MEET THE TEAM

The Opticians Association of Alaska is led by a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing the field of opticianry and supporting our members. Our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to our mission.

Paul Holman

President
Wasilla

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Paul Holman LDO, ABOC, NCLEC, FNAO

​I am very privileged and honored to serve as your OAAK President since 2022. I am currently employed as the Education Coordinator for the ABO-NCLE and have resided in Wasilla, Alaska since 1997, serving in this field since 2005. I feel an extra special thanks to the OAAK members who have asked an ABO-NCLE staff member to represent your Opticianry association. I have a great passion for our occupation and want Opticianry in Alaska and in the US to continue to grow through partnership into the future. We are all stronger together and thank you to my fellow board members and members of the OAAK in steering our association into the future through representation and education.

Julie Knighton​

Vice President
​Wasilla

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I am excited to join the board of the OAAK as the secretary.  I bring decades of optical experience and a love for helping people see.  From working in a family optical to working in the bush Alaska, I am very passionate about my job. I hope to share my love for our profession to inspire the next generation to help build a strong optical community here in Alaska.  As a former president of the Lions Club, I want to help the community and those in need.

Marcia Smith

Secretary
​North Pole

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Marcia Smith began her optical career in 2007 in Valdosta, Georgia.  She quickly became an optical nerd, and the opportunity to volunteer on the OAAK board has become one of her very favorite things to do!  Had she not married a military man, she would have gotten a communications degree and become a copy editor, so the position of secretary suits her very well.  She enjoys designing and creating all sorts of printed materials, and having the opportunity to help plan for and execute the annual OAAK convention was a dream come true!

Marcia lives and works in North Pole and will celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary this year.  She and her husband have two children and a small zoo of pets, and love traveling and taking road trips as a family.  She considers herself lucky to get to work at North Pole Eyecare, a family owned single doctor private practice in the heart of North Pole, Alaska.

Sandi Acquistapace​

Treasurer
​North Pole

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My name is Sandi Acquistapace. I am the treasurer for the OAAK and have been
since 2017. I work in a private practice setting and have been a board certified
optician since 1988. I came to this wonderful state in 2002 and love everything
Alaska. It gives me great satisfaction to serve the diverse and talented opticians
of Alaska and help make the OAAK the strong and professional organization it
has become.

Alicia Froh

Board Member
​Anchorage

                           SEE BIO

​I'm Alicia Froh, and I've been an optician for 50 years. I chose this as a career and have never looked back. Cut my teeth in the biz as an apprentice learning from a lot of guys that were retiring. Worked my way through college getting a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Vision & Business minor). Took my ABO when it was still pretty new and then tackled the Washington State board exam. Transferred to Alaska and got my license here. I have worked corporate and private practice which is where I found my niche. And the bulk of my time here (33 years) at one small practice and "retired" in 22. Then started my own business Raven Eye LLC, as a consultant/fill in/ and soon to be speaker. 
Over the years I have been Vice President and President of what is now the OAAK and chaired the Alaska State Board of Dispensing Opticians during the late 80's and early 90's. I was also the Legislative liaison for the OAAK back in the day. 

Oscar Villasenor

Board Member
​Soldotna

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My name is Oscar, but I go by Oz. I've been making eyeglasses for a few years now in Soldotna, Alaska at Eyewear Express and am passionate about pursuing a lifelong career. I'm very interested in being a part of a growing association in Alaska.

Samantha Anderson

Board Member
​Fairbanks

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I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. I have been in the optical world since 2009 and Spectacle licensed since 2020. I understand the difficulty of studying for OCPP/ABOC and working full time, but I am so happy I completed and passed my tests and wished I had done it sooner.  I have been active with the board since 2019. I enjoy spending time with my teenage son, walking my spoiled rotten dog, and fly-fishing with my husband. Looking forward to meeting all the opticians in Alaska and inspiring others.
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