About Our Practice in St. Marys

My journey into optometry began when I was 15 and got my first pair of glasses. Suddenly, the world came into focus—details I hadn’t even realized I was missing became clear, and it made all the difference, especially in school. That experience was life-changing, and it sparked something in me: I wanted to give others the gift of clear vision, too. That realization set me on the path to earning my degree at the University of Waterloo and, eventually, to opening St. Marys Optometry in 2010.

Since then, I’ve been dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from little ones experiencing their first eye exams to adults who want to preserve their vision for years to come. I love connecting with my patients and making every visit a comfortable and positive experience. I’m passionate about uncovering the unique vision challenges my patients face so I can recommend the best solutions. By offering personalized, customized products and services, I help ensure every individual’s needs are met with care and precision.

One of my favourite things about St. Marys Optometry is the incredible team I get to work with every day. They are the backbone of the practice, and I truly couldn’t function without them! Each member of the SMO team cares deeply about our patients, going above and beyond to provide exceptional vision care. But they don’t just care about our patients—they care about each other, too, supporting one another in countless ways both in and out of the office. I genuinely love each member of our team and feel thankful for them every single day.

One of my favourite team traditions takes place each fall and holds a special place in my heart. We attend a conference together, spending the day learning, networking, and drawing inspiration from our colleagues in the optical industry. But the real magic happens after dinner, when we hit the dance floor! As someone who has always loved to dance, sharing the joy of dancing with my SMO team is an experience that’s truly unbeatable. Despite our different tastes in music and the range of ages in our group, it’s no surprise that we come together so effortlessly, making unforgettable memories while having a blast.

Outside the office, I value staying active and having fun. My favourite spot to stay active is the pickleball court, where I enjoy games with family and friends, as well as competing in tournaments—often teaming up with my longtime friend and fellow optometrist, Dr. Laurie. If you want to see what we’re up to check out @pickleball_visionaries on Instagram. I also love strolling through town with my husband Mike and our dogs, Scout and Hunter. At home, I enjoy spending quality time with Mike and our teens, Megan and Luke. And when it’s time to unwind, nothing beats a cozy moment with a cup of tea, a square of dark chocolate, and a good book or TV show.

As a longtime local (almost 30 years!), I’m passionate about supporting our vibrant community. If you’re new to St. Marys or looking to explore, I’d highly recommend checking out some of my favourite spots: TuttCo for the most delicious meals, Dunny’s Source for Sports where you can get everything you need for an active lifestyle, O’Grady’s Clothing and Accessories when it’s time to look your best, Sensations Salon and Day Spa for haircare and other services, and The Town & Country Cheese Shoppe where they make the best sandwiches as well as offering a massive variety of cheese. They’re all fantastic places to experience the heart of our town.

For me, optometry isn’t just about eye care—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. At St. Marys Optometry, I’m proud to combine professional expertise with a personal touch, creating a space where everyone can feel at home while receiving the highest quality care.

My passion for eye care was ignited by growing up with a father with a high glasses prescription. I remember vividly his thick glasses, hard contact lenses, and how he couldn’t see a thing two feet in front of him without correction. This planted a seed that would ultimately grow into a lifelong commitment of helping people see clearly. Plus, gazing into people’s eyes seemed way more enjoyable than looking at people’s teeth all day.

After completing my studies at the Illinois College of Optometry, where numerous deep dish pizzas were consumed, I was eager to serve a small town community and St. Mary’s Optometry was the perfect fit. I was excited to partner with a local business where the patient experience is prioritized and the practice’s core values resonated with me. I am grateful to be a part of such a great team.

When I’m not busy at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Sean, our daughters Ivy and Ava, and our giant, friendly dog, Maverick. You can often find me getting pampered at Angela Dawn Aesthetics, swimming at the quarry, or trying (and sometimes failing) to catch my breath while walking up all the hills! I love to travel whenever I can, and I’m an avid reader, music lover, and hiker. The beach is my happy place and I try pushing my physical limits with sports like soccer, volleyball, and triathlons. Growing up in Goderich, I’ve always appreciated the charm and uniqueness of small towns—and St. Marys is no different.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve the community of St. Marys by focusing not only on restoring vision but also joy and connection.

