Child Support Staff Testimonials This Child Support Awareness Month, the Bureau of Child Support (BCS) wants to spotlight the people who make this work meaningful. Every day, the dedication of hundreds of child support specialists helps strengthen families and support children throughout Wisconsin. Below, the following child support workers reflect on their time at child support and tribal agencies and what makes the program so special: Christie Schmidt, Director of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Tribal Child Support Agency, Pamela Pipkin, Director of Monroe County Child Support Agency, Melissa Wittwer, Director of Rock County Child Support Agency, Sandra L. Snider Okamoto, Director of Sawyer County Child Support Agency, Brooke Peeters, Brown County Child Support Supervisor, Deya Sanchez, Waushara County Child Support Specialist, and Ashley Lombard, Juneau County Child Support Specialist. When did you begin your career at the agency? What do you remember about that time? “My career began in December 2022 after 12 years of dedicated service with a private company. Stepping into a new role was both exciting and scary. I remember interviewing with our director and supervisor, who left a lasting impression on me. Their confidence in my abilities and their decision to select me for the position was an honor that I deeply appreciated. That opportunity not only marked the start of a new chapter in my life but also shows the importance of leadership, trust, and meaningful workplace relationships.” - Brooke Peeters “I started my career in child support on July 9, 1989, as a secretary and a very young college graduate with a paralegal degree. The program looked very different then—we used typewriters, paper files, and much of our work was reactive rather than proactive. Over the years, I advanced through the agency and in 2006 became the director. It has been an incredible journey watching both the program and my career evolve, and I have been fortunate to grow into leadership while helping shape the direction of the agency.” – Pamela Pipkin Tell us about your first day at the agency. What do you remember? What inspired you to work in this field? “On my first day, I was nervous as all get out. I just remember shadowing my trainer, looking at the screens, paperwork and then the jump paths and thinking “I am never going to get all of this!” There were a lot of jumps and shift-f-keys and then you go where, I was lost! I was inspired in this field because I am a parent who is supposed to receive child support and don’t, and my husband was one who had to pay child support for his children. So, I can understand both sides of the spectrum. And I know how it can feel and affect both parties." – Ashley Lombard What do you find most rewarding about your role? “I began my career as an Engagement Specialist and recently transitioned into a supervisor role. As a Specialist, I found the position incredibly rewarding because it allowed me to build meaningful connections with participants, help them understand the program, and guide them toward the resources available to support their success. Being able to make a positive impact is one of the most fulfilling things of my role.” – Brooke Peeters “The most rewarding part of my role is knowing I’ve done my job well while helping families. Whether it is establishing support, resolving a difficult issue, or helping someone understand the process, it’s satisfying to know my work can have a positive impact on children and parents.” – Pamela Pipkin What do you value most about working with your team? “I value having a dedicated team that is willing to learn, adapt, and do whatever is needed to serve our families. Building this team took time, especially when we were short-staffed and operating with only two employees, but their commitment and teamwork have been invaluable.” – Christie Schmidt “I work with an amazing team. We work very well together and have a great connection. Having a team that is connected and having a solid structure makes the days easier.” – Ashley Lombard What is the most rewarding part of working with families in the child support program? “Every family’s situation is unique, and it is important to understand what approach will work best for each one. As a tribal child support agency, we have the flexibility to view and support the family as a whole. Seeing families succeed and being able to tailor our approach to their needs is incredibly rewarding and often leads to the best outcomes for everyone involved.” – Christie Schmidt "Knocking down some walls between the child support agency and our customers. Getting through the stigma that all we want is their money. Making them feel heard [...] We do not have much time to spend with individuals, but sometimes just letting them know they are heard, their frustrations are valid..." – Sandy Okamoto How does your work make a difference for children and families? “It helps families and children have some type of financial stability. The last thing a parent or guardian should have to worry about is how will they be able to afford to provide the children’s basic needs. Families knowing the child support agency is there to support them – it gives them peace of mind so they can focus on what is important. Like being emotionally available for the children who are in such vulnerable position.” – Deya Sanchez "Helping children's needs get met helps a child with their confidence, pride, learn responsibility, learn the value of a dollar [...] Taking away even a sliver of stress, stress about finances, can make a huge difference in the climate of a household." – Sandy Okamoto Tell us about someone who was influential in your career at the agency. “My whole team has had a positive influence in my career. All three of my colleagues have been a part of the way I have grown professionally. They have helped mold my knowledge, professionalism, and shown me how see things from different perspectives.” – Deya Sanchez “Kathleen Wishop, who retired recently, was initially my trainer and then my supervisor. She held the same deep respect for families and how our work impacts them emotionally and financially. She was an example of the importance of approaching our work with diligence and accuracy.” – Melissa Wittwer What is your favorite accomplishment at the agency? “One of my proudest accomplishments has been leading the review and revision of our child support codes, which had not been updated since 2018. I am also proud of building and leading a strong, capable team that works hard to serve our community.” – Christie Schmidt “Dedicating the last 6 years to understanding the importance of the Interstate portion to the overall program and how we can improve on that. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had to attend and volunteer at the Eastern Regional Interstate Child Support Association 2026 conference in Milwaukee. It was a real career highlight and honor to represent our state as well as my county at this celebrated national, tribal and international community of Child Support workers.” – Melissa Wittwer What do you wish more people understood about the child support program? “My hope is to spread the word that your local child support agency is there to help all parents and caretakers alike with their questions, whether they are a payor or a payee. There may be options available to you if you reach out and ask. There is a misconception that the child support agency represents the payee. That is not true. Your local child support agency may also be able to refer you to resources to help find employment through the court process. They can also help to establish paternity for either parent.” – Melissa Wittwer “I wish more people understood we are here to help and support our communities. We are not doing this type of work for ourselves. At the end of the day, it’s about our children and making sure they are taken care of.” – Deya Sanchez
