offerings through online, social, print, and in-person channels. Prior to joining CQL, Seth worked as a Marketing Specialist for Bethesda Lutheran Communities and a Creative Services Producer for a local television station.
EMAIL MESeth Petre
Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D.
CQL President & Chief Executive Officer
Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D., provides leadership concerning all operational, administrative, and strategic initiatives of the organization. Prior to joining CQL, Mary Kay was the Associate Director and a Clinical Associate Professor of the Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD).
EMAIL MEMary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Sites
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Elizabeth Sites has decades of experience in supporting people with disabilities, working in direct support, case management, and as a director with both small providers and several multi-state providers. She also has extensive experience in the Personal Outcome Measures® and Basic Assurances®.
EMAIL MEElizabeth Sites
Jill Westring
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Jill Westring has more than 30 years of experience in human services, including program development and oversight, consultation, training, and supervision. Jill’s involvement in CQL began in 2001, following a few years as a Personal Outcome Measures® trainer.
EMAIL ME