Meet the Team
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Megan Brady Costello, COA
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".
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Ailinn Dunn, M.A.
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.
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Corrina Beach
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!
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Hala Ghaddar
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
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Marc Sarkis
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”
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Kaitlyn Brady, OSC
Photo Technician
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”
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Kyrstin Beal
Ophthalmic Technician
I'm an ophthalmic technician with 10 years of experience, having worked alongside many doctors and team members to ensure the best care for our patients. I have a strong interest in staying up-to-date with the latest equipment and technology in the field, and I'm passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life through better vision. Seeing the positive impact on their lives is why I love what I do. I'm excited to bring my skills to an experienced team, always striving to create a positive, comfortable experience for each patient.
Outside of work, you'll often find me at home with a book and my two cats, or enjoying some music
—I'm a proud Swiftie! I'm also a huge Philadelphia sports fan, so you can often catch me cheering on my teams.
I love traveling and going on adventures with my fiancé and friends, always eager to try something new.
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Sarah Hallaj
Patient Access
Although I’m still new, I already feel right at home working with everyone here at SVI. The positive environment is contagious, and we’re excited to share that energy with you as well!
On a personal note, I’ve always been captivated by eyes—there’s something so unique about them, and I believe they’re one of the most distinctive features a person can have.
I’m truly excited to be part of this incredible team! The chance to collaborate with such talented individuals and contribute to our collective success is inspiring. I’m eager to bring my skills and insights to the team and look forward to learning from my new colleagues. Together, I’m confident we’ll achieve great things and create a lasting impact. I’m excited to begin this new chapter and work towards our shared goals with passion and commitment. Thank you for the warm welcome—I can’t wait to contribute meaningfully to the team!
Outside of the office i love to spend time outdoors, exploring the nature, and spending time with my loved ones.
I’m excited to meet each of you and play a role in the incredible accomplishments at Shafer Vision Institute. -
Shannon Goldey
First Impressions
I am honored to be a part of Shafer Vision Institute. Dr. Shafer and I started our journey together back in 2021, and I am thrilled to be a part of the SVI family.
His expertise and his love for his patients and staff is unmatched.
Dr. Shafer is one of the most humble, selfless, empathetic Dr’s that I have ever known.
His knowledge in Ophthalmology blows me away, and to hear him speak with such love about what he does truly touches the soul.
Not every employee is lucky enough to have an amazing boss, Dr. Shafer makes working hard for his company easy.
It’s such a pleasure to be working with him again. He is a positive force in the office and in my life.
I started my career in Ophthalmology 16 years ago, after graduating with a degree in Billing and Coding, I went on to do my internship at a wonderful ophthalmology practice in Media, PA and it was there that my love for Ophthalmology began.
After many years of billing and coding, I realized as much as I loved it, that I wanted to be around people more and I decided to give the front desk a try. I loved it so much that I decided to stay. First Impressions is a role that I take very seriously, I love my patients and I hope that they feel that love the minute they walk in our door. When you walk into Shafer Vision Institute I want you to feel like you are family, because that’s exactly what you are to us.
I’m looking forward to SEEing all of you.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I love life, I love being a wife and aunt, I love animals, especially my two cats Brady & Belle, and most importantly I love to spread kindness.
A quote to live by:
People will remember every act of kindness we conduct. Everyone has problems in life, and they all need sympathy or goodwill from others. A small act of kindness can help people cope with their suffering by lowering their stress levels and providing them with the strength to bear it.
“Every blink tells a story”