Meet Our Team

Marija Novakovich, OD

Developmental, Pediatric and Neuro-Optometry​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Dr. Marija Novakovich specializes in Functional Vision Care at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, treating patients of all ages. Her specialties include binocular vision exams, vision therapy, neuro-optometry, and dry eye treatment with a focus on individualized care which is guided by her patient’s vision needs and life goals. Her patients love working with Dr. Novakovich because of her patience, compassion, and ability to help them understand their eyecare needs. She is passionate about providing successful treatment outcomes that impact a patient’s daily life. Even for her youngest patients, Dr. Novakovich believes that kids need to understand their visual experiences too!

​​​​​​​Dr. Novakovich completed her residency in Pediatrics, Vision Therapy and Vision Rehabilitation from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Prior to her residency, Dr. Novakovich completed multiple externships, working within private practices and large healthcare systems in the areas of binocular vision, strabismus and amblyopia treatment, visual processing disorders, vision therapy, pediatric eyecare, neuro-optometry and disease management. She attained her Doctorate of Optometry at Indiana University where she also completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology.

Dr. Novakovich is a member of the American Optometric Association and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Dr. Novakovich is from Crown Point, IN where she enjoys spending her weekends with family and friends. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new foods, and loves to read. “I’m always open to any book recommendations!”

Dana Shannon, OD, FAAO

Ocular Disease Management, Myopia Management

​​​​​​​ Dr. Dana Shannon specializes in the comprehensive management of dry eye disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, complex corneal diseases, eye emergencies, and pre- and post-operative care for refractive surgery. Dr. Shannon additionally specializes in Myopia Management.

Passionate about patient advocacy and health empowerment, Dr. Shannon believes in the interconnectedness of overall health with eye well-being. Her mission is to educate and empower her patients, enabling them to make informed choices that safeguard against vision loss and promote overall wellness. Renowned for her compassionate, transparent, and holistic approach to eye care, Dr. Shannon has garnered the admiration of her patients.

Dr. Shannon attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where she played Division 1 Tennis and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Spanish Minor. Dr. Shannon earned her Doctor of Optometry degree as a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. Dr. Shannon completed her residency in Adult and Pediatric Ocular Disease management at the University of Chicago.

Actively involved in the optometric community, Dr. Shannon serves as a Regional Trustee for the National Optometric Association. She is a distinguished member of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, American Optometric Association, and is recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). Her dedication to advancing the field is evident through her recognition as a Contact Lens Institute Visionary for both 2023 and 2024.

Dr. Shannon currently lives in Hyde Park with her fiancé. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys weightlifting, tennis, and spending time with family and friends. Committed to community service, she finds fulfillment in participating in medical mission trips, extending optometric care to underserved populations in developing countries.

Samira Jimenez

Practice Manager ​​​​​​​

With a strong background in medical management, Sam joined the Clarendon Vision team as the Practice Manager in 2022, bringing two decades of professional experience. Her extensive expertise includes 19 years in optometry management and strategic operations, where she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead teams and deliver exceptional results. Sam's leadership is rooted in her commitment to providing high-quality solutions, ensuring that the needs of patients, partners, and staff are met with the utmost care and dedication.

During her tenure at Clarendon Vision Development Center, Sam has found the practice to be unparalleled in its passion for patient care and its commitment to delivering top-tier eye health services. This dedication aligns seamlessly with Sam's own values of service, education, leadership, and continuous growth. She takes great pride in her role, finding fulfillment in enriching the lives of both patients and her team. “Making a difference is not just a job; it's my passion,” she says.

Sam has also pursued advanced training through the Essilor ECP Management Development Program, where she honed her skills in strategic planning, financial management, retail strategies, and customer excellence. This program has further equipped her to lead with vision and drive success within the practice.

Outside of Clarendon Vision, Sam treasures quality time with her family, creating lasting memories with her husband and their two children. She takes great joy in supporting her teenage son and daughter in their various activities, whether it's cheering them on in marching band, theater, baseball, softball, or girls' basketball.

Vanessa Morgan

Vision Therapist

Vanessa brings her passion in helping patients reach their full potential to her role as a Vision Therapist at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare.

​​​​​​​As an experienced elementary educator and parent of four children, Vanessa has the agility to adjust her therapy sessions based on a patient’s needs, while also making the experience fun and engaging. “The more engaged the patient is, the better the results will be,” she says.

She was first introduced to vision therapy as one of her children progressed through the program and can personally attest to the value the therapy brings to patients. She supports the multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach that Clarendon Vision provides to our patients and amplifies the importance of the relationships we have with professional organizations like schools, occupational therapy clinics, neuropsychologists and many other professional disciplines. This ensures our patients are receiving the best possible care and that their therapy benefits all aspects of their lives.

