Doctors & Staff
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make Family Eyecare by Dr. Michelle the leading provider of vision care products and services in Omaha.
Dr. Michelle Meyer Strawhecker – Optometrist and Practice Owner
Dr. Michelle Meyer Strawhecker is a second-generation eye doctor born and raised in Omaha, NE. She purchased Family Eyecare by Dr. Michelle from her father, Dr. Dean Meyer in 2019 after his long dedicated 40-year career.
She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of NE Lincoln followed by her Doctor of Optometry from Arizona College of Optometry. Dr Meyer Strawhecker is a member of the Nebraska Optometric Association and Vision Source. Dr. Meyer Strawhecker takes pride in creating a unique and personalized experience when you come to the office!
When she is not at the office, she is spending precious time with her family, husband, Mike, and boisterous children Mila, Mikey and Vince (ages 4, 3 and 1).
Dr. Carole Linn – Associate Doctor
Dr. Carole Linn graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1995 and prior to that, received her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She is a member of a Nebraska Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association and participates in the Women’s Philanthropic educational organization.
Dr. Linn specializes in hard contact and scleral contact lenses. She was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and takes pride in serving the community she grew up in. Dr. Linn’s family includes her husband, Dave, their daughter, Mckenna, and bonus sons, Matt and Mike. And let’s not forget beautiful granddaughters that light up every room! Dr. Linn enjoys quality time with her two dogs, Shamrock and Ladybug, playing volleyball, bowling, cooking and crafts.
Dr. Linn is excited to meet you and your family and wants to ensure every patient is on the path to achieving happy and healthy eyes.
Kristina Lozano-Gomez – Practice Operations Manager
In 2015, Kristina embarked on her journey in the world of optics, leveraging her extensive background in Customer Service spanning over 25 years, coupled with more than 15 years of leadership and management experience. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of optical intricacies, adept at everything from adjustments and frame styling to meticulously selecting lenses tailored to individual lifestyles. Kristina seamlessly collaborates with doctors, providing invaluable assistance in patient care and pretesting, while also extending a welcome at the front desk and ensuring smooth appointment check-ins. Her dedication to people, coupled with a passion for training and development, drives her leadership style, infusing our team with unwavering energy and positivity, and nurturing an environment centered around patient satisfaction.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Kristina shares her life with her husband, Efraen, and their five children: Jaya, Vanessa, Erick, Tre’, and Christian, whose vibrant array of extracurricular activities keep the family bustling with excitement. Actively involved in her church community, Kristina channels her passion for service into meaningful contributions to the youth and women’s ministries, steadfast in her commitment to making a positive impact within her local community
Chyann Dean – Assistant Manager, CPO
Chyann Dean brings a wealth of experience to her profession, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Starting her career at just 14, she began her journey in the hospitality industry while also actively engaging in high school activities such as honors societies, softball, and clubs.
With 7 years of dedicated service in the optical field, Chyann has progressed from being an optician to assuming roles as a tech and eventually an optical manager. Her commitment to excellence led her to achieve certification as a Paraoptometric Tech in May 2023.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact, Chyann continually seeks to enhance her skills to provide exceptional care and support to her patients. She values building lasting connections and radiates positivity in every interaction.
Outside of work, Chyann enjoys traveling with her husband Jack, exploring both local and international destinations, especially relishing family visits in the UK. They also cherish spending quality time with their nieces and nephews.
During her downtime, Chyann indulges in reading and delving into true crime documentaries, accompanied by her beloved pets: Kitten the cat, and Ruby and Remy the dogs. These moments underscore her diverse interests and unwavering enthusiasm for life.
Hayley O’Dell – Front Desk Admin
Hayley is one of the first friendly faces you’ll meet when visiting Family Eyecare by Dr. Michelle. She is dedicated to making every patient feel welcome and valued, always going the extra mile to provide exceptional care.
