Staff Spotlight: Meet Mary
Posted October 9, 2015
Mary is one of those people you want to be around if you are having “one of those days” or need a quick pick-me-up. She embraces life and is quick to laugh, a true joy. Mary has also been part of our team for 13 years! When she began working in our Salem office it was as a doctor’s assistant but for the last five years she has worked as one of our state-licensed opticians. We throughly enjoy having Mary as part of our team and hope you will enjoy getting to know her better.
What about your job would surprise people?
The optical component is incredibly technical & detail orientated. That’s what surprised me most once I made the switch from the doctor side to the optical side.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love helping people pick the perfect frame & lenses for their lifestyles. Every single patient is different and has varying needs. Helping to match them with a beautiful frame & the right blend of products ensures they are successful in their everyday lives!
If someone played you in a movie or TV show who would it be and why?
While I would love to say Angelina Jolie, it would most likely be Melissa McCarthy – she never fails to crack me up!
Please tell me about your favorite pair of sunglasses or glasses.
I am the BIGGEST Maui Jim fan this side of Hawaii! The amount of Maui Jim glasses I have is a bit obscene. I do have one pair of another brand, but it tends to sit idly by on the sidelines while I happily sport my Maui Jims.
What do you love most about the Roanoke Valley?
I’m a Salem girl to the bone! (Be careful or I’ll start singing our school fight song) I think this area is the most beautiful part of Virginia. The natural beauty never ceases to amaze me.
What do you do for fun?
I love astronomy – I am a card-carrying member of our local astronomy club. I could stargaze for hours. And no interview would be complete without a mention of my beloved MINI Cooper, Pippa….yes, she has a name! I’m a member of the SWVA Mini Cooper group. To line up in a MINI parade (Italian Job style) alongside my fellow Miniacs is a feeling like no other!
What is something few people know about you?
I’ve been interested in other cultures & languages, specifically Eastern European nations, for a long time. For several years, I taught English as a Second Language to refugees resettled here in Roanoke. Mainly, I worked with Bosnian refugees and that is where I fell in love with all things Eastern European. That love has even seen me through on a mission trip to Ukraine and rekindled my faith in Christ.