NCSEA On Location

On this week’s program, Tim Lightner (eWorld Enterprise Solutions Inc.) welcomes Michael Hyzy (CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc.) to the On Location studio.  Michael shares about himself, his career, and about his passions.  Listen as he talks about artificial intelligence, where it came from, where it is used in our everyday lives, and what the future looks like with AI.  He also discusses where AI and human services can intersect, and how child support may benefit from using artificial intelligence.  Hear Michael give some practical tips on how to start getting involved in using AI to get more acquainted. 

On this episode of On Location, and the continued caseworker series, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) heads to the Peace Garden State to talk with Mischelle Hagerty, Administrator of the Establishment and Financial Units for the North Dakota Child Support program. With over 34 years of experience, Mischelle walks us through the evolution of her career, the shift from regional to centralized units, and how new ideas are shaping the future of child support services in her state. Tune in if you want to be reminded whatdedication looks like and how child support workers make a difference.

On this episode of On Location, and the continued caseworker series, Scott Eder sits down with Helen Miles, a Child Support Professional with over 31 years of experience at the Calhoun County Friend of the Court in Michigan. Helen shares her journey through the evolving landscape of child support, from managing caseloads and leading teams to contributing to statewide initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for Michigan families. Whether you are new to child support, or a seasoned professional, Helen's reflections and sharp wit offer both practical wisdom and heart.

On today’s program, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) continues talking with dedicated professionals who navigate complex cases, balance legal and emotional challenges and make a real difference in families lives every day.  Listen as Scott hosts an engaging conversation with Gretchen Smith (Deputy Director of Establishment for Westmoreland County Domestic Relations in Pennsylvania).  Gretchen shares how she got started in child support, and worked her way up the ranks from caseworker, to Deputy Director of Establishment.  She talks about making a difference in the lives of individuals, and the appreciation and gratitude received from parents when they receive payments; and also some challenges and rewards of the job.

What's it really like to be a child support caseworker anyway? In this episode, host Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) sits down with Ohioan Amber Arter (Support Officer at CSEA, Franklin County Child Support) where she works to ensure families receive the support and resources they need. She is dedicated to helping parents understand their cases and achieve the best possible outcomes for their children.  Get an inside look at the day-to-day challenges and successes of being directly involved with child support casework. Amber shares how she got into the field, what keeps her motivated, self-care, and a window into how Ohio is serving families. 

 And by the way, today’s episode is the 200th episode of NCSEA On Location! 

On today’s program, Pat O’Donnell (of YoungWilliams) continues a very special topic, with another very special group of women on the podcast.  Join On Location as we conclude our salute to Women’s History Month highlighting women who continue to make significant contributions to the child support program.  Pat talks with Konitra Jack (Child Support Enforcement Director, Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services) and Erin Frisch (Michigan’s Title IV-D Director and Director of the Office of Child Support).  Konitra and Erin share who inspires and energizes them personally and professionally, and more.  This episode comes to you from Louisianna, Michigan and Illinois.

On today’s program, Pat O’Donnell (of YoungWilliams) brings a very special topic, and a very special group of women to the podcast.  Some of our listeners may be fully aware of Women's History Month, or maybe you are just getting acquainted with this celebration that happens every March. On Location comes to you today from Wyoming, Connecticut, and Wisconsin.  Featured today are women that have made significant contributions to the child support program. Welcomed to the podcast are Janelle Bergener, (Project Manager for the Wyoming Department of Family Services), Katie Kenney (Senior Manager for Professional Development with the National Child Support Engagement Association), and Connie Chesnick (the Administrator of the Division of Family and Economic Security in the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and President -Elect of NCSEA).  Listen as each share their pathways, their careers and so much more.

On today’s program, Tim Lightner (eWorld Enterprise Solutions) has the privilege to talk with Lilly James, Director of the Child Support Enforcement Program for the Nez Perce Tribal Court.  Lilly was a featured plenary speaker at the 2025 NCSEA Policy Forum in Washington DC and spoke on “Holistic Family Supports:  Integrating Comprehensive Supports for Thriving Families.”  Listen as she talks about the Nez Perce program, where it’s located, who it serves, and some highlights of the program.  Hear Lilly talk about how she got involved in the child support program.  She also speaks to how the tribal program is committed to holistic supports, which are rooted in Nez Perce traditions emphasizing interconnectedness. 

