Meet the Team
Owner, Optometrist
Dr. McCulley, a Fargo native, has built her career on a foundation of excellence, compassion, and artistry—both in eye care and in life. After growing up in Fargo, she left the area to pursue her undergraduate studies at Boston College, where she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish and pre-medical studies. She continued her education at the Southern College of Optometry, where she again graduated with honors, obtaining her Doctor of Optometry degree. Before returning home to North Dakota, Dr. McCulley spent four years practicing in downtown Minneapolis at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Ophthalmology, specializing in fitting specialty contact lenses and working with low vision patients.
At McCulley Optix Gallery, Dr. McCulley’s passion lies in helping people find personalized solutions to their vision needs. She takes great pride in providing tailored care—whether fitting contact lenses, easing patients through their first progressive lenses, or treating complex conditions like dry eye. Her commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence has earned her recognition as a CooperVision Best Practices Honoree. She is also an active participant in local mentorship and leadership initiatives, including the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce’s Intentional Collisions events. In 2025, her practice was honored as a top finalist for INVision Magazine’s America’s Finest Optical Retailers.
Outside the clinic, Dr. McCulley enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, many of which are proudly displayed throughout the office. She also loves reading, baking, and spending summer weekends at the lake with her husband, Rial, and their two daughters. Her unique blend of artistry, expertise, and genuine care makes Dr. McCulley a cornerstone of the Fargo eye care community.
Office Manager, ABOC
Jenna is the Office Manager at McCulley Optix Gallery, where her passion for people, fashion, and eye care shines through in everything she does. Originally from a farm near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, she attended college in the Seattle area, majoring in Youth and Family Ministry with a minor in Biblical Studies. After several years in that field, she discovered the optical industry and quickly fell in love with it. Now ABO certified, Jenna relocated to Fargo to join McCulley Optix Gallery—an opportunity that perfectly combined her love for luxury eyewear, pediatrics, and exceptional patient care.
Though she initially entered the industry simply looking for a job, Jenna soon realized that optical work united many of her passions. She loves helping patients find eyewear that fits their personalities and lifestyles, saying, “I feel about frames the way some people feel about puppies—I just want them to go to a good home!” Whether it’s witnessing a child’s eyes light up when they see clearly for the first time, helping someone step outside their comfort zone with a new style, or fixing a frame thought to be unfixable, Jenna finds joy in every moment that reminds her she’s in the right profession. Her dedication and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed—she was honored as the NDOA Employee of the Year in 2025, a testament to her commitment to excellence and leadership in the field, and she also participated in the United Way’s 35 Under 35 program in 2015, forming lifelong friendships and a deeper connection to her community.
Outside of work, Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband, Terry, and their two children, ages six and four. Weekends often find them exploring local parks, visiting Brewhalla, or spending time in Detroit Lakes. A believer in continuous growth and creativity, Jenna is passionate about practice management and elevating the patient experience. As she loves to say, “McCulley Optix Gallery is not a regular eye doctor—we’re a cool eye doctor!”
Lead Patient Concierge
Erin Carico serves as the Lead Patient Concierge at McCulley Optix Gallery, where she plays a key role in ensuring every patient experience is welcoming, seamless, and thoughtfully curated. Born and raised in West Fargo, North Dakota, Erin brings both strong local roots and a diverse skill set to the practice.
Erin holds an Associate of Applied Science in Web Design from M State in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She is a proud Phi Beta Kappa member and earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester, reflecting her dedication, discipline, and drive for excellence. Her path into the eye care industry came unexpectedly—after receiving care from Dr. McCulley herself, Erin saw an opportunity for a meaningful career change and decided to take the leap.
What Erin values most about working at McCulley Optix Gallery is the unique balance between professionalism and creativity. The role allows her to seamlessly shift between her analytical, detail-oriented mindset and her imaginative, artistic side—an environment she finds both rare and deeply fulfilling.
Outside of work, Erin is an active member of the FM USBC and comes from a large bowling family. You’ll often find her on the lanes, where she has proudly bowled a perfect 300 game. Her son is her top priority, and together they enjoy playing Nintendo, building LEGO sets, and spending quality time bowling as a family. Erin also has a passion for fine arts, with pencil drawing and sidewalk chalk being her favorite creative mediums.
Patient Concierge
Dasha Yatskis is a valued member of the team at McCulley Optix Gallery, where her creativity, enthusiasm, and tenacity shine through in everything she does. Originally from Jamestown, North Dakota, Dasha moved to Fargo in 2017 to attend Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), where she studied Creative Writing and Journalism. She quickly fell in love with the energy of the “bigger” city and decided to make it her home.
