OOPA Leadership

William Hefner, OD - President

Forest Grove, Oregon

Dr. Hefner is an Associate Professor of the College of Optometry and the Associate Dean of Clinical Programs.
A native Kansan, Dr. Hefner spent 20 years in private practice in Topeka, KS specializing in pediatrics and family practice optometry before re-joining the faculty at Pacific University College of Optometry in 2017. Additionally, he continues to serve in the United States Air Force as the Medical Group Commander for the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka, KS.

In his 20 years of service, Dr. Hefner has provided humanitarian health care in El Salvador, Armenia and Trindad and Tobago.

Dr. Hefner is a past president of the Kansas Optometric Association, Heart of America Contact Lens Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He is also the recipient of numerous awards including the 2016 Armed Forces Optometrist of the Year for the Reserve Forces, the 2006 Air National Guard Optometrist of the Year, the 2002 Kansas Optometric Association’s Young Optometrist of the Year and the 2001 Kansas Optometric Association’s Vision Service Award.
Dr. Hefner and his wife Dawn live in Forest Grove, OR with their three children.

Emilee Nehring, OD - President-Elect

Woodburn, Oregon

Dr. Emilee Nehring received her Doctorate of Optometry from MCPHS University, College of Optometry in 2017. Dr. Emilee will be specializing in pediatric care, however she has completed training in post and pre operative care of refractive surgery and cataract surgery, ocular disease and contact lenses.

Dr. Nehring grew up in Woodburn, Oregon. She graduated from Canby High School in 2007, and then went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Pre Med from Oregon Institute of Technology, where she was a collegiate long jumper.

Dr. Nehring has traveled to Bolivia, Nicaragua and Mexico on vision mission trips and is continually improving her Spanish speaking skills.

Dr. Nehring currently serves on the board for the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH). She is also a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA).

Craig Bowen, OD - Past-President

Tualatin, Oregon

Dr. Bowen earned his Bachelor of Science from Alma College in Alma, Michigan. He attended Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon where he earned his doctorate.

Dr. Bowen is a past board member of the Oregon Optometric Physician Association and currently serves as its president. He has earned numerous awards and recognitions including Rotary Club's Service Above Self in 2018, Amigos Doctor of the Year in 2018 and the Oregon Optometrist of the Year in 2019. He received specialty training in the management of myopia and is certified to use treatments which can slow the rate of nearsightedness/myopia in children. Dr. Bowen also has a particular interest in the treatment and management of dry eye and macular degeneration.

In his free time, he enjoys exercising, gourmet cooking and grilling, spending time with friends, and he studies French every day. Dr. Bowen resides nearby the practice with his Shetland Sheepdog, Taza.

Yelena Galuza, OD - Secretary/Treasurer

Woodburn, Oregon

Dr. Yelena Galuza received her Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in 2015. She completed training in refractive surgery, pediatrics, and ocular disease.

Dr. Galuza emigrated from Ukraine when she was 6 years old. Her family settled in south east Portland. She graduated from David Douglas High School in 2007, and then went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Bio-chemistry from the University of Portland. She speaks fluent Russian, Ukrainian, and some Spanish.

Dr. Galuza is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), and Portland Metropolitan Optometric Society (PMOS).

Nicole Rush, OD - Senior Past President

Brandon, Oregon

Dr. Nicole Rush received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1996. In 2001 she graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry with her degree as an Optometric Physician. Currently, she serves on the Board of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Pacific University College of Optometry. In 2013 she received the distinguished Minnick-Agost award from the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association for her contributions to eye care in Oregon.

Dr. Nicole is the Medical Director of both Coquille Vision Center and Bandon Vision Center. As such, she sees patients in both clinics. She specializes in the examination and treatment of eye conditions in people of all ages. In 2019 she also established Bandon Vision Center Vision Therapy clinic, primarily developed to help children who are struggling in school due to undiagnosed visual problems.

In August 2013 she was on the cover and a featured article in the national professional periodical “Women in Optometry”. In July 2020 she was named one of Vision Monday’s “ Most Influential Women in Optometry”. She and her husband, Jonathan, also own Bandon Brewing Company and Gold Beach Brewing Company. She has a passion for health and fitness and enjoys time with her daughters, Isabella and Lyvia.

