About AnchorPointVA

Our Mission

AnchorPointVA exists to empower youth ages 18–21 transitioning out of foster care by providing safe housing, independent living skills training, emotional support, and structured guidance toward independent adulthood.

Our mission is to help youth build stability, confidence, and self-sufficiency as they prepare for independent living. Through compassionate mentorship, accountability, and individualized support, we meet each youth where they are and walk alongside them as they develop the life skills needed for long-term independence.

Based in Madison, Virginia, AnchorPointVA serves youth across the Fredericksburg region and surrounding Central Virginia communities, offering transitional support that bridges the gap between foster care and independent living.

Our Story

AnchorPointVA was born from lived experience and a deep commitment to supporting youth and families. Our founders began fostering with the hope of building a larger family and opening their home to youth in need. Along that journey, a simple but powerful question from their young daughter — “Can we help youth like my friend who’s in foster care?” — sparked a calling that would shape the future of AnchorPointVA.

Over time, their passion for supporting youth aging out of foster care grew stronger. With years of hands-on experience navigating the foster care system and guiding youth through critical life transitions, the next step became clear: expanding that support beyond the home and into the community to better prepare youth for independent living.

This lived experience now drives AnchorPointVA’s mission to provide structured guidance, mentorship, and independent living support to youth across Madison, Fredericksburg, and surrounding Central Virginia communities.

Donald Mitchell

CEO/Member

I am Donald Mitchell, the new Owner and Chief Executive Officer of AnchorPointVA, LLC, an Independent Living Child-Placing Agency. I bring nearly thirty years of professional operational management experience, particularly within the field of therapeutic foster care, to this critical organization.

My commitment to AnchorPointVA's mission is absolute. Our core focus is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for Virginia's youth as they navigate the challenging and vital transition out of the foster care system and into self-sufficiency.

This work is not only a professional endeavor but a personal passion, driven by the belief that every young person deserves a stable foundation and the tools necessary to build a successful adult life. My extensive background in operational oversight and direct experience in the foster care environment equips me with the unique perspective and leadership skills required to expand AnchorPointVA's reach and impact across the Commonwealth.

Carlie Maat

Executive & Program Director

I am a highly motivated and outgoing graduate student with a strong foundation in both therapeutic practice and professional communication. My approach to teamwork is rooted in positivity, and I excel as a collaborative and reliable team player. I am proficient in leveraging strong interpersonal skills, meticulous organization, and effective problem-solving abilities to contribute meaningfully to any organizational setting.

My professional background includes a consistent track record of successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating my capability to align with diverse professional perspectives and work toward shared goals. I possess a notable capacity for rapid learning and am characterized by a deep sense of dedication and commitment to my work.

Crucially, I have accumulated valuable, hands-on experience in providing comprehensive support to children and adolescents who are navigating developmental disabilities and various behavioral health challenges. This experience has equipped me with an empathetic, informed, and practical approach to addressing the complex needs of young individuals and their families.

Michelle Johnson

Child Placing Supervisor/Caseworker (Culpeper, Orange and Madison)

I'm a seasoned and compassionate Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) with over 15 years of experience! I focus on counseling, behavioral support, and managing comprehensive care for kids, teens, and their families, always aiming for real results.

I'm really good at things like creating personalized service plans, stepping in during a crisis, working with other teams, and making sure we stick to all the rules (Medicaid, DBHDS, and our own agency standards). Basically, my main goal is to help clients feel stronger by giving them top-notch mental health care.

Emily Fernandez

Child Placing Supervisor/Caseworker (Greene County, Albermarle, Charlottesville)

I'm a seasoned pro in child welfare, and I’ve spent time working with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. My passion is trauma-informed care, and I’m really comfortable working with people from all different backgrounds—which helps me advocate effectively for families and run meaningful training sessions. I love teaming up with others to help kids thrive and make family life better. I even got a shout-out from Texas DFPS Commissioner Anne Heiligenstein for some great work I did on a tough case!

What Make AnchorPointVa Different

An Extended Family Model

We don’t view our role as temporary or transactional. AnchorPointVA becomes an extended family—offering consistent mentorship, encouragement, and guidance that continues beyond program completion.

Small Caseloads, Individualized Care

Our case managers intentionally work with small caseloads, allowing time for meaningful relationships and truly personalized support. Every youth receives an individualized plan designed around their needs, goals, and strengths.

Hands-On, Real-World Support

Our independent living support goes far beyond advice. Caseworkers actively assist youth with:

Building budgets and managing finances
Opening and maintaining bank accounts
Grocery shopping and meal planning
Navigating DMV requirements
Coordinating healthcare, therapy, and medication compliance
Finding and maintaining employment or educational placement

This practical, hands-on approach helps youth build confidence and real-life independence.

Our Guiding Principles

AnchorPointVA operates with clarity, structure, and purpose. It’s important for youth, families, and professionals to understand what our program is—and what it is not.

We guide and mentor youth ages 18 and older transitioning to independent living.
We are not a foster care program. All participating youth must be enrolled in DSS’s Fostering Futures program.
Our mentorship relationship is long-term and does not end when a youth exits the program.
We provide a structured, supportive environment—this is not unregulated or recreational housing.
Growth is expected, perfection is not. Youth must be willing to engage, learn, and seek support when challenges arise.