SAGE Therapy Services
Leadership
Ashley Schaffer, LPC, ACS
Chief Clinical Officer/Owner
Hello! My name is Ashley, and I am the proud Owner of SAGE Therapy Services, an outpatient mental health practice dedicated to supporting our community’s mental health needs. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 12 years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the healing power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit. SAGE was born out of these experiences and the countless clients who have inspired me through their journeys. While I no longer take on new clients, my time as a clinician gave me the privilege of working alongside children, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Using techniques like CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I witnessed countless journeys of resilience, healing, and growth. These experiences shaped my unwavering belief that, with support, every individual can overcome obstacles and move toward healing. Today, my passion lies in growing SAGE Therapy Services into a space where compassionate care meets professional excellence. I am committed to creating opportunities for both clinicians and clients to thrive by fostering an environment built on connection, hope, and resilience. Sage Therapy’s mission is simple: to make quality mental health care accessible, foster a positive and fulfilling workplace, and empower individuals and families on their journey to healing and growth. I am incredibly proud of the SAGE team and the impact we continue to have on the community. Whether you are seeking counseling, medication management, or a safe place to begin your healing journey, SAGE Therapy Services is here for you.
Sharonda Beverly, MS
Chief Operating Officer
Hi. My name is Sharonda, your Chief Operating Officer. I have my MS in Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies, Grief & Loss and Trauma-Informed Care. Over the course of the last nine years, I have worked in the Behavioral Health field servicing people of all ages and genders. Throughout this journey, I have been given the privilege to expand my competencies in both leadership and strategic planning. My range of experience allows me to efficiently create policies, procedures, and business practices that allows an organization to aid in optimizing the consumer experience. My passions to see people in excel in whatever they set out to do in life, is driven from a place of my own personal experiences. Even though my professional endeavors have led me to the business side of the Behavioral Health field, it is my clinical expertise that allows me to effectively enhance the experience that you will have here with us at SAGE! Your overall success is my ultimate goal.
Melinda Albee, LCSW
Clinical Director
.jpg)
Hello! My name is Melinda, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a
decade of experience in the mental health field, and I’m honored to serve as the
Clinical Director at SAGE. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care and a deep
belief in the resilience and healing potential within us all. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and behavioral concerns. I’m trained in EMDR, and certified in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which is especially effective in supporting children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, and I’m especially passionate about supporting adolescents and adults navigating life transitions, trauma healing and personal growth. In both my clinical and leadership roles, I strive to create a safe, collaborative, and empowering space. Whether I’m working directly with clients or supporting our team of clinicians, I take a person-centered approach, always placing the unique needs and strengths of the individual at the center of the work we do together. I’m truly excited to be part of the SAGE team and to contribute to our shared mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care as we continue to grow.
Clinical
Ashton Laws, LAMFT
Licensed Clinician
Hi! I'm Ashton and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience in evidenced based therapy practices for adolescents, teens, adults, families and couples! I am certified in Prepare/Enrich Couples Pre-Marital and Marital Assessments; Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC); and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I believe everyone should have a safe healing place to work through life's difficulties and stressors. I strive to help bring individuals closer to their full emotional potential through therapeutic work and meaningful insight. My approach is compassionate and fosters the importance of prioritizing your mental health and emotional wellness. Therapy is about understanding the self that you are. Part of getting to “know” yourself is to “UNKNOW” yourself.
Mariah Vargo, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Hi! I’m Mariah, a Licensed Associate Counselor who loves working with people of all ages, primarily adolescents and young adults! I earned my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stockton University, and have 4 years of supervised experience helping individuals and their families cope with life and the various aspects that come with it. When working with an individual or their family, I work towards attending to specific needs and goals throughout the therapeutic journey. I genuinely enjoy working with parents and their children, providing them with additional support and resources in how they can further support their child. I do this by incorporating techniques and modalities that are based in CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. As a result, I find that the most important part to a therapeutic relationship is the connection between a therapist and the person they are working with.
Karen Caston, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Greetings, my name is Karen Caston. I am a graduate of Rutgers University where I earned my Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a speciality in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. During my career, I have been fortunate enough to provide counseling to a variety of cultural groups, ethinicities, and lifestyles. This includes, but is not limited to, persons that are a part of the LGBTQIA2S community. Currently, I work as a LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor) where I am counseling clients that come from all walks of life, providing individual, group, marriage, and family therapy. My personal story and background allows me to meet a person where they are at. I strive to build a strong, trusting and comfortable rapport with my clients by being genuine, supportive, empathetic, and expressing unconditional positive regard. My primary goal for every client is to improve their self esteem and coping skills. In my practice, I incorporate different skills, techniques, activities, and treatment styles necessary to fit my clients' needs. My theoretical approaches are Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral, Existentialism, and others. My personal philosophy is to 'treat people the way I want to be treated,' and I live by that daily.
