25 Years at Cornea Associates of Texas – Why I’m Still Here

Celebrating 25 years at Cornea Associates feels a little unreal — and if I’m being honest, it’s also a humbling reminder that some of my co-workers weren’t even born when I started. Seriously though, reaching this milestone really made me stop and reflect on why I have chosen to stay here this long.

The simple answer? Working here has always felt like so much more than a job.

From the moment I started back in 2000, Cornea Associates invested in and supported me. I started as a technician, eventually advanced into a clinic lead role, and today I get to serve as our Director of Operations. I've seen many of my teammates follow a similar growth path. These opportunities didn’t just happen — they are a result of an amazing group of physicians and leaders here who choose to see potential, nurture it, and trust their people to step into bigger roles. It is a culture I will never take for granted and one I will forever be grateful that I found.

But what truly makes Cornea Associates amazing isn’t just the professional growth — it’s our team!

Over the years, this team has walked beside me through some of the most meaningful moments of my life. I’ve celebrated the birth of two of my children here — and now my first grandchild. We’ve shared marriages, graduations, my oldest daughter  becoming a nurse, and countless other joyful moments. Many of my teammates have even helped guide and encourage my other children alongside me as they pursue their own career paths.

But this team hasn’t only been present for the joyful moments — they stood with me during some of my hardest seasons as  well. They have cried with me, lifted me up, and surrounded me with compassion when I needed it most. I will never forget the flexibility, understanding, and support I received while navigating my husband’s cancer journey with him. And, I’ve witnessed the same type of empathy and care extended to so many other of our team members as well through the years. We have a team here that truly cares for one another. Many of us have become lifelong friends.

If you are early in your career journey, or wondering whether workplaces like this truly exist, let me assure you — they do. And I pray you find one!

Twenty-five years later, I am still grateful for the trust placed in me, the relationships I’ve built here, and the career I never could have fully imagined when I first started.

Cornea Associates has never been just where I work. It's a place where growth happens, where your work has purpose, your contributions matter, and you know you’re making a difference. At Cornea Associates, every team member plays a part in changing patients lives-all while also supporting each other along the way. And, when you find something this special, you stay.