CQL is excited to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series in 2024! This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better. For our December article, we’re featuring Chris Johnson, one of our Quality Enhancement Specialists!
Rebecca Kasey, CQL Director of Personal Outcome Measures®, nominated Chris and shared what inspired her nomination with us. “Chris Johnson is such a valuable part of our team here at CQL! She has been a Quality Enhancement Specialist with us for over 9 years and is one of our experts in Personal Outcome Measures®.” Rebecca continued, “She provides excellent support to candidates who are pursuing Certification in using POM with adults with disabilities and children and youth with disabilities. We are so thankful for her perspective, expertise, and wonderful personality here at CQL!”
We’ve asked Chris 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?
Quality Enhancement Specialist! I primarily do Inter-Rater Reliability (IRR) certifications.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Working in the human services field was never what I thought I wanted to do as my career. Right out of high school, I took a job at one the state operated development centers in our area. I loved working with the people there and the relationships built with them and their families.
That love and passion has led to my entire career being about serving and supporting people. I am very passionate about people being able to advocate for lives of their choosing.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I started my career at a state operated developmental center. After that, I spent the next 25 years working in community-based programs serving and supporting people with disabilities. Positions I held included direct support, QIDP, Associate Director, and Executive Director.
For a short period of time, I had the opportunity to work with a team that was tasked with supporting people to move out of institutional settings into homes of their choosing with supports and funding built around what the person wanted and needed to be successful in their home and community.
I currently work in the Early Intervention Program serving and supporting children from birth to 3 years of age and their families. In addition to being able to provide the services needed by these children, what I like most about this position is being able to teach and support families to understand their rights and how to advocate for their children.
I have also been working as a part time QES with CQL for 9 years. I enjoy doing training and certifications around the Personal Outcomes Measures
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Adaptability
- Organization
- Communication
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
My husband and I are the parents of 8 children, and we have 12 grandchildren. We also have a very spoiled Corgi/German shepherd mix dog.
CQL Lightning Round!
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Foghat/Blue Oyster Cult!
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I am a church musician! 🎹
What was your first job?
Selling concessions at a movie theater.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher 🧑🏫
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
I was trained to play piano, organ, and flute. I continue with the piano as a church musician. I also enjoy working with students in our area schools.
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
I love to crochet! 🧶
Do you have one totally irrational fear? What is it?
Yes – the dentist 🦷
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
23 – My favorite place to visit is North Carolina
What is your least favorite household chore?
Cleaning out cabinets and closets.
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
In high school, BIG hair was a thing along with plum colored eye shadow.
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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.
Chris Johnson: December Monthly Staff Spotlight