Meet Our Team!
Dr. Amy Sullivan is thrilled to be back in the picturesque landscapes of rural Nevada, her home state. As a fourth generation Nevadan, she has a local passion for outdoor adventures, including hunting, fishing, and soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds her.
Dr. Sullivan was raised in Battle Mountain and graduated from high school with the class of 2005. She then embarked on her academic pursuits at the University of Nevada Reno, earning a BS in Biology. During her time there, she had the exciting opportunity to study abroad in the Basque Country through the USAC program.
Following her undergraduate adventures, Dr. Sullivan headed for Oregon to attend Pacific University College of Optometry, where she graduated with honors in 2014. Her clinical training took her to diverse locations, including Wyoming, Alaska, Colorado and back home to Nevada. During these externships, she honed her skills in primary eye care, managing ocular diseases, and providing top-notch contact lens services. Dr. Sullivan also dedicated her time and expertise to the AMIGOS humanitarian group, where she extended her care to underserved communities in Nicaragua.
As a dedicated member of the American Optometric Association and a board-certified specialist in the treatment and management of ocular diseases, Dr. Sullivan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She is also board certified in the diagnosis, treatment and management of glaucoma. After establishing her career in the Reno-Carson area, she is excited to expand her reach to the welcoming patients of Winnemucca and its surrounding communities
Dr. Amy Sullivan, O.D.
Debby - Patient Care & Surgery Coordinator
Meet Debby, our dedicated Patient Care and Surgery Coordinator. Coming from a family with deep farming roots, Debby has proudly called Kings River and Winnemucca her home for years. Debby's journey in the world of optometry began in 2000, and since then, she has risen to the role of our head Technician. She skillfully administers a wide array of tests, from the initial diagnostics prior to a patient's consultation with the doctor to the more advanced assessments that follow.
Debby's commitment to excellence extends beyond her technical abilities. She has successfully earned her American Board of Opticianry Certification as well as Certified Paraoptometric Assistant, a testament to her dedication to providing top-notch care to our patients.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Debby's heart is filled with love for animals, and she finds solace in quality time with her family. She's a committed member of our team, and we love having her in our office!
Melanie - Optician
Introducing Melanie, one of our accomplished opticians who serves in multiple roles within the office! Melanie's knack for guiding patients to discover the perfect frame and lenses to match their unique needs is truly exceptional.
Originally a California native, Melanie has called Winnemucca home since her youth. Beyond her passion for eyewear, Melanie thrives in the great outdoors, where she enjoys all things hunting, fishing, camping and exploring in the company of her family.
Melanie is an invaluable asset in our office!
Lucy - Technician & Contact Lens Specialist
Meet Cecilia, a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant and professional with a heartwarming touch of hometown charm. Originally from Battle Mountain, Cecilia's journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Following her high school graduation, she embarked on a path of learning and growth in Reno at the Nevada Career Academy, ultimately achieving certification as a skilled massage therapist. In 2007, she brought her talents to Winnemucca.
Cecilia shines as our billing specialist - and her path to this role has been a multifaceted one. She previously held the position of head Optician and Vision Therapist, where she honed her expertise in our progressive visual training program. This program is tailored to the unique visual requirements of each patient, strengthening skills such as eye coordination, focusing, and visual tracking. Cecilia is also fluent in Spanish, bringing another layer of versatility to our team.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she cherishes time with her children outside the office. Her dedication to her craft and the warmth she radiates both in and out of the workplace make her a cherished member of our team!
Meet Lucy, a cherished member of our team and a highly skilled technician with a specialty in contact lenses. Lucy's expertise encompasses a range of vital tasks, from conducting specialized tests to providing comprehensive contact lens training and patient education, ensuring everyone enjoys the best in eye care.
Lucy was born and raised right here in Winnemucca. She initially ventured into the world of optometry before pursuing further studies, and spending nine years as a Medical Assistant for a local family doctor - before returning to optometry.