Shaina Sullivan, OD - Director

Beaverton, Oregon

Beginning as Dr. McBride’s assistant, Shaina’s kindness, intelligence and easy-going nature have always been appreciated by our patients. Shaina grew up in Tigard and graduated from Tualatin High School. Like Dr. McBride, she went to Oregon State University and later Pacific University where she earned her doctorate.

Dr. Sullivan enjoys bowling, camping and supporting the Trail Blazers, Timbers and Thorns. In September 2019, Dr. Sullivan and her husband welcomed their first child, John Joseph.

Mila Ioussifova, OD - Director

Beaverton, Oregon

It is my privilege to be your eye care provider at South Waterfront Eye Care. My goal is to take care of your eye care needs today, but also help you keep good vision and healthy eyes for life.

I am a strong proponent of preventative care and believe that nutrition and a natural lifestyle can help you be healthy and happy for life. I received my Doctor of Optometry degree in 2007 from New England College of Optometry and completed a community health-based residency program in Boston, MA. My training was extensive and diverse, including pediatric, geriatric, and primary care optometry, as well as contact lens and ocular disease management.

In 2009, I returned to Portland and re-discovered how lovely and one of a kind it is. Portlandians appreciate individuality and uniqueness. At South Waterfront Eye Care, I want my patients to feel the personal service from the moment they walk in.

While practicing optometry for the past 6 years, I have developed a special interest in ocular nutrition. Preventative care has become an important part of my practice.

As a current adjunct clinical faculty at Pacific University College of Optometry, I have the honor of working with optometric interns. I am involved in clinical education, didactics, and training of future optometrists.

I am originally from Azerbaijan; I speak Azerbaijani and Russian. Мы говорим по-русский!

Jessica Tegen - OOPA Director

Madras, Oregon

Dr. Jessica Tegen completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at Nova Southeastern University after earning her Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University.

As a student, she was a member of Students Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH), and completed eyecare mission trips in Nicaragua and Peru.

A Central Oregon native, she returned to her hometown to serve the community she grew up in and eventually took over Madras Vision Source in 2012.

Dr. Tegen is especially passionate about managing glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye and ocular surface disease.

Dr. Tegen has served on the Board of Directors for the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is a member of Rotary.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys camping, hiking, biking, and skiing with her husband and two children.

Dr. Tegen is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association, and the Central Oregon Optometric Society.

Geoff Knapp - Executive Director

Milwaukie, Oregon

Geoff Knapp assumed the role of executive director in January 2020. He previously served as government relations manager for Pacific Source Health Plan's Oregon market.

A graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University, he holds a degree in public relations and journalism. His career path includes multiple roles in print and electronic journalism. He also has held leadership positions in government, education, non-profits, telecommunications and more.

An avid sports enthusiast, he has also volunteered for several non-profit organizations and has served on several boards of directors.

He feels that his unique professional background has prepared him for the multiple responsibilities he holds as executive director for OOPA.

Lynne Geier-Olson - Director of Operations

Milwaukie, Oregon

Lynne Geier-Olson was born in Tacoma Washington and grew up in Gladstone Oregon where she attended all 12 years of primary education. She then attended Clackamas Community College studying business administration courses.

She has been employed by the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association [OOPA] since November 1995, starting as Administrative Assistant, advancing to Executive Assistant and is now their Director of Operations. Her primary responsibilities are overseeing operations, consulting, and full charge bookkeeping for OOPA. Lynne also manages the bookkeeping for Oregon Optometric Public Affairs Council [OOPAC] and the Oregon Foundation for Vision Awareness [OFVA]. In addition, she is the property manager for the OOPA Milwaukie facility.

Lynne also owns her own bookkeeping business where she is a small business bookkeeper for several clients. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, wine tasting, antique shopping, entertaining and visiting with family and friends. She is married to Darrel Olson and they have two children, Erin Hoskins and Eric Olson and grandson Kye Hoskins. Now that she has transferred to part time employment, she is looking forward to traveling and getting a dog.

Vanessa Rush - Executive Assistant

Milwaukie, Oregon

Vanessa Rush joined OOPA staff as executive assistant in October of 2023. She brings a diverse background and abundant energy to her position. She began her career in music education, teaching middle and high school choirs in Seaside, Oregon.

She then transitioned into real estate, thriving in the industry for the past five years. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, crafting with her 6-year-old, singing in her community choir, and exploring Portland's finest ramen spots.