Interview with Shirley Qualls, 2022
2022.062.027
Creator
Todd, Joe (Interviewer)
Language
A transcript of this interview is available
Extent (quantity/size)
14 minutes
Subjects
Dale Rogers Training Center / Developmental Disabilities / Goodwill
Descriptive Notes
Shirley Qualls was born December 25, 1962 in Fort Smith Arkansas. She attended school in Arkoma, Oklahoma with six brothers and sisters. She graduated from high school in Poteau, Oklahoma in 1981. Shirley talks about school, recreation, and marrying her husband after high school. Shirley started at the Oklahoma History Center working for Goodwill as the supervisor of housekeeping. Before Goodwill, she worked for Dale Rogers as a trainer. Part of her job in both places was to help individuals with disabilities learn new skills and to help them succeed. Shirley discusses the pride her employees take in their work and how the routine of having a job helps to keep a steady schedule. As director of housekeeping at the History Center, she is tasked with training the employees, ordering supplies, doing building inspections, and working with employees to train them in their particular schedules. She talks about enjoying the work and seeing that cleaning is an important part of the museum experience for guests and also to the overall image of the History Center.