From First Days to Today: 15 Years of Lasting Impact
Michelle Mumau-Vasquez: Making An Impact With Patients
Michelle Mumau-Vasquez’s 15 years at Panhandle Eye Group tell a story of growth and connection. She still remembers how nervous she felt on her first day, stepping into a completely new environment after her previous job working in nursing homes. It was a big adjustment, but one that quickly turned into something meaningful.
Michelle started at the front desk, drawn back into healthcare by the opportunity to work with patients again. While learning the ins and outs of an office setting took time, she found her footing through patient interaction.
Her journey hasn’t just been about learning new skills. Reflecting on her early days, she shares, “When I first started here, I was a very angry person.” Through time, experience, and a deepening passion for her work, that changed. “I just kind of chilled out and realized that this is what I really want to do… I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Today, Michelle serves as a surgery coordinator, a role that places her at the heart of the patient experience. From managing insurance and scheduling to ensuring every surgical detail is in place, she plays a critical role behind the scenes. But what truly sets her apart is her connection with patients.
She takes pride in spending time with them, understanding their concerns, and helping guide them through important decisions. “I get to talk to them more about what they want, what they expect,” she says. “That’s what I really like.”
One recent experience stands out. She worked closely with a couple going through cancer treatment whose story closely mirrored her own family’s past. “We cried together. We prayed together,” she says. “They’re in my heart forever.”
Michelle credits her family, office manager, and Dr. McCary himself for helping her grow into her role. Looking forward, she hopes to continue that growth and eventually step into a leadership position within Panhandle Eye Group. When asked if she could sum up her 15-year journey in a few words, Michelle didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely phenomenal…I don’t see myself doing anything else.”
Klorenda Hernandez: Growing In Ways She Never Expected
Klorenda still laughs when she thinks about her first day at Panhandle Eye Group 15 years ago. Walking into a packed clinic, she remembers thinking, “What the heck is going on?” It was fast, busy, and a little overwhelming, but something about it felt right. She quickly found her place.
That sense of purpose was already there before she ever stepped through the door. Her daughter’s experience with eye conditions and multiple procedures sparked an early interest in the field, giving her work a deeper meaning from the very beginning.
She began as a receptionist, but it didn’t take long for her role to grow. Over the years, she moved through scheduling, billing, and coordination positions, learning each part of the process along the way. Today, she serves as Revenue Cycle Director. “Being the person others come to now… that’s something I never expected my future self doing when I first started,” she says.
Along the way, she discovered a passion for billing. While it’s not a role everyone gravitates toward, she enjoys the detail and persistence it requires. For her, there’s real satisfaction in seeing a claim all the way through.
Her growth didn’t happen alone. She credits the people around her for helping shape her path, especially those who encouraged her to keep learning and step into new challenges, like Stella Ysasaga and Ashley Herrera. Their support helped build her confidence and pushed her further than she thought she could go.
That kind of support is also what kept her here. Klorenda values being part of a workplace where people genuinely want each other to succeed. It’s not competitive—it’s collaborative. And over time, those working relationships have turned into lasting friendships.
Fifteen years in, she’s still focused on what’s ahead. She wants to keep learning, keep improving, and continue building on what she’s already accomplished. For those just starting out, her advice is simple: don’t let the fast pace intimidate you. Ask questions, stay open, and give yourself time to grow.
When asked, Klorenda lamented that this milestone means more to her than she expected. She’s proud to be an example for her kids that hard work, even when it’s challenging, is worth it.
Milestones like these are a reminder of what truly makes Panhandle Eye Group special—the people behind the work. Michelle and Klorenda’s 15-year journeys reflect dedication, growth, and a genuine commitment to the patients and teammates around them. Their stories are different, but they share the same foundation of showing up and never ceasing to grow. We’re grateful for the impact they’ve made over the years and look forward to what’s still ahead.