In her previous teaching positions, Vanessa worked with children from kindergarten to 6th grade, with a specific interest in special needs. She earned a BA Honors Degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status from the University of Central England, Birmingham, U.K.

Aside from being a busy mother to four children, Vanessa also enjoys reading, gardening, fitness and traveling with her family.

Adriann Quintana

Vision Therapist

As a Vision Therapist at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, Adriann pulls from her passion and experience in teaching and working with children to build and maintain meaningful relationships and help set meaningful goals for her patients. “Knowing that I can be an important part of a person's growth and development and make a positive impact is what excites me to be a vision therapist,” she says.

Adriann’s experience as a teacher of primary students adds value to her current position because being skilled at meeting a child right where they are developmentally and being able to choose appropriate activities to help them grow in therapy is key to their success. If you ask her patients, they will tell you, “Adriann is kind, personable and makes therapy fun!”

Adriann holds a degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Early Childhood Education. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, reading and finding opportunities to learn new things.

Miriam Ortiz

Vision Therapist

Miriam joined Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare as a Vision Therapist to further her passion for helping people and working with children. “I love to help people and, as a Vision Therapist, I feel that I can make a positive impact on my patients’ lives,” she says.

Leveraging her experience as an elementary school educator, Miriam is comfortable being adaptable to the needs of others and brings this skill to the therapy room to meet the needs of each patient. Plus, if you asked her patients, they would say that she is funny and ensures that her patients are feeling comfortable. In addition to helping her patients, Miriam also enjoys working at Clarendon Vision because of the tight network of kind-hearted and supportive professionals on the team, who are willing to help each other out.

Miriam holds an M.A. in Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University and a B.A. in English from The University of Illinois at Chicago.

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She grew up on the north side of Chicago and recently moved to the area to be with her fiancé. In her free time, she loves to paint, draw, play board games, hike, and canoe.

Johanna Jimenez

Vision Therapist

Johanna is a dedicated vision therapist, committed to ensuring patients comprehend the significance of every exercise they undertake while feeling fully at ease throughout their journey. With a background as an optometric technician, she leverages her wealth of experience and expertise in her role.

Her profound passion lies in understanding the intricate connection between vision and the body, recognizing its profound impact irrespective of age. With a fervent commitment to making a tangible difference in every patient's life, Johanna delves deeply into this complex relationship, striving to create meaningful transformations.

Johanna graduated Cum Laude from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Anthropology and from Universidad de San José in Costa Rica with a focus on Global Environmental Health & Women's Health. She was a Loyola TRIO ACE Scholar, Gillman Scholar, and recipient of the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
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When she's not working, Johanna loves taking care of her two dogs and four cats.

Linda Mullins

Medical Receptionist

Linda is one of the first people you might meet or talk to here at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare. Along with her experience working as an optical assistant, Linda leverages her compassion for people of all ages and her sunny disposition while interacting with patients.

At the office, she is known for making patients see better, feel great and laugh while they are here. At Clarendon Vision, “we go the extra mile to make our patients feel like family,” says Linda.

A Chicago native her whole life, Linda currently lives in Naperville. Outside of the office, she enjoys a BIG cup of coffee, traveling with her friends, and spending time with her husband and 3 daughters

Nicole (Nicki) Pryor

Medical Receptionist

Nicki joined the Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare team as a Medical Receptionist, bringing with her a perpetual smile and a belief that a smile can cure anything. Her positivity radiates, instantly putting our patients of all ages at ease.

Certified as a Medical Assistant with Supervision & Management experience, Nicki is currently working towards obtaining certification as a Paraoptometric. Leveraging a decade of expertise in hospitality, she has seamlessly embraced her role, prioritizing a steadfast commitment to knowledge and growth.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Nicki enjoys reading and dancing. Her guiding motto is, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

Merideth Scaglione

Myopia Management Coordinator/Optometric Technician

Merideth's dedication to her work in optometry is clear, especially given her long tenure in the medical field since 2010. Her passion comes from the satisfaction of helping patients find clarity and understanding regarding their diagnoses. As she mentioned, it's rewarding for her to see patients leave the practice with answers and a sense of relief, knowing that the care provided made a real difference.

​​​​​​​Merideth's dedication to myopia management is deeply rooted in her desire to make a meaningful impact on her patients' lives. Her passion for this area of optometry drives her to ensure that her patients receive the best care and education possible. Born in Chicago and raised in Bolingbrook, Merideth now lives in Romeoville with her husband and daughter. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family and shopping for shoes – she owns more pairs than she would admit.

