The Free Clinics – Staff
Judith Long, MNA, MDiv
Executive Director
Oversight of all programs, funding, personnel, and finances
Cassie Ashworth
Assistant Director
Oversight of all financial dimensions of the organization as well as human resources. Oversees community health programs and non-clinical staff.
Lincoln Balassa, RN
Diabetes Case Manager
Leads diabetic program and eye and endocrine clinics. Provides clinical case management and patient education.
Kat Diamond, RN
Phoenix Project Case Manager
Leads the innovative Phoenix Project using a trauma-informed and resiliency-focused approach. Provides intensive clinical case management and coordinates care to promote comprehensive, integrated health for vulnerable populations in the community.
Sarah Friedell
Community Relations Coordinator
Volunteer coordinator; event coordinator; marketing, website & social media.
Tina LaFoy
Patient Health Advocate - Detention Center
Assists vulnerable patients at Henderson County Detention Center in addressing barriers to health such as food, transportation, and housing, and connecting detained and recently released persons with clinical and behavioral health care resources. Engages patients as advocates in their own goals, health, and fullness of living.
Kelly LaRowe, NCCPSS, CDAC-I
Peer Support Outreach Specialist
Member of Post-OD Response Team (PORT); engages in outreach and offers support to persons who struggle with substance use disorder.
Mary Patrick
Administrative Assistant
Assists management team with administrative support especially with fundraising and publicity, and maintenance of donor database.
Lisa Royals, RN
Psychiatric Case Manager
Leads psychiatric clinic. Provides clinical case management for patients of behavioral health clinic as well as referrals from healthcare partners
Andrés Ruiz, LCSWA
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Detention Center
Conducts clinical mental health and substance use assessments and provides case management and therapy services to inmates at the Henderson County Detention Center.
Julie Sabin, RN
Bridges to Health Case Manager
Leads innovative Bridges to Health Program for most vulnerable patients. Provides intensive, clinical case management.
Pat Sandahl
Medi-Find Coordinator
Leads Prescription Assistance Program enabling access to free medications through pharmaceutical companies.
Jada Scruggs, CCMA
Polk Case Manager
Leads all services for Polk County residents. Provides clinical case management.
Emily Shock
Patient Health Advocate
Assists vulnerable patients in addressing barriers to health such as food, transportation, and housing. Engages patients as advocates in their own goals, health, and fullness of living.
Elizabeth Starling, RN
Bridges to Health Case Manager
Co-leads innovative Bridges to Health Program for most vulnerable patients. Provides intensive, clinical case management.
Jason Taylor, RN
Community Case Manager
Leads medical clinic and community care management program. Provides clinical case management for patients of medical clinic as well as referrals from healthcare partners through the community case management program.
Sonia Vera
Medical Receptionist
Oversees reception area, maintains/orders office supplies, works with the electronic medical record system, and supervises reception volunteers.
Lexie Wilkins, NCPSS, CADC-I, CRC
Peer Support Outreach Specialist
Member of Post-OD Response Team (PORT); engages in outreach and offers support to persons who struggle with substance use disorder.