Anita Bentley Faulkner, LCMHCS, is the owner and Clinical Supervisor of Family Solutions, a community mental health agency serving children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families across Alamance County and other surrounding counties. Anita holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill and an M.S. in Community Counseling from UNC Greensboro. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina. In 2001, Anita and her husband, Chris, founded Family Solutions with a simple but powerful vision: to make quality mental health care more accessible, effective, and life-changing for families in need. What began with limited resources and an unwavering commitment to service has grown into one of our area’s most respected community mental health organizations, employing more than 60 professionals across three locations. Under Anita’s leadership since 2007, Family Solutions has expanded its reach, services, and community partnerships, touching the lives of thousands of children, parents, and families throughout Alamance County and neighboring communities.
Before entering the mental health field, Anita spent more than a decade in marketing and communications, including leadership roles in product development, communications, and team management. She brings this experience in leadership and relationship-building to her work at Family Solutions. Anita is a dedicated mentor who empowers others to discover their strengths, develop their talents, and confidently pursue leadership opportunities. Many professionals who have worked under her guidance credit her support, encouragement, and example for helping shape their careers and leadership journeys.
Through her work, Anita has learned that true leadership is often found in everyday acts of courage: advocating for families when they need a voice, listening with empathy, embracing change, and remaining committed to what is best for those she serves.
Among her many accomplishments, Anita is particularly proud of helping bring the Child First program to local families. This nationally recognized, evidence-based initiative provides critical mental health support, care coordination, and family stabilization services for young children experiencing adversity. Through Anita’s leadership, countless families have gained access to resources, support systems, and opportunities that help create healthier futures for both children and caregivers.
Anita’s commitment to service extends far beyond the walls of Family Solutions. She actively supports community outreach initiatives across Alamance County, partnering with schools, libraries, food pantries, nonprofits, and local government agencies to ensure families have access to essential resources and support. Her belief that strong communities are built through collaboration has strengthened countless local partnerships.
Anita refers to a favorite quote by American novelist and poet Wendell Berry: “The place where you are is the place where you belong.” She says she thinks about that often in both her personal life and her work. It is being mindful to be present and to invest in the people and community right in front of you rather than always looking for what comes next. So much of what has made her life meaningful has come from relationships—with family, colleagues, mentors, and the families we serve. Anita’s own life mantra is: “Be where your feet are. Be kind and make a difference with the people in front of you.” You don’t have to change the whole world to make a meaningful difference.
Anita Faulkner’s legacy is defined by her unwavering dedication to children and families, her commitment to developing future leaders, and her belief that meaningful change begins with serving those around us. Through vision, perseverance, compassion, and generosity, she has transformed lives, strengthened communities, and created opportunities for others to thrive. She leads not for recognition, but because she believes every individual deserves to be seen, supported, and valued. Anita truly embodies the spirit of the Leading the Way Founders Award and serves as an inspiring example of leadership for future generations.