Taylor Carandang

Optometric Technician

Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in eyecare to her role as an Optometric Technician at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare. Known for her precision, thoroughness, and ever-present smile, she quickly earns the admiration of patients.

Motivated by the impact of blindness on her mother's life, Taylor champions the importance of regular eye exams and the preservation of vision. Her dedication extends to educating patients on proactive eye health management, instilling in them a deep appreciation for preventive care.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Texas A&M University, Taylor brings a well-founded academic background to her position.

Recently relocating from Texas, Taylor proudly carries her Aggie spirit with her wherever she goes. Outside of work, she loves traveling and trying new foods. When the weather is warm, Taylor enjoys taking long walks with her 2 dogs, Roxy and Shakira, and going to baseball games.

Rita Drew

Optician

As an Optician at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, Rita’s main goal is for patients to receive the best quality care and service. She finds her role most rewarding when patients are happy with their optical services beyond their own expectations.

Rita has been with Dr. Spokas and the Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare family since 2004. Her care for our patients and commitment to find the perfect solution for their optical needs is evident as patients will tell you they trust her and enjoy working with her.

Originally from Lithuania, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Kaunas Technological University and began her career as an Optician in 1997, Rita moved to the United States in 2000.
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Rita lives in Willowbrook with her husband and 2 beautiful children. She enjoys reading and yoga, as well as spending time in nature with her family and friends.

Abasi Kelley

Optical Manager

Abasi Kelley has joined the Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare team as an Optician, bringing with him 7 years of optical experience and his passion to help patients live a better life by aiding them with their vision needs.

If you have the opportunity to work with Abasi as your optical consultant, be ready for top-notch, tailored service (coupled with some good entertaining conversation). His goal for each patient is to provide the most beneficial optical solution so the patient leaves confident and comfortable with their purchase.
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When not at Clarendon Vision, Abasi enjoys video games, meditation, self-development, and spending time with family.

Gizelle Serna

Optician

As an optician at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, Gizelle exemplifies a remarkable capacity for demonstrating love and compassion. Her ability to attentively listen and provide effective assistance reflects her genuine commitment to supporting others. Gizelle is dedicated to presenting the best version of herself in all interactions, ensuring those around her receive the utmost care.​​​​​​​

Having earned her associate of arts and science degree from Moraine Valley Community College, Gizelle further expanded her expertise by obtaining a Real Estate License from the Real Estate Sales Academy.

​​​​​​​Gizelle's passion for aiding others is evident in her actions, and she places a high priority on fostering a sense of comfort for those she encounters. Notably, she creates an environment where patients feel free to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.

Amanda Lenckus

Patient Care Coordinator

Amanda began her journey at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare as a front desk receptionist before smoothly transitioning to the role of Patient Care Coordinator. Always wearing a smile, Amanda consistently goes above and beyond to assist every patient. "I prioritize remembering each patient by name and ensuring they have a positive experience," she emphasizes.

Amanda holds an Associates Degree in Arts from Moraine Valley Community College. After residing in San Diego, California, for several years, she returned to her home state and joined Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare.
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Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and pampering her Coton de Tulear dog, Teddy. She also has a passion for exploring new destinations, traveling to different states, and spending time at the beach.

Sofia Siracusa

Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
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Sofia joined the Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare team as our Marketing and Public Relations Specialist. She has a passion for educating both our patients and the broader community about the comprehensive range of services offered by the Clarendon Vision team.
Born and raised in Hinsdale, Sofia is a proud graduate of Hinsdale Central High School. She continued her education at Penn State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

After personally experiencing the transformative effects of vision therapy as a patient at Clarendon Vision, Sofia felt a calling to ensure that others are aware of the profound impact it can have on their lives.

Outside of her work at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, Sofia channels her creative energies into running a social media account where she shares nail art and nail tutorials. She also has a deep love for reading and is an avid Formula 1 fan.

Shannon Kett

Billing and Revenue Operations Specialist​​​​​​​

Shannon is Clarendon Vision’s Billing and Revenue Operations Specialist, bringing over 8 years of experience in billing and operational roles. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University and has since contributed significantly to the healthcare field. Shannon's expertise spans policy development, project planning for operational efficiency, and the integration of technology solutions.

In her role at Clarendon Vision Advanced EyeCare, Shannon provides essential billing support, guiding clients through the complexities of health insurance and billing processes. She is passionate about promoting the importance of eye health, believing that optical services and vision therapy can have a profound impact on overall well-being. In her free-time, Shannon enjoys travelling to new places, trying new restaurants, and seeing live music.