With five years of optical experience and nearly 15 years in customer service, Hayley is well-versed in insurance billing, scheduling, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Her 10+ years of caregiving experience brings a personal touch to her role, ensuring that her interactions with patients are both warm and professional. Her key components that drive her work include empathy, honesty, and authenticity–values that she believes are essential in building trust and providing the best service.
Outside of the practice, Hayley is a nature enthusiast who enjoys wildlife, hiking, and camping with her dog and boyfriend, Eric. When she’s not outdoors, she taps into her creative side. She brings her creativity to life through painting and drawing, capturing the beauty of nature and the world around her. Her artwork reflects her love for wildlife, landscapes, and the emotions that nature inspires. Hayley’s art is on display in Omaha, showcasing her unique style and artistic vision. Hayley also loves to lose herself in a good book, letting the pages transport her to new worlds.
Roberta Nixon – Optician
Roberta brings over 15 years of experience in the optical industry, combining her technical expertise with a passion for helping patients express themselves through eyewear. Her background includes working in a lab manufacturing lenses, giving her a deep understanding of both the science and artistry behind vision care.
Beyond optical, Roberta is a talented artist with a creative spirit. She leverages her creativity in marketing by designing custom stickers, logos, and exploring graphic design. Outside of work, she and her partner in crime Scott share a vibrant, blended family of 10. Whether in the optical world or her creative endeavors, Roberta brings dedication, artistry, and a personal touch to everything she does
Samantha Johnson – Optician
Samantha brings 11 years of experience in retail, with 3 years focused on optical retail, making her a dedicated and passionate professional. Born and raised in Omaha, she later moved to a small town in Iowa, where she and her boyfriend, along with their daughter Winona, have made a home.
Known for her quick learning and strong focus on customer service, Samantha stands out due to her deep compassion for her patients. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their well-being, reflecting her strong commitment to the optical industry.
In her downtime, Samantha enjoys crocheting, using her creative skills to craft heartfelt gifts for friends and family. This not only highlights her artistic side but also underscores her desire to spread warmth and joy to the people she cares about.
Jaya Lozano-Faison – OD Tech
Jaya began her professional journey in customer service and sales at a local photography studio before transitioning into the optical industry as an OD technician. Her passion for the optical field was inspired by her mother, who has worked in the industry for many years and passed on her passion to Jaya.
Driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, Jaya is committed to continually enhancing her skills to provide exceptional care and support to her patients. She values building lasting relationships and brings positive energy to every interaction.
Recently, Jaya earned a degree in Social Science from Iowa Western Community College, where she also captained the college’s nationally-ranked dance team. Now, she has taken on the role of assistant coach for the same team. Alongside her work at the college, she coaches a competitive dance team and teaches various dance styles at a studio in Iowa. In her free time, Jaya enjoys traveling, reading, and dancing wherever she goes.
Ashlee Trentmann – Virtual Billing Specialist
Ashlee was born and raised in Western Nebraska where she spent many years traveling and training horses. She began her career in Optometry six years ago as an eyewear specialist and quickly gained knowledge of other positions within the profession. Ashlee joins our team with awareness of all roles within the office, including technician, optician, billing and management.
In May of 2022, she and her husband moved to Alabama where she remotely manages insurance billing and credentialing. Her passion and experience for eye care is visible in her detail-oriented manner!
Carolina Lara – Virtual Medical Scribe
Carolina Lara is an accomplished medical scribe with a solid foundation in customer service, honed over seven years of experience. At 26, she has swiftly advanced in the medical field, recognized for her precision in documentation and ability to excel in high-pressure healthcare environments. Her exceptional communication skills and unwavering commitment to patient care distinguish her as a reliable and compassionate professional.
With a high school diploma and an assistant certification, Carolina is passionate about continuous learning and eager to deepen her understanding of medical practices and terminology. Her love for diverse cultures and languages helps her create meaningful connections with patients, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Recently engaged to the love of her life, Eduardo, and a devoted pet parent to five cats-four of whom are rescues-Carolina is excited to continue applying her passion and expertise to enhance patient care and documentation in her work.