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 July article, we’re featuring Susan Carr, one of our CQL Quality Enhancement Specialists.
Laura Flynn, CQL Quality Enhancement Manager, was ecstatic to nominate Susan. “I would love to nominate Susan. Her background in special education, combined with the perspective she brings as a parent of a child with disabilities, makes her an invaluable asset to the CQL team and to all of our partners!” Laura continued, “She is incredibly hardworking, knowledgeable, and always willing to go above and beyond. On top of that, her great sense of humor makes her a joy to work with and contributes positively to every team she is part of.”
We’ve asked Susan a series of questions about her history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know her better as a new member of our team!
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I work as a part-time Quality Enhancement Specialist with CQL. In my role, I have the opportunity to work with agencies through the accreditation process. I talk with people through Personal Outcome Measures®, and I collaborate with other team members on Capstone projects and other articles!
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I believe I was destined to be in the human services field but that decision was solidified after my oldest was born with a rare genetic disorder. Throughout her life strong advocacy has been needed to support her in the areas of healthcare, education, and transition services.
This provided me with the understanding some people need support to have their voices heard. I want to make sure everyone has a voice in their life!
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
Early in my professional career, I worked in sales. After the birth of my oldest daughter, I went back to school to get my degree in Special Education. I absolutely loved working with students and supporting them to find their strengths, gifts, and talents. It is not lost on me that those opportunities were found through education, experience, and exposure and now working for CQL there is a true focus, once again, on the 3E’s!
I left the classroom to work with The Arc of Tennessee. This position allowed me to train parents and students on transition topics, special education topics, and how to work with schools on developing an effective IEP. The position with CQL came open and the rest is history!
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Flexibility
- Understanding
- Diligence
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
During my personal time, I want to be with my family! During the summer we spend most of our time on the lake. We love to travel and explore new places. My family also operates a small greenhouse during the summer and I enjoy watching things grow from seedlings into beautiful plants and flowers
CQL Lightning Round!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
I cannot wait to travel to Italy! 🇮🇹🍝🍷☕️
Sweet or savory?
I prefer sweet foods. Being Southern, it’s hard to beat a good cobbler!
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
Haha! Wagon Wheel is my go to! 🤠
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
To stay productive, I make a written list. There is satisfaction in marking things off!
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
My first concert was Def Leopard. It was AMAZING!
Who is a person that inspires you (famous or non)? Why?
My children inspire me. They are different and come with very different strengths.
What is one city that you would like to visit? Why?
I would like to visit Washington D.C. The Smithsonian is on my list of things to do there.
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Any true crime show!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given or read?
“Make decisions for her the same way you would if she didn’t have a disability.” Kathy Snow
If you had to teach a class on one subject, what would it be and why?
Disability Rights. Teaching young people about disability rights would unpack some of the questions and fears people sometimes have about people who operate differently.
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I played in the softball World Series several times in my youth! ⚾️
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a race car driver when I grew up. 🏎️💨
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Loyal, hard-working, trust-worthy
Do you have one totally irrational fear? What is it?
Ugh! Snakes! Good ones, bad ones, all of them make me run.
What fictional world would you want to live in? Why?
Harry Potter world. I would want to live there to meet the gang! 🧙🏻
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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.
Susan Carr: July Monthly Staff Spotlight