Join us for this year’s NCSEA Policy Forum, happening Jan.30th –Feb. 1st in Washington, DC! Hosted by Mariellen Keely, this episode features special guests and Policy Forum Co-Chairs, Trish Skophammer and Carla West. Trish, Director of Child Support Services in Ramsey County, MN, brings over 27 years of experience in child support evolution. Carla, Division Director for Human Services in North Carolina, shares insights from her 28-year career spanning multiple states and roles.

With the theme "Holistic Changes: Continuing to Build a Program That Serves Families," the forum will explore innovative strategies, impactful policies, and the future of child support services.

🎯 Highlights include:

-Sessions on child support guidelines and rethinking enforcement tools.

-An interactive Roman Coliseum-style debate.

-Networking with leaders and peers in the field.

-Whether in person or virtual, don’t miss your chance to be in the room where it happens! 💡

#NCSEA2025 #SupportVAKids #PolicyForum#ChildSupportLeadership

We're gearing up for the 2025 NCSEA Policy Forum, happening January 30th - February 1st in Washington, D.C., where child support professionals will come together to tackle key issues shaping our field.  🎤 In our latest podcast episode, Katie Kenney, Senior Manager for Professional Development at NCSEA, gave us a sneak peek at what’s in store! From thought-provoking discussions on holistic changes in child support policy to the debut of the Roman Forum of Child Support, this year’s conference promises to be insightful, interactive, and impactful.

📅 ICYMI: Registration is still open for virtual attendees until January 27th! Visit ncsea.org for details.

💡 What are you most excited about at #NCSEA2025? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️

On today’s episode of On Location, Patti Garofalo (Child Support practice Director with NTT Data) hosts a stellar line up to talk about connecting and engaging with legislators and other government officials.  Her guests today include Ryann Levering-White, Traci Berry, Kate Cooper Richardson, Carla West and Lyndsy Irwin.  They share their own personal experiences and give insight and inspiration as to what has been helpful for them to advocate for the child support program.  It’s that time of year, not only with a new year for 2025; it’s also that time to start planning to meet and educate your legislatures for what your program needs. 

Happy Holidays from the On Location Team!  This week’s episode brings you additional holiday cheer and 2025 wishes from child support professionals from North Carolina, Missouri, California, Arizona and New York.  Hosted by Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams, listen as our guests describe their “favorite traditions” and movies during this festive time of year.    Hear their hopes for the child support program over this coming year.   

Happy Holidays from the On Location Team!  This week’s episode brings you holiday cheer and hopes for the new year from child support professionals from Alaska, Wisconsin, California, and Michigan.  Hosted by Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams, listen as our guests describe their “favorite things” during this festive time of year.

Join Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) as he sits down with Dr. Sameon West (Community Liaison for Onslow County Child Support) to explore the unique challenges military families face while navigating the child support system. Dr. West shares insights from his work on base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, offering stories of courage, education, and support systems available to custodial and non-custodial parties alike. This episode helps child support professionals better understand how to serve those who have served our nation.

On today’s program, NCSEA On Location is proud to showcase the achievements of the Western Intergovernmental Child Support Engagement Council’s 2024 Awardees recognized during the recent WICSEC Conference in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams and Veronica Riley of Veronica Riley Consulting and Training, joined by special guest WICSEC President April Klatt, engage in a lively discussion with Rock Star Awardee– Donald “Donny” Archer (Shasta County, California), Leadership Achievement Awardee – Karen Coleman (Oregon Child Support Program), and Working Together Awardee – Ventura County Fatherhood Summit (Ventura County, California) represented by Kiara Nowlin.  The Platinum Program Awardee, Cherokee Nation represented by Sara Quetone, was unable to join us, and we hope to highlight their program for you in a future broadcast. Each awardee shares their thoughts and best practices as we celebrate the outstanding impacts they have made within the child support community. 

