Sergeant Bluff
RACHEL VANDEKOP
Practice Manager
Rachel Vandekop is the practice manager, overseeing 5 locations including Sergeant Bluff Eye Care, Marcus Eye care, LeMars Eye Care, Wayne Eye Care and Harlan Eye Care. In this role Rachel provides support for all 5 clinics in all areas including customer relations, accounts receivable/payable, and most importantly patient care.
Rachel’s favorite part about working for the practice is building relationships with patients and their families year after year and watching our team continue to grow. Rachel became certified shortly after starting in 2012 from the Iowa Optometric Assistants Association as a certified Para (CPO) then later attained her Certified Paraoptometric Assistants license (CPOA), Paraoptometric Coding license (CPOC), and National Contact Lens Examiner (NCLE). Rachel joined the Iowa Optometric Assistants Association board as the Vice President in 2022, she will hold a 4 year term on the board and hopes to stay involved thereafter.
In Rachel’s free time she enjoys entertaining, cooking, outdoor activities, and spending time with her husband Casey, and 3 sons Mason, Nolan and Zayvion.
KATHERINE ROSENBAUM
Director of Operations
Katherine Rosenbaum joined the team in 2015 as an optician and administrative support in our Sergeant Bluff clinic. Over time her strong leadership skills and innovative thinking moved her to oversee opening operations of all other clinics. She has supported all areas of the business including administrative support, optical, and accounts receivable in all 5 locations. Katherine is a firm believer in quality and hard work by doing everything she can to ensure that for the patient. Katherine currently holds a Masters of Science in Health Information & Informations her Certified Paraoptometric Assistant license, Certified Paraoptometric Coding license, American Board of Opticianry, National Board of Contact Lens Examiners and always looking to continue her education in the future. Katherine also joined the Iowa Optometric Assistants Association board as the treasurer in 2024.
RACHEL LINDBLOM
Front Desk/Administrative Support
Rachel has had several years of customer service experience and also holds her Certified Para Optometric license (CPO). Rachel loves being able to get to know each patient that come through the doors.
In Rachel’s free time she enjoys entertaining, spending time with her husband Alex, spending time outdoors with her dogs, and hanging with friends and family. Alex & Rachel will welcome their first baby boy in the summer of 2024.
SHIRLEY MOORE
Administrative Support
Shirley Moore is part of our Administrative Support team at Sergeant Bluff Eye Care. In this role, Shirley greets patients when they arrive for their appointments. Her responsibilities include scheduling appointments, consultations, answering the phones, upkeep of records, and assembling superbills for upcoming appointments. Shirley has had several years of customer service experience and really enjoys the patient contact and hometown feel Sergeant Bluff Eyecare provides.
Shirley enjoys spending time with her family which includes 5 grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys cheering them on in their sporting activities, baking and loves following all Husker athletics!
DULCE MARTINEZ
Administrative Support
Dulce Martinez is part of our Administrative Support team at Sergeant Bluff Eye Care. She works with insurance companies to verify eligibility and benefits prior to appointments to ensure the patient receives their maximum allowance. Dulce’s favorite part of working at Sergeant Bluff Eye Care is being part of a team that cares for each other and makes work enjoyable. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with my friends and family.
AMY MERCER
Administrative Support
Amy Mercer is a part of our Administrative Support team at Sergeant Bluff Eyecare. In this role Amy works with insurance companies to insure payments are completed in a timely manner. Her favorite part of working at Sergeant Bluff Eyecare is working with a team who are dedicated to deliver excellent customer service.
Amy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Northern Iowa and also has her Paraoptometric license. She enjoys playing card games, biking, hiking and watching movies with her husband Chuck and two sons Hayden and Henry.
MONIQUE RODRIGUEZ
Administrative Support
Monique Rodriguez is a part of our Administrative Support team at Sergeant Bluff Eye Care. In this role, Monique works with insurance companies to verify eligibility and benefits prior to appointments. Also offers support in accounts receivable and any other administrative duties for other departments. Monique's favorite part about working for Sergeant Bluff Eye Care is being a part of a team who truly cares about each other and works together to ensure the best patient care. Monique holds an Associate's degree in Administrative Office Management from Western Iowa Tech Community College.
