CQL is excited to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series in 2025! This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better. For our March article, we’re featuring Matthew Forbes, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist.
Katherine Dunbar, CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence, was so excited to nominate Matthew for our staff spotlight. She shares, “Matthew is very approachable and invites feedback, he is a very engaging presenter and connects with his audience,” Katherine continues, “He embodies CQL’s culture and takes an appreciative inquiry approach with organizations! He is willing to take on new challenges and learn new responsibilities.” Katherine ended by sharing, “People enjoy working with him for his easygoing attitude and good sense of humor. And his love of hockey, of course!”
We’ve asked Matthew a series of questions about his history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know him better.
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I am a Quality Enhancement Specialist, or QES, and I feel fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to do most things CQL does. I take part in accreditations, POM Workshops as well as individual certifications.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Like many, it was a job (DSP) I fell in love with while I was in university, studying for a different career. The idea that not only were my local sporting events and movie tickets paid for, I actually got paid to do it!
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
Started as a DSP in 1999 at the organization I still work for in Canada. I did direct support, residential management, Foster Services, Day Services, and SIL.
I eventually moved into my current role solely related to Quality Enhancement.
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Self-deprecating humour
- No fear of saying “I don’t know/understand”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I don’t really like talking about myself and found this to be difficult. My family is the most important thing to me. My wife Mel and I have been married for fourteen years and we have two kids Mia (12 “going on 17”) and Seth (11).
We also have two dogs, a Beagle name Diesel and a POM/Shepherd cross named Dot (pictured).
CQL Lightning Round!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Buy and learn to play drums.
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
Styx- Renegade. If I have a partner who can sing the harmonies, we can bring the house down. 🤘🏻
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
I thrive when I am procrastinating. It’s infuriating, but the most effective for me I’ve found!
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?
Funniest, then you have someone to learn from.
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Madonna, with INXS as the opener.
What is one city that you would like to visit?
New Orleans! The graveyards have always fascinated me. 🪦👻
Name one TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Workaholics
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given or read?
Always remember to stop and recognize that you are currently living in “the good old days”, and there will be a time you’d give up anything to go back to where you are right now.
If you had to teach a class on one subject, what would it be and why?
Fantasy Football! I have been playing for 25 years and love it.
What was your first job?
Pizza Hut dishwasher!
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
I play guitar 🎸
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
I enjoy playing on my Playstation 5, I really like story-driven games like The Last of Us, Uncharted, etc.
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Ribeye 🐄
How many US States/territories have you been to?
Like 7? Michigan was the most memorable for sure – my uncle had season tickets to the Big House so we saw a bunch of college football there. It was incredible!
What is your least favorite household chore?
Folding laundry
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best fit.
I had some good overalls back in the 90s, one-strapping it 😎
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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.
Matthew Forbes: March Monthly Staff Spotlight