Meet the Staff – Rowan Eye

Meet the Doctor
Dr. Donald Bergsma Jr. received his undergrad education at Davidson College. After his undergrad, he went to medical school at LA State University of Medicine in New Orleans, then completed his Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His Senior Year of Residency, he was named Chief Resident. In 1993, he received the Luis Perez Award for outstanding medical student recognition. For 20 years, Dr. Bergsma has been serving the Salisbury community at Eye Associates of Rowan. In his free time, Dr. Bergsma enjoys hitting the golf links with his sons Trey and Coleman. He also enjoys traveling to the mountains with his wife Elizabeth and their new Sheltie puppy, Bucky. His Sundays are spent cheering on his favorite childhood NFL team, the New Orleans Saints.

Meet the Staff

Cathy Knox
Cathy has been employed with Eye Associates of Rowan since March 2014 and runs our optical shop. She has been working in the optical business for the last 18 years and her previous experience has been in the labs making and cutting lenses for eyeglasses. Having worked in the lab, Cathy brings a special skill set and understanding with her that you won’t find in many other places. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, Jake, friends and her dog “The Monkey”.

Jill Spohn
Jill is our lead Ophthalmic Tech and has been employed at Eye Associates of Rowan since February 2007. She graduated from CPCC in 1986 for Medical Office Assisting and has also worked in Pediatrics and Family practice prior to joining our team. Over the last 10 years she has become an invaluable part of our practice and spends her days assisting Dr. Bergsma with patient care and surgeries as well as training new staff members. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Philip, and 2 children, Ryan and Nevin, as well as her dog and cat.

Jill Lyerly
Jill is one of our Ophthalmic Techs and has been employed with Eye Associates of Rowan since May 2017. She has worked in Ophthalmology for the last 20+ years here in Salisbury and we are lucky to have her join our family! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her husband and children.

Tammy Lowder
Tammy is the first smiling face you see at Eye Associates of Rowan and has been employed with us since January 1997. She runs the front desk and takes care of all scheduling, insurance and referrals. She is very knowledgeable in Ophthalmology and a great resource for our patients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching and playing with her grandkids, Eli and Everly.

Frankie Swicegood
Frankie joined Eye Associates of Rowan in May 2021 at our front desk and we are happy to have her join our team. Frankie has worked in veterinary medicine for the last 19 years and is excited to learn all about Ophthalmology. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and furbabies.

Cassie White
Cassie joined Eye Associates of Rowan in April 2021 as an Ophthalmic Technician. She has worked in Optometry and Ophthalmology since 1998 and loves working with patients to improve their quality of vision. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and children. Her hobbies include reading, horseback riding, swimming and taking spontaneous trips with her family.

Leslie Burleyson
Leslie has been with Eye Associates of Rowan for the last 8 years. She spent the first 7 years as one of our Ophthalmic Techs and is currently cross training at the front desk, so you will see her helping in both areas of the clinic. She loves helping people and has enjoyed her time working with Dr. Bergsma because “He is a wonderful doctor, teacher, family man and has a great bed-side manner”. In her free time she enjoys going to the beach, shopping, movies and spending time with her boyfriend, family and friends.

Amy Beauchamp
Amy joined Eye Associates of Rowan in April 2020 as an Ophthalmic Technician and is a great addition to our team. She has worked in Ophthalmology for the last 20+ years in the surrounding area. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and ‘spoiled rotten’ cat.

Melissa Marr
Melissa is our Practice Manager and has been employed at Eye Associates of Rowan since September 2016. She has been managing healthcare practices for the last 17 years and spent the majority of that in orthopedics and physical medicine. She is passionate about helping people and is always here to assist you anyway possible, from questions regarding insurance to ensuring continuity of care for patients and everything in between. In her free time, she enjoys Paddleboarding, gardening, traveling, coaching cheerleading and spending time with her boyfriend and children, Tyler and Madison.