CQL is thrilled to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series! This is a chance for us to highlight our staff members and for you to learn about our team. For our May article, we’re featuring Jasmine Black, one of our newest CQL Quality Enhancement Specialists.
Courtney Kelly Chapman, CQL Vice President of Training and Special Projects, wanted to share a bit about Jasmine upon meeting her for the first time. Courtney complimented her by saying, “She has a really upbeat personality! I was able to sit in on a POM Workshop with her and she’s incredibly sharp — I think she’ll be a great asset to our team!” Courtney ended with, “I can’t wait to see her as a Certified POM Trainer! She’s going to be great!”
Katherine Dunbar, CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence, also shares that “Jasmine’s one of our newest staff members at CQL and we’re so lucky to have her on the team. She brings decades of experience in the field with a diverse perspective, having worked as a DSP, service coordinator, case manager, and more.” Katherine continued, “Jasmine’s knowledge and skills are a great asset not just to CQL, but also to all of our partners around the globe!”
We’ve asked Jasmine a series of questions about her history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know her better as a new member of our team!
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I am a Quality Enhancement Specialist! In my role I will be supporting CQL Accreditations, Personal Outcome Measures® Adult Conversations, and supporting the Personal Outcome Measures® Workshops.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I’ve always been drawn to working with people and feel strongly about ensuring everyone is valued for who they are. My path into human services became deeply personal during a pregnancy when we learned our son had Trisomy 18. I experienced a noticeable shift in how healthcare professionals approached both my pregnancy and my child, which had a lasting impact on me.
Although my son passed before he was born, that experience shaped my commitment to this field. It inspired me to support others, especially those who may need additional advocacy, and support, so that every person is treated with dignity and respect.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of fantastic organizations and schools, supporting people across many stages of life. My experience includes roles as a Teaching Assistant with both preschool and 6th grade students, an In-Home Caregiver for older adults, and a Direct Support Professional in residential disability services. I’ve also served as a Designated Coordinator, Director of Quality, Vocational Service Coordinator, and Waiver Case Manager.
In my previous role, I supported accreditation efforts and facilitated CQL’s Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) workshops. I worked directly with people utilizing the POM tool and led a dedicated team responsible for conducting program reviews, including documentation audits and on-site visits to ensure quality services and regulatory compliance.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Disability Services.
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Organization
- The Ability To Have Fun!
- Connecting With People
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life and feel incredibly lucky to have three adult kids who all live nearby—within just a couple of acres! I’m also a proud grandparent to two adorable grandbabies (who aren’t really babies anymore now that they’re in elementary school!).
I love traveling with my husband, who has fully embraced our goal of exploring as many national parks as possible; we’ve visited 19 in the past two years! He even held down the fort so I could spend three weeks in Brazil last fall, which was an unforgettable experience.
I’m grateful to have amazing friends and family who keep me laughing and are always up for new adventures. In my free time, you’ll usually find me hiking, camping, enjoying nature, or catching live music.
CQL Lightning Round!
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
36 states and counting. So many are amazing and I will say that Utah is like being in another world, sunsets in Arizona are breathtaking, and I love the U.P. of Michigan.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
Super Speed! 🏃🏻♀️ I’d be able to get all of the things done so I can focus on all the other things I want to do!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Get to all of the National Parks in the United States and Canada! 🗺️
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
Because the Night – 10,000 Maniacs 🎤
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
Use my calendar!!!
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Funniest! I think that when things are fun, you do learn more and so do those around you. I think laughter is great for the soul and you can still have some smarts to you.
What was your first job?
I worked at McDonalds for my first job!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian, so help animals and now I want to help people… without so much blood 😬
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Supportive, Traveler, Caregiver
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
Be on a patio or deck with friends or family, hiking and exploring the shores of Lake Superior with loved ones, being silly with my grandkids or husband
What is your least favorite household chore?
My least favorite chore is cleaning windows but my favorite chore is organizing closets and cupboards – I just love seeing the finished product!
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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.
Jasmine Black: May Monthly Staff Spotlight