NCSEA On Location

Welcome back to this week’s episode of NCSEA On Location, coming to you from Idaho, Oklahoma, and Alaska. In this second episode, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) continues the conversation from last week’s program, on tribal child support. He is joined by Marsha Harlan (District Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice for various Tribal Nations; and founding partner in Penn Ridge Strategies LLC), Lilly James (Director, Nez Perce Tribal Child Support Program), Alecia Onzahwah (Director, Kickapoo Tribal Child Support Program) and April Buck (Director and Attorney, Muscogee Creek Nation Tribal Child Support Program). Hear as they continue to share the vital work of their tribal child support programs, exploring topics from tribal sovereignty and cultural in-kind support to cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Stay tuned as we continue diving into Tribal Child Support 101. Listen, as we pick up on the conversation mid-stream.

And just a reminder that November is officially recognized in the United States as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. Please take the time to learn more.

Sovereignty, Culture, and Community: Tribal Child Support 101 (Part 1)

Welcome back to this week’s episode of NCSEA On Location, coming to you from Idaho, Oklahoma, and Alaska. In this first episode, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) continues an important conversation started at the 2026 Leadership Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, focusing on tribal child support and healing the divide. He is joined by returning guests Marsha Harlan (District Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice for various Tribal Nations; and founding partner in Penn Ridge Strategies LLC) and Lilly James (Director, Nez Perce Tribal Child Support Program), alongside fellow tribal leaders Alecia Onzahwah (Director, Kickapoo Tribal Child Support Program) and April Buck (Director and Attorney, Muscogee Creek Nation Tribal Child Support Program). Together, these strong women share the vital work of their tribal child support programs, exploring topics from tribal sovereignty and cultural in-kind support to cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Stay tuned as we dive into Tribal Child Support 101 to better understand these unique systems, communities, and traditions!

Please join us next week as they continue sharing. In case you weren’t aware, November is officially recognized in the United States as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. Please take time to check this out, and learn more.

In this episode of NCSEA On Location, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) is joined by Tanguler Gray, Michele Christello, Alexandra Popescu, and John Hurst to preview the upcoming NCSEA U at the 2027 Policy Forum. The guests break down what attendees can expect from this premier leadership development event, including instructor highlights, core session themes, and how the program seamlessly flows right into the main Policy Forum. Hear expert tips on crafting a competitive application, securing supervisor approval, and why you or a colleague should join this invaluable professional growth experience.

For more information: NCSEA U | NCSEA

To apply: 2027 NCSEA U Policy Forum Application Survey

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

In this episode of On Location, join Pat O’Donnell of YoungWilliams and Brandi Gallebo of Franklin County (Ohio) Child Support Enforcement Services as they host a conversation with Regina Cruise and Marquese Howard of Riverside County, CA highlighting their “year-round” focus on Child Support Awareness and Child Support Awareness Month (CSAM) outreach campaigns. Their efforts in collaboration with their sister child support agencies and their many community partners provide ongoing education and support to families regarding child support services as well as referrals to other assistive services. Their team and their program make such a positive impact within their community. Listen now for more!

On this episode of NCSEA On Location, hosts Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) and DeAnna Rice (CA Department of Child Support Services) facilitate a candid conversation centered on the passing of the gavel—the transition ofleadership from outgoing NCSEA President Connie Chesnik (Administrator, Division of Family and Economic Security at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families) to incoming President Ethan McKinney (Vice President forBusiness Development and Corporate Strategy at Protech Solutions, Inc.). Together, Connie and Ethan reflect on their journeys within the child support community, the milestones and surprises of the past year, and the strategic vision for the year ahead.