Tammi joined the JRVC team right from its origin, with over 25 years of experience in the optometric field. She boasts an exceptional range of knowledge and skills from edging lenses, adjusting and repairing frames, and she is definitely an optics guru. She initially received her education and training in Victoria, B.C., and she eventually made her way east to the beautiful skies of Alberta. Tammi has has lived in the Edmonton area for nearly 20 years. Her vast experience has included all aspects of optometric services but her foremost interest will always be patient care and quality products. She keeps our office organized, clutter-free, is our team plant keeper, and is the kind soul that resonates with so many of our patients.

Tammi’s spare time is usually spent with her wonderful family and friends, and her dog, Pepper. The year 2021 brought her a beautiful granddaughter whom she loves to spend time with. Tammi also enjoys gardening, books and coffee. Lots of coffee!

Q&A with Tammi

What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would open a dog / kid friendly bookstore cafe, with ice cream!

What is the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is helping patients with complex prescriptions that have had bad experiences in the past. The ability to help them and see their sincere surprise with their new vision means the world to me.

Nichole has been with the JRVC team since it opened in 2019. She has been in the optometric industry for over 12 years, working as both an optometric assistant, ophthalmic dispenser, and vision therapist. She found a significant passion in vision therapy, and truly enjoys helping patients achieve their visual goals through providing proper eyewear and assisting in creating a visual rehabilitative program for their specific needs. Nichole worked hard to complete her Practical Vision Therapist accreditation, and has made a significant contribution to the quality of rehabilitation services we provide at JRVC. She is excited to continue helping each patient that comes to the clinic with exceptional care! She’s our team extrovert and empath, and biggest cheerleader!

Nichole is a mother of two beautiful girls and wife to her husband, David. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games and attending festivals around the city.

Q&A with Nichole

What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
If I had a choice, I would start my own non profit organization that focuses on bringing more awareness and support to adolescents that have experienced brain injuries. I have found through personal experience that it is common practice to believe the “kids bounce back” saying. Often the families deal with unexpected personality and learning difficulties, and there is not enough support or awareness out there to offer help in these situations. I understand what these families go through and I would love to aid them in their rehabilitation journey.

Jess joined the JRVC team in 2020 with 9 years of prior optometric experience. She developed a strong skill set with patients, triaging their medical concerns and instructing contact lens care. In 2015, Jess was taken under the wing of Dr. Pennifold, to learn the world of vision therapy and all the positive changes that it can provide to patients who have unmet vision concerns. Jess primarily works with pediatric vision therapy patients; her passion is to help children & teens see their world more comfortably and confidently. Jess has completed her Practical Vision Therapist accreditation in 2022, and is excited to continue to further her education in vision therapy. She is often the busy-bee in the office, managing a variety of tasks and roles, and keeping the team on schedule!

Jess is married and has two beautiful, rambunctious children. Her family loves to be outside as often as they can but also really enjoy watching the Avenger’s saga together. Jess is an avid runner, loves to work out, and bake all-the-things; the office favourite are her carrot cake sandwich cookies. Jess also loves coffee!

Q&A with Jess

Cats or Dogs?
I’m 100% a cat person!!! I am the only person in the office who loves cats, and sometimes it’s nice to stand out amongst the crowd! However, Mikli really is fantastic! We have a good relationship and I do tuck him in with his blanket when he’s sleeping in the office after a long hard day 🙂

What is the most inspiring part of your job?
That moment in the vision therapy room when a child LEARNS something new about their vision, and how this is going to change them moving forward. When you can see (under the mask) that big smile!

Kristin moved to Alberta from New Brunswick 12 years ago and her first job was in the optical field. Throughout the years, she has had significant experience working in various optical positions and has developed a diverse skill set. From working in the optical lab, cutting the lenses and repairing ophthalmic frames, to being an optometric assistant, helping assist with patients with all of their optometric needs, she enjoys all aspects of patient care. She has an eye for stylish and well fitting frames, and is passionate about high-quality products and customer service. She joined JRVC in 2020 and has been a great addition to the team. Her team would call her quiet, kind, and such a hard-worker!

