CQL is excited to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series in 2025! This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better. For our February article, we’re featuring Betsy Burns, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist.
Elizabeth Sites, CQL Director of Organizational Excellence, eagerly nominated Betsy for our Monthly Staff Spotlight. She shares, “Betsy not only brings great professional experience to the CQL team but brings one of the most warming personalities as well,” Elizabeth continues, “She is known for her dedication to assisting CQL partners to be their best, as she always works to be her best. Among the many things to adore about Betsy is how she is always thinking about others.”
We’ve asked Betsy 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 enjoy facilitating and participating in accreditation activities, as well as our training!
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I went on a tour of an institution as part of a Health Careers club in High School. It was a scene I will never forget, nor will I forget the lack of respect and humane behavior I witnessed. After high school, I began volunteering in the school’s “resource room” and went to college to study Human Services.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I began working as a direct support professional in an organization that supports people with IDD after obtaining an associate’s degree in Human Services. Over the years, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and an MS in organizational management.
Throughout that time, I have experience working in the fields of IDD, Behavioral Health, Psychiatric treatment and Mental Health programs, Early Intervention, Addiction and relapse Services, and Drug Rehabilitation.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Skilled Communicator
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I live in the Finger Lakes area of Upstate New York with my husband in an 1850s farmhouse. We have lived there for 16 years, renovating and living in the home. My husband and I have four grown children, one grandbaby, and another on the way. We live in a tiny town, so our community includes a variety of smaller towns in the area where we enjoy riding our bikes, hiking, dining, wineries, breweries, and local events, particularly in the area.
CQL Lightning Round!
You’re stranded alone on a desert island and have 3 books to keep you company. Which books are you reading until you’re rescued?
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, and The One Thing by Gary Keller
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What is the first thing you would do with your new power?
Teleportation: I would go to a tropic resort and then use it for all my CQL travel!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Finish home renovations! 🛠️
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
Both!!! Savory: A Rachael Sandwich (a close cousin to the Reuben!)
Sweet: Ice Cream
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
Listen to Podcasts, audio books.
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Neither, I would rather be the luckiest 🍀
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Pure Prairie League 🤠🎸
Who is a person that inspires you?
Brené Brown
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Ted Lasso, Seinfeld
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given or read?
“Be curious, not judgmental.” – Walt Whitman
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
My cousin’s son named, Corporal Jason L. Dunham, 20 years ago put his helmet and body over a grenade during the Iraq war, shielding several marines. He died 8 days later and was awarded posthumously the medal of honor. There is a documentary on now called “The Gift”, that is about the lives he saved. The movie can be streamed on Prime Video, Apple TV!
What was your first job?
Cleaning woman at a nursing home 🧹
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher!
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Caring, Kind, Funny.
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
I played piano and clarinet at one time.
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
Garden 👩🌾🪴
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
32! Rhode Island was the most memorable.
How many countries have you been to? Which one do you always recommend people visit?
Ireland, England, Canada (Ireland, I recommend!!!)
What is your least favorite household chore?
Vacuuming 🤢
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
Mini dress with boots 👢
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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.
Betsy Burns: February Monthly Staff Spotlight