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 February article, we’re featuring Jill Westring, one of our Quality Enhancement Specialists!
Katherine Dunbar, CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence, one of the staff who nominated Jill, shared with us: “Jill brings such a wealth of experience and knowledge while working with our partners!” Katherine explained, “Her positive attitude, gift of storytelling, and ability to always find the good things really adds value to our partner agencies’ work.”
We’ve asked Jill 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 a Quality Enhancement Specialist here at CQL. My role is leading and supporting partners in training, certification, accreditation and providing resources.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Golly!! I’ve been involved in this field for over………..a long time. I began in college working weekends with 3 women who were about my age today! We had hotdogs and cheerios in the house and took rides in my two door, robin blue Dodge Dart Demon.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I have my BA from Colorado Women’s College in Denver in sociology/psychology/religious studies. I have been employed with a number of companies and have had a full range of positions, beginning as a DSP, Case Manager, QDDP, Assistant Director, and most things in between except CFO.
I was with an organization 13 years prior to CQL in which I was also the trainer of POM. It was there I was introduced to POM and changed the trajectory of my career and knew I wanted to be a part of CQL and 23 years later!
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Win-Win Expectations
- Building Rapport with Partners
- History and Stories
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
My pets include two cats, Americal long hair (elder) Simba, and tabby (stray) Pip, (a rescue scruffy terrier mix) Dasha and an Elder grey-haired Mother (family) Elaine.
I find balance in my gardens, flower and some vegetables and summers in Nebraska. 🪴🥕👨🌾
I like one good blizzard each winter season.
CQL Lightning Round!
You’re stranded alone on a desert island and have a few books to keep you company. Which books are you reading until you’re rescued?
East of Eden by John Steinbeck and Shining a Light by Shirley Paceley
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
ELO – Electric Light Orchestra 🎸
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Mash!
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I went to ATC (Air Traffic Controller) school. ✈️
What was your first job?
When I was 15 years old, I worked in the kitchen at a nursing home.
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
I played clarinet in high school!
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Thai curry 🍛😋
Do you have one totally irrational fear? What is it?
Fire
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
47 Memories in each one!
How many countries have you been to? Which one do you always recommend people visit?
5! I would recommend Ireland first and New Zealand second.
What is your least favorite household chore?
All of them!!!! 🧹
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
Platform shoes and bell bottoms!!
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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.
Jill Westring: February Monthly Staff Spotlight