Dr. Mike Hanen-Smith
Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Mike has dedicated his entire career to improving the vision of his patients. His practice has focused on medical optometry, including everything from routine checkups to the treatment of eye diseases. Beyond his work at the clinic, Dr. Mike has been instrumental in helping the Minnesota Department of Transportation with vision, safety, and highway design.
He has also lectured on topics including glaucoma, macular degeneration, contact lenses, and the treatment of keratoconus and corneal scars. This work has also included acting as a legal consultant on visual loss.
Education and Licenses:
- Bachelor of Science: North Dakota State University, Fargo North Dakota
- Doctor of Optometry: Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
- Master of Science Physiological Optics: Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
- Minnesota State Board of Optometry, North Dakota State Board of Optometry
- Minnesota Optometric Association, Trustee
- American Optometric Association, Member
Dr. Josh Hanen
Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Josh grew up in the Twin Cities and graduated from St. Thomas Academy, St. John’s University and the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He completed his Doctor of Optometry in Michigan. Before returning to the Twin Cities, Dr. Josh served patients at University Eye Center in Michigan, Heart of the City Health Center in Michigan, and William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in South Carolina.
Dr. Josh is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry. He is an active member of state and national professional organizations and was named Young Optometrist of the Year in 2015. He lectures to colleagues nationwide, especially regarding dry eye disease. He is certified in the fitting of specialty contact lenses included corneal reshaping lenses for orthokeratology and scleral lenses for keratoconus, ocular surface disease and other corneal irregularities. Clinical interest areas include: anterior segment and ocular surface disease, cornea and contact lens, pediatric and binocular vision, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Bachelor of Arts, All-College Honors: St. John's University
- Juris Doctor: University of St. Thomas School of Law
- Doctor of Optometry: Michigan College of Optometry
- Licensed Member: Minnesota State Board of Optometry
- Licensed Member: Minnesota State Bar
- Minnesota Optometric Association, Committee Member
- Minnesota Optometric Association, Young O.D. of the Year (2015)
- American Optometric Association, Member
- American Academy of Optometry, Fellow
Alisha Batteau
Alisha is a technician. She enjoys helping patients see their best. She likes to spend time with her family. She enjoys swimming and eating out.
Dr. Sandra Smith-Hanen
Psychologist
Dr. Sandra is a compassionate professional and an experienced psychologist who recognizes the importance of a healthy relationship between a doctor and a patient. She provides psychological care to adolescents and adults, with an extensive background in couple’s therapy. Her approach focuses on relationships as one of the cornerstones of a positive, meaningful life.
She assists clients with PTSD, anxieties, panic disorders, depression, bi-polar disorders, personality disorders, and the trauma that family members endure with these conditions. Dr. Sandra strongly believes in the need for clients to recognize their own strengths while moving forward with their lives.
Education and Licenses:
- Board Certified: Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
- Diplomate - American Psychotherapy Association
- Diplomate - Forensic Examiner
Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science: Psychology, North Dakota State University
- Master of Science: Counseling Psychology, North Dakota State University
- Doctor of Education: Indiana University, with an emphasis on learning disabilities and psychology
- Postdoctoral studies: University of Minnesota, non-verbal behavior
American Psychology Association: Member
Licensed: Minnesota State Board of Psychology
Tobbyn Scott
Tobbyn is a long-standing member of our staff and she has worked closely with doctors in their pursuit of exceptional care for all patients. She has worked in a technician capacity and has excellent expertise in imaging and special testing provides critical information for doctors managing and treating ocular conditions. She has worked as an optician helping patients with selection of eyeglasses and proper handling of contact lenses. She currently coordinates insurance claims processing.
- Certified Paraoptometric
- Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude: University of St. Thomas
Joni Torgerson
Joni serves as our primary optician. She was born and raised in greater Minnesota. She graduated from Sauk Centre High School and continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music and Elementary Education.
She currently resides in West St. Paul with her two bishon-poos, Sammy and Emma, who are her “kids”. She enjoys spending time with friends and family; music of all kinds, kids of any age, church activities, and traveling. Her career has taken her from teaching music to banking to owning her own business, and most recently, to River Lake Clinic. Under Dr. Mike’s guidance, she has since received her paraoptometric certification through the American Optometric Association and has worked as an optician at RLC for the past nine years. She greatly enjoys the day-to-day contact with people and the opportunities to assist them with their fashion eyewear. She has a flair for color, and takes great joy in helping people realize our exciting array of eyewear options.
- Certified Paraoptometric / Optician
- Bachelor of Arts: Concordia College
Jordyn
Meet Jordyn. If you come to our clinic you will get the chance to experience her bubbly personality and years of customer service in one way or the other. She always aims to be a smiling face that’s ready to help, from checking your insurance benefits, helping you pick out the pair of glasses that’s right for you, to being the cheery voice confirming your appointments with Dr. Sandra.