In Monique's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 dogs, and cat. She is expecting her first child in May and is looking forward to raising her daughter. She also enjoys binge-watching TV shows, reading, camping, concerts, and vacationing in warm tropical locations.
CARRIE CASADAY
Optical Manager/Optician
Carrie Casaday is an Optical Manager/Optician at Sergeant Bluff Eyecare. In this role Carrie ensures we have the best frame options for our patients, educating and troubleshooting any issues that arise, and coordinating with our local and insurance labs to get the best product we can deliver.
In Carrie's free time she enjoys camping, outdoor activities, and absolutely loves spending time with her husband Patrick and watching their two children Amelia and Roman grow into kind-hearted and fun loving kids.
VICTORIA "TORI" KUEHL
Optician
Tori is one of our Opticians at Sergeant Bluff Eye Care. In this role Tori helps patients select frames that work best with their lifestyle along with adjusting them to fit properly. She genuinely enjoys helping patients make fun choices and watching them try on frames that they normally wouldn’t even think about. Tori is also an optometric technician for Dr. Lefeber while he travels to the other office locations. In this position Tori helps collect valuable information from each patient and help understand their concerns they may have. Her favorite part of this position is the one on one time with each patient learning what they really want from their glasses and/or contacts and of course traveling to outside locations is always exciting.
In Tori’s free time she enjoys anything outdoors and spending time with friends. She and her boyfriend Mitchell have two dogs named Drake and Oakley. They enjoy taking them out to explore and swim when it’s warm enough. She previously was a dog groomer and will always have a sweet spot for any animal. When she has time, she also enjoys spending weekends with her family in South Eastern Iowa where her parents and older sister currently live.
JESSICA MONTOYA
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KALEY RIVERA
Ophthalmic Technician
Kaley recently started working at Sergeant Bluff Eyecare as an Ophthalmic Technician but is also becoming efficient at several other areas within the clinic . She enjoys interacting with patients and getting to know them while taking care of their eye health. Kaley loves the teamwork and culture within the office and hopes to continue learning and expanding her knowledge. If Kaley is not at work, she would be at the beach eating fruit! She enjoys hanging out with my family as well as her dog (Sosuke) and bunny (Petunia Lou).
BRITTANY "BREE" MURILLO LUPERCIO
Ophthalmic Technician
Bree joined the team as an Ophthalmic Technician but also loves to help wherever she can. Her main focus is to extend her knowledge while taking care of the patient. Not only is she working directly with patients but she also manages the contact lens ordering in the office. Bree will be pursuing her degree is business management with the hopes to attend law school in the future. Outside of work Bree likes to read, crochet, and is passionate about feeling beautiful.
Marcus
SHELLEY SHOOK
Optician
Shelley is an Optician at Marcus Eyecare. In this role Shelley has the pleasure of helping our patients pick the perfect frames to allow them to not only have the best vision but also look amazing. She also teaches our first-time contact lens wearers how to properly insert, remove and care for contacts. Shelley's favorite part about working at Marcus Eyecare is meeting all the new and existing patients and learning new skills! Shelley loves camping, cooking, laughter and spending time with her 3 children and granddaughter.
LEEANN PETERSON
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Wayne Eye Care
TERESA SCHULZ
Administrative/Insurance Verification Support
Teresa is part of our Administrative/Insurance verification support team with Wayne Eye Care. Her responsibilities include scheduling appointments, answering questions and phone calls, locating patient policies and verifying benefits. Teresa has several years of insurance and customer service experience. She thoroughly enjoys helping patients understand their insurance benefits and getting to know them. In Teresa's spare time she enjoys camping and traveling with her husband. She spends as much time as she can with her 3 children and 4 grandbabies.
