At CQL, “the office” can mean a lot of different things. For some of us, it’s a dedicated home workspace with dual monitors and a favorite mug. For others, it’s a dining room table, a hotel room, a cozy coffee shop, or wherever Wi-Fi and a charger can be found. As a fully remote team, our workspaces are as unique as the people behind them.
In this feature, we’re taking a closer look at what’s on our desks and what those spaces say about how we work. From must-have tools and productivity setups to personal touches and the occasional quirky desk mascot, these snapshots offer a fun, behind-the-scenes glimpse into our everyday routines. Whether minimalist, colorful, portable, or proudly cluttered, every workspace tells a story!
Rebecca Kasey, CQL Director of Personal Outcome Measures®
“I like to keep my desk pretty clear so my notebook, POM Manual, and cats can all have their space. Behind my cat in the picture are my Basic Assurances® and Personal Outcome Measures® Manuals within easy-reach and a ton of Pilot G-2 Pens!”
Brittany Brashaw, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
“The photo on the left is my workspace at home with my mandatory sticky notes for all the small things I need to remember, a ton of pens and all the manuals that make our job easier! There are also tiny trinkets that I find cute peppered throughout, with a fan featured in the back because I live in the south and it’s hot here. 🙃 I am also including my “on the road” office, which is just any cool coffee shop I can find while I’m traveling, beats looking at the inside of a hotel room all night! This picture was from a place in Hinesville, Georgia.”
Seth Petre, CQL Director of Marketing
“I always try and keep my desk pretty clean, but there are some desk ‘musts’ for me – little fidget stuff, a CQL measuring tape of course, and some family pics. I get a new photo of the kids holding D-A-D letters every year for Father’s Day. And any time I’m meeting I always have my legal pad and a Pilot Precise V5 pen. And no, having the CQL website and our LinkedIn page up on my screen wasn’t staged AT ALL!”
Nova Kalista, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
“Us Quality Enhancement Specialists are always on the move, which means our ‘offices’ can look different. Sometimes you’re working when actively headed to your accreditation! Here’s my view while reading through files on Teams en route.”
Kim Taylor, CQL Partner Engagement Specialist
“My workstation doesn’t always look like this, but I am a bit of a neat freak, so it doesn’t deviate much! I keep just the necessities around to keep my space clear of clutter.”
Ann Dorsey, Quality Enhancement Specialist
“A little view into my workspace! Obligatory photos of my son, Jay. Us on the desktop at his infantry graduation, his dress blues photo and (gulp) his wedding photo! My gorgeous god-granddaughters Tiana and Evangeline of course. My stickers from my old laptop of course. I actually have 3 planners and one travel calendar. One day I will be organized! At least 3 pairs of reading glasses, a Diet Coke and my little Dwight Schrute! I also have artwork from places I have visited for accreditations as well as my favorite Leslie Knope quote which a dear friend gave to me. I used to work out of my closet so this has been a nice upgrade!”
Tina Lowry, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
“Working remotely today! I have a hearing impairment so the tablet to the side of my computer does voice to text live captioning during in person meetings (does not record). I also have my notebook and planner for the day! Which of course have a ton of silly stickers!”
Jennifer Dance, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
“This is a timely request for me. We just purchased our forever retirement home and today marks the first day into semi retirement, focusing solely on my work with CQL. We bought a house on a lake here in Ontario and I just set up my home office. Three things I love about my new setup, the view obviously, the plaque on the wall indicating pants are optional and my ‘The World Needs More Canada’ mug. Love seeing everyone’s set ups!”
Always More to Discover
Our CQL staff are an eclectic bunch with a wide variety in skillsets, passions, and pursuits. We are so grateful for what every team member brings to the table in the services we provide. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, their history in our field, and some fun facts about them, check out our articles highlighting individual team members!
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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.
The Office Tour: Take A Seat At Our Desks