Meet Our Team

Rebecca Suarez

Clinic Director

Hi! My name is Rebecca Suarez, I’m a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. I have an associate degree in radiologic technology (x-ray) from Sauk Valley Community College, where I was nominated and spoke at my commencement ceremony due to my journey. I was homeless at times while working on that degree, and the first in my family to attend college. I obtained my Bachelor of Health Service Administration online through Washburn University, maintaining an institutional GPA of 4.0. I moved from a small town in Illinois to Wisconsin in 2022. I wanted to live in the Madison area due to my belief in the Wisconsin Idea, and I started the Professional Master Of Business Administration program at UW Madison. I believe those who are able to obtain further education and have a seat at the table that impacts others should strive to do good for society overall. Specifically in healthcare this means actively seeking to reduce health disparities, improve health equity, and improve quality and access. Through the Neighborhood Free Health Clinic, I am able to be a part of a community that works towards those shared goals, while also holding the same values. We’re able to provide care to a population that is as grateful to receive it as we are to be able to provide it, and that is extremely rewarding.

Tina DeGroot, APNP

Provider, President of the BOD

I was born and raised in Stoughton, WI.
I fell in love with rural health care when I was working in Green Bay, WI between 1989-2016 and found a niche working with adult patients who either did not have insurance or who were underinsured and "just needed a little help". The NFHC is my first opportunity to volunteer my time and talents as an Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber on a larger scale outside of my everyday practice. I started volunteering because at this stage in my life, it is my time to give back to my hometown community by  sharing my knowledge of a 33 year nursing career as a provider and educator. I love working with a variety of clinic staff and serving on the Board of Directors as a voice for health care in Stoughton and the surrounding areas.  

Leah Doughty, MS, MPAS, PA-C

Provider

I am from the Milwaukee area. I started volunteering for lots of reasons. Dedication to service & teaching, maintain key skills, help those in need especially underserved, the team, lower stress 'work' environment, respectful learning environment, improve confidence, encourage myself to continue in medicine, support younger folks in their healthcare career journeys...  My favorite thing about the clinic? See above!

Roxane Gorbach, NP

Provider

I was born in the US but spent my childhood in London, Calcutta and then Chicago, LA - went to HS and college in Boston. I then lived in India, Mexico and Guatemala. I worked as a sociologist in Nepal and Guatemala before becoming a nurse. I was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at UW and ran a community nursing program in Mexico during my time there. I've been working as a Nurse Practitioner at UW urgent care for 18 years.
I am bilingual in English and Spanish and speak a little Tibetan and Hindi.
I volunteer because serving others makes my life meaningful and because I want to do whatever I can to address the inequities on our planet. I enjoy meeting other people who want to serve, and I love to work with diverse patient populations. I am new to Stoughton, so I want to make a contribution to the community where I live.
My favorite thing about the clinic (well, it is right down the street from me) - as above - working with other people with altruistic motives and the laid back atmosphere.
I’ve only worked at the free clinic since summer 2022 and have lots of admiration for Joyce and Tina and others who have dedicated many hours and years to this worthy endeavor. 

Amy Brown, DPT

Physical Therapist

I am originally from Oregon WI, and now I live in Brooklyn WI. I started volunteering to help others with maximizing their function. My favorite thing about the clinic is the caring nature of the staff and sense of community present there.

Richard Albright, DDS

Board Member

I was born and raised in Monroe, Wisconsin.
I began volunteering because I am a firm believer in preventive health for all (not just reactionary care).
My favorite things about the clinic are the volunteers, who give freely of their time, expert care for patients, and the joy they show in contributing to the health of others.

Kurt Buehring

Mental Health Provider

I've lived in Stoughton for the past 5 years. I grew up in Illinois, then lived in Madison, Tanzania, and most recently Oakland CA, but settled in Stoughton for the long haul. I started volunteering with the clinic because I wanted to serve the community. I heard about the clinic and loved its mission, and said "maybe I can help!" My favorite thing about the clinic is that because of the clinic, family members, friends, neighbors, and community members who would not have access to healthcare, do have access to healthcare.

Katelin DeGroot, MS, LPC, SAC

Psychotherapist

I am originally from Wausau, WI, went to school in Milwaukee, and have lived in Madison area ever since.
I started volunteering at the clinic to be part of the effort to provide mental health services to those who feel otherwise unable to access it.

Colleen Krueger, BS, RDH

Dental Hygienist

I grew up in Sun Prairie and now live in Stoughton. My parents always volunteered, and they were amazing role models. I have always wanted to be a dental hygienist; it is my calling. I absolutely love my work. I am very appreciative of the life I have and want to be of service to others as it brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. My favorite thing about the clinic are the patients. Children are honest and not afraid to express how they feel. They like to try new things. I want them to embrace and care for their beautiful smiles for a lifetime.

Barry Verdegan

Board Member 

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Megan Reilly

Volunteer

I am from Neenah, WI and have been in the Madison area for the past six years.
I spent most of my childhood watching my mother volunteer and seeing how much joy it brought to her. She always told me to use my privilege to help those in need. I am so grateful that Stoughton has this resource for those in need and for those with nowhere else to go. 
My favorite thing about the clinic are the people. Everyone who volunteers at the clinic is so giving and caring. I love working with them!