Her journey into the eye care industry began serendipitously—while looking for a position that fit her schedule, Dasha came across McCulley Optix Gallery and was instantly intrigued. After taking a drive by the building, her curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to apply. Since joining the team, she’s found her favorite part of the job to be the people—each team member brings unique skills and strengths, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment that delivers an exceptional patient experience.
Dasha knew she had found the right profession when she realized how much freedom she had to bring her creativity into her work. Being able to take initiative, develop new approaches, and make an impact excites her every day. Her drive to continuously improve and think outside the box makes her an invaluable asset to both the team and the patients she serves.
Outside of work, Dasha leads a vibrant and family-centered life. She is one of four siblings—with two older brothers and a younger sister—and proudly embraces her role as “Auntie” to 13 nieces and nephews, all under the age of eight. She lives with her boyfriend, Jon, who encourages her to try new things, from solidcore workouts to badminton matches and other fun adventures together.
When she’s not on the go, Dasha enjoys focusing on self-development, whether it’s through reading, working on puzzles, or curating inspiration through her many Pinterest boards. She also loves spending time connecting with family and friends over coffee, dinners, or drinks—embracing the simple joys that make life fulfilling.
Patient Concierge
Ellie is a Patient Concierge and Marketing team member at McCulley Optix Gallery. Born and raised in Fargo, ND, Ellie graduated with her degree in Business Administration in May 2025. Having grown up as a patient at McCulley Optix, she was already familiar with the clinic before joining the team. Though she didn’t initially plan to enter the eye care field, she quickly discovered how rewarding it is to help patients see better and has since developed a strong passion for the industry.
Ellie knew she was in the right profession when she witnessed a doctor at McCulley Optix detect a tumor in a young patient—an early discovery that ultimately saved the girl’s life. Moments like that reinforce her appreciation for the life-changing impact of eye care and the meaningful role she plays in connecting patients to their providers.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys spending time with her younger brother and her family’s two beloved pets—a Goldendoodle and a Persian cat. She has a creative side, particularly in social media and marketing, and she spends her free time reading self-help books, watching Netflix, or working at a local retail boutique. On weekends, she loves dining out with friends and traveling with her loved ones whenever possible.
Optician
Gabbie is an Optician at McCulley Optix Gallery who brings warmth, attentiveness, and a genuine passion for helping others to her role. Born in Minot, North Dakota, she moved to Fargo as a child when her father accepted a position as a railroad engineer. Growing up in South Fargo, she became deeply connected to the community and eventually began her career in eye care, drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.
Gabbie was inspired to join the eye care industry by her desire to help others in a direct and impactful way. She loves the combination of technical skill, personal connection, and creativity the field offers. Her favorite part of her work is building trusting relationships with patients—learning their needs, helping them feel understood, and seeing the confidence that comes with great vision care and the perfect pair of frames. She knew she had found the right profession the first time a patient thanked her for truly listening and taking the time to make them feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside of work, Gabbie is grounded by what matters most to her: personal growth, meaningful conversations, and her family. She and her husband have been together for 17 years and share a lively home with their 7-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter, and their 11-year-old cat, Walter. Down-to-earth and people-focused, Gabbie strives to make every interaction positive and genuine. She hopes her approach helps patients feel welcomed, valued, and treated like real people—not just appointments.
Optician
Katie Baana is an Optician at McCulley Optix Gallery, joining the practice in August 2025. Originally from the North Dakota–Minnesota region, Katie recently returned home after spending the last decade living in Colorado. During her time in the mountains, she married her husband, supported him through his master’s program, and welcomed their first child. The experiences she gained—both personally and professionally—deepened her appreciation for community, ultimately bringing her family back to their roots.
Katie began her career in the eye care industry in 2014, inspired by the profound impact vision has on a person’s quality of life. Her passion lies in helping others see clearly and regain confidence, blending her interest in health care with her natural ability to connect with people. She knew she was in the right profession when she realized how meaningful it is to build relationships with patients. For Katie, every pair of eyes tells a unique story, and she loves providing personalized guidance and solutions that truly enhance someone’s daily life. Watching a patient experience clearer vision—sometimes for the first time in years—is a moment she never stops appreciating.
Outside the office, Katie’s life revolves around her husband of 15 years and their talented three-year-old daughter. Together, they love to travel, explore new cultures, and make lasting memories as they introduce their daughter to the world’s beauty and diversity. Creativity is a constant in Katie’s life; she enjoys painting and photography, outlets that allow her to slow down, notice details, and express her perspective. Those same qualities shine through in her work, where she is known for being friendly, detail-oriented, upbeat, and kind.
