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 Director of Personal Outcomes
Michael Clausen began his career as a Direct Support Specialist in 2002. Michael has been using the Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) for over a decade. His passion for the POM is a result of his first-hand experience in utilizing the tool. He has presented at conferences internationally, and recently, led the initiative to adapt the POM workshop into a virtual format.
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 Services and Systems Excellence
Katherine Dunbar oversees CQL’s core services and provides strategic direction involving accreditation, training, and certification. 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
Brandon Jerla
CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Brandon Jerla is a Quality Enhancement Specialist for CQL, providing accreditation, training, certification, and consultation services. He brings over 15 years of experience in health and human services with expertise in learning management systems, ID/DD, mental health, and dual diagnosis.
EMAIL MEBrandon Jerla
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
Rebecca Kasey
CQL Director of Special Projects
Rebecca Kasey is CQL's Director of Special Projects, bringing over a decade of experience in human services. In this role, Rebecca is responsible for planning, organizing, executing, monitoring, and directing projects to successful completion.
EMAIL MERebecca Kasey
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
Angela Rapp Kennedy
CQL Vice President of Special Projects
Angela Rapp Kennedy oversees CQL’s state partnerships and consultation, along with training solutions and resource development. Angela will also help lead business and professional development activities for the organization.
EMAIL MEAngela Rapp Kennedy
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.
Maddie Robin
Communications Specialist
Maddie Robin carries out CQL’s marketing strategies through writing articles, designing administrative and marketing materials, creating social media content, and more. She has nearly 8 years in the nonprofit sector in program development, education, marketing, graphic design, and social media management.
EMAIL MEMaddie Robin
Elizabeth Sites
CQL Director of Organizational Excellence
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