I’ve always been drawn to working with detail, style, and craftsmanship, but my path to St Marys Optometry was a bit unexpected. Before joining the team, I worked as a custom picture framer on Canada’s west coast. When my husband and I decided to move back to Ontario to start our family, I found myself rethinking my career path. During that time, I bought a Groupon for my husband to update his glasses, and as we were selecting frames in a beautiful optical shop, I felt something click. I realized that my love for framing art could translate into helping people “frame” their faces with glasses – and I was excited to dive into a new field.

Now, as the Office Manager at St Marys Optometry, I love helping patients find the perfect eyewear that reflects their style and meets their vision needs. One of my biggest passions is sunglasses, not only for the style they bring but for the essential UV protection they offer. I’m a big believer in starting young with eye health; my two daughters have worn sunglasses since they were babies and won’t leave the house without them. I might have overemphasized this point once: my youngest’s kindergarten teacher asked if she had a medical reason for needing sunglasses, after my daughter spent a fire drill shielding her eyes because she hadn’t been allowed to grab them on the way out!

One of my favourite memories with sunglasses involves my youngest again. One summer, she mentioned she’d never seen a real rainbow, and my husband promised her she would by the end of the season. I was nervous we wouldn’t come through on that promise – until we were driving home after a rainstorm, and I spotted a rainbow in the rearview mirror. When my daughter couldn’t see it, I passed her my Maui Jim sunglasses, and suddenly it came into view. Seeing her excitement was a reminder of how quality lenses really do change how we see the world.

Outside of work, I’m usually training for my next race – running is a big part of my life and I love the challenge and joy it brings. I’m also a devoted theatre enthusiast and make a point to see several plays at the Stratford Festival every year. Supporting our local community is important to me as well, so you might spot me browsing at Betty’s Bookshelf, picking up spices or healthy staples like hemp hearts and chia seeds at Troyer’s Spice, or selecting handcrafted soaps from Zenfire Pottery.

I feel lucky to be part of St Marys Optometry, where I get to combine my love for style, health, and community. Whether you’re looking for the perfect frames, need some running tips, or just want to chat about your favourite book, I’m here to make your eye care experience personal and memorable.

My husband, Casey, and I first discovered the charm of St. Marys in the fall of 2018. Drawn to the town’s beautiful hiking trails and friendly local golf course, we felt an instant connection to the community. Not long after, I joined St. Marys Optometry in 2019, and it felt like home right away.

As the practice administrator, I’m often the first-person patients connect with – whether by phone or in person. Managing appointments, coordinating care, handling billing, and ensuing our office runs smoothly is a big part of my role. But what I truly love is helping to put patients at ease and being someone they can count on during what can sometimes be a stressful time. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how compassionate and attentive care can transform a person’s experience, and I’m proud to bring that care to each patient who comes through our doors.

When I considered retiring in 2020, I felt the pull of this special place, and I knew I wasn’t quite ready to step away. Returning in 2021 was an easy choice, and I came back with a renewed appreciation for the connections I’d built with patients and our incredible team. I often say that working with Carol and my co-workers is like being with a second family – their dedication and kindness remind me daily why I love this role.

Outside of work, I stay connected to our community in other ways, whether it’s volunteering at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame or contributing to the St. Marys Horticultural Society. I love hiking, traveling, catching live theatre in Drayton and Stratford, and, of course, spending time with family and friends. I also have a few local favourites: grabbing a coffee at Barista’s, shopping for spices at Troyer’s, and browsing Zenfire Pottery for special finds.

If you ask me about frames, I’ll likely recommend our Eco-friendly line for its sustainability, or Guess frames for their stylish variety. But whether it’s eyewear advice or a friendly chat, I’m here to make sure your experience at St Marys Optometry feels as welcoming as the town I’m so happy to call home.

My first pair of glasses graced the bridge of my nose when I was around 6 years old. Now, as someone navigating progressive lenses, I understand firsthand how important it is to find eyewear that not only supports your vision but makes you feel like yourself! This personal experience helps me connect with my patients in a meaningful way, ensuring I can help you find the perfect frames and lenses tailored to your needs.

