Get to know us better !

Our Story

Family Services of America is purposely committed to providing exceptional care led by seasoned and compassionate professionals. Established in 2010 in North Carolina, what began as a foster care-focused organization has evolved into a trusted provider of both foster care and comprehensive mental health services. Our services span from case management to foster parenting, thoughtfully designed to meet a wide range of mental health needs in a safe and supportive environment. Let’s talk—schedule time to discover how we can provide the support and care you desire, and your family deserves.

"Exceeding Expectations One Patient at a Time"

Our Purpose

Our Vision

To empower every child and family we serve to build a safe, stable, and fulfilling future – breaking cycles of trauma through compassion, commitment, and lasting change.

Our Mission

To transform lives by delivering compassionate, consistent, and competent care that empowers individuals to thrive.

Our Principles

  • We uphold the values of respect, dignity, and professionalism in every individual and every interaction, honoring the intrinsic worth of each individual we serve.
  • We believe every person has the potential to achieve long-term success when provided with the right support and opportunities.
  • We are committed to fostering hope in every family, believing that change is possible through compassion and care.
  • We honor diversity and cultural differences, ensuring our services are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the unique background of those we serve.
  • We believe in the capacity of all individuals to grow, overcome challenges, and reach their fullest potential.
  • Get to know the people behind the scenes !

    Our Staff

    Dealing with placement and mental health issues can be a difficult situation. You shouldn’t have to go it alone. The Family Services of America team of certified, highly skilled, and experienced care providers always has our clients’ best interests and wellbeing at heart. Meet some of the staff that are running our Foster Care and Outpatient Agency, and schedule an appointment today.

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    Shannon Battle, LCMHS LCAS

    Executive Clinical Director/ President

    Shannon Battle leads with a visionary approach and a deep commitment to empowering individuals and families. With years of experience in leadership and community-focused initiatives, Shannon has played a key role in shaping the organization’s mission to provide support, resources, and advocacy for those in need. Known for her strategic thinking and dedication to service, she consistently fosters a culture of compassion, equity, and growth within the organization. Shannon’s leadership continues to drive Family Services of America’s impact, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for the communities it serves.

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    Deidre Neely, MSW, LCSWA

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

    Email Address: neely@familiesofusa.com

    Deidre Neely is one of our full-time Mental Health therapists. She is a Master’s-level Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She began her career as a full-time Case Manager, working extensively with children, teens, and families in crisis. Over the years, she transitioned into her current role as a full-time Outpatient Mental Health Therapist, providing dedicated support and guidance to individuals navigating mental health challenges. Deidre specializes in working with children, troubled teens, single mothers, and people in crisis. What she finds most fulfilling about her work is witnessing the connections formed between foster children and their caregivers, as well as learning from the parents she partners with. Her vast experience and passion for helping others continue to inspire and transform the lives of the individuals and families she serves.

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    La Toya Bost Kamara, MPA

     Licensing Coordinator |
    Fayetteville Corporate Office

    La Toya Bost Kamara serves as a Licensing Coordinator for Therapeutic and Family Foster Care at Family Services of America, where she supports foster families throughout the licensing process and beyond. Her responsibilities include foster home licensing, recruitment, training coordination, compliance documentation, and case management support. She works closely with case managers while maintaining a caseload of licensed and prospective foster families, helping ensure they are prepared, supported, and equipped to provide quality care to children and youth. La Toya holds a Master of Public Administration from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Fayetteville State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University, further strengthening her clinical knowledge and commitment to serving children and families. Outside of the office, La Toya balances her professional role with being a graduate student and devoted mom—sometimes all in the same afternoon. Between textbooks, family life, and an ever-growing to-do list, she continues to bring warmth, determination, and a sense of humor to everything she does, always ready to advocate for the next family in need of her support.

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    Monica Burrell, MA

    Program Director- Youth Emergency Shelter |
    Charlotte Office

    Monica brings more than 35 years of experience in human services, supporting individuals and families across diverse age groups, settings, and areas of need. Her career has been especially focused on youth development and residential programming, reflecting her longstanding commitment to helping young people and families thrive. She holds a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and is currently completing a PhD in the Advanced Study of Human Behavior, further strengthening her expertise and dedication to the human services field. Guided by her strong Christian faith, Monica approaches her work with compassion, integrity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to those she serves. Outside of her professional life, Monica is a proud Bronx native and devoted New York Yankees fan, bringing the same passion, resilience, and hometown grit to her work that she brings to game day.
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    Karina Battle, BS

