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 | NCSEATo 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.