“Treat others how you expect to be treated. Help take care of others who can’t take care of themselves.”
For Gina Tipton, these aren’t just words — they’ve been her way of life for over 30 years. As the Therapeutic Homes Program Manager and Compliance Specialist at Alexander Youth Network, Gina brings decades of experience, a deep sense of purpose, and a heart rooted in service. Her journey began not with a job title, but with a question she asked as a little girl — one that stayed with her for a lifetime.
It Started With a Question
Gina grew up in a family dedicated to caring for others. Her parents ran family care homes across North Carolina — from Mecklenburg to Rutherford to Polk counties — providing safe spaces for adults with mental health needs. As a child in the 1970s, Gina often accompanied her father to Broughton State Hospital, helping transport adults back to their care homes.
One day, she saw children inside the hospital and asked her dad, “Why can’t we take home the children?”
His answer was simple: “One day, you will.”
And she did.
From Community Advocate to Foster Care Leader
Gina officially began her professional journey in 1992 at Rutherford/Polk Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, where she served as the Willie M. Coordinator. She developed services for children with severe emotional and behavioral needs — often having to send kids out of the county due to limited local resources.
That’s when a state consultant encouraged her to start something new: Therapeutic Foster Care in her own community. Gina took that challenge head-on, building a team, recruiting foster families, and creating safe homes for children who needed stability, structure, and love.
In 2004, after the state transitioned mental health services to private agencies, Gina founded Tipton Therapeutic Foster Care — and it thrived. But growing pressure on small providers eventually led her to connect with Craig Bass, who was then with Alexander Youth Network.
Their shared vision led to a collaboration between Tipton’s board and Alexander Youth Network’s board. In 2010, Gina and her entire team officially joined Alexander Youth Network, where she became the Regional Manager for Therapeutic Foster Care.
Why Foster Care? — A Calling, Not a Career
When asked what drew her to foster care and behavioral health, Gina reflects on her roots: “My parents lived this work. I grew up in it. But it wasn’t just exposure — it was something in my heart.”
She describes her role today with one clear purpose: “Ensuring that the children we place are matched with the strengths of our foster families.”
A Story She’ll Never Forget
There’s one young boy who stands out in Gina’s memory.
He came into the Therapeutic Foster Care program after being completely abandoned by his biological family. But through the care of one of Gina’s foster families, everything changed. They introduced him to the joy of cooking — something he had never experienced before. He fell in love with it.
He went on to become a chef at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. But he didn’t stop there. He pursued flight school, followed his dreams, and today — he’s a commercial airline pilot. He still stays in touch with his treatment parent.
“That story reminds me what this work is all about,” Gina says. “One loving home can truly change a life.”
What Makes Alexander Youth Network’s Program Different?
For Gina, it’s not even a question: “Hands down, the longevity and commitment of our parents and staff.”
Some of their foster families have been with Alexander Youth Network for over 25 years. And many staff have walked this journey just as long. That kind of dedication creates deep trust — and lasting impact.
“We’re a family,” Gina says. “And we show up for each other, 24/7.”
Supporting Foster Families with Heart
Gina believes that foster parents deserve the same level of care and support they give to children. That’s why her team is always available — day or night — and why training, encouragement, and real connection are baked into every part of the program.
“We’ve worked hard to build strong, supportive relationships with our foster families,” she says. “They need to feel seen, valued, and never alone.”
If you’ve ever considered opening your heart and home to a child in need, Gina offers this advice: “It all comes down to relationship. You need commitment, structure, love, and endurance. And most of all — you can NEVER give up.”
From the halls of state hospitals as a child to leading one of North Carolina’s most trusted Therapeutic Foster Care programs, Gina Tipton has made it her life’s work to make sure no child is forgotten — and that every foster parent has what they need to succeed.
“This is about giving kids a chance to thrive,” she says. “And matching them with families who truly believe in them.”
Want to learn more about becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent with Alexander Youth Network? We’d love to walk this journey with you: Steps to Making A Difference as a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent – Alexander Youth Network
Written by Shay Woodard
