At CQL, our team members bring a wide range of interests and passions both inside and outside of work. We’re excited to share a glimpse of those personal pursuits with our community from hobbies and creative outlets to topics that have recently sparked someone’s curiosity. We asked a few team members to tell us what they’ve been exploring lately and what’s been inspiring them to learn something new.
From historical deep dives to experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, our team is learning in all sorts of ways: practical, creative, and just for fun! These interests offer a small window into the people who make up our team and the many ways curiosity and growth show up in everyday life!
Here’s a glimpse into what some of our team members have been learning. ✨
Cooking Beyond the Usual Rotation
Courtney Kelly Chapman, Vice President of Training and Special Projects
I’ve been exploring cooking different dishes because I realized I was making the same meals over and over. My husband and I are foodies, so I decided to branch out and try new things. I recently got a new cookbook by Kardea Brown and set a goal to try at least three new dishes each month so we can add more variety to our meal rotation. TikTok has also become my new best friend for recipes! One fun discovery so far is that I actually like some Indian dishes! I’ve fallen in love with Chicken Tikka Masala! I’m still practicing getting the spices and seasoning combinations just right, but it’s my new favorite dish at the moment.
I’m learning through TikTok, cookbooks, Google, and YouTube, and I’ve found that I do especially well following along with videos. One of the biggest takeaways has been learning to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Not everything has turned out perfectly, some dishes have definitely been flops, but that’s part of the process and it hasn’t stopped me. I’ve realized you might try something you hate, but that’s okay. The fun is in experimenting, expanding your horizons, and just keeping going!
Finding Time for Poetry
Miranda Baumann, Technical Support Specialist
Lately, I’ve been enjoying reading poetry in my free time, especially a collection of popular poems by Emily Dickinson. I came across her work through an anthology of poems from the 16th through the 20th century and found that I connected with her writing the most. That led me to pick up a book of her poems and listen to an episode about Dickinson on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time podcast. One interesting thing I learned is that she created small booklets of her poems by folding pieces of stationery and binding them with red-and-white thread.
What I enjoy most is that even after reading just one or two poems, I often close the book with a new perspective, and sometimes with new words to look up! I started exploring poetry because I love reading but don’t always have the time to commit to full books, and it’s been a great reminder that there are many different ways to engage with something you enjoy.
Uncovering Roots of Religious Groups
Barney Hubert, Quality Enhancement Specialist
I’m currently reading early accounts of the Shakers in England and America. It may be a little “off the beaten path”, but I have an interest in communal religious groups which began through a college professor and friend who studies these groups, and my first introduction to the Shakers came through William Kephart’s book Extraordinary Groups. Years ago, I completed some independent study of Shaker spiritualism, but it didn’t include reviewing early Shaker literature. Recently, after watching the film The Testament of Ann Lee, I became interested in learning more about early Shaker history and how this unique group appealed to its earliest followers. I’ve since begun reading a primary source compiled by early Shakers titled Testimonies of the Life, Character, Revelations, and Doctrines of Mother Ann Lee, and the Elders with Her.
It’s been interesting to compare the film’s depiction of Shaker worship with what I had imagined and to see how it aligns — or differs — from the historical accounts. While I’ll likely move on from this topic after finishing my current reading, I remain intrigued that a small number of Shakers are still living more than 250 years after the group arrived in America!
Designing Better Systems Through Universal Design
Tina Lowry, Quality Enhancement Specialist
I’m currently exploring how the principles of universal design can be applied to continuous process improvement. While universal design is often discussed in relation to physical spaces, I’m especially interested in how it can shape the way we build everyday systems and workflows. My goal is to design processes that work well for a wide range of people from the start, reducing frustration and making systems easier and more humane to use. I enjoy seeing how small design choices can make systems feel more accessible and intuitive, and I’m particularly excited about connecting universal design with feedback loops, using real-time feedback and performance data to refine processes in ways that remain inclusive and responsive over time.
I’ve been learning through podcasts, books, and hands-on observation. Podcasts like 99% Invisible and Think UDL, along with books such as The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman and Designing for People by Henry Dreyfuss, have shaped my thinking. One powerful idea is that instead of trying to “fix” people to fit systems, we should design environments that better support the diversity of human experience.
Exploring Creativity in Analogue
Maddie Robin, Communications Specialist
My role here at CQL involves a slew of creative outlets from graphic design to contributing to articles. In my free time, I also enjoy illustration, most of which is done digitally. I’ve made it a goal for myself in 2026 to have more “unplugged” habits. Two years ago, I picked up hand embroidery by starting off with beginner kits that contain a pattern, instruction, and supplies to get you started that grew into me applying my design and illustration skills to create my own illustrated designs to embroider — it has truly become a really wonderful pastime and creative outlet that allows me to just turn on some music and make without any screens.
If anyone out there is looking for a new hobby or creative outlet that gets your hands moving that doesn’t require any pre-existing art skill, I definitely recommend embroidery in all it’s forms from traditional embroidery to cross stitch! There are some really talented artists and creators out there that have put together kits, supplies, and instructional videos that are so much more helpful than the mass produced kits you would find on Amazon or the big box store. I recommend checking out TikTok or Etsy to find those (just beware of AI generated kits)!
Always More to Discover
Our CQL staff are an eclectic bunch with a wide variety in skillsets, passions, and pursuits. We are so grateful for what every team member brings to the table in the services we provide. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, their history in our field, and some fun facts about them, check out our articles highlighting individual team members!
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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.
Beyond the Workday: What Our Team Is Learning