Megan Rakes, COA

Manager of Clinical Operations

Susquehanna Retina Center is delighted to have Megan as the Manager of Clinical Operations. Megan comes to us with strong business and medical assisting background. She attended Bucks County Community College where she was an honor student and attained certificates in both clinical and administrative medical assisting. She has 15 years of experience in ophthalmology and retina as an ophthalmic technician, scribe and retinal photographer/angiographer. She has additional experience in primary care and allergy/immunology.

In her role at SRC, Megan manages all aspects of day-to-day clinical operations of the practice. As our patient, you may hear her lovely voice on the phone when you call to schedule your appointment with us. You will likely see her when you check in and check out after your exam, as she will coordinate most aspect of your care. Megan is passionate about helping to provide the best and cutting edge retinal care while ensuring unparalleled positive experience for our patients!

Born and raised in Central PA, Megan is married to her husband Doug and has two kids. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring their favorite vacation spots. She is an avid Philadelphia sports fan, cheering for her favorite Phillies and Eagles! Go birds!!

Rachel Smoker, BS

Director of Patient Onboarding, Billing and Revenue Cycle Management

Susquehanna Retina Center is honored to have Rachel as the Patient Onboarding and Billing Specialist.

Rachel comes to us with strong patient and customer service, insurance and billing background. She graduated from Millersville University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Statistics. She has 7 years of experience in retina and ophthalmology including patient onboarding, insurance verification, biologic and procedure insurance management, medical policy, and authorizations. She is a math and problem-solving wiz who is no stranger to challenges as her prior experience also included being a teacher in a 3 and 4 year-old classroom and traffic control technician.

In her role at SRC, Rachel will help you as the patient schedule your care at SRC, welcome and guide you through the patient onboarding process from check-in to check-out. Furthermore, Rachel will be an integral part of a team that navigates complex health insurance market to ensure that you receive the best possible care that we think you deserve!  

Rachel is married to her husband, Matt and has two grown daughters. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting new places, and her newest hobby, pickleball. 

Becky Thompson, BS

Ophthalmic Assistant/Receptionist and Patient Service Champion

Susquehanna Retina Center is proud to have Becky as the Ophthalmic Assistant and Patient Service Champion.

Becky comes to us with strong patient and customer service, as well as education background. She graduated from Frostburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a Secondary Education concentration. She has years of experience as a medical receptionist in ophthalmology/retina, serving patients in Central PA. She loves learning everything she can about retinal diseases and treatments, and sharing that knowledge with our patients. At work, she is most passionate of combining her background in education with her love for retina and ophthalmology to deliver second-to-none clinical care in a sweet and loving environment.

In her role at SRC, Becky will help you as the patient start your care at SRC, welcome and guide you through the patient onboarding process, and complete initial diagnostic and treatment evaluation. Receiving the news of a sight-threatening condition can be particularly difficult, and her sweet demeanor will make you comfortable and cared for, even in times of stress and worry.

In her spare time, Becky enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and three children. They’ve enjoyed finding a permanent home in Mechanicsburg, PA after living the military life in Illinois, Florida, Texas, and Virginia.

Brandi Leib, BS

Ophthalmic Assistant

Brandi Leib, BS, is a dedicated ophthalmic assistant with a wealth of experience and a passion for exceptional patient care. Holding an education degree from Millersville University, Brandi has honed her expertise over the years, specializing in eyecare with a focus on the intricate field of retinal disease.

With a deep-rooted commitment to providing the utmost in patient care, Brandi's warm and empathetic approach immediately puts our patients at ease. Her strong interest in retinal disease and ophthalmic imaging fuels her continuous pursuit of knowledge within the field of ophthalmology and retina.

Beyond her professional achievements, Brandi's heart is enriched by her role as a loving mother to three children. Her nurturing instincts extend beyond her family to encompass a menagerie of pets, ranging from dogs and cats to chickens, guinea pigs, and fish.

Brandi Leib's journey in eyecare has been marked by her unwavering dedication, seasoned expertise, and a compassionate spirit that touches both her patients and colleagues. Her presence undoubtedly enriches the world of ophthalmology and the lives she touches through her multifaceted pursuits.

Kelsea Helsel, BS

Ophthalmic Technician

Kelsea comes to us with a strong desire to provide high quality patient care with her background in retina and social work. She attended Millersville University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. She has five years of retina experience, building her skills and knowledge as an ophthalmic technician, photographer/angiographer, and scribe. Additional experience includes work with vulnerable populations such as low-income families and people suffering with substance abuse, specifically mothers. She enjoys helping people and building relationships with those she serves.

 Born and raised in the Harrisburg area, Kelsea has a deep love for her family and friends, her son, and her partner Robert. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, particularly when it’s warm! You can find her swimming and kayaking in the waters during summertime. She also has an affinity for cats; snuggling with her cat Whistles and her son RJ in the cold months is another favorite pastime. Last but not least, she is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan - GO BIRDS!