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
Navigating Military Child Support: Legal Insights with Kris Hilscher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:50
Military families face unique challenges when it comes tochild support, from frequent relocations and deployments to military pay structures. In this episode of On Location, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) hosts Kris H…
Holistic Family Supports: A Discussion with Lilly James [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
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 sp…
The Road to the 2025 Policy Forum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:40
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 po…
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: Best Practices in Advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:35
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…
2024 NCSEA Holiday Podcast (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:26
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 b…
2024 NCSEA Holiday Podcast (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:11
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…