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
Talking About Mental Health with Tara Rolstad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:05
On today's episode Vernoica Riley (Veronica Riley Training & Consulting; California) talks to Tara Rolstad (Lake Oswego, Oregon) about mental health and self-care in the workplace. Tara is a mental health expert, profess…
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Duration: 52:05
In today's landscape, there's plenty of obstacles and stress that leaders and staff are facing, and it may be more important than ever to explore the benefits of mindfulness and well-being. In today’s episode, Mariellen…
Improving Collaboration on International Child Support Cases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
Today’s program comes to you from Chicago, Illinois; Heidelberg, Germany; Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; and Rancho Cordova, CA. Join Pat O’Donnell (YoungWilliams) as she hosts Thomas Meysen (SOCLES International Ce…
The Future of Systems with Child Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:09
Today’s episode comes to you from Washington DC and Alaska, where Tim Lightner (from Anchorage, Alaska) hosts Raghavan Varadachari from the Federal Office of Child Support Services (better known as OCSS). He is joining u…
NCSEA-YOU! – Get Yourself Ready to Apply for NCSEA-U and Level Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
Today’s episode comes to you on location from Georgia, Ohio and Colorado. Lisa Westfall (Enforcement Supervisor with Franklin County, Ohio Child Support Enforcement Agency) welcomes Maureen Leif (President of Grays Peak…