Our Team
The people behind the care
Every provider at Sage is a volunteer. More than 90 licensed practitioners and 14 faculty volunteers show up because they believe healthcare is a right — and they practice what they believe.
Leadership
Leading by example
Irene Bihl
DNP, MBA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, APRN
Founder & Administrator
Dr. Bihl is the founder and administrator of Sage Healthcare and a practicing Family and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her vision for a free, volunteer-powered clinic in Bridgeport became the foundation for everything Sage does today. She also serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors.
Michael DeMasi
DNP, FNP-BC
Director
Dr. DeMasi leads Sage Healthcare’s clinical operations, practices, policies, and procedures. He serves as the full-time Director of Sage Healthcare through the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, bridging the mission between organizations.
Michael DeMasi
DNP, FNP-BC
Director of Sage Healthcare
Dr. DeMasi leads Sage Healthcare’s clinical operations, practices, policies, and procedures. He serves as the full-time Director of Sage Healthcare through the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, bridging the mission between organizations.
Clinical Team
Dedicated providers
Rocco Marotta
MD, PhD
Medical Director
Dr. Marotta guides the behavioral health and psychiatric services at Sage Healthcare, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for our community.
Abigail Alvarez-Quiles
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Full-time
Abigail provides direct clinical social work services to Sage patients, addressing the behavioral health and psychosocial needs that are inseparable from physical health in underserved communities.
Ashley Neal
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Behavioral Health Provider
Part-time
Dr. Neal delivers psychiatric and behavioral health care to Sage patients, expanding Sage’s capacity to treat the whole person — mind and body.
Abigail Alvarez-Quiles
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Full-time through Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Abigail provides direct clinical social work services to Sage patients, addressing the behavioral health and psychosocial needs that are inseparable from physical health in underserved communities.
Ashley Neal
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Behavioral Health Provider
Part-time through Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Dr. Neal delivers psychiatric and behavioral health care to Sage patients, expanding Sage’s capacity to treat the whole person — mind and body.
142
Licensed Practitioners
14+
Faculty Volunteers
Sage Healthcare is powered by volunteer practitioners drawn from our network of university and clinical partners. These professionals donate their time and expertise across family medicine, behavioral health, social work, and specialty care — delivering real clinical hours to patients who have nowhere else to turn.
Board of Directors
Governance
Sage Healthcare is governed by a 19‑member Board of Directors organized across seven standing committees.
Executive Officers
Karen Bauce
Vice Chair
Mackenzie Gordon
Secretary
Irene Bihl
Treasurer / Founder
Karen Bauce
Chair
Victoria Hoey
Vice Chair
Mackenzie Gordon
Secretary
Irene Bihl
Treasurer / Founder
At‑Large Members
Standing Committees
Steering Committee
Executive Committee
Finance Committee
QI/QA/Risk Management
Research Committee
Annual Fund Committee
Community Support
Academic & Clinical Partnerships
Clinical training, real‑world impact
Sage Healthcare provides clinical placement opportunities for nursing and healthcare students from a growing network of partner universities and institutions. Students gain hands‑on experience delivering care in a community setting. Sage gains capacity and fresh energy.
University Partners
Albertus Magnus College
University of Bridgeport
Chamberlain University
Fairfield University
Georgetown University
Housatonic Community College
Iona University
Johns Hopkins University
Quinnipiac University
Sacred Heart University
Yale University
Clinical & Community Partners
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Optimus Healthcare
Silver Hill Hospital
Your skills belong here.
Sage is always looking for licensed practitioners, clinical students, and dedicated community members. Over 90 professional volunteers and 14 faculty volunteers already give their time. Join them.