Behind Every Case Is a Story: Challenges, Rewards and Dedicated Professionals

Behind Every Case Is a Story: Challenges, Rewards and Dedicated Professionals

Author: NCSEA April 23, 2025 Duration: 36:27

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.


Ever wonder what happens when you pull a microphone out at a conference or a community meeting? That's the spirit of NCSEA On Location. Instead of polished studio sessions, this podcast captures conversations where they naturally happen-in hallways after a panel, at international gatherings, or in quiet corners of bustling events. You'll hear directly from Human Services professionals, from caseworkers to policy architects, along with advocates and community stakeholders who are deeply involved in the system. The discussions are immediate and grounded, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges and innovations in public service. Each episode feels like you’ve stepped into a meaningful, spontaneous dialogue, one that continues long after the formal agenda ends. The authentic atmosphere is even complemented by original music from Joe Mamlin, whose granted compositions frame these real-world recordings. Brought to you by NCSEA, this series is for anyone curious about the human stories behind government services, preferring the sound of genuine exchange over a rehearsed script. Tune in to a podcast that truly travels, bringing you voices from the field exactly as they were heard on the ground.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

NCSEA On Location
Podcast Episodes
2025 WICSEC Rock Star Achievement Awardee: Alexandra Popescu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:14
Welcome to another episode of NCSEA On Location with Pat O'Donnell of Young Williams. We are delighted to celebrate the 2025 WICSEC Rock Star Achievement Awardee, an individual recognized for significant non-supervisory…
Meet Brianna Nesbitt, NCSEA’s Professional Development Manager [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:26
Join NCSEA On Location hosts Tim Lightner (eWorld Enterprise Solutions) and DeAnna Rice (CaliforniaDepartment of Child Support Services) as they introduce Brianna Nesbitt, the new NCSEA Manager of Professional Developmen…
Disaster Preparedness with North Carolina Child Support Services [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:22
On this episode of NCSEA On Location, Lisa Westfall (Franklin County Child Support) and Pamela Jenkins (North Carolina Child Support Services) discuss the impact of natural disasters on child support services. Pamela sha…
A Front Row Seat to California’s Child Support Programs (Pt. 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
On today’s program, join Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) as he returns, for the second of a two-part conversation with professionals from California’s child support programs. Join the conversation in progress with Rick…