CQL is excited to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series in 2023. This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better! In November 2023, we’re featuring Ann Dorsey, one of our Quality Enhancement Specialists!
Elizabeth Sites, CQL Director of Organizational Excellence, when nominating Ann had some kind words to say about working with her: “Welcome to Ann Dorsey, one of CQL’s newest full-time Quality Enhancement Specialists! Ann is always excited to learn and to give her all to those she works with,” Elizabeth shares, “She is a bundle of fun energy and sass, but most importantly, she is a proud football mom to her teenage son.”
We’ve asked Ann a series of questions about her history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know her better.
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I am a Quality Enhancement Specialist. I support organizations in achieving and maintaining accreditation with CQL.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Human Services has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine working in another field.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
In the beginning of my professional career, I focused my service on child welfare, spending many years working in the foster care system. I moved into management positions and furthered my career working with adults with IDD. I was a part of the accreditation process in all of my prior positions, and really enjoyed that part of the work.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Empathy
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I’m kind of an open book, so if you have ever met me or spoken to me longer than 5 minutes, you would know that I am a mother to the absolute most amazing young man on the planet. I am so proud of him every second of the day, and I am dreading his high school graduation in 2025! I am also an active volunteer for his football team’s booster club, so in the fall when I’m not working, I’m cheering on his team, making team meals, designing team t-shirts and cheering on all of the Olathe West Owl football team, who all call me “Mama Dorsey.” That’s him in the picture, with his beautiful girlfriend next to me. This was right after the junior class won the Powder Puff football competition for Homecoming. She was the MVP with 2 touchdowns!
CQL Lightning Round!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
To become fluent in French. I had 4 years in high school, and 2 in college, but I never became fluent.
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet or savory food?
Yes? Ha! I love the combo. For example, candied bacon-delish!
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
Endless Love- The Lionel/Diana version. I usually have a partner, but I will sing both parts if I have to.
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Funniest! Hands down. Smart can have so many meanings, but being able to make someone laugh? I’d take that any day. 🤡
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
New Kids on the Block! Summer, 1990. It was amazing.
What is one city that you would like to visit?
Right now it’s Montreal. I have never been to Canada, but really want to go, and you know…the French thing. 🇫🇷
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Oh there are SO MANY, but honestly I would say Parks and Rec. Or The Office. Can I choose two?
If you had to teach a class on one subject, what would it be and why?
Critical thinking. I think it is incredibly important to be able to take a subject or topic and look at it from all angles. Critical thinking allows you to see things from many different perspectives, and I bellieve we as humans need to be able to do this more.
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I’m actually an introvert! In order to recharge, I have to be alone!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I really wanted to be an attorney. I actually went to law school for just a minute or two before I decided that wasn’t what I wanted to do.
Do (or did) you play any instruments?
Yes! My voice. I’m a “singer” (it’s been awhile).
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
Spend time with the people I love. I have an amazing family, both related to me and family by choice, and they all mean the world to me.
Do you have a totally irrational fear?
Maybe it’s not irrational, but I am terrified of things ending. Good TV shows, books I’m reading, delicious meals, sports seasons…you name it, but I HATE when things end. Unless it’s the flu. I’m ok when that ends.
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
Freshmen year of high school, I definitely rocked shorts, tights and birkenstocks. All together. The tights were red. I still can’t live it down.
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About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership
Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
Ann Dorsey: November Monthly Staff Spotlight