CQL is thrilled to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series! This is a chance for us to highlight our staff members and for you to learn about our team. For our September article, we’re featuring Sharon Courtryer, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist.
Sharon was nominated by two of our team! Courtney Kelly Chapman, CQL Vice President of State Initiatives, shared that, “she consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment to our team and the people we serve. Sharon was extremely helpful to me this summer, while we juggled multiple responsibilities. Sharon exemplifies a collaborative spirit, reliability, and leadership that make her a role model for others and a true asset to our organization.” Courtney continued with, “In addition to her professional contributions, Sharon is someone who supports her colleagues and embodies organizational values. I believe these qualities make her an excellent choice for recognition!”
Rebecca Kasey, CQL Director of Personal Outcome Measures®, shared similar sentiments to Courtney about Sharon! Rebecca stated that, “Sharon has been with CQL for 10 years and has been a devoted steward, instructor, and expert in the Personal Outcome Measures® tool. She conducts Certification activities in POM and has certified dozens of people in the measure, all while being cheerful and encouraging.” Rebecca ended by letting us know that, “Sharon has a deep expertise in the Illinois service system, real experience using and implementing the POM tool, and a wonderfully infectious laugh. Partners and coworkers enjoy their time working with Sharon!”
We’ve asked Sharon 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 part-time Quality Enhancement Specialist. I have always enjoyed everything that we do to support partner organizations and their staff with learning how to view and support people receiving services. Most of my work has been supporting organization staff with recertification through virtual IRRs.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
My journey into human services began while I was in high school. I took a position as an escort for children with a child placement agency. I would meet them at their school in Queens NY at the end of the day and travel with them on the bus and subway to Manhattan, NY to meet with their counselors’ offices on Park Avenue. I had two young brothers aged 8 & 10 on Mondays and one young girl aged 11 on Wednesdays. I got to know their foster parents really well – they actually got me in trouble by holding me captive at their homes for hours talking when I should have been on my way home. I served as their “therapist” during these evenings.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I currently serve as executive director of STARS Family Services (SFS) and have been with the organization for just over two years. I obtained my Ph.D. in Adult Education with emphasis in Program Development & Evaluation, and a minor in Gerontology from the University of North Texas. I received my master’s degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University – Commerce, with a minor in psychology and my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Biology from Anderson University in Indiana.
My professional experience includes more than 20 years in Health and Human Services with over 5 years’ experience in Developmental Disabilities Research. I have held the positions of Director of Operations, Facility Director, Clinical Director, Director of Quality Management, Residential Director, Professional Consultant, University Instructor, Special Projects Coordinator, and Research Assistant. I have worked in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota, and California.
I have devoted my career to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It brings me immense joy to watch individuals learn, grow, and thrive in all facets of their lives. It is during that moment where a sense of accomplishment overcomes the person, and they feel a profound sense of success, doing something they never dreamed of was possible. It is the expression of joy on their faces that moves me and reminds me that the work I do and supports provided is so hugely important.
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Excellent Listening Skills
- Compassion
- Communication
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I am originally from Queens, New York. I love Asian food and enjoy cooking. I have a collection of over 50 Asian Cookbooks! There is a wonderful and diverse range of tasty culinary traditions across the continent, created with specific ingredients like fish sauce, rice vinegar, dried chili, soy sauce, and various oils, and common cooking techniques such as stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying. Examples that I enjoy including Thai Tom Yum soup, Vietnamese Pho, and Pad Thai, Sushi, Dim Sum, Satay, Chinese Kung Pao Chicken, and Asian fusion dishes.
CQL Lightning Round!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
I would like to visit Thailand and China! ✨🇹🇭🇨🇳✨
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
Savory all the way! I love spicy Asian food.
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
I got to see Bebe and Cece Winans in concert.
Name the TV show you could have on 24/7, 365 days a year.
Law & Order (original)! Being from NY I enjoy seeing my city and the justice system at work.
What was your first job?
My first job was a summer position with the Department of Social Security editing their files.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A doctor, specifically a pediatrician! 👩🏾⚕️
Do (or did) you play any instruments?
I used to be able to play the recorder and knew a few tunes. I also tried the piano in college…it didn’t stick.
Do you have one totally irrational fear?
Mom driving off the Cliff. We lived on a beach, 38th St., in far Rockaway New York. The street dead ended into Jamaica Bay! Across the Bay you could see planes coming in at JFK airport.
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
I have been to 38 states. The most memorable was Anchorage Alaska! Breathtaking, snowcapped mountains 🏔️
How many countries have you been to? Which one do you always recommend people visit?
I’ve been to 12 countries! I would recommend visiting Israel and the island of Patmos, a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea.
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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.
Sharon Coutryer: September Monthly Staff Spotlight