NCSEA On Location

Step behind the scenes of NCSEA conferences in this episode of NCSEA On Location, hosted by Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting). Interim Executive Director Beth Knight and Professional Development and Communications Manager Brianna Nesbitt reveal the high-stakes, behind-the-scenes world of the association's conference "Command Center." Also joining are LaTrese Wallace (NCSEA Senior Manager of Fundraising and Partnerships) and Amalia Paul (NCSEA Senior Coordinator of Association Services). From managing unexpected last-minute room swaps and frantic venue logistics to handling personal emergencies on the fly, this conversation uncovers the dedication required to deliver a seamless attendee experience. Tune in to discover the unseen teamwork, caffeine-fueled mornings, and meticulous coordination that keep NCSEA events running effortlessly.

On this week’s episode, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) sits down with Awendela Williams of the Penobscot Nation Child Support Agency to discuss the important role tribal child support programs play in serving families and strengthening communities. The conversation explores what makes tribal child support unique, the value of strong partnerships, the realities of working in a close-knit community, and the impact that thoughtful collaboration and kindness can have for children and families.

Awendela Williams is a proud member of the Penobscot Nation. She has lived on the Penobscot Nation Reservation for most of her life. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maine, at Orono. She has been working for the Penobscot Nation Child Support Agency for 19 years and is the PNCSA Program Coordinator.

On this episode of On Location, Scott Eder (Courtland Consulting) hosts Dr. Alan-Michael Graves (Senior Director of Teaching and Capacity Building with the Good Plus Foundation). Hear insights from Dr. Graves, where the discussion emphasizes training social service and child support personnel to engage fathers through a cultural and family-centered lens. Ultimately moving from adversarial practices toward collaborative systems that work with fathers to strengthen co-parenting, financial stability, and emotional involvement. This podcast explores the delicate balance between supporting the child support system and advocating for fathers' rights to ensure the ultimate well-being of children.
If you are an NCSEA member, please also check out Dr. Graves’ article in the July, 2026 CSQ titled “The Balancing Act”. If you’re not a member, it may be the time to become a member. Please check out how to become a member at www.ncsea.org/membership.

What does Pete the Cat (the children’s book) and the child support program have in common? Quite a lot! On today’s edition of On Location, join Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams as she hosts a discussion with Stanislaus County Child Support Services Director Marissa de Almeida, Executive Operational Manager Karen Lumpkin and Operations Manager Joe Silva as they describe how they are meeting families where they are … in their children’s classrooms and building advocacy for child support services within the educational community, parents and children. Their creativity and determination to make a positive difference really shines through as they describe the impact they’ve made so far and their plans for the future of the program.

Welcome back to another edition of NCSEA On Location, recorded live with hosts and guests spanning from New York to Alaska! In this episode, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) sits down with Bill Woods, President of the National Tribal Child Support Association as well as staff attorney for the Three Affiliated Tribes, and April Lauzon, President of the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors, and Program Manager at St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York. Together, they discuss the crucial impact of Title IV-D tribal child support programs, highlighting how tribes exercise sovereignty to serve families and children through culturally grounded approaches. They dive into national outreach efforts and ongoing endeavors to expand IV-D tribal programs across the country. Tune in as they share their ultimate goal of broadening these life-changing services and increasing federally recognized tribal child support programs.
Home Page - NTCSA - National Tribal Child Support AssociationHome Page - NTCSA - National Tribal Child Support Association
National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors – National Association of Tribal Child Support DirectorsTRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT PROGRAM START-UP APPLICATION GUIDE