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 August 2023, we’re featuring Miranda Baumann, our Technical Support Specialist!
Michael Clausen, who nominated Miranda, had nothing but praise for her! “Miranda frequently receives kudos from fellow CQL staff members for the support that she provides during CQL trainings and workshops. She is in charge of much of the planning and technology facilitation for virtual trainings, and has played a critical role in CQL’s success in this area.” Michael shares, “She is meticulously prepared for every activity with an impressive attention to detail. In her role, she makes us all better at what we do.”
We’ve asked Miranda 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 the Technical Support Specialist. I am responsible for assisting during the facilitation of online activities and administrative functions, including Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) Workshops.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I have always been drawn to work pertaining to human rights. In college, the course Disability and Race: Laws and Legacies taught by Professor Lydia X. Z. Brown sparked my interest in human services. The disability justice framework really resonated with me and changed my perspective on access and care.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
At American University, I studied International Studies with a minor in Spanish Language and certificate in Spanish Translation. There, I had the opportunity to teach a virtual English as a Second Language course, research human rights, and work in immigration services and Spanish translation services.
As a 2021-2022 Law Fellow at the Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy, and Innovation, I studied disability rights law and met with disability attorneys and policymakers to discuss current law and policies affecting people with disabilities. Through this fellowship, I had the opportunity to write and present a policy paper evaluating Trauma-Informed Care policies from the perspectives of Disability Studies and Critical Disability Studies.
Since joining CQL as the Technical Support Specialist in 2021, I have witnessed how CQL’s tools, including the Personal Outcome Measures® inform and transform the way that human service providers facilitate supports. As the Technical Support Specialist, I have the unique opportunity to be a part of POM Workshops with so many of our Quality Enhancement Specialists who each bring their own insights and experiences to the tool. I am always learning new ways that organizations can apply the POM to their supports and services, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Motivated
- Organized
- Creative
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I live in Massachusetts, and in my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time outside.
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?
1. Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha 2. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez 3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What is the first thing you would do with your new power?
Teleportation! The first thing I would do is travel somewhere sunny and warm. 🏝️🏜️
Name one thing on your bucket list.
I would love to learn and be able to communicate in ASL.
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
I would say I like a little of both! I like dark chocolate because it is both sweet and savory.
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
I always find social facilitation helpful! Working with other people, whether virtually or in-person, helps me to stay productive. 👩💻
Who is a person that inspires you (famous or non)? Why?
Mia Mingus – Mia’s work has transformed the way that I view disability justice and access.
What was your first job?
I was a Tour Guide at the Massachusetts State House for a few summers in high school.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I wanted to be an author.
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
I have been to 20 U.S. states/territories, and California has been the most memorable.
How many countries have you been to? Which one do you always recommend people visit?
I have been to 7 countries, and I always recommend Spain. There is such a variety of attractions to visit from beaches to museums to parks!
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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.
Miranda Baumann: August Monthly Staff Spotlight