Join Mariellen Keely (with Virginia Child Support) as she sits down with Jonell Sullivan and Matt Sautter (both from Public Knowledge) to discuss their Re-Entry Simulation Workshop from WICSEC's 2024 Annual Training Conference. This experience highlights the barriers faced by citizens re-entering society after incarceration and how child support professionals can better support their reintegration.  The simulation aims to inspire more effective and compassionate support withing child support service delivery, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and well-being of citizens who need child support services. A must-listen for insights on breaking barriers. Tune in today!

On today’s episode, Tammy Pearson (YoungWilliams) hosts Patti Wood (Director of Operations, Child Support Field Services and Family Assistance and Child Support Contracts for the State of Tennessee, Department of Human Services). Join Tammy and Patti as they engage in a conversation about Tennessee’s Child Support Reentry Program. Learn about how this program started, and how it strives to be family centered – assisting the whole family in becoming self-sufficient. Listen as Patti talks about the successes of the program, who has been helped, and what makes a successful reentry program. You will even hear about how Patti started with child support.

For NCSEA members, please take another look at Patti Wood’s article in the April 2024 edition of the NCSEA Child Support CommuniQue: “Tennessee’s Child Support Reentry Program:  Employee Innovation Leads to Family-Centered Solution.”

On this week's episode, host Mariellen Keely sits down with The Honorable Angela Arkin and Tracy Rumans, Esq., to discuss a new development in Colorado family law- the Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) program. Angela and Tracy share insights and expand upon their recent article in the Child Support CommuniQue, discussing how LLPs are addressing the justice gap for low and moderate-income families. Listen in as we explore the creation of the program, its impact on family law cases, and the potential to expand equitable access to legal services in Colorado.

Today's episode was recorded on location in Washington DC in February of 2018 at the NCSEA Policy Forum.  Joe Mamlin and Lori Rumage-Cain host, and bring back to share that very first On Location program — a conversation with Alisha Griffin (independent Human Services consultant, and former Directors of the child support program in California and New Jersey); and Robert Doar (who was a Morgridge Fellow in Poverty Studies at the American Enterprise Institute; and is the former Commissioner of New York City’s Human Resources Administration and the former child support Director for the State of New York).  Listen up as we take a look back in history — the first episode revisited.

Sovereign Citizen Ideology – do you want to learn more?  If so, listen to this week’s informative conversation hosted by Emily Jernigan of the California Department of Child Support Services and Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams.  Their guests include Christina Eigel, Project Manager, El Paso County, Colorado, Young Williams, Nick Palos, Support Magistrate, Kings County Family Court in New York and Jeffrey Schroer, Chief Attorney, Kern County, CA, Department of Child Support Services.   They share their knowledge and experience ensuring all child support program participants are treated fairly and equitably under the laws and regulations which govern the child support program.  It is a discussion you will not want to miss!

On this week’s On Location episode, Mariellen Keely of Virginia Child Support and Brandi Gallebo of Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (Ohio) host a conversation with Valerie L from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families and Jonathan A. from Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (Ohio).  This is the latest installment of updates on the Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security (SAVES) Grant Projects.   Listen as Valerie and Jonathan describe their projects, how they define success and the latest books they are reading.

Today’s episode comes to you from Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and Alaska. Join Tim Lightner (eWorld Enterprise Solutions, based in Anchorage, Alaska) and Lisa Westfall (Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency in Columbus, Ohio). They are pleased to be joined by two of NCSEA’s Presidents:  Erin Frisch (NCSEA’s recent former President, and IV-D Director for the Michigan Office of Child Support), and Charles Smith (NCSEA’s newest President, and Vice President of Business Development at GreenCourt Legal Technologies). Listen as each talk about being thoughtful stewards of NCSEA, their own contributions, and reflections on where they are heading. From building community to holistic change, listen in for an engaging conversation.