In addition to her proficiency in optometry, Lucy's fluency in Spanish adds another layer of versatility to her role. She's seamlessly cross-trained to assist across various office functions, enhancing our team's overall dynamism.
Beyond the office, Lucy's heart finds fulfillment in quality family time. Her passion for both her work and life outside it radiates through her every endeavor, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of our team!
Cecilia - Billing Specialist & Optician
Adriana - Optician
Meet Adriana, our Lead Optician who has many versatile responsibilities within the office. Not only does she excel as our Lead Optician, but she also extends her skillful touch to various other facets of our office operations, from providing exceptional customer service to offering contact lens training and handling billing matters.
Originally from Orovada - her journey led her to calling Winnemucca home. After graduating Lowry High School, she embarked on an enriching academic journey at Great Basin College.
Adriana is another team member with fluency in Spanish, further enriching our top-notch care tailored to our patient needs.
Beyond her professional commitments, Adriana finds true joy in the company of family. Her dedication to her work and her genuine, friendly spirit makes her an incredible asset to our team!
Mia - Front Desk Coordinator
Meet Mia, our delightful checkout receptionist! Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Mia's roots trace back to a cozy southern Minnesota town near the Iowa border. Her family journeyed to Winnemucca in 2018. Mia proudly graduated from Lowry High School in 2021.
Mia takes pride in handling our social media accounts. She enjoys the fun challenge in connecting with the community every week.
When she's not busy assisting our valued guests, Mia finds joy in cherished moments with friends, family, and her two cats. She's an avid enthusiast of music, books, and her passion for travel is a testament to her adventurous spirit. You’re in the best hands when working with Mia!
Ashley - Office Supervisor & Optician
Meet Ashley, our Office Supervisor and Optician. Ashley was raised right here in beautiful Winnemucca, Nevada. After proudly graduating from Lowry High School in 2002, she set her sights on the bright lights of Reno, Nevada. There, she embarked on a journey to become a distinguished Certified Dental Coder and a Certified Dental Billing Specialist, honing her skills in the medical field for over two decades.
In 2021, Ashley and her beloved wife, alongside their two wonderful boys, made the decision to return to her hometown of picturesque Winnemucca.
When she's not helping the community with all their eye care needs, Ashley takes pleasure in tending to her garden, immersing herself in a good book, embarking on camping adventures, and enjoying precious moments with her cherished family. We’re so grateful to have Ashley’s expertise and dedication on the team!
In Memory of Dr. Cody Bengoa
Bengoa Eye Care was founded by Dr. Cody Bengoa, a native of Humboldt County who was born in Winnemucca and raised at the Kings River Ranch. He attended high school in McDermitt and Winnemucca, graduating as one of the valedictorians of the Lowry High School Class of 1995.
After completing his BS in Biochemistry at UNR and OD at Pacific University, Cody and his family returned to Reno where he worked as an associate OD for two years. Following the birth of his daughter, Dr. Bengoa and his family had the opportunity to return to Winnemucca where he would practice for the next 15 years.
Dr. Bengoa worked with Northern Nevada Eye Care for 6 years, after which he started his own practice, opening the doors of Bengoa Eye Care in December of 2012. In 2019 he opened the new building and put great pride in the development of the space. Cody was so grateful to work with an amazing and dedicated staff, his work family, and he felt blessed and honored to be able to serve patients and raise his kids in the community in which he was born.
In the fall of 2020, while training for a local triathlon, Cody developed symptoms that eventually led him to the ENTs office. After surgery to remove what doctors thought was a polyp, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of sinonasal cancer.
Cody researched treatment options voraciously and sought opinions from cancer specialists in three different states, undergoing surgery, chemo therapy, and radiation. In August of 2021, he began to experience some shortness of breath and was found to have developed pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM), a rare and fatal complication that compromised the blood vessels in his lungs.
After an arduous and brave fight with cancer, Dr. Bengoa passed away on September 29, 2021 at the age of 44.
He is greatly missed by all his family, staff, patients and community.