CQL is excited to present our Monthly Staff Spotlight series. This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better! We’ve asked the staff member a series of questions about their history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some information about them personally. In August 2022, we’re featuring Elizabeth Sites, CQL’s Director of Organizational Excellence.
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I was recently named CQL’s Director of Organizational Excellence and am responsible for overseeing CQL Accreditation activities, along with developing resources and providing support for organizations. Before this new position, I was a full-time Quality Enhancement Specialist for CQL.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I was 19 and needed a job! After 1.5 years of college, I realized that school wasn’t for me at the time because I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. So I cleaned houses for a few months before answering a newspaper ad for childcare workers at a residential school for kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). At the time, you had to be 21 to work that position, so I was hired to work in the recreation department.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
My professional background includes 27+ years of working as an activities aide, direct support staff, case manager, associate director, quality enhancement director, and in project management. Most of my career has been supporting kids and adults with I/DD, but also within mental health and behavioral health services. When I finally went back to school and earned my degree, my professional goal was to lead a provider organization. After being introduced to Personal Outcome Measures® and the Basic Assurances®, I fell in love with quality enhancement and the values of CQL. My career goals instantly changed.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Empathy
- Honesty
- Patience
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I live in southern Wisconsin with my husband and two cats. We live on the river and love to spend time outside biking, camping, kayaking, boating, and enjoying a glass of wine on the patio.
CQL Lightning Round!
What was your first job?
Neighborhood paper route. First “official” job at 16 was working in a movie theater.
What is your favorite book?
“The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff
What is your favorite TV show?
A three-way tie between Parks & Recreation, The Office, and Schitt’s Creek
What actor would you want to portray you in a movie about your life?
Diane Keaton
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
New Kids on the Block
What is one song you have completely memorized?
“Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa
What is your go-to karaoke song?
You will never find me near a karaoke machine
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Tacos
What is one totally irrational fear that you have?
When I stay in a hotel room – or even at home – by myself, I have to leave a light on somewhere in the room when I go to bed.
How many states have you been to?
45
What is one item you can’t leave home without?
My ChapStick
What is one trick you use to stay productive?
Background music – currently 20’s Flapper Radio on Pandora
What is your least favorite household chore?
Mopping the floors
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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.
Elizabeth Sites: Monthly Staff Spotlight