This week, NCSEA on Location features a discussion with Erica Thornton, Policy and Paternity Unit Manager, Division of Child Support Services, Georgia Department of Human Services. Hosted by Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams in Illinois and Brandi Gallebo, Frankin County Child Support Enforcement Services in Ohio, the conversation focuses on the collaboration between the Georgia Division of Child Support Services and the State Office of Vital Records to establish paternity at the time of birth.  Listen as Erica describes how the program operates and the benefits each of the program’s stakeholders have realized.

On this week’s On Location episode, Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams (Illinois) and Brandi Gallebo of Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (Ohio) host a conversation with Kristen Mindus and Taryn Aguon from the Placer County Department of Child Support Services located in the greater Sacramento, California area.  Join the discussion about these NCSEA 2024 Howard G. Baldwin and New Leader Scholarship Awardees.  Listen as Kristen and Taryn describe their career journeys, their goals, priorities and most importantly, their favorite foods.   As a bonus, you will also hear a couple of person-on-the-street interviews, recorded at the 2024 NCSEA Leadership Symposium in Detroit, Michigan.

Today's episode comes to you from New Mexico, Illinois, and Ohio.  Please join us as Betina Gonzales McCracken, Child Support Services Division Director for the State of New Mexico, the NCSEA 2024 Program Awareness awardee, discusses her initiative to use public service announcements to educate and promote the child support program to current and future program participants. Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams (Illinois) and Brandi Gallebo of Frankin County Child Support Enforcement Services (Ohio) host this lively and interesting conversation.  Please continue to listen as the three public service announcements Betina and her team created illustrate why this program awareness campaign has been so effective.

Today's episode comes to you on location from Idaho, Massachusetts, Georgia and Indiana.  Join Patti Garofalo (Child Support Practice Director with NTT Data) as she hosts a conversation about modernization planning and the art of the possible.  Her guests today include Sarah Hurst (Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Georgia Child Support Services), Michele Cristello (Deputy Commissioner of the Child Support Services Division within the Massachusetts Department of Revenue), and Dawn McNeal (Business Consulting Senior Manager, NTT Data).  Listen as they talk about the modernization journey, inclusion for the process, feasibility studies and readiness activities.  They also discuss the importance of training and preparation, allocation of staff, data management and more.  Don't miss out on the favorite quotes they offer for the system modernization endeavor.

Coming to you from Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia, Mariellen Keely (Virginia Child Support) hosts Dr. Shaneen Moore (Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Director of the Child Support Division within the Children and Family Services (CFS) administration of the Minnesota Department of Human Services) and Erin Frisch (current NCSEA President, and Title IV-D Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services).  They have a conversation about their workshop from the 2024 ERICSA Training Conference and Expo.  They share Minnesota’s Section 1115 grant from OCSS, to examine child support policies and services to assess disproportional access to child support services, determine if orders reflect a true ability to pay, and to improve child support services to families.

Today’s episode comes to you on location from various places in California, New York, Tennessee, Washington DC, and Anchorage, Alaska.  On today’s show, Veronica Riley and Tim Lightner lead a conversation off past and current commissioners from the Federal Office of Child Support Services.  They share their perspectives and their reflections of NCSEA over the years.  Our guests include Dr. Sherri Heller, Margot Bean, Vicki Turetsky, Scott Lekan, and Tanguler Gray.  Truly a unique experience to have all these people in one place!

On Location returns to celebrate 50 years of the National Child Support Engagement Association and comes to you from across North America:  New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, California, and British Columbia, Canada. On today’s show, Pat O’Donnell and Veronica Riley continue their conversation with Margot Bean, Scott Cade, Erin Frisch, Steven Golightly, Alisha Griffin, Hannah Roots, Lisa Skenandore, and Diane Potts. They talk about how NCSEA has impacted child support policy and reflect on NCSEA’s influence on the front-line staff level.  Their guests share what excites them about the future of NCSEA.  Stick around until the end and listen to a pop quiz with their guests on current events or the price of goods in 1974!

