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 November article, we’re featuring Kim Taylor, our Partner Engagement Specialist!
Gretchen Block, CQL Director of Partner Engagement, was thrilled to nominate Kim. Gretchen shares: “As CQL continues to grow, Kim has been vital in keeping our systems and processes running smoothly behind the scenes. Her willingness to take on new projects and try new things has been invaluable and she ALWAYS does so with a helpful, can-do attitude.” Gretchen finished with, “She is both humble and highly skilled, always positive and one of the best team players I’ve ever worked with. CQL is so lucky to have her on our team!”
Lindsey Moore, CQL Project Coordinator, also works with Kim. When asked about Kim, Lindsey told us: “Kim Taylor works behind the scenes to support all of what we do at CQL to be successful!” she continued, “Her role has grown in capacity to continue enhancing our systems and the quality of the work we provide.”
We’ve asked Kim 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 Partner Engagement Specialist with CQL. I have the pleasure of working with Gretchen Block, CQL’s Director of Partner Engagement, assisting our partners with their accreditations as well as other needs they may have. I also support the National Leadership Consortium as needed. In addition, I approve expense reports as well as our part-time employees’ payroll.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Most of my working career was spent in human resources and primarily in the private sector. I took an HR position with a human services organization and was so thrilled that I did. During my first couple of weeks with the organization, we had a CQL Visit 1. Being new to the human services field, it was such a learning experience for me. It was very evident during the visit that there was much more to providing exceptional services to people supported than most people would be aware of. I learned a lot during the visit and am so grateful for the opportunity to have participated.
I then went on to have the most rewarding job in my career. I knew I was in the right place and assisting, in my own way, in helping make peoples’ lives the best they can be was life-changing.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I was a Human Resources professional for over 30 years. During that time, I was able to also work with finance and operations, as well as become a certified ISO internal auditor and a Six Sigma Black Belt. After I “semi-retired”, I became a CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) as well as a Certified Immunization Technician. As well as my work with CQL, I assist a local pharmacy by providing boosters and immunizations to residents of assisting living facilities and CBRFs.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Adaptability
- Problem Solving
- Multi-Tasking
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I have been married to my best friend for 42 years. We have one son and a new daughter-in-law. We love to travel and are a Disney family, having been there more than 30 times. (When you see that fact in writing, it seems excessive, doesn’t it? 😂) We recently bought a bigger house and have my 87-year-old father living with us.
CQL Lightning Round!
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
I would want to be able to teleport…I hate wasting time in the car.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
One thing on my bucket list is to see the Terracotta Army in China. I want to see them while taking a River Cruise.
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite?
I am a huge fan of SweeTARTS! 🍬
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
I know this is a lame answer to this question, but I would want to be a bit of both. I would not want to come off as a jokester or a know-it-all.
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
I saw Kansas in an outside venue in Wisconsin!
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Schitt’s Creek
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I sing in a female Barbershop Quartet. 💈🎶 I love the harmonies of barbershop music and the ladies I sing with are the best!
What was your first job?
My first job was working at a department store in a mall. Unfortunately, I had a charge account and spent almost as much as I made.
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Reliable, optimistic, and clumsy
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
I played the saxophone and sang in high school. Now, I just sing!
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
My family and I love to travel. Also, when we get together, we like to play board games.
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Spaghetti 🍝
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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.
Kim Taylor: November Monthly Staff Spotlight