COA Accreditation Volunteer Spotlight: Lori Welcher-Miles

Through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, we seek to empower organizations to implement best practice standards to improve service delivery and achieve better outcomes for individuals and communities. COA Accreditation provides a framework to help organizations manage resources, incorporate best practices, and strive for continuous improvement.

We believe there is rich expertise in our field, so we ground the COA Accreditation process in our human and social services community. Our volunteer peer reviewers conduct our site visits and finalize accreditation decisions.

We are proud to spotlight the latest Volunteer of the Quarter: Lori Welcher-Miles.

About Lori Welcher-Miles

Lori Welcher-Miles is a dedicated public servant and retiree of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) with over 31 years of distinguished service. During her tenure, she held multiple leadership positions, including deputy director of Intact Services, overseeing operations across Cook County and the northern, central, and southern regions under the Bureau of Operations. She also served as regional administrator of Intact Services for Cook County and the northern region and as public service administrator (PSA) for the Agency Performance Teams (APT) for four years. In addition to her DCFS service, Lori worked part-time at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, supporting girls and women on their path to lasting recovery from eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. 
 
Since February 2000, Lori has held PSA roles encompassing broad administrative oversight, including: 

• Regional Supervisor, Research and Demonstration Project for the Differential Response Unit (Cook County) 
• Acting Project Director for Differential Response 
• Associate Deputy Chief for Child Protection, Bureau of Operations – Downstate 
• Area Administrator for Cook North Sub-Region 

Lori holds a master’s in social work from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Lori is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), bringing professional expertise in social work to her roles. 

Q&A

Who is your role model and why? 

My mother has always been my greatest role model. She embodies strength, resilience, and compassion. Watching her navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and showing up for others no matter the circumstances. She didn’t just speak her values, she lived them daily, and that left a lasting impression on how I lead, serve, and carry myself personally and professionally. Her example continues to inspire me to lead with purpose and heart. 

What led you to become a COA Accreditation volunteer? 

My journey toward becoming a COA Accreditation peer reviewer began with the state agency where I worked. It underwent the accreditation process multiple times, and I was always invited to participate in the interview portion, which gave me a firsthand look at how COA Accreditation promotes accountability, quality improvement, and best practices across human services. That experience sparked a genuine interest in the accreditation process and its impact on service delivery. Shortly after, my manager encouraged me to consider becoming a peer reviewer. I applied in 2008 and have had the privilege of volunteering with Social Current and contributing to a mission I deeply believe in and learning from diverse agencies across the country.  

What are your strongest beliefs about the value of accreditation? 

I strongly believe that accreditation is a powerful tool for continuous improvement, accountability, and service excellence. It creates a structured framework that helps organizations reflect on their practices, identify gaps and build on their strengths. I also believe that ensures agencies not only meet minimum standards but strive to exceed them in ways that truly benefit the individuals and communities they serve.  

What excites, surprises, and/or challenges you the most about the work you do as a COA Accreditation volunteer? 

What excites me the most about being a COA Accreditation peer reviewer is the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of agencies, each of which has its own unique mission, culture, and approach to service delivery. What often surprises me is how open and transparent agencies are during the review process. The most challenging aspect is that each agency operates within different resources and policies, so its important to approach each review with empathy, fairness, and critical thinking. 

Share a memorable place, person, or experience from a site visit. 

One of my most memorable site visits was to Monterey, California, where I had the pleasure of working alongside two seasoned peer reviewers. They were incredibly down to earth, kind, and full of wisdom. After a full day of meaningful work, we took a walk along the beach and ended our evening with dinner on a heated patio overlooking the water. The scenery was breathtaking, and the conversation was genuine. 

What advice would you give someone interested in being a COA Accreditation volunteer? 

My advice is to approach the role with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to quality in human services. I would also encourage them to really lean into the learning process because you will gain just as much as you give—new perspectives, professional insights, and lasting connections with passionate mission-driven peers. 

Learn more about how to become a peer review volunteer and apply online.