The holiday season has arrived! Many of us use this time to catch up with friends, family and loved ones over food, games and gifts. During the past few months, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine has been fortunate to have had many additions to its own "family”. What better time than the holidays to become acquainted with some of them?

Jennell Dickens, Clinic Manager, Retina Division, Wilmer-East Baltimore

Jennell Dickens’ management philosophy is simple: lead by example. “Each one teach one,” she says. Dickens was attracted to Wilmer because of its commitment to growth, and because she is able to use her personal and professional experience, along with her educational background, to positively impact divisional culture. What excites her most about leading the retina team is being able to elevate the abilities of all staff members. “I hope that my free-spirited personality and fail-forward approach motivates my team to be more engaged in the process of creating new norms and maximizing each individual’s potential,” says Dickens.

What’s your favorite thing to do when spending time with family? Game nights and laughter.

What’s the best gift you’ve received? My children — they’ve made this journey rather interesting.

What’s the best advice (career or otherwise) you’ve received? We all have problems, be part of the solution.

What places are on your travel bucket list? Dubai.

If you were alone on an island, which three music albums would you want to have? Love Jones soundtrack, Dirty Dancing soundtrack, This Christmas soundtrack.

If you had to eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? Stuffed salmon.

Kim McAllister, Clinic Manager, Comprehensive Eye Service, Wilmer-East Baltimore

When Kim McAllister joined Wilmer, she had already been working in ophthalmology for 20 years. She began her career in eye care as a front desk clerk and the visual field technician for an optometrist. She worked her way up to becoming clinic supervisor before joining the Wilmer family. What attracted McAllister to Wilmer was its reputation of world-class care and talent. “Wilmer has always had an outstanding name with world renowned physicians and fabulous technical/administrative staff,” says McAllister. “Who doesn’t want to be a part of that?” Her number one priority is ensuring the staff is highly effective in providing excellent patient care without micro-managing.

What’s your favorite thing to do when spending time with family? I have four kids and we do a family game night every week.

What’s the best gift you’ve received? Concert tickets to a Red Hot Chili Peppers’ show.

What's the best advice (career or otherwise) you’ve received? Leave it at work, don’t take it home to your family.

What places are on your travel bucket list? Ireland, Iceland and New Zealand.

If you were alone on an island, which three music albums would you want to have? Tyga, Jason Aldean and best of Hip-Hop 90’s.

If you had to eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza.

Tricia Wright, Clinic Manager, Wilmer-Bel Air

Before joining the Wilmer family, Tricia Wright worked in the dermatology department at Johns Hopkins-Green Spring for 17 years. While there, Wright was able to grow within the department and become a supervisor, which she says expanded her skill set and established her as a leader. What attracted Wright to Wilmer was not only the Bel Air satellite’s proximity to her home, but Wilmer’s commitment to growth and opportunity. “I enjoy helping others,” says Wright. She’s looking forward to Christmas with her Italian family, when they partake in the feast of the seven fishes.

What’s your favorite thing to do when spending time with family? I love shopping with my 18-year old daughter.

What’s the best gift you’ve received? The day my daughter was born.

What’s the best advice (career or otherwise) you’ve received? Be patient and courteous to others. Keep pushing yourself forward and strive for your goals.

What places are on your travel bucket list? I love Bermuda but my bucket list includes Australia and Hawaii.

If you were alone on an island, which three music albums would you want to have? I listen to everything. I would have to bring something country and pop.

If you had to eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? Seafood.