Christina Storione, LAC
Licensed Clinician
Hello! My name is Christina and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor. I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University. I recently began my own journey working with children and adults in an outpatient setting. I have 14 years of experience working in the mental health field. My experience is diverse and includes working in a restricted residential setting, partial care for co-occurring adults, school based counseling , and outpatient therapy. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a modality that is used often in my practice, I have been trained and utilized other therapeutic modalities. My approach is highly focused on building a trusting and valued rapport with clients, as this is the most crucial aspect of any therapeutic relationship. My goal is to support clients to achieve their respective goals and provide them with what is necessary to progress and maintain changes throughout this fragile process.
Adebola "Tomi" Popoola, LSW
Licensed Clinician
Hello! My name is Adebola (Tomi) and I am a Licensed Social Worker with over 12 years of experience providing counseling and case management services to adults, children, elderly, families in hospital settings and agency settings. I also work with the State of NJ (Department of Human Services) as a Quality Assurance Specialist, where I provide services for individuals with intellectual disablities. I received my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. I have experience in a variety of settings with a wide range of medical and mental health issues. I enjoy helping people by using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment therapies to meet the needs and goals of my clients. I provide emotional support and guidance to adults, young adults, and families specifically focusing on adjustment issues, adversity, and significant life changes to address mental health needs due to trauma, illness, or grief. I aim to empower my clients to create space, balance, time and strength to process and embrace their mental health needs in an effortt to foster hope, healing, and resilience.
Emily Lugo Irizarry, LAMFT
Licensed Clinician
Hola! My name is Emily and I am so excited to bring my passion and skillset to SAGE as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and moved to the mainland as a teenager. I completed my undergraduate studies at Rowan University in psychology and have worked in the field for about 4 years. I have obtained my Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University with a concentration in Sex Therapy. I am trained in multiple modalities emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. My areas of interest are the Latinx community, interracial relationships, and assimilation trauma. As a bilingual Latinx Therapist I offer access to therapy services for individuals, couples, and families to establish a healthy relationship with therapy. I am motivated to empower clients by developing healthy communication skills and coping strategies.
Rebecca Tomlinson, LPC
Licensed Clinician
Hi! I’m Rebecca, a Licensed Professional Counselor with about nine years of experience working in diverse treatment settings including partial hospital, mental health urgent care, substance use treatment and school based counseling. I am passionate about creating a warm, grounded, and inclusive space where you can feel respected and safe to prioritize yourself. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, self exploration, difficult life transitions, and substance use concerns. I use evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Person-Centered therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients build insight and develop practical skills they can use in daily life. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, and I strive to make therapy feel empowering and genuinely connected. My goal is to support you in moving toward a more balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life. Starting 1/5/2025!
Melissa Nash, LPC
Licensed Clinician
My name is Melissa, and I am here to support your journey in moving towards a more fulfilling, balanced life. I earned my B.A. in Dance Pre-Movement Science from Stockton University, and I love integrating my passion for creativity into my sessions. I also hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. As a Licensed Associate Counselor with over 2 years of experience, I specialize in providing compassionate support for people of all ages in navigating the complexities of ADHD, autism, anxiety, BPD, depression, PTSD, substance use, and emotional regulation. My approach integrates DBT, CBT, ACT, solution-focused therapy with other evidence-based practices to empower clients in developing the skills they need to manage their emotions and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I believe in the importance of a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges and aspirations. I am an LGBTQ+ affirmative counselor and I encourage clients to explore the influence of their identities in their mental health. Together, we will collaborate to identify patterns, enhance coping strategies, challenge habits and cultivate mindfulness. Whether you are in the early stages of healing or seeking to enhance your existing skills, I am here to help you progress towards your mental health goals.
Andrea Rodrigues, LPC,
Licensed Clinician
Hi! My name is Andrea and I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wilmington University. My interest in mental wealth began while attending a Psychology course focusing on the impact of trauma in the brain. My experience stems from working with Spanish-speaking individuals, children, and families. I have worked with clients of all ages while addressing depression, grief, anxiety, improvement of self-awareness, communication empathy, more-in-depth understanding of healthy/unhealthy relationships, and the processing of past childhood trauma. I work from a client-focused approach and aim to meet my clients
with their personal goals. Additionally, I’m interested in mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Art Therapy, which I believe increase the mental wealth being of my clients and assist them to increase self-compassion to face daily crisis.
