NCSEA On Location

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Connection: Fresh Groups, Real Conversations Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of NCSEA On Location, coming to you from California and Alaska! I’m your host, Tim Lightner, and today we are diving into NCSEA Connects—a vital professional development and networking opportunity for child support professionals. Joining us to discuss its history, impact, and exciting expansion are Laura Van Buskirk (current Director of Placer County Department of Child Support Services, and Kathie Bohacek, Assistant Director of San Joaquin County Department of Child Support Services). Laura and Kathie explore what makes these interactive groups so unique and how you can get involved -- with three brand-new groups launching!

NCSEA Connects | NCSEA

Beyond Self-Care: Wellness for Child Support Workers Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Today’s episode of On Location explores the critical importance of self-care and overall wellness for child support professionals. Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) welcomes guest Matt Sautter (Founder & Principal, Basepoint Solutions Group). Matt shares practical tips and insights drawing from his front-line and human services experience, delving into the daily stress, internal battles, and risk of burnout workersface in complex systems, such as child support. Together, the discussion highlights tangible strategies for employees and management alike—such as work flexibility and aligning with holistic family well-being—to create healthier work environments and to better serve families.

The NCSEA Child Support CommuniQue (CSQ) is a quarterly publication that is a benefit to NCSEA members. If you would like to learn more about membership, please visit our website at https://www.ncsea.org/membership/.

Inside NCSEA U: Building the Next Generation of Child Support Leaders Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode of On Location, join Tammy Pearson(YoungWilliams) as she hosts the co-chairs of the NCSEA U Committee, Michele Christello (IV-D Director of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Child Support Services Division) and John Hurst (Government Services Consultant with GreenCourt Technologies). They dive into the history, impact, and selection process behind NCSEA U, an elite educational initiative established in 2013 for leaders and emerging leaders in the child support community. Listeners will learn exactly what the selection committee looks for in candidates—highlighting the immense power of a sincere, well-crafted application—and how the program has shaped over four hundred professionals across fifteen total cohorts. The discussion also previews the upcoming classes with thirty attendees at the Leadership Symposium in Louisville, KY, outlining both the classroom expectations and the virtual pre- and post-sessions. Finally, the episode offers invaluable, practical advice for future applicants on how to strengthen their profiles and successfully articulate their value for the next round of applications.

And if you have not registered for the 2026 NCSEA Leadership Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, we would encourage you to register and attend. It’s going to be a greatopportunity for professional development and networking with other child support professionals. Simply go to the Leadership Symposium website to find information on how to register.

Across Country Boundaries: Understanding Important Nuances Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of On Location, join host David Kilgore (CGITechnologies and Solutions) and guests Kristen Donadee (IV-D Director, California Department of Child Support Services) and Hannah Roots (Attorney at Law). They highlight the vital work and goals of the NCSEA International Subcommittee, a dedicated group fostering partnerships with jurisdictions across the world to elevate international advocacy. Byfocusing on their core work of professional development, they equip practitioners with the global insights needed to navigate complex, cross-border cases. Ultimately, their mission is about breaking down barriers to discover how they can provide better, more seamless support and services to families around the world.

The NCSEA 2026 Leadership Symposium Preview Exclusive Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s NCSEA On Location, Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) is joined by Kelly Micka (Information Technology Senior Manager, NTT DATA Services), Connie Chesnik (NCSEA President; Administrator, Division of Family and Economic Security at Wisconsin Department of Children and Families) and Theresa Emig (Senior Manager, Maximus Inc.). Get ready as they preview this year’s NCSEA Leadership Symposium, giving you an exclusive look at the planned plenaries, workshops, learning labs, virtual experiences, NCSEA service project and local attractions. You don’t want to miss this podcast or the live person conference event!

