Dr. Jenna Stoddard was born and raised in West Michigan. She graduated with honors from Calvin University: majoring in Biology and minoring in Public Health.  As an undergraduate student, she cultivated her passion for eye care by working as a technician for a renowned LASIK surgeon and through research on antioxidants for use in dry eye treatment. 

She continued her education at Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. In addition to graduating cum laude, she continued pursuing her research interests in refractive surgery.

Following optometry school, she finished her ocular disease residency at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Maryland. Residency is an optional year of continued education and experience that only 1 in 4 optometrists achieve. During her residency, she acquired extensive experience in treating ocular pathology including: dry eye, glaucoma, and co-managing surgical cases. She also studied under top eyecare specialists in Baltimore including some at the world renowned Johns Hopkins. After completing residency, she obtained her fellowship at the American Academy of Optometry. Becoming a fellow involves rigorous clinical and educational competencies. It is a designation achieved by less than 10% of optometrists in the United States. 

While her husband, Dr. Alex Stoddard, completed his military service, she worked at private practices in North Carolina and Northern Virginia for 7 years. She and her husband recently moved back to Michigan with their two children, Anne and Calvin. She is interested in permaculture gardening, learning to play golf, and sewing. She is looking forward to serving the St. Joseph and Niles communities.