CQL is excited to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series in 2023. This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better! In May 2023, we’re featuring Jacqueline Cooper, one of our Quality Enhancement Specialists!
When nominating Jacqueline, Elizabeth Sites, one of Jacqueline’s supervisors, had a lot to say. “All I can say is that Jacqueline is amazing!” She shared, “Jacqueline started part time with CQL and recently [last October] made the move to full time and we are delighted to have her on the full time team! She’s hardworking, flexible, genuine, and is an asset to CQL! She works well with our partners and gives her all to her work.”
We’ve asked Jacqueline a series of questions about her history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know her!
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I work as a full time Quality Enhancement Specialist specializing in accreditations and Basic Assurances® certification projects.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Way back in college I took a Sociology class that shifted my whole perception of what my career intentions looked like. My decision solidified when I was hired accidentally for a job that I was not “qualified” for on paper as a Grant Coordinator that assisted people who sustained traumatic brain injuries transitioning from the hospital to their communities.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I have worn many different hats throughout my years in the field. Some of the hats include Grant Coordinator, Case Manager, Program and Support Developer, and Quality Management Director.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Creative
- Intuitive
- Effective Time Manager
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I have a bit of a bohemian soul. My life is filled with all of my passions which include traveling all over the world, interior design, and photography. I also enjoy getting out into nature, hiking, playing tennis and writing.
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?
The Power of Now, A New Earth and The Alchemist
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What is the first thing you would do with your new power?
To fly. I would fly around the world and embrace myself in all the cultures along the way!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Visit every continent ✈️
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
SWEET 🍭~ Chocolate, Pecan Pie, Sweetarts, Sprees, Sour Patch Kids
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
Anything by Janet Jackson
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
I allow myself enough time to rest and meditate.
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
I would rather be the funniest person in the room, because our world needs more laughter!
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton with my parents. I still can sing “Islands In The Stream” by heart!
Who is a person that inspires you (famous or non)? Why?
Maya Angelou – I am deeply enamored with her way with words and her rights activism.
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I am really an introvert and need much alone time to recharge my battery.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a missionary.
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Loyal, Open Minded, Free Spirited
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
It would have to be some of the dresses and pantsuits my Mom would make me growing up. I vividly remember a patchwork Holly Hobbie bell bottom pantsuit that I wore often during trips to California and D.C. with my family. This outfit combined with the hideous hairstyles of the times was quite a look!
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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.
Jacqueline Cooper: Monthly Staff Spotlight