Samantha Mendelson, LAC,
Licensed Clinician
Hi everyone! My name is Sam and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) in the state of New Jersey! I graduated with my master’s degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from La Salle University, with 4 years of experience working in the field. I am currently completing advanced training in sexual trauma, as I want to maximize my competency in supporting survivors. I have witnessed powerful levels of human resilience, which has further propelled my passion to aid people through their healing process. I love working with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults! I approach counseling from a trauma-informed, multicultural, and systematic lens. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Existentialism, as well as Narrative Therapy, with a Feminist modality. I have past experience working directly with human trafficking victims, clients with PTSD, sexual trauma, bipolar disorders, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, co-occurring substance abuse, and personality disorders. I have worked in intensive outpatient (IOP) settings as well as in group homes, however, the outpatient level of care is where my heart lies. Authenticity and empowerment are always a presence in my therapy room. It is my hope to guide clients toward living a life not only full of meaning, but a life where they are able to show up every day, unapologetically as themselves. The therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance to me, as I believe it is the foundation for a positive, progressive experience in therapy. My goal is to be your soundboard within the therapeutic space, and to provide you with lifelong tools to take with you as you work toward your goals. We are all just human beings trying to figure it all out. It would be my honor to walk alongside you in your healing journey!
Selinette Robles, LAMFT,
Licensed Clinician
Hi, I’m Selly, a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) at Sage Therapy Services. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University and completed my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University, with a specialization in child and adolescent development.
​I have five years of experience in the mental health field, including two years of supervised clinical practice, but also as a Regional Administrator, and before that, in case management. These roles have deepened my passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families while understanding the broader systems that impact their lives. I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and families from diverse cultures, identities, and life experiences, including a range of diagnoses and trauma histories. I strive to provide culturally sensitive care that honors each client’s unique identity and experience. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a foundational approach in my practice, I draw from a range of modalities like Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy—tailoring my approach to each client’s unique needs. My work is grounded in a systemic lens and guided by empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to growth and healing. I aim to create a safe, empowering space where clients feel truly seen and supported
Amanda Barger, LAC,
Licensed Clinician
Hi! My name is Amanda and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor. I earned my master’s degree from Rutgers University in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health track. I have worked in a variety of settings including an Acute Partial Hospitalization program for adults. I have experience working with adults from different cultures, sexualities, gender/gender identities, and religions. To me, an important part of therapy is to build a strong, trusting, and nonjudgmental relationship between the counselor and client. I strive to do this by creating a space where an individual feels safe, respected, and heard. My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, tailoring therapy to a client’s own needs and values. With my own experiences navigating the mental health care system, I recognize the difficulties that can come with finding care and want to provide support to others. Whether it be enhancing coping skills, identifying patterns, or processing difficult emotions, I look forward to working with you and providing you support during your journey.
Devon Carlin, LAC,
Licensed Clinician
Hi everyone! My name is Devon, and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey. I completed my undergraduate studies in psychology from Rowan University, and I earned a master’s degree from Rutgers University from completing their M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track program. I have experience working with individuals with severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders as well as college students navigating young adulthood. I love walking alongside clients (primarily adolescents, emerging adults, and adults) as they navigate the counseling experience and discover their own personal strengths! I approach counseling through a client-centered and trauma-informed lens; and I strive to create
an environment that is comfortable, safe, judgement-free, and supportive! Building a therapeutic relationship is extremely important to me, so I strive to get to know clients on a holistic level. Additionally, I use a variety of techniques from evidence-based modalities in my practice, such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered therapy to help clients feel empowered, build self-awareness, and cultivate resilience. The counseling process is a journey, and I’m grateful to walk alongside you through it all!
Jessica Boyce, LAC,
Licensed Clinician
Hi, my name is Jessica, and I’m a Licensed Associate Counselor. I earned my Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling – Clinical Mental Health track from Rutgers University. I have 6 years of experience working in an inpatient psychiatric facility with adults living with serious mental illness, as well as adolescents in residential treatment.
Overall, I like to draw from many different approaches such as Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, and DBT to name a few. I’m also dedicated to continually learning new techniques to provide the most effective support possible. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. I believe everyone deserves to have someone walk alongside them during life’s most difficult moments, and I am passionate about helping people heal, grow, and discover their strengths.
Ashley Davidson, LSW,
Licensed Clinician
Hello! I’m Ashley Davidson, a Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey with over twelve years of experience supporting individuals and families in schools, a hospital, and community-based family services. I hold a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in clinical social work from Rutgers University, along with a Certificate in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma. My practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and tailored to meet you where you are. I’m here to help you make sense of what you're feeling, gain clarity, and move toward meaningful change using strengths you already have.