Home Page - NCSEA Leadership Symposium 2026

The Next 50 Years: The Importance of Lifting Families Up (Part 2) Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

The future of family support requires us to look far beyondtraditional numbers and system practices. In the conclusion of this special two-part feature, our national human services panel returns to explore how the evolving definition of modern families is reshaping everything from "parentage" to programmatic success. Join Tammy Pearson (YoungWilliams) and Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) as they dive into a critical discussion on why we must move past outdated federal performance measures—embracing the philosophy that "what we measure determines what we build"—and explore the urgent need for comprehensive technologymodernization across child support, Medicaid, and child welfare systems. Coming to you from Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin, Wyoming, North Carolina and Alaska, welcome back to Reggie Bicha (President/CEO American Public Human Services Association – better known as APHSA), Erin Frisch (Senior Deputy Director, Economic Stability Administration with the State of Michigan), Connie Chesnik (Administrator, Division of Family and Economic Security at WisconsinDepartment of Children and Families) and Kristie Gordy (Social Services Administrator for the Wyoming Department of Family Services) as they continue the conversation.

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The Next 50 Years: The Importance of Lifting Families Up (Part 1) Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

The Title IV-D child support program was built in 1975 to recover welfare expenses, but the modern landscape demands a radical shift from enforcement to empowerment. In part one of this two-part feature, national human services leaders come together to map out the next generation of family support. Discover how modern agencies are breaking down traditional silos to connect families with comprehensive services that build true economic self- sufficiency. We are pleased to have on today’s podcast Reggie Bicha (President/CEO American Public Human Services Association – better known as APHSA), Erin Frisch (Senior Deputy Director, Economic Stability Administrationwith the State of Michigan), Connie Chesnik (Administrator, Division of Family and Economic Security at Wisconsin Department of Children and Families) and Kristie Gordy (Social Services Administrator for the Wyoming Dept of Family Services).

And don't forget to listen next week for Part 2 of The Next 50 Years: The Importance of Lifting Families Up.

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On Location with Sacramento County: The HELP Behind NextGen May 20, 2026

Show notes

Join Mariellen Keely (Virginia DCSE) as she speaks withJennifer McGuire, Program Planner for Sacramento County Child Support Services, about their participation in the NextGeneration Child Support Employment Services Demonstration (NextGen). Sacramento’s project—called HELP (Holistic Employment, License, and Parenting Time)—focuses on supporting noncustodial parents through enhanced employment services, license reinstatement, and access to parenting time assistance. Jennifer shares her journey from casework to grant leadership, discusses theimportance of collaboration with local workforce partners and offers an honest look at the challenges of building something new from the ground up. This episode is packed with insight for professionals working on family-centered,grant-funded innovation in the child support space.

(Originally recorded on 6/9/25)

From the Child Support Bureau in Indiana to Washington DC: Meet the New Federal OCSE Commissioner May 13, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of On Location, Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) and David Kilgore (CGI Technologies and Solutions) co-host a special podcast episode for our child support community. We are privileged to welcome the new Commissioner for the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (better known as OCSE). Listen as he shares about how he got started in child support, how his career path grew, and how he became appointed to be the Federal Commissioner for OCSE. Hear about what his first seven weeks in office were like; any mandates or vision for the Federal Office of Child Support; and one thing that he could say to child support professionals, now coming from his role as the Commissioner.

Nominate. Elevate. Celebrate. Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Today’s On Location episode is brought to you by BrandiGallebo, Social Program Administrator over the Enforcement department at Franklin County Child Support in Columbus, Ohio and Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams. It is an exciting time of the year – a chance to recognize innovation, leadership and contributions throughout the child support program. To learn more, listen as Connie Chesnik, current NCSEA President,Chris Wood, Executive Director of NCSEA and Wrenn Awbrey, Chair of the NCSEA Awards Committee describe the importance of the scholarships and awards, how to be sure your nomination “stands out” and most importantly their collective pride in recognizing the achievements of child support professions. Scholarship nominations are open now and there will be an announcement soon to submit your nomination for the NCSEA annual awards. Awardees will berecognized during the Leadership Symposium in August.

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