I joined the St. Mary’s Optometry team in December 2019, blending my background in portrait and illustration art, along with experience in the business world, with a passion for patient care. Earning my Certified Canadian Optometric Assistant accreditation in 2022 has deepened my understanding of eye health, enabling me to offer even more personalized support, whether it’s helping you select the ideal eyewear or guiding you through dry eye treatments.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to know each patient and treating them like family. I genuinely enjoy helping people navigate their eye care journey-whether that’s choosing lenses that align with your lifestyle or offering guidance on the latest frame styles. My goal is always to make you feel comfortable, informed, and confident about your choices.

In addition to my work in the frame gallery, you’ll also find me assisting with imaging, virtual field testing, and supporting Dr. Carol and Dr. Erica’s dry eye treatments as part of my role as an ocular hygienist. Every part of my job allows me to contribute to a holistic approach to eye care, ensuring our patients receive the best treatment possible.

I also truly enjoy being part of our small but mighty team. It takes a village to provide the highest level of eye care, and working alongside colleagues I whom I trust, learn from, and collaborate with to find solutions is what makes St. Mary’s Optometry such a special place. Together, we’re able to create an environment where patients feel supported and valued every step of the way.

When I’m not at work, you’ll find me outdoors enjoying nature or curled up with my orange tabby cat, a warm cup of tea, and my sketchbook. Yoga, meditation, a good spa day and sharing meals with loved ones and friends help keep me balanced and inspired. I also love exploring local offerings wherever life takes me, and St. Marys is especially dear to me. I enjoy fresh croissants from the Flour Mill, a good Zenfire Pottery class, and visiting Riverwalk Commons—a beautiful tuned-in space that celebrates art, music, families and community in the coziest way.

At the end of the day, all in all, my goal is simple: to help you leave our office not only seeing better but feeling better about your eye care. Your vision is personal, and so is the way I care for it.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to healthcare. It wasn’t just a career path for me; it was a calling. I’ve always found fulfillment in helping others, in making a difference in their lives, no matter how big or small. This dedication has led me on a journey through various roles in the healthcare field, but nothing has felt more like home than my work with the incredible team at St. Marys Optometry (SMO).

When I first learned about SMO, it wasn’t just the high standard of eye care that drew me in—it was the culture. From day one, I knew this was a place where everyone worked together like a family. The staff is incredibly close-knit, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It was clear to me that, like the patients we serve, the team at SMO truly cares about each other. I had found my new professional family.

At SMO, it’s not just about treating patients’ eyes; it’s about building long-term relationships. We see patients grow from children to adults, and that continuity fosters a deep sense of trust and connection. Our mission is simple: Your best life starts with the quality of your vision, and we’re here to make sure your eye care experience reflects that. We use the latest technology and techniques, but it’s our values of integrity, kindness, and respect that truly define us. I’m proud to be part of a practice where we don’t prioritize the bottom line, but rather, the health and satisfaction of every person who walks through our door.

My role at SMO involves a variety of tasks, from helping with imaging and frame selections to making adjustments and repairs, to some administrative duties behind the scenes. I’m particularly passionate about eyewear fashion and love helping our patients find the perfect pair of glasses—whether it’s a bold, new style or a more classic look. It’s a joy to assist our community in not only seeing clearly but feeling confident in how they look.

When I’m not at SMO, you’ll likely find me enjoying some of the simple pleasures in life: curling up with a good book, solving Sudoku puzzles, or enjoying a game night with my family. In the nicer weather you might see me attempting to perfect my golf swing or take in the fresh air while glamping with friends and family. And of course, I enjoy supporting local businesses—whether it’s grabbing a bite at Joe’s Diner, picking up a treat at Hearn’s Ice Cream, or browsing through Troyer’s Spices, Betty’s Bookshelf or Jacobs Liquidation.

Relocating to St. Marys in 2017 with my husband and two daughters was a big decision, but it’s one I’ve never regretted. The St. Marys community has welcomed us with open arms, and I’m grateful every day for the chance to contribute to it through my work at SMO. Being part of this team isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege, and it’s become an integral part of who I am.

Working at St. Marys Optometry has reaffirmed that healthcare isn’t just about treating a condition—it’s about treating the whole person. Whether you’re visiting for a routine eye exam or to address a more serious concern, we’re here to make sure you feel heard, cared for, and valued. It’s not just about your eyes; it’s about making your vision—and your life—a little brighter.