​
Therapy with me is down-to-earth, supportive, and focused on what matters to you. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, even when things feel messy. Together, we’ll work to understand what’s getting in your way and identify practical steps to help you feel more balanced, confident, and connected. You’re the expert in your life, and my goal is simple: to help you achieve your goals. I look forward to meeting you!
Clilnical Intern
Samantha Peisino, BT
Counselor Intern
Hi! My name is Samantha, and I am an intern at SAGE Therapy Services. I earned my bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and sociology from Widener University and earned my first master’s degree in forensic psychology from Arizona State University. I am currently completing my second master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. I have been trained in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I thoroughly enjoy providing strength and empowerment through these techniques. My primary goal is to always be able to provide a safe and comfortable space for clients to work through their difficulties. I genuinely believe everyone can benefit from therapy no matter where you are in life, and I hope that I can help you in this next chapter.
Marquita Busch, MS
Counselor Intern
Hi, I’m Marquita Busch! Welcome, and thank you for visiting. I’m a passionate and experienced mental health professional who is deeply committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s emotional challenges through trauma-informed, evidence-based care. With over a decade of experience in behavioral health and community-based services, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered, understood, and respected. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology at Walden University. I hold a Master of Science in Administration of Justice with a focus in Criminal Behavior from Wilmington University, and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Stockton University. Early in my career, I completed an internship as a co-therapist in a sex offender treatment program, which fueled my interest in trauma, risk assessment, and working with underserved and justice-involved populations. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve provided therapeutic and crisis intervention services to individuals facing depression, trauma, psychosis, and other complex mental health challenges. My clinical style integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and strength-based approaches tailored to each client’s unique background and needs. I am certified in MOCA Cognitive Assessment (2025) and have completed foundational training in Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC, 2021). My core areas of focus include trauma recovery, emotional regulation, forensic mental health, and advocating for individuals navigating systems of care. Whether you’re facing a significant life transition, managing unresolved trauma, or simply seeking space to grow and reflect, I’m here to support you. Therapy is a journey—and my goal is to walk alongside you with warmth, respect, and clinical insight.
Psychiatric Providers
Yaa Opare Afari, APN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have over 15 years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child and adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization and substance abuse treatment. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master’s in Nursing at Walden University and immediately started working as a psychiatric nurse in an outpatient and inpatient hospital. My focus is on the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance abuse and chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management and brief psychotherapeutic intervention for across life span. I believe in creating an individualized plan of care that values client involvement, interprofessional collaboration and evidenced-based practice.
My goal for my clients is to feel empowered to treat their illness through supportive education in a stigma free environment. A client can expect their initial visit to include a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, determination of treatment goals and education about diagnosis and available treatment options. I have the pleasure of working alongside many skilled and experienced clinicians and am happy to collaborate and coordinate care with them when appropriate to the clients’ needs. My office is handicapped accessible and includes a warm, welcoming staff to assist in any scheduling, insurance or billing questions my clients may have.
Dawn Hagerman, APN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Hello! My name is Dawn, and I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner here at SAGE! I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama, specializing in Psychiatry, and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Edison State University. My experience involves over 14 years in Mental and Behavioral Health. I have experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings: Adolescent Psychiatric Community Group Home, Outpatient Community Behavioral Health, Emergency Crisis Department, and an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. My passion is working with children, adolescents, and young adults but I am certainly willing to help anyone in need of mental health treatment.
I start each patient with a full comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation, to develop a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan. I offer Medication Management to improve symptoms and I provide Psychoeducation to develop coping strategies. I am very empathetic, supportive, and motivated in developing trusting relationships with my patients. I am understanding of each patient’s personal needs, and I am devoted to enhancing my patient’s quality of life. I provide integrated high-quality care to patients using a holistic approach. I believe it’s important to recognize the whole person and not just symptoms. I consider one’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs in promoting and maintaining both physical and mental health. The mind, body, and spirit all interconnect and are vital in achieving optimal health. I am here at SAGE to provide hope, support, balance, and peace in helping my patients see the light to obtain inner healing and happiness!
Jazmin Wright, APN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
.jpg)
Hello! My name is Jazmin, and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive mental health care. I began my nursing career after earning my undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, gaining invaluable experience in emergency medicine before transitioning to the neuroscience intensive care unit. My frontline work during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the profound need for accessible and empathetic mental health care, ultimately inspiring my transition into psychiatry. I earned my Master’s degree from Wilkes University and have since been committed to treating psychiatric conditions across the lifespan.
My clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and management of a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder,, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and more. I provide care through both psychopharmacological interventions and supportive therapy, always with a patient-centered and trauma-informed approach. As a provider, I lead with warmth and empathy. I truly listen and believe in building strong, collaborative relationships with those I serve. I am elated to be part of the team at SAGE Therapy Services and am currently accepting new clients. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy reading, rock climbing, and spending time with my younger sister, whose boundless energy is a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Business
Jimeya Allen
Office Manager
Hey! My name is Jimeya. I am currently studying for my Bachelor's Degree at Rowan University, upon receipt I will begin my pursuit of obtaining my Master's Degree in Counseling. Currently, my aspiration is to become a licensed professional counselor. Ultimately, I want to be a guiding force in helping people restore aspects that they feel may be injured or broken in their life. Until further notice, I am the friendly face that you will see when you walk into the doors of SAGE Therapy Services. As the Front Desk Associate, it brings me pleasure that I am tasked with the responsibility to create an environment for all that dwells with us that offers a sense of professionalism, warmth, safety, and joy. Every experience that you'll have with us will have you excited to come back for your next visit.
Life can be challenging at times and having support(s) is necessary for progression, no matter the pace. I believe that everyone should be able to have a listening ear readily available as the work to heal the inner wounds is being done. Knowing that WE are in control of our lives, is a key factor in completing any goal that we set in front us. When feelings of being unheard or silenced is internally felt, remember “When there’s a Will, there’s a Way”, to help you externally push ahead. As our business continues to grow, I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, it brings me some happiness knowing that I am a participant in your journey towards healing. See you at SAGE!
Gianna Thwaites
Administrative Assistant
Hi ! My name is Gianna, and upon the completion of my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, I am currently working towards attending school to become a Physician’s Assistant (PA). Having previously also completed minor degrees in both Health Science and Chemistry, I have an endless curiosity in understanding the complex reactions and tiny molecules that make us who we are. My devotion to the sciences, alongside my drive to live a life of care, was a catalyst in my aspiration of becoming a PA.
​
During this time, I desired the ability to do insightful and meaningful work while simultaneously exposing myself to different aspects of healthcare. SAGE emphasizes interaction with the community in such a direct way while providing a positive environment for support and care. Such aspects highlight the core of my passion for healthcare: love and compassion. I try to lead every decision and choice with kindness and give everyone I meet a positive interaction. Our ability to be our most authentic selves starts with our mental health. Everyone deserves a place to feel seen and supported in their journey. I hope to see you soon!
Donna Smith
Billing and Credential Specialist
Hello! My name is Donna and I am a Billing and Credentialing Specialist here at Sage Therapy! I have over 23 years of expertise in the medical billing and credentialing field and 19 years experience in practice management. I have a deep knowledge that spans specialties including OB/GYN, Primary Care, Addiction Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Infectious Disease. I have a proven track record of streamlining revenue cycle operations, ensuring accurate billing and coding, and maintaining compliance with payer requirements. I have completed the Medical Billing and Coding program at Omega Institute and have my certification as a Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and I am currently working on obtaining my CPC certification with AAPC. With a commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and provider support, I hope to bring both experience and a solutions-focused mindset to every aspect of medical billing, and credentialing here at Sage to ensure your experience is the best it can be while you focus on your journey and healing.
Nicole Bailey
Billing and Credential Specialist
Hello! My name is Nicole, and I’m excited to bring my extensive background in billing and credentialing to SAGE. I’m a graduate of Eastern High School and hold certifications as a Pharmacy and Ophthalmology Technician. I am also HIPAA trained and Compliance certified. With over 15 years of experience in billing and credentialing, I’ve developed a deep commitment not only to accuracy and efficiency but also to community care. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with underserved populations, offering support ranging from eye exams and eyeglass fittings to housing assistance, mental health and substance abuse resources, and medication education.
I’m passionate about what I do, and always willing to take on responsibilities beyond billing and credentialing when needed. I take pride in being hardworking, dependable, and loyal to the teams I work with. Mental health advocacy is especially close to my heart. — I believe everyone deserves access to care, support, and education to maintain their well-being, and I strive to be part of that change.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of three amazing children—two daughters and a son—all graduates of Deptford High School and currently in college pursuing careers as a Social Worker, Veterinary Technician, and Diesel Mechanic. My daughters are certified firefighters, and I consider them my hometown heroes. I’ve been happily married to my wonderful husband for 20 years. We share a love for animals and enjoy spending time traveling to Lancaster County, the Poconos, and soaking up the sun by the sea during the summer—while he fishes and I unwind. I’m always up for whatever little adventures my family brings my way!