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 August article, we’re featuring Gretchen Block, our Director of Partner Engagement!
Mary Kay Rizzolo, CQL President & CEO, happily nominated Gretchen. She shares: “Gretchen is often the first point of contact for our new partners, and they couldn’t have a better introduction to CQL’s values and mission! Gretchen has such a positive and comforting way about her – you know she is going to be there by your side from start to finish!” Mary Kay finished with, “She is so full of valuable information, is so approachable, and is so positive — we are so fortunate to have her as an integral part of our team!”
We’ve asked Gretchen 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 so lucky to be the Director of Partner Engagement at CQL. Having worked for a CQL-accredited provider in the past, I love being able to support, guide, challenge, reassure and inform organizations through all aspects of their accreditation journey. I share our tools, training opportunities, resources and processes.
Most of all, I love connecting providers with our amazing team that is ready, willing, and able to meet them where they’re at and motivate them to reach for the goals inspired by the dreams that the people they support tell them are so important to them.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
My mom worked for a provider organization, and I loved hearing her stories about the work that she did, the people she worked for, and the opportunities to change people’s lives. It’s what inspired and excited me about becoming a DSP, a front-line supervisor, a quality team director and ultimately, where I am today.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to work in leadership and quality roles as a provider in the past. Those experiences, especially as a direct support professional and front-line supervisor give me an excellent perspective and empathy for the important work that our partner organizations do.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Compassion
- Sense of Humor
- The ability to not take anything too seriously. We always figure it out!
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my niece and nephew. They are two amazing humans who are going to do great things in life. I am so proud of them and am their biggest fan. My sweet puppy Sam is always by my side and spending time at our cottage on the lake is what all of us love to do most.
CQL Lightning Round!
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What is the first thing you would do with your new power?
The ability to speak any language. First stop, everywhere! Who knows a good travel agent?!? ✈️
Name one thing on your bucket list.
I want to visit Herford, Germany where my maternal grandfather was born.
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
Savory, of course. Taco Tuesday, let’s go! 🌮🌮🌮🌮
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
I recently took my niece to a Niall Horan concert. Believe me, I studied for months so I knew the word to all (ok, most) of his songs.
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
Post it notes! Everything that is urgent, important or time-sensitive ends up on a post-it note. I also block off time on my Outlook calendar to get projects done.
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
I would rather sit and listen to the funniest and smartest people in the room.
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
NKOTB (New Kids on the Block) – seeing them again this year. We’re not old, we’re vintage, classic, timeless! 🕺🏻 I will say though, I’m so glad I bought my mom Neil Diamond tickets for Mother’s Day so we could see him perform live before he retired.
Who is a person that inspires you (famous or non)? Why?
My grandma was the director of nursing at our local hospital. She was a wonderful, caring, smart, respected leader. I learned so much from her.
What is one city that you would like to visit? Why?
Svalbard – if you don’t follow Cecilia Blomdahl on Instagram/YouTube, you should!
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
It’s almost pumpkin season – time to get the Gilmore Girls out! 🍂☕️📚🏡
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given or read? Cite who gave it to you or said it.
Be cautious of people that don’t treat the custodian with the same respect as the principal. Mom always knows what she’s talking about!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A grade school teacher. 👩🏻🏫🍎 What better way to give back to the world than to shape the minds of its youth? When my niece becomes a teacher, I will be volunteering in her classroom!
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
Violin and piano – I wish I was still proficient in both. I plan to take piano lessons again when I retire.
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
42 so far – Maine and Massachusetts have been my favorite. I am now craving a donut from Holy Donuts in Maine….and a lobster roll. 🍩🦞
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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.
Gretchen Block: August Monthly Staff Spotlight