On Location continues to celebrate the 50 years of the National Child Support Engagement Association and comes to you from across North America:  New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, California, and British Columbia, Canada. On today’s show, Pat O’Donnell and Veronica Riley lead a conversation with Margot Bean, Scott Cade, Erin Frisch, Steven Golightly, Alisha Griffin, Hannah Roots, Lisa Skenandore, and Diane Potts. They talk about NCSEA’s impact on them personally, including on their own child support careers. They also talk about the impact on the greater child support community, including internationally. Stay tuned for next week, as the conversation continues with Part 2 about the influence that NCSEA has had over its fifty years in existence.

Today’s episode returns to you from Anchorage, Alaska and Brooklyn, New York along with voices from around the country.  On today’s show, Nick Palos and Tim Lightner lead the rest of a conversation with a group of NCSEA past Presidents, Executive Directors, and other NCSEA leaders including Vernon Drew, Colleen Eubanks, Ann Marie Ruskin, Chris Wood, Lori Bengston, Jim Fleming, Charles Smith, and Joe Mamlin. The group continues their discussion about the history of NCSEA.  They talk about other tumultuous times, including the COVID19 pandemic, and how NCSEA responded.  Their discussion covers notable achievements, program offerings, how we got to the current name for NCSEA, and legislative proposals.  Listen also to perspectives on how we evolved over the years, and where we are headed, to be the voice of the child support community.    Don’t forget to listen next week, when the 50th anniversary podcast series returns, to talk about the impact of the National Child Support Engagement Association.

Today’s episode comes to you from Anchorage, Alaska and Brooklyn, New York along with voices from around the country. On today’s show, Tim Lightner and Nick Palos lead a conversation with a group of NCSEA past Presidents , Executive Directors, and other NCSEA leaders including Vernon Drew, Colleen Eubanks, Ann Marie Ruskin, Chris Wood, Lori Bengston, Jim Fleming, Charles Smith, and Joe Mamlin. The group talks a bit about the history of the organization as well as that of the child support program itself, from the beginning through to 2017. We talk about how we came out of our reorganization, our critical role in interstate, and the international child support program itself.

Today’s program comes to you from Virginia and California.  Join Emily Jernigan (Regional Administrator for the California Department of Child Support Services) and Mariellen Keely (Grants and Initiatives Consultant Senior, Virginia Child Support) as they host today’s episode.  They welcome David Kilgore (Director), Justin Freitas (Deputy Director), Catherine Manzano (Chief Information Officer) and Sidney Burt (Strategic Communication Manager) – all with the California Department of Child Support Services.  Get to know them:  their history and what got them started in the child support program.  They talk today about California’s former assistance arrears pass-through in their state:  what it is, the recent change, why the shift, and who it impacts.  They also discuss policy perspectives, messaging campaigns, and how it was implemented – including some advice for other states. 

Tim Lightner (co-chair of this year’s NCSEA Communication’s Committee, and coming to you from Anchorage, Alaska) and Mariellen Keely (Virginia Child Support, and from Crozet, Virginia) welcome a conversation about domestic violence, and what functionality a child support system should include as many states are going through system modernization.  They welcome their guests, Jonell Sullivan (Management Consultant with Public Knowledge) as she makes her On Location debut, along with Michael Hayes (Federal Office of Child Support Services) as he returns to the On Location studio.    The discussion centers around what is needed, and important to protect domestic violence survivors, and what can help and what can harm within a child support program’s system.  They offer up suggestions that are worth taking note.  Listen also as Jonell and Michael share their history in the program, and how they ended up in child support. 

Today’s podcast is hosted by Pat O’Donnell (of YoungWilliams and coming to you from Illinois).  She is joined by Matt Brega (Assistant Director and Supervising Attorney, Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services), Lori Cruz (Director, Contra Costa County Department of Child Support Services), Corri Flores (Director –Government Affairs Wage Garnishments Compliance & Shared Services at ADP), and Robyn Large (of the Federal Office of Child Support Services; based in South Carolina).  They have an engaging conversation focusing on the National Medical Support Notice (NMSN):  the benefits, frustrations, challenges and obstacles.  Listen as they touch on the history and processes, and why awareness and education is the key for understanding to assist the families in the child support program with the medical support they deserve.

