Uptown Optometry is a team of dedicated professionals working together to provide you with a pleasant and efficient eye care experience, backed by integrity and true compassion.
Dr. Michele M. Hayes, O.D. received her Degree in Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry in 1988. As an Award-winning student for contact lens research, low vision rehabilitation and optical dispensing, she practices full-scope optometry. Raised in San Francisco, Michele spent the last eighteen years practicing in Citrus Heights, near Sacramento.

Long a fan of Santa Rosa, Michele recently sold her practice there and purchased Uptown Optometry. She looks forward to getting to know the local community and especially to providing eyecare services to young children and seniors. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the Redwood Empire Optometric Association.

She serves on the Education and Meeting Committee for the COA, which plans the continuing education for the 2,600 practicing optometrists in California. She also provides volunteer services to the California State Board of Optometry enforcing Optometric Law.
As a member of a musical family of accomplished songwriters and performers, Michele plays the piano and sings. She enjoys gardening, painting, snorkeling and horses. She lives on a horse ranch in rural Santa Rosa. Michelle has travelled extensively.
Dr. Dennis Kennedy, O.D. founded Uptown Optometry in 1974. He was graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry with honors.

He is a member of the California Optometric Association and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dennis is a Charter Member of the Contact Lens Section and has specialized in hard-to-fit contact lens cases since 1980. Dennis will continue to work with clients on a part-time basis.

Dennis is an outdoor enthusiast who has trekked in the Himalayas, Costa Rica and India. He is in the Sierra Club and backpacks often in Yosemite and Kings Canyon. He's looking forward to travelling to Uruguay and New Zealand.
Dr. Janette Hildebrand is a native of San Jose and spent many years in Berkeley before settling in Santa Rosa in 2000. She received her Molecular Biology, Physiologic Optics, and Optometric degrees from UC Berkeley.

Prior to becoming an optometrist, she worked as a substitute elementary school teacher and also taught gymnastics and ballet to children. She continues to enjoy working with children through the practice of optometry.

Dr. Hildebrand’s part time schedule at allows her to balance her professional career and family life. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters hiking, biking and canoeing at Spring Lake.
Jeannette Ortiz, Receptionist is known as the "Director of First Impressions." After ten years with Uptown Optometry, Jeanette knows a lot about Santa Rosans and how to provide quality customer service.

Jeanette loves the outdoors, camping and kayaking. She is an amateur photographer and likes music and dancing with friends. Jeanette helps provide the family atmosphere and helpful spirit at the office. She has a new grandson, and several new puppies.
Rae Anderson, Frame Stylist Extraordinaire started her career as an Optician in the Seattle area in 1986.

She is thrilled to be back in her birth state.

An artist by birth and a lover of music, Rae helps customers choose the perfect eyewear.
Erika Simonson, Optician is our contact lens specialist. She manages the Contact Lens desk, performs the pre-tests and makes sure you have the optimal lens and coatings to fit your lifestyle.

Erika takes care of the billing and many other administrative tasks.

She is married with three children ages 11, 12 and 15.