CQL is excited to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series in 2024! This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better. For our May article, we’re featuring Tina Lowry, one of our Quality Enhancement Specialists!
Lindsey Moore, CQL Project Coordinator, who nominated Tina, was excited to share all about her with us: “Tina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a Quality Enhancement Specialist. Her enthusiasm and dedication to improving the quality of services and supports invigorates all of those she collaborates with.” Lindsey ended with, “She has a particular knack for engaging ‘hard to reach’ audiences and training on vulnerable topics.”
We’ve asked Tina 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 Engancement Specialist. In addition to supporting organizations in their accreditation process, I also have the wonderful opportunity to work with advocates in Maryland while the state is going through network accreditation. This is a great way to connect those receiving supports from organizations accredited by CQL with our work.
This includes empowering advocates to be knowledgeable about Basic Assurances® and Personal Outcome Measures®, along with learning about ways to engage with others to build a stronger advocate network across Maryland.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I just finished my bachelor’s degree and prior to starting out on a law degree, I wanted to learn. I was young and didn’t think I would be good at making the best decisions for youth in care. So I decided to get a job working at a children’s group home. One of the people supported asked me how old I was and when she figured out I was only a year older than her, she said “what are going to teach me?” I realized I had a lot to learn and the way to learn wouldn’t be in a classroom.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I have a BA from Marquette University in Criminology with minors in Sociology and Theology. Rather than going for my Masters right away, I started working as a mental health professional for a children’s group home. I eventually went back to school at Northwestern University for a Masters in Public Policy and Administration with a focus on health care policy.
I have had several roles in my career including MHP, DSP, QIDP, Autism Specialist, UR coordinator, Director of Health and Wellness, Residential Director, Director of Quality, and even an Executive Director. I have mainly worked between programs in Illinois and Wisconsin supporting people of all age ranges.
Throughout all these roles, I have been called the “Ask Jeeves” of rules and regs for the state.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Analytical
- Code Shifting
- Creative Problem-Solving
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I have multiple invisible disabilities. I have three dogs (two German Sheps and one beagle). I adore gardening and reading. I also play a lot of instruments, but enjoy the flute and organ the most.
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?
Three?! I’m smuggling more books!!! Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante, curious charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick, Both Cilka’s Journey and Three Sisters are by Heather Morris, and finally Assistant to the Villain is by Hannah Nicole Maehrer.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What is the first thing you would do with your new power?
To blink and everything be cleaned up… I would blink and my house be completely cleaned!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
See Andrea Bocelli in concert live. 🕺🏻
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
Coffee… not sure where that falls in. I live for coffee.
You have to pick a song at karaoke, what song do you choose?
Tequila (I play instruments for a reason… I do not sing. So we will take the one word song)
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
I am a list maker. I organize each project with specific dates items are due (daily, monthly, yearly).
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Smartest. I like to be the person that people feel they can rely on to have the answer or know where to find the answer.
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Frankie Knuckles
Who is a person that inspires you (famous or non)? Why?
My papa. He regularly reminded that I could do anything as long as I put my mind to it.
What is one city that you would like to visit? Why?
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. Anne of Green Gables was filmed there!
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Big Bang Theory! 🔬🖖
If you had to teach a class on one subject, what would it be and why?
Underwater basket weaving because I had a roommate in college that said she always wanted to take that class but never could find it offered anywhere.
What was your first job?
Six Flags Great America! I started out in foods, then transferred to rides. 🎢
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Intelligent, caring, driven
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
Yes. Clarinet, flute, piccolo, organ, French horn, oboe, was on drum-line, and so many more!!!
What do you like to do for fun, in your free time?
I officiate swim meets in the area.
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Coffee ☕️
Do you have one totally irrational fear? What is it?
Yes… geese!!! Canada, take back your bird!
What is your least favorite household chore?
Mopping the floor 🤢
You are suddenly turned into a fruit or vegetable, what did you turn into? Why?
Cucumber… cucumbers were used a lot in my mama’s cooking. 🥒
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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.
Tina Lowry: May Monthly Staff Spotlight