Twenty years is more than just a milestone. It’s a story of dedication, growth, and the many moments that make our workplace feel like home. This year, we’re excited to celebrate six team members who have each reached their 20-year anniversary with us. Their journeys show not only their personal and professional growth, but also the fun and fulfillment that come from being part of our team. From laughter in the breakroom to achievements that have shaped our success, their stories remind us that working here is more than a job. It’s a community where people thrive.

Michael Sanders: Building a Network that Supports the Mission

When Michael Sanders talks about why he’s stayed with Panhandle Eye Group for more than 20 years, his answer comes quickly: “The people and the mission.” As the current IT Director, Michael doesn’t provide direct patient care, but he sees his role as essential to helping others do so. “I don’t directly improve vision,” he explains, “but I give the opportunity to improve vision. It’s something I can contribute.”

Michael first connected with the practice in 1998 as a contractor, installing the original network infrastructure. A few years later, when Panhandle Eye Group needed a new, local person to take on the day-to-day IT services, he join the team full-time. Over the years, he’s taken on an expanding list of responsibilities that eventually led him to directing IT services.

For Michael, the mission is what matters most. “With IT, you could work for any number of industries,” he says, “and not all of them can give you the same feeling of giving back.” Supporting physicians and staff as they restore vision for patients gives his work deeper meaning. That’s what has kept him committed for more than two decades.

Brenda Dumas: A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Care

When Dr. Eddie first joined Panhandle Eye Group, Brenda Dumas was right there as one of his very first technicians. Brenda has been passionate about optical work since high school, and when she heard that new ophthalmologists were coming to town, she knew she wanted to take the next step in her career. That decision brought her to Southwest Retina Specialists, where she has flourished for the past 20 years.

Over the years, Brenda has worn many hats: ophthalmologic technician, member of the surgery team, scribe, and more. She credits her longevity to the close-knit team that feels more like family, and to the doctors who have always encouraged growth and shared their knowledge freely. “There’s always more to learn,” she says, and that sense of curiosity continues to inspire her every day.

Her love for the eye is what truly makes her work special. “Other parts of the body? Not so much,” Brenda laughs. “But the eye—yes. It’s amazing how they’re designed.” To her, working here has been more than a job, it’s been a blessing.

Lety Carrasco: A Steady Hand and a Heart for Helping

Ask anyone at Panhandle Eye Group who keeps things moving behind the scenes, and they’ll likely mention Lety Carrasco. As she celebrates her 20th anniversary this October, Lety reflects on what has kept her here so long, “We have great bosses to work for. They take very great care of everybody here, including myself. They’re amazing.”

Over the years, Lety has truly become a “jack of all trades.” From coordinating referrals and medical records to scheduling MRIs, Dopplers, and labs, to handling VA authorizations and working with other physicians, her role is woven into nearly every part of the practice. If something needs to be figured out, chances are Lety is the one to get it done.

Looking back, she says one of the most rewarding parts of her career is the chance to grow and to keep learning. “This is a job that you never stop learning. It’s a great experience here,” she explains. The opportunities for growth, combined with the dedication and support of her team, are what made her 20 years possible as well as what makes her excited for the future.

Tracy Ratzlaff: Growing with the Team, Rooted in Family

Twenty years ago, Tracy Ratzlaff joined Panhandle Eye Group as a technician, not knowing just how much her career would evolve. Along the way, she trained in injections, lasers, and scribing, a role she held for many years before recently transitioning into her current position as a pod coordinator. Even now, she continues to support her colleagues with scribing when needed, proving her commitment to teamwork and growth.

What has meant the most to Tracy, though, is the family-oriented culture. “I love all the doctors that work here,” she shares. “They’re really family-oriented, and that’s meant a lot to me.”

She also treasures the camaraderie she’s built with colleagues, especially those who have been here as long as she has. “Everybody’s really cool to work with. I just love everybody here,” she says. With that kind of support, Tracy doesn’t see herself going anywhere anytime soon. “I’ll be here for a really long time. You can’t get rid of me that easy,” she laughs.

Kasey Dalrymple: From Technician to Research Leader

Kasey Dalrymple’s path with Panhandle Eye Group shows how many directions a career can take. He first joined as a technician, then worked as a tester and coordinator. Today, he serves as a Research Coordinator, managing complex studies that help bring new treatments to patients. Along the way, he’s also been the go-to troubleshooter, someone the team can rely on for everything from quick technical fixes to running the floor when extra support is needed.

What’s kept him here so long? The people. “Stella [Southwest Retina Specialist’s Office Manager] is like a second mom. She’s the best manager I’ve ever worked for,” Kasey says. He also values the doctors’ approachable leadership. “Dr. Eddie and Dr. Aragon are both very personable. You can talk to them about anything, and that makes a big difference.”

For Kasey, the most rewarding part of his work is research. He and his team have played a role in groundbreaking studies, including enrolling the highest number of participants worldwide for the recent Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration drug trial. “Being at the forefront of something completely new is pretty amazing,” he explains. “You don’t realize how much goes into a drug before it reaches people, but getting to be part of that process is incredible.”

Looking ahead, Kasey doesn’t see himself leaving anytime soon. “I’m a creature of habit,” he laughs. “I don’t see any reason why I won’t be here for another five or ten years.”

Brooke Seiver: Two Decades of Growth, Dedication, and Teamwork

For Brooke Seiver, celebrating 20 years with Panhandle Eye Group feels like looking back on a journey defined by growth. She began as a receptionist, determined not to stay stagnant, and set her sights on steadily working her way up. Over the years, she did just that, taking on new responsibilities and reaching milestones she once only imagined.

Brooke credits her two decades here to the supportive and inspiring people she works with. “It’s the doctors—and it’s a great group to work for,” she shares. Her loyalty runs deep, and she takes pride in ensuring her hard work reflects well on the providers she supports.

Over the years, Brooke has also experienced moments that reminded her just how much she values being part of this team. Times when the doctors and staff stood behind one another and prioritized employees’ voices have left a lasting impact on her. “They supported us and believed in us,” Brooke recalls. “That meant a lot to me.”

As she looks ahead, Brooke has no plans of stepping away anytime soon. With retirement still in the distance, she says she’ll keep working here as long as she’s able. Her advice for others is a reflection of her own career path: “If you want to grow, accept it as a challenge and make it happen. It’s obtainable.”

Michael, Brenda, Lety, Tracy, Kasey, and Brooke each have their own unique story, but together they embody what makes Panhandle Eye Group so special: opportunities for growth, a culture of learning, and a workplace where colleagues become like family. From caring for patients at the front lines to supporting groundbreaking research and technology, their contributions remind us that everyone plays an important role in fulfilling our mission.

Here are some fun moments from our celebratory party to commemorate their twenty years with us:

Honoring 20 Years of Dedication: Six Team Members Reach a Milestone