Katie thrives in environments that value connection, positivity, and authenticity. Whether with patients or loved ones, she brings warmth, curiosity, and creativity to everything she does.
Optometric Technician
Torii Irwin is an Optometric Technician at McCulley Optix Gallery who brings both curiosity and compassion to patient care. Originally from Elk River, Minnesota, Torii earned her Associate of Applied Sciences degree before relocating to Fargo in search of a quieter environment while still staying close to home. Although she always knew she wanted to work in the medical field, she discovered her passion for eye care more recently, drawn in by the hands-on nature of the work and the opportunity to continually learn. With a personal connection to vision health through family members with eye conditions, Torii finds fulfillment in relating to patients and supporting them through their own experiences.
Torii knew she had found the right career path when she felt a genuine excitement to learn more each day and a strong desire to help patients. She appreciates that no two patients are the same and values the constant opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills. Outside of the clinic, Torii enjoys spending time at home with her boyfriend and their two cats. She has a creative side and loves crocheting, knitting, and scrapbooking, as well as cooking and baking while watching her favorite comfort shows and movies. She also enjoys staying active by going to the gym, walking, running, and camping with family and friends.
Optometric Technician
Alexa Hill is a Technician at McCulley Optix Gallery, where she joined the team a few months ago. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology and has one remaining class before graduating. Originally born in Fargo, North Dakota, Alexa spent much of her childhood moving with her family, including time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Duluth, Minnesota, before returning to Fargo. She later relocated to the area to pursue her college education.
Alexa began working in the eye care industry to gain hands-on, one-on-one patient care experience and to broaden her understanding of healthcare. She especially values the connections she forms with patients, as these experiences have reinforced her passion for medicine and confirmed her desire to pursue a career as a physician. Working in eye care has allowed her to explore a specialized area of healthcare while deepening her appreciation for how diverse and multifaceted the medical field truly is.
Outside of work, Alexa enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family, though much of her free time is currently dedicated to preparing for the MCAT this April. She comes from a healthcare-oriented family, with a father who is a physician and a mother who is a retired emergency room nurse, both of whom have inspired her lifelong commitment to medicine. Alexa is excited to continue taking meaningful steps toward becoming a physician, as healthcare is not just a career path for her—it is a true passion.
Optometric Technician
Remi Johnson joined McCulley Optix Gallery in May of 2023 as a Student Intern and Technician. A native of West Fargo, Remi is currently a senior at North Dakota State University, where she is majoring in biology in preparation for a future career in optometry.
Remi was drawn to the eye care field by her desire to help others look and feel their best. She enjoys the opportunity to learn from Dr. McCulley and appreciates the supportive environment that helps her grow both personally and professionally.
Outside of work, Remi is the president of the Tri Delta sorority at NDSU. She loves attending solidcore workout classes and expresses her creativity and personality through her passion for fashion.
Student Intern
Bella is a Student Intern at McCulley Optix Gallery. Born and raised in West Fargo, North Dakota, she has lived in the community her entire life. Bella is currently a student at North Dakota State University, where she is majoring in nursing and exploring the possibility of continuing her education into medical school.
Bella joined the eye care field to gain meaningful medical experience that supports both her current studies and long-term career goals. She loves learning directly from experienced medical professionals and enjoys seeing the positive impact they make on patients each day. She knew she was in the right profession when hands-on learning in the clinic sparked her excitement to keep strengthening her healthcare skills and knowledge.
Outside of work and school, Bella enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active through working out and dance, grabbing coffee, shopping, and hanging out with her two French Bulldogs.
Virtual Assistant
Bruna de Oliveira Rocha is a Virtual Assistant at McCulley Optix Gallery, where she has been supporting the team for over a year. Originally from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Bruna brings her international perspective and organizational expertise to the eye care practice, helping ensure that patients receive exceptional service.
Bruna discovered her passion for the eye care industry when she realized just how innovative the field is. She was inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of the McCulley Optix team, who prioritize not only accurate vision care but also providing patients with cutting-edge technologies and a personalized, high-quality experience. For Bruna, being part of a team that helps people see better and improve their quality of life while looking great is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, Bruna is a scout master and an avid lover of literature, TV, and cinema. She enjoys weekends camping or hosting friends, always accompanied by music and good food. For her, cherishing simple moments with loved ones is what makes life truly meaningful.