In this episode of the Igniting Impact Podcast, Stacey Moss leads an engaging conversation with Phyllis Nance, Director of Alameda County Child Support Services, and Kathy Sokolik and Matt Sautter of Public Knowledge® on how training can redefine the values, practices, and outcomes of child support programs.
Phyllis shares how Alameda County shifted from an enforcement-driven approach to a collaborative model, recognizing clients as customers and, ultimately, as parents. Kathy and Matt offer insights on how intentional training drives meaningful change, shaping child support services to be more effective, empathetic, and family-centered.
The discussion highlights how language, leadership, and learning intersect to build trust, empower staff, and center families. Training is no longer a side effort. It is a strategic tool for lasting change.
Why Training with PK Works
Our training programs are built around real-world child support scenarios, strengthening communication and collaboration to drive meaningful change. Offered in instructor-led and eLearning formats, they provide the flexibility to meet your program’s unique needs. Courses like Collaborative Negotiation and Effective Child Support Customer Service equip professionals with the confidence, cultural responsiveness, and connection needed to serve families effectively. By partnering with us, your team will gain the skills to create stronger agreements, build trust, and achieve better outcomes for the families you support.
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Ideas in Action
The Igniting Impact Podcast features meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and real-life lessons from leaders driving transformation in their fields. Each episode highlights approaches that are making a difference for families, programs, and communities across the country.
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Voices Guiding Change
Phyllis Nance, Director of Alameda County Child Support Services
Phyllis Nance is the Director of the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services, bringing over 40 years of public service experience. She joined Alameda County in 2016 after 25 years with Kern County Child Support Services, including eight as Director.
Phyllis brings deep knowledge of the child support program and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children. She prioritizes customer service and community partnerships.
Phyllis holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne and a master’s in Organizational Administration from California State University, Bakersfield.
Kathy Sokolik, Vice President
Kathy Sokolik recently retired as Vice President at Public Knowledge®, a role she held since 2024 following three years as Regional Vice President. She supported teams across California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Hawaii, Guam, and National Child Support initiatives.
With 26 years of experience as a policy and operations analyst, Kathy has contributed to public and private sector social service programs since the 1980s. She played a key role in the federal effort to align child support programs with the Affordable Care Act.
Kathy holds a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College.
Matt Sautter, Child Support Industry Director
Since 2023, Matt has been the Child Support Industry Practice Director at Public Knowledge®. He is a child support subject matter expert with deep knowledge of family-centered child support policies, employment programs, and behavioral economics. Matt has experience working with county, state, and tribal child support programs, providing each with program design, development, and evaluation assistance.
Matt holds a bachelor’s degree 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.”