What happens when a team takes a closer look at how their work gets done and invites real collaboration along the way? Abe Mendoza and Matt Sautter join Stacey to discuss San Joaquin County’s experience rethinking its approach to child support services through an operational assessment and business process redesign with support from Public Knowledge® (PK).
Modernizing child support services starts with listening to the people doing the work. Abe and Matt share how engaging line staff, documenting real workflows, and staying grounded in a family-centered mission led to clearer processes and measurable results. This approach ensures that improvements are both meaningful and sustainable.
Processes That Work For Your Team
PK helps agencies and nonprofits rethink how work gets done through our business process redesign services. Our methodology combines Lean Six Sigma tools with proven change management strategies to reduce process variability, enhance collaboration, and align services with client and family needs.
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Stories That Spark Progress
The Igniting Impact Podcast features real conversations with leaders and changemakers who are reshaping systems and driving meaningful results. Each episode explores the strategies and insights behind lasting change for the people and communities we serve.
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The Voices Behind the Work
Abe Mendoza, Director of Joaquin County Child Support Services
Abe began his child support career in 2008, serving in San Mateo and Sutter Counties before joining the California Department of Child Support Services (CA DCSS) in 2014. At CA DCSS, he worked in policy, training, and change management, later serving as Regional Administrator for the Northern Region, where he supported local agency performance and policy implementation.
In 2022, Abe became Director of San Joaquin County Child Support Services, leading efforts to streamline processes, strengthen leadership, and improve family outcomes. He joined the California Child Support Directors Association Board in 2024.
Abe holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and an MBA from Ashford University. He enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and wine, and spending time outdoors with his wife.
Matt Sautter, Child Support Industry Director
Matt serves as the Child Support Industry Practice Director at Public Knowledge®, bringing over 12 years of experience improving child support systems and outcomes for families. With a background in project management, regulatory compliance, and process improvement, Matt leads cross-functional teams to deliver results that align with best practices and family-centered policy.
He combines subject matter expertise with a deep understanding of public sector systems, helping clients navigate complex challenges and design effective, sustainable solutions. His leadership has supported operational assessments, stakeholder engagement efforts, and training programs that promote organizational growth and accountability.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from Washington State University.
Stacey Moss, President and CEO
Stacey is the President and CEO of Public Knowledge®. She has over 25 years of experience in government, education, and nonprofit organizations. Stacey is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS). She is an expert in training development, leadership coaching, organizational change management, and program development. Stacey has delivered over 200 training sessions on topics like child welfare, procurement, and leadership. She has managed more than 50 projects and portfolios.
Stacey holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wyoming. She is recognized for her work in child welfare law, program management, and community engagement.
About the Podcast
Launched in 2023, the Igniting Impact Podcast highlights our client’s and partner’s important work. We hope that this podcast drives impactful conversations that foster connections and progress in the field. One of our core values at Public Knowledge® is Impact. We created this podcast around this fundamental principle because it is essential to our work. Impact to us means, “We approach every engagement with our energy focused on identifying the right goals, outcomes, and strategies. And we each have a personal responsibility to make a positive impact on our projects and our world.”