    Compliance Officer |
    Fayetteville Corporate Office

    Karina supports the organization’s commitment to quality, accountability, and regulatory excellence. She oversees compliance standards across all programs and services at the organization’s Fayetteville and Charlotte locations, helping ensure operations remain aligned with applicable regulatory, contractual, licensing, and organizational requirements. In her role, Karina leads compliance activities, conducts internal audits, monitors policies and documentation, identifies areas for improvement, and collaborates closely with leadership and staff to strengthen organizational practices. She brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to compliance, viewing it not only as a regulatory responsibility but also as an opportunity to improve systems, promote accountability, and support the delivery of high-quality services. Karina is passionate about strengthening systems that enable organizations to serve children, families, and communities better. She values collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement and is committed to making a meaningful impact within the human services field. Outside of her professional role, Karina is a devoted wife and mother of three and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, furthering her commitment to leadership, advocacy, and excellence in human services.

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    Riley Bengel, BS/QP

    Mental Health Case Manager |
     
    Fayetteville Corporate Office

    Riley is a compassionate and dedicated human services professional with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Her experience as a Case Manager and Autism Behavioral Therapist has strengthened her commitment to supporting children and families as they navigate challenges, recognize their strengths, and work toward meaningful, positive change. Known for her empathy, dependability, and strong advocacy, Riley is committed to ensuring the individuals and families she serves feel supported, valued, and empowered. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of others and within her community.

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    Claudia Moton

    Outpatient Therapy Intake Specialist |
    Fayetteville Corporate Office

    Claudia serves as an Intake Specialist for the Therapy Department at Family Services of America, where she helps create a welcoming and seamless experience for individuals and families seeking services. In her role, she processes new referrals, coordinates scheduling, verifies insurance coverage, manages incoming calls, and assists with connecting clients to the appropriate services and resources. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, Claudia also helps ensure Spanish-speaking individuals and families feel welcomed, understood, and supported throughout the intake process. With 18 years of experience in the medical and healthcare field, Claudia brings a diverse professional background that includes roles as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), Office Manager, and Human Resources Assistant. She further expanded her professional credentials by earning her Community Health Worker certification in April 2026. Claudia has always had a passion for the medical field and enjoys continuing to learn and develop new skills. Her extensive experience, commitment to helping others, and ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds allow her to bring both knowledge and compassion to the individuals, families, and colleagues she supports.

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    Ka'Marla Johnson, MSW/LCSWA

    Mental Health Outpatient Therapist

    Email address: kamarla@familiesofusa.com

    Kamarla Johnson is a dedicated full-time therapist at Family Services of America, committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. With a compassionate approach and a deep understanding of mental health, Kamarla provides personalized therapy services that promote healing and growth. She excels in creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients, empowering them to develop resilience and achieve their goals. Kamarla’s expertise and unwavering dedication make her an integral part of the team, contributing to the well-being of those she serves.

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    Elonda Sledge, BS

    Administrative Assistant

    Elonda Sledge is the Administrative Assistant at Family Services of America, where she oversees the daily operations of the office with efficiency and professionalism. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including assisting and directing visitors, resolving administrative issues and inquiries, and managing medical records. She is also responsible for editing, proofreading, and modifying correspondence and reports, as well as preparing various administrative documents to support the agency’s staff. Elonda’s dedication and expertise ensure the office operates smoothly, allowing the team to focus on serving families in the community.

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    Italia Graham, MSW/LCSWA

    Mental Health Outpatient Therapist

    Email Address: italia@familiesofusa.com

    Italia is a skilled therapist and advocate for student well-being, holding a Master’s in Social Work from UNC Pembroke and actively pursuing her Ph.D. in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. Italia joins us with a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach, dedicated to empowering students as part of our In-School Based Therapy Program with Cumberland County Schools. She is passionate about supporting each student’s journey toward emotional growth, healing, and success. Whether navigating academic or personal challenges, Italia is here to provide understanding and guidance every step of the way.

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    Sonya Johnson, BS/QP

    Assistant Director

    Sonya Johnson has been a dedicated member of Family Services of America for over 12 years. She began her career with the organization as a Case Manager/QP, where she worked closely with families to provide compassionate support and tailored services. Her exceptional skills and commitment to excellence led her to the role of Licensing Coordinator, where she excelled in overseeing licensing processes and ensuring compliance.

    Through her hard work and leadership, Sonya was promoted to Assistant Director, where she continues to make a meaningful impact by guiding her team and advancing the mission of Family Services of America. With her extensive experience and unwavering dedication, Sonya is a valued leader and advocate for families in need.

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