ASHLEIGH SCHULZ
Optician
Ashleigh is an optician at Wayne eyecare. She has the pleasure of advising patients on styles of eyewear that suit their needs, adjusting frames to the patients customized fit, and ensuring we have a wide variety of frame selection for everyone to choose from. Ashleigh’s favorite part about working at Wayne eyecare is learning something new every day, the patients, and her co-workers. Ashleigh currently holds her certified para optometric license, and is working toward her abo certification.
In Ashleigh’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Brynlee, outdoor activities such as golfing and walking her dogs, Izzy and Blu. She also enjoys reading and working on puzzles in the colder months.
Lemars
JILL SCHLICHTE
Administrative Support Team
Jill is part of our Administrative Support team at Le Mars Eye Care but also jumps into help as an optician and as a technician. In Jill's role she greets patients as they enter the office and often the voice you hear when calling the office. Jill is committed to making sure each patient has the best experience at LeMars Eye Care.
Jill holds a Bachelor's degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management from Iowa State University and has several years of customer service experience in the restaurant and retail industry. Since joining the team Jill has obtained her Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) and Certified Paraoptometric Assistant license (CPOA).
In Jill's spare time, she likes to spend time with her three children, play pickleball, and read. She loves white chocolate and takes her creamer with a bit of coffee.
ASHLEY JOINES
Optician
Ashley has been a part of the Le Mars Eye Care team since 2021.
Her main role is an Optician but she helps wherever is need within in the practice Ashley holds her Certified Para Optometric license and CPR certificate. She is always looking to further her education within the field. Her favorite part of the job is really getting to know patients and building relationships with them while helping them select the perfect eyewear to fit their needs.
In her free time Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband Ben, their 2 daughters Caitlyn and Grace and family dog Hunter. Ashley enjoys going to hockey games, concerts, traveling and a good cup of coffee.
RENEE SHEEHAN
Optician
Renee joined Le Mars Eye Care in 2023 as an optician but has been in the optical field for several years prior. In this role she helps patients pick the perfect frames along with adjusting to fit properly. Renee also enjoys jumping in as a technician to help as needed. Renee loves learning about new lens technology and making sure the patients get exactly what they need. Renee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/ Marketing from Morningside College. In Renee's free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter Mckenna. She also enjoys outdoor activities and taking her dog Pip for walks.
CERINA WALDING
Ophthalmic Technician
Cerina joined Le Mars Eye Care in 2022 as an ophthalmic technician but you may also see her at the front desk. As a technician Cerina works directly with patients to gather medical history for the doctor to perform a comprehensive eye exam without missing important information. Over the years she has learned no detail is too small and truly loves that in this position no day is the same and she enjoys getting to know each family that walks in. Cerina is a mom of 5 rambunctious kids! In her free time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with Paxton and her children Audrianna, Matthew, Sawyer, Kashton, and Harper.
Harlan Eye Care
BAILEY NYSVEN
Ophthalmic Technician
Bailey started her journey with Sergeant Bluff Eye Care in 2022 and transferred to Dr. Jay’s (Harlan Eye Care) in the fall of 2023. Bailey wears many hats at Dr. Jay’s including insurance verification, billing, and also an Ophthalmic technician. In these roles Bailey is able to gather patient information while making strong connections and provide outstanding care for all of our patients. Baileys favorite part about her job is helping patients get to the bottom of their concerns, meeting their needs and meeting new people in town.
Bailey enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending as much time as possible with her family & boyfriend Mitchell. She is the mom to an adorable pup named Annie.
NICHOLAS CHRISTENSEN
Administrative Support
Nic has been with Dr. Jay’s since the beginning and he is fortunate enough to also call Dr. Jay, dad. Nic has practically done everything you can think of from cutting lenses for glasses, taking appointments, checking in materials, and “managing” the office for many years but he is mostly known for chatting with patients. I don’t believe there is 1 person in Harlan, IA that doesn’t know “Coach Nic.”
In his free time Nic enjoys hanging out with his family, anything sports related and cruising around town making friends!