Ally Slager

Clinic Assistant and Cardiovascular Research Assistant 

I am from Stoughton, WI.
I started volunteering at NFHC because I was looking for a way to support my community before starting medical school.
My favorite thing about the clinic is getting to help a diverse range of people and provide accessible, quality healthcare to those in need.

Madelyn R., CNA

Certified Nursing Assistant

I am from Neenah, WI.
I started volunteering with the Neighborhood Free Health Clinic because I enjoy working with patients and helping them in their journey towards a healthy lifestyle. 
One of my favorite things about the clinic is the group of amazing volunteers that keep the clinic running and advocate for the health of all patients. I also really enjoy the free essentials pantry and the opportunity for patients to get daily care items for free when they come into the clinic. 

Sindhu S.

Clinic Assistant

I am from Kenosha, WI.
I began volunteering because I wanted to be part of a clinic that served people from all socioeconomic backgrounds while not compromising on the level of care. 
My favorite thing about the clinic is the incredible receptionists, roomers, and physicians. The clinic has such a welcoming environment and I attribute that to the people who spend their time there. 

Autumn O. 

Clinic Assistant

I grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, but I have lived in Madison ever since moving to the area for school.

I started volunteering at the clinic to serve and learn more about the community around me. I also wanted to learn as much as I could from all of the compassionate providers and volunteers in the clinic.

My favorite thing about the clinic has been meeting all of the patients and being a part of the positive impact this clinic makes in the community. 

Joan N.

Dental Clinic Assistant

I have lived in Stoughton for 27 years.
I started volunteering with NFHC because I like the camaraderie while doing something for people less fortunate. 

Najwa C.

Dental Clinic Assistant

My daytime job is registrar at Stoughton Health.

I was raised in Monroe WI; yes, a genuine cheese maker. Although as a child I would not eat cheese because of my father's affection for Limburger, now I love it.
I volunteer because it's a way of showing gratitude for the good and bad things in life that have shaped my years on Earth.

Angie Rowin-Tippit

Board Member

I am from Edgerton, WI. I work at Stoughton Health as Environmental Services/Safety Manager. 

I started volunteering to make a difference by helping others have the same opportunities for healthcare services as those who are fortunate to have insurance.

I love seeing the clinic grow and working with people who genuinely care.

Christine Clements

Board Member

Coming Soon

Julie Serstad

Board Member

I grew up in Stoughton, left for 40 years, and returned 5 years ago and now live in Cambridge. I recently retired from 40 years of nursing, mostly in Public Health, Hospice, and Education. I was excited to find out that my hometown has the NFHC and that it serves several of the surrounding small communities. I immediately wanted to become involved. I have always believed in helping others become healthy, and NFHC does that with committed and professional Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Hygienists and other staff.  A true service that is needed in our communities.

Jayne Fischer

Secretary for the Board

I am from McFarland, WI.
I began volunteering at NFHC because I know there is such a tremendous need for people who cannot afford medical care to receive help in accessing and paying for medical services.
I'm so impressed with the willingness of medical professionals to give their time to help people who are desperately in need of medical help but can't afford it. I'm also so thankful for the sponsorship of Stoughton Hospital, as well as our community partners who have stepped up with grants to help NFHC obtain needed medical and dental equipment. The pediatric dental office is another success, serving children who are younger than grade-school age and whose families cannot afford dental care.

Stacey Wright

Treasurer for the Board

I was born and raised in Plymouth, WI. I lived in Boston for a few years and have been currently living in Stoughton since 1995.
I joined the board because I believe in their mission and believe that everyone should have access to healthcare. Preventive medicine is the key to staying healthy and avoiding emergency care in the future. 
What I like about our clinic, and what makes me proud, is all the volunteers that are giving their time to make our mission a reality. 

Terry Tinkle

Board Member

I am a guidance counselor and am from Jefferson, WI.
I started volunteering to help increase community awareness of NFHC.
My favorite thing about the clinic is how all who seek services there are treated with dignity and respect. 

Dawn Hayden

Social Media and Outreach Committee

I live in Fitchburg and am a full-time student. I spent fifteen years working as an international development expert including work supporting five USAID programs in Ethiopia, Pakistan, Philippines, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. I specialize in designing and managing small grants program activities that promote political, social, and economic transition in both disaster and conflict-affected communities and have a focus on gender-based initiatives which include things like sexual assault forensic examination kits and gender-based violence awareness campaigns.

I started working internationally with Community Focused Disaster Response in the village of Komari in Sri Lanka as a volunteer in 2005. My work in Komari instilled a passion for supporting communities to use their own expertise and experience to overcome insurmountable challenges.

Working with Neighborhood Free Health Clinic renews my hope in individual changemakers to drive transformation not only within their own lives but the lives of their communities one decision at a time. This starts with taking care of ourselves.

Mary Quade

Board Member

I grew up in Milwaukee and worked in various other states. I moved to Stoughton 25 years ago and took a position as Rehabilitation Manager and Occupational Therapist at Stoughton Hospital. When I retired, I sought out volunteering at the clinic. In discussions with the clinic manager, one of the needs identified was a person to consistently clean the clinic. I took this on and do odd end administrative duties, such as checking references and providing stats for reports.
Working over 40 years in healthcare, I saw the consequences of people not getting basic health care in a timely basis. That is why I feel it is important that our community have a resource like NFHC.