Meet the Optometrists

I have been providing eye care since 1996 and I really enjoy the wide range of patients in private practice. From examining small children to mature adults, every patient presents a unique and personal challenge. I take pleasure in getting to know patients so I can better serve and understand their needs.

I grew up in Holmen, Wisconsin, and completed my undergraduate degree from Concordia College in St. Paul. I am a Nationally board-certified and residency-trained optometrist and have worked extensively in comprehensive eye care and surgical environments since graduating from Pacific University College of Optometry in Oregon. I was honored to be named the Young Optometrist of the Year by the Minnesota Optometric Association.  I was also honored to receive the Holmen Alumni Award. 
My husband Dirk and I met at optometry school and have always dreamed of owning our own clinic in a rural community. Although Rogers is still growing leaps and bounds, we enjoy the small-town atmosphere and the support and friendliness of its people. We enjoy spending time with our two boys, kayaking on the lake, and eating fresh eggs and honey from our chickens and bees! 
 
We look forward to providing your family with comprehensive eye care for years to come!

Some fun facts about me:

• I am a bookaholic…please share your favorite book with me at your exam!
• I enjoy gardening and landscaping.
• I enjoy traveling, wine tasting and eating at great restaurants so any suggestions of your local or national favorites are welcome!
   

My interest in optometry started in junior high when I got my first pair of glasses and realized how clear the world could be!  I have been practicing optometry in the Twin Cities metro since 2008; I love providing care for patients of all ages and strive to give a thorough, personable eye exam.  I particularly enjoy helping patients with dry eye concerns and performing surgical co-management.

I grew up in a small town in Southeastern Minnesota and completed my undergraduate studies at Luther College in Decorah, IA where I met my husband, Adam.  After graduation I attended Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago; I graduated cum laude in 2008.

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our daughter Cordelia, and our three cats.

Some fun facts about me:

• I love anything crafty like knitting, crochet, and quilting.
• Coffee is my favorite food group.
• I’ve always wanted to learn to play piano and have started taking lessons as an adult.

I was born in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago where I grew up playing hockey. Luckily, I was able to continue my hockey career through college at Marian University (Fond Du Lac, WI), where I played all 4 years before graduating Cum Laude with my Bachelors degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. I went on to the Illinois College of Optometry where I graduated Cum Laude in May 2018.

Some of you may recognize me, as I did one of my 4th-year student rotations here at EyeWest. I found everyone to be so welcoming and kind, and I look forward to returning and providing the very best care possible to you and your families! My other student rotations included pediatrics and contact lenses in Chicago, geriatric eye care at the Veterans Administration in Florida, and an Ophthalmology/geriatric rotation in Arizona. 

Outside of the clinic, you’ll find me at the ice rink, hanging out with friends, reading multiple books at once, and trying new restaurants. I also enjoy spending time with my extended family here in MN.

Some fun facts about me:

• I love cooking and am always open to experimenting with new recipes!
• I am an adrenaline junkie, I have ziplined many times, love roller coasters, and always enjoy a challenging hike.
• I love breweries and trying different beers, IPA’s are my favorite!

I grew up in Renville, a small farming community in Southwest Minnesota. I graduated from high school as Valedictorian and furthered my studies at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. I graduated from the U cum laude with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. Eager for a few years away from Minnesota winters, I pursued my doctoral degree at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating magna cum laude in 2018.

While in Optometry school, I completed rotations at The Eye Center in Memphis, the Salem VAMC in Salem, Virginia, and River Valley Eye Professionals in Northfield, Minnesota. I practiced for a few years near my hometown, where I gained extensive experience in primary care, ocular disease, and surgical co-management. I enjoy working with patients of all ages and pride myself on providing compassionate, individualized care during each exam. I have a particular passion for pediatrics and ocular disease, but also love helping patients find the exact eyewear solutions to fit their needs during annual eye exams. 

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son. You can usually find us wandering through bookstores, spending time at the lake, or walking our labradoodle, Violet. 

Some fun facts about me:

• I am an avid baker. I love to make decorated sugar cookies and cakes. 
• I love to travel! My favorite trips include studying abroad in Tanzania and hiking in Acadia National Park.
• I am a dedicated book lover. I always have a stack of “to-be-read” books on my bedside table.