Office Manager

I am thrilled to be a part of the Shafer Vision Institute. I chose to join SVI because of my past experience working with Dr. Shafer many years prior. I was drawn to his expertise and upbeat attitude, feeling like it was the kind of environment I could see myself in long term.

Ophthalmology came into my life when I was on the lookout for something I could be passionate about. From the moment I found it, I was all in.

The field holds a special place in my heart. An ophthalmologist once saved my mom's life by diagnosing a condition that had gone unnoticed for too long. That act of care really stuck with me.

When I’m not geeking out over eyes, I love to spend time outdoors, hiking, and listening to music. I’m all about my family. My husband and daughter are my rock, keeping my world turning.

I know that you’ll understand our passion from the moment you meet the team. We can’t wait to see you soon!

“Great leaders inspire greatness in others".

Director of Research

I am excited to introduce myself as the new Director of Research at Shafer Vision Institute. With 12 years of experience in ophthalmology as a technician and (more recently) a clinical coordinator, I am thrilled to bring my expertise to this esteemed institution.

I am eager to work closely with Dr. Shafer and the entire team to advance our research initiatives.

As the daughter of a now-retired optometrist, I have always held a fascination for eyes and healthcare as a whole. After obtaining an M.A. from Harvard in a different field, I found myself falling into the world of ophthalmology in a bit of a roundabout way. I must say I have been in love with it since day one. After all these years, I still feel like I learn something new everyday.

A little about me: I am a proud “cat mom.” I have two cats, and will gladly show you pictures of them if you ask. I have a huge vinyl record collection, and also enjoy going to concerts. I moved to the Philadelphia area from Upstate New York in 2021 to be closer to family, and enjoy getting to spend time with my nieces and watching them grow up.

I look forward to meeting each of you and contributing to the remarkable achievements at Shafer Vision Institute.

Ophthalmic Technician

My love for ophthalmology started at the turn of the century- 24 years ago as it was the first available position finishing a medical assistant program. I went back to college in the evening looking to pursue nursing. Little did I know the crucial role the eyes play. To me the eyes are an Intricate puzzle - figuring out how to properly place each piece snuggly together. In the end you don’t just have a beautiful picture to look at, you have the patient full needs and answers at your finger tips.

When I am not in the office, there are many things that keep me going…power walks, spontaneous trips down the shore, spending time with family and friends, cooking, animals, crafting and renovating. My love of life runs deep, but mostly boils down to I love to be a helping hand rather than sit back and watch.

At this time of my life, I am transitioning from being a mom to an amazing 18 year old son that is embarking into the world of fire fighting, as well as taking on new beginnings of life with a wonderful man who I get to share life’s pure bliss. Moving forward I get to take on a new challenge with SVI in my pocket. I’m looking forward to meeting a new line of patients that I can share better situations with the utmost care where all feel my pride!

Patient Access

My excitement radiates when I talk about my team at Shafer Vision Institute. Working alongside Dr. Shafer and the team means that I get to watch the amazing work that is done to help others improve their vision and overall quality of life.

I feel elated to contribute to an institute that values not just exceptional eye care but also the human experience that comes with it.

While my time in Ophthalmology has been limited, I am already hooked. I plan to soak in all of the information I am learning like a sponge!

Outside of the office you will find me raising two wonderful cats, exploring hidden gems and most likely trying to pet every animal I see walking by.

I am extremely thrilled to be talking and connecting with each and every one of you!

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller

Surgery Coordinator

Despite still being new, I already feel very comfortable working with everyone here at SVI. The environment is full of positivity and we hope to share that with you too!

Personally, I have always been fascinated by eyes, and I think that a person’s eyes are their most unique feature!

I am absolutely thrilled to join this incredible team! The opportunity to work with such talented individuals and contribute to the collective success is truly inspiring. I am eager to bring my unique skills and perspective to the table, and I am looking forward to learning from each of my new colleagues. Together, I am confident that we will achieve great things and make a meaningful impact. I am excited to embark on this new journey and work towards our common goals with enthusiasm and dedication. Thank you for welcoming me aboard, and I can't wait to make a valuable contribution to the team!

Outside of work, I enjoy going out in the sun and focusing on my degree in Financial Engineering.

“Eyes are the windows to the soul”

First Impressions

Although I am new to Ophthalmology, I have been loving my experience as an SVI team member. There is so much to learn in the world of the eyes and it’s all so interesting!

I have been in the customer service industry for 7+ years and because of that, I take pride in being empathetic and people oriented. My favorite part has always been meeting new people every day and hearing about their different walks of life. I love that I get to experience the same thing at SVI, while also making patients feel welcomed. It’s been extremely special to witness how satisfied and happy our patients are after surgery with Dr. Shafer!

Aside from my new day to day eagerness to learn more about ophthalmology, outside of work I enjoy seeing live music, art, sunshine and making people smile.

I am so grateful for this opportunity Dr. Shafer has given me. I am inspired by all the people on our team who love eyes and our patients care as much as I do.

I can’t wait to meet you on your next visit!

“Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world”

Research Assistant

The moment I walked through the doors of SVI, I felt an immediate sense of comfort. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to explore the field of ophthalmology and excited that this is where my journey begins.

Working alongside Dr. Shafer is a privilege I am incredibly grateful for. His passion is infectious, and I am eager to be inspired by him.

Eyes have always been my favorite part of the human body because they are uniquely individual and one of the most recognizable features when you first look at someone.

My first impressions of the team exceeded all my expectations. I felt right at home among people who not only have enthusiasm for their work but also genuinely care for one another, making them more than just coworkers—they are like family. They have created an environment that fuels my ambition, something I deeply value.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me outdoors, at the gym, or spending time with my family.

I am looking forward to continuing my journey with SVI as the research assistant while I continue my studies at Pitt! See you during the breaks :)