Dawn V., C.O.A.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Cosmetic Consultant
Back Office Supervisor

Dawn is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and our Back Office Supervisor, bringing to the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center almost three decades of experience in Ophthalmology. She has been with the practice for more than two decades, serving as one of our key Cosmetic Consultants. Dawn has extensive experience and training in tissue fillers, Botox Cosmetic, and the various Obagi Skin Care Programs available. Dawn’s other duties include ophthalmic and surgical assisting, as well as preoperative counseling for patients. 

Melissa C., C.O.A.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Cosmetic Consultant

Melissa is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant bringing nearly two decades of ophthalmology experience with her to our practice. Melissa has also been a Cosmetic Consultant for the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center for the more about two decades. She has extensive experience with Botox Cosmetic, dermal tissue fillers, as well as the various Obagi Skin Care Systems. Additionally, Melissa is one of our surgical scrub technicians as well.

Stephanie M., C.O.A., C.P.C.P.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Cosmetic Consultant
Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional

Stephanie has worked in ophthalmology and cosmetic surgery since 1990. She is among a unique class of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals who has achieved a Lifetime Membership with The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals in recognition of her years of training and expertise. She has been with the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center for over 22 years. In addition to performing all of the permanent makeup in the office she also performs cosmetic consultations. Stephanie is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional and surgical scrub technician. Stephanie enjoys traveling, riding her bike, hiking and spending time with her family and friends. 

Brienna L., C.O.A.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Cosmetic Consultant

Brienna's career began in 2001, working for an optometrist where she learned how to be an ophthalmic technician, and perform visual field tests. She quickly became an expert in the fundamentals of optometry. She quickly found that she had a love for the eyes and working with patients to help them achieve their best sight. Brienna moved on to an ophthalmic practice where she spent 15 years improving her knowledge of the eye, refraction and surgical skills, before joining the Arizona Eye Institute. During her downtime, she loves to hang out and have fun with her husband of more than 15 years and their three children.

Mandy M., C.O.A., M.A. 

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Cosmetic Consultant

Mandy brings more than a decade of knowledge to the Arizona Eye Institute as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and has been a Medical Assistant since 2004. A native of Phoenix, Mandy enjoys serving the local community and educating patients. 

Sheryl P., C.O.A. 

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Sheryl has more than two decades of experience as an ophthalmic technician specializing in retinal conditions as well as assisting in cosmetic procedures and consultations. Originally from Flagstaff, she enjoys outdoor activities such as dirt biking, and riding her motorcycle. She lives in Phoenix today, and her greatest job is being a grandmother. She has two adult children and four grandchildren, as well as dogs that join her on adventures.

Michelle D., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Michelle brings more than a dozen years of experience in the field, including working extensively with low vision eye care. She has also worked closely with supporting the Lion's Club and helping connect low vision clients to donated eyewear. Prior to joining the field of ophthalmology, Michelle worked as a tutor for special needs children, and she enjoys helping enrich lives. A Minnesota native, she lives in Sun City today with her cat. She enjoys antiquing and gardening.

Crystal H., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Crystal brings nearly two decades of experience working in the vision field, with specialties in refractive surgery, assisting optometrists to prepare patients for their exams and support the doctor during exams. She is a certified laser technician and has worked extensively with lasers. Crystal was born in Winslow, Arizona, and currently lives in Peoria with her four children. Her hobbies include a passion for photograph, and for event planning. She loves to personalize gifts as well including making hand stamped jewelry. 

Kimmy S., C.O.A. 

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Kimmie has worked as a certified ophthalmic technician since 1997. A Chicago native, she lives in Surprise in a house she enjoys to renovate. She is a mother of two. Kimmie has also worked in Nebraska among early RK technology. She has focused her career in high-tech offices that have assisted patients with corneal, retinal, dry eye and routine vision care. She enjoys going to concerts and swimming in her pool.

Paige S., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Paige brings a wealth of experience working in both ophthalmology and optometry. Originally from Tucson, she largely grew up in Idaho and currently lives in Buckeye with her wife, three dogs, rabbit and a snake. Paige loves to garden and grow fresh vegetables in her yard to stay healthy. She loves learning more about the eye and its important functions in our lives every day. Paige loves to hike, play fetch with her dogs and watch Netflix programs.

Dennice T., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Dennice has worked in ophthalmology for more than three years, the majority with the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center. She loves her job because "I get to help our patients and put a smile on their faces. A simple conversation, improving their vision, helping our emergency work-ins. Helping people feeds my soul!"

Valerie T., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Valerie joined our practice in 2022, bringing more than three years of experience in ophthalmology. Formerly a pastry chef, she most enjoys the interaction with patients as she helps with their eye care needs. 

Yesenia G., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Valerie joined our practice in 2022, bringing with her a love for learning more about ophthalmology. "There is so much that can happen or does happen in the back of the eye that is fascinating. Plus another benefit to working in ophthalmology is that you can help patients to see better and make them genuinely happy."

Daisy G., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Daisy has brings half a decade of ophthalmology experience to the practice, and is always looking to learn new things that can support her patients. She is always studying new eye conditions including symptoms and the impact of going untreated.

Karen G., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Karen brings a wealth of retina experience to the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center team. She has experience working in imaging and diagnostics in support of the best care for patients. Born in California, Karen lives in downtown Phoenix with her two cats. She enjoys being active and is a member of a local roller derby team. 

Francisco C., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Francisco brings a wide range of experience and dedication to the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center. A lead in the retina team, he has worked in a variety of medical fields including gastrointology 

Emely M., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant

Angelina K., O.A. 

Ophthalmic Assistant