CQL is excited to present our Monthly Staff Spotlight series. This offers an opportunity for you to get to know our team even better! We’ve asked the staff member a series of questions about their history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some information about them personally. In December 2022, we’re featuring Tricia Wek Visker, one of CQL’s Quality Enhancement Specialists.
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I have been a part-time Quality Enhancement Specialist with CQL for nearly a decade. Currently, my primary role within this position is conducting various types of CQL Accreditation reviews.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
My career in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) profession officially began in 1997. At that time, my husband had just left the military, we had two young children, and I was in college. An income was a necessity and I needed something highly flexible. A fellow student told me about a position opening within a group home setting. Ultimately, this lead to three incredible years of my being a direct support professional (DSP).
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
My early experiences as a DSP had a significant impact on me and even changed the entire course of my academic studies. Since that time, I have fulfilled many service delivery roles including case management, quality assurance, and organizational leadership. Other noteworthy specializations in my background include evaluative research, systems design, and post-secondary education.
What are three skills you have that help you in your work?
- Contextual Communication
- Active Listening
- Evaluation Techniques
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
This year my husband and I are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. We have two amazing adult sons. While the four of us are originally from southeastern South Dakota, we now live in the Denver Metro area. As a family, we enjoy game nights, mountain adventures, and quality time with our many dogs.
CQL Lightning Round!
What is one of your passions?
Fostering senior dogs
What is your favorite hobby?
True crime documentaries
What is your favorite TV show?
Law and Order (entire franchise)
What was your first job?
Dairy Queen
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
Metallica in 1989
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Breads
How many states have you been to?
49
What is one city that you would like to visit?
San Juan Teotihuacan
Who is a person that inspires you?
Jane Addams (1860-1935)
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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.
Tricia Wek Visker: Monthly Staff Spotlight