Today’s program comes to you from Crozet, Virginia and Kansas City, Missouri, where Mariellen Keely (VA Child Support) welcomes back to the podcast, a familiar and esteemed guest, Barbara Lacina (Regional Administrator for Region 7 of the Administration for Children and Families).   Mariellen hosts an engaging conversation, as Barbara catches us up on her new role, after serving 32 years as a child support professional.  Listen as Barbara describes her journey and roles, and how she got started in the child support program.    Get to know more about the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), what is under their umbrella, and what locations Region 7 covers.  Find out what book is on Barbara’s nightstand table that she has recently finished reading, which you can add to your list.    

This week’s episode of On Location comes to you from Michigan and Virginia. Join Mariellen Keely (Grants & Initiatives Consultant Senior, Division of Child Support, Virginia Department of Social Services) as she hosts today's program. Mariellen welcomes April Williams (Navigation Program Manager of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services/Child Support pilot program – Navigation Program Services) and Julie Vandenboom (Michigan Office of Child Support, Program Re-engineering Specialist, who talk about their article in the January issue of the Federal Office of Child Support Services’ (OCSS) Child Support Report.  Hear about how they each got involved in the child support program and roles they have held. Learn what they are doing now with the new Michigan Navigator Program, and what it entails.

This week’s episode of On Location is coming to you from across the country:  Louisiana, Michigan, California, and Alaska. Join co-hosts Tim Lightner (co-chair of this year’s NCSEA Communications Committee, and coming to you from Anchorage, Alaska) and Emily Jernigan (Regional Administrator, Southern Region for the California Department of Child Support Services). Together they host Konitra Jack (Director, Louisiana Child Support Enforcement Services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and Sharon Pizzuti (Vice President, Courtland Consulting in East Lansing, Michigan). They have a conversation about an amazing event coming up in August:  the 2024 NCSEA Leadership Symposium in Detroit, Michigan. Learn about the “heart and soul” of this year’s symposium, what’s in store, and how to get registered. Find out about a community service project for attendees, and a celebration of NCSEA’s 50th birthday. Discover what to see and do in the host city, and where to find some of the best and unique places to eat. https://www.ncsealeadershipsymposium.org/

Today’s program comes to you from Michigan, Iowa, California, and Alaska.  Tim Lightner (co-chair of this year’s NCSEA Communications Committee -- and coming to you from Anchorage, Alaska) and DeAnna Rice (Administrative Assistant to Director David Kilgore of the California Department of Child Support Services) team up to co-host today’s podcast.  They welcome two new guests, Kelly Micka (Director, with Alvarez & Marsal), and Paul Gehm (of the Michigan State Courts).   Join them as they talk about NCSEA Policy and Government Relations’ subcommittee, Emerging Issues and Leading Practices, and learn about the benefits that the NCSEA membership has from this committee.   Get to know Kelly and Paul as they talk about their involvement with the child support program, how they got started, where their journey has taken them, and their own contributions to NCSEA.

Today’s podcast comes to you from California and Ohio.  Join Emily Jernigan (Regional Administrator, Southern Region for the California Department of Child Support Services) and Brandi Gallebo (Manager with the Franklin County, Ohio Child Support Enforcement Agency) as they co-host today.  They welcome Laura Van Buskirk (Director, Placer County, California Department of Child Support Services) and Kim Newsom Bridges (Sr. Director, Child Support Solutions, Conduent; based in Ohio).  Laura and Kim talk about their journeys and their career paths.  They have a conversation about leadership, why it’s important to lead, and how to develop your leadership skills.  Listen as they share their leadership philosophies and perspectives.

How can you constructively navigate sometimes difficult conversations?  Coming to you from Illinois and California, join Emily Jernigan of California Department of Child Support Services and Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams as they discuss the importance of Crucial Conversations with Jasper Jacobs, Training Facilitator from the California Department of Child Support Services – Training and Development Unit.  As we continue our personal and professional development journeys, the tools and techniques described will help us “Master Our Dialogue”.  Listen to learn more …