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 May article, we’re featuring Nikki Anderson, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist.
Elizabeth Sites, CQL Director of Organizational Excellence nominated this month’s CQL staff spotlight. When asked about Nikki, Elizabeth shares, “Nikki is one of the newest members of the CQL team and she has proven very quickly why she is a great fit. She is passionate, caring, and has the sassiest personality!” Elizabeth continues, “Nikki does a great job developing relationships with CQL partners and helping them along their quality journey. In her short time with CQL, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to CQL’s mission and vision.”
We’ve asked Nikki 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?
As a Quality Enhancement Specialist (QES), I get the opportunity to work with organizations through the CQL accreditation process, conduct POM interviews, share experiences, resources and hopefully spark people to think differently, grow and keep improving.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Like a lot of people in this field, I started out as a DSP nearly 20 years ago without really fully knowing what the job was all about. But I quickly fell in love with the work, the people, and the feeling that I was a part of something meaningful.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I’ve worked in several different sectors of this field from elementary special education to Executive Director for an aging and I/DD provider in ND. I received a BS in Human Services: I/DD from Minot State University.
I knew I was ready to make a difference on a macro level and completed a master’s degree in Disability Human Services. I then started working as an accreditation coordinator for several years before coming aboard with CQL!
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Empathy
- Authenticity
- Enthusiasm
Is anything else you’d like to share with us?
I currently live in North Dakota with my daughter, Bella. Unfortunately, she will be going to college in a few short months (not crying). I am navigating this next empty nester phase of my life with my 15-year old Maltese, Izzy by my side.
We have a lake cabin that is my ultimate happy place. I love traveling, true crime everything, paddle boarding, fishing, reading, and puzzles.
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?
The Alchemist, A Confederacy of Dunces, and maybe Creative Things to Do While Waiting to Be Rescued 🙂
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
ALL the salty and sour things.
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
The reward system. I tell myself, “if you finish (xyz) task, then you get to (insert fun task of choice).” Simple, but it works for me.
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?
I have mastered the art of self-deprecating humor to make up for not being the smartest in the room!
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Vanilla Ice w/ Salt-N-Pepa
Who is a person that inspires you? Why?
My daughter, Bella. She truly inspires me to do better and be better.
What was your first job?
Department of Motor Vehicle 🙁 My grandmother owned the branch in town.
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Buffalo Wings for sure! 🍗
Do you have one totally irrational fear? What is it?
I assume ALL spiders in existence are larger than they appear and are within seconds of jumping and attacking my face. ALL OF THEM! 🕷️💀
What fictional world would you want to live in? Why?
I just want to go back to the late 80’s, early 90’s. The world felt right back then!
What is your least favorite household chore?
Asking my daughter to help with a chore is the scariest chore of all the chores.
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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.
Nikki Anderson: May Monthly Staff Spotlight