Kristin enjoys traveling, studying different cultures and going to new places. She spends most of her spare time outside in the nature usually near a river or lake and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Q&A with Kris

What is the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is helping others, especially seeing the look on a child’s face when they see the world clearly for the first time.

What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
My dream would be volunteering for optical programs that travel around the world, helping people in different countries with their eye care.

Dee has worked behind the scenes for a variety of companies in her 30+ years of experience as a bookkeeper. She joins the JRVC team with a wealth of knowledge on budgeting, business administration, account management, payroll, inventory, and keeping the team in-line and error-free! The whole team trusts and relies on Dee as the JRVC momma-bear.

Dee has somehow learned to mix her love for golf and numbers, as she has volunteered as Treasurer on the executive for Ladies Golf League and now Seniors Golf League.

She is an avid golfer, bowler, and enjoys time with her friends and family. She enjoys walking, especially with her grand-puppy Mikli, and kicking the football for him at the cabin.

Q&A with Dee

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs! Dogs! Dogs, for sure. They make your heart feel good with all the love they have to share. Mikli, the clinic therapy dog is a prime example of this. His tender, loving, and caring personality helps so many of our patients.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is to “see” our staff giving the best care possible to our patients. I know this first hand as I have personally experienced the professional care and thoughtfulness of the clinic.

Elaine joined JRVC with an extensive background in luxury fashion retail, which included high-end customer service and business development. She has a familiarity with many of the high quality brands offered in our optical gallery and the priority of customer experience.  Elaine received her first pair of glasses at age six, and understands first hand the positive impact great visual acuity makes in a person’s life.  

Elaine enjoys being active and spending quality time with family and friends. This takes the form of thrifting with her daughter, brunch with friends, river valley walks, camping and traveling.  An avid reader and self described life long learner she enjoys taking courses on topics that spark her curiosity.

Q&A with Dee

Cats or Dogs?
I have shared my life with both, but currently I have a Pug-Shitzu and a Yorkie, so ….. it’s dogs.  I love the quote “Be the person your dog thinks you are,” and appreciate how they enthusiastically encourage my husband and I to walk everyday. 

What is the most inspiring part of your job?
The culture of JRVC is one of continuous improvement and professional growth.  I am inspired to work in an environment where education and self development are a  priority.  I enjoy building relationships with our clients and want each patient to feel welcome, heard, and comfortable throughout their visit.

Bio coming soon…

Mikli is a Labradoodle bred with kindness. He has worked hard in many training courses completing his facility dog certification. Mikli likes to comfort people of all ages when they are feeling a bit anxious about their eye exam or vision therapy training. His curly ginger locks are hypoallergenic and he doesn’t shed, and yes he feels like a teddy-bear!

Mikli enjoys catching balls, playing with balls, and swimming for balls. Especially if it is a football! Mikli also enjoys playing outside in the summer, going paddle-boarding and chasing squirrels out at the cabin. He knows many tricks like roll-over, high five, wave and many more!

Mikli is often in our office on THURSDAYS, and occasionally other days. He can be requested for appointments, so please let our staff know!

*Please note if you do not like dogs, have sensitivities or are nervous around dogs, please alert our staff before you arrive at our office and we can easily accomodate a dog-free environment.

Q&A with Mikli

Cats or Dogs?
I like them both! As long as they will play chase with me, they can be my friend! I can sometimes have endless energy and will play with whomever will keep up.

Where did your name come from?
It is pronounced MICK-LEE and originated from a frame designer “Alain Mikli” whom my mom (Dr. Pennifold) really loved his frame style. I’m really dedicated to the “Mikli” brand, so don’t leave any other designer frames sitting around the house, or they may be chewed (true story).