Meet Our Therapists
Get to know the dedicated therapists at Katmai Eye & Vision Center — experts in vision, neuro and vestibular rehabilitation ready to partner with you on your journey to clearer, stronger sight.
Shelley Butters
Vision Therapist
Shelley joined the vision therapy team at Katmai in 2017. Originally from Ohio, Shelley got
her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Denison University in 2012 and moved to Alaska permanently in 2014. Before coming to Katmai, she worked as a park ranger, archaeological technician, and an optician, earning her ABO in 2017. Shelley
completed her Certificate of Vision Therapy in 2021 and is Katmai’s Lead VT. She particularly enjoys working with patients with TBIs, strokes, long COVID, and other complex cases. Her favorite part of doing vision therapy is getting to build meaningful relationships with her patients.
In her free time, Shelley enjoys hiking and camping with her dog, Benny; gardening; and playing ultimate frisbee.
Lilyahna Engebretsen
Vision Therapist
Lilyahna Engebretsen holds an educational background in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Humboldt and is currently continuing her studies at Iḷisaġvik Tribal College. As a vision therapist, she finds enjoyment in helping others understand their visual system and how it can positively impact their everyday lives.
Deeply proud of her Iñupiaq heritage, Lilyahna also has a love for movement through yoga, running, and sports. Her athletic background includes gymnastics, ballet, and competing in college track.
Leah Legate, BA, MBA, OTD
Neuro Occupational Therapist
Leah holds a Clinical Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in Anchorage, Alaska. As a practicing Neuro Occupational Therapist, she brings years of experience to Katmai Eye and Vision Center. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, she was the owner and operator of an Alaskan Eco-tourist guide company for 15 years, as she also holds a Master of Business Administration and loves outdoor education. When not in the office, she is running in the mountains, mountain biking, cross-country skiing or tending to her honeybees.
Education: University of Texas: BA Economics, Sul Ross State University: MBA International Trade, Creighton University: Clinical Doctorate Occupational Therapy
Sara Keating, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Sara Keating is a licensed physical therapist with a passion for treating complex neurological, vestibular, and orthopedic conditions. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Rutgers University in 2015 and began her career at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where she gained experience treating patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
Driven by a sense of adventure and professional growth, Sara worked as a travel physical therapist across Hawaii, Colorado, and ultimately Alaska. While in Alaska, she earned her Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) and honed her outpatient clinical skills. Her practice has since expanded to include vestibular rehabilitation and pelvic floor physical therapy, allowing her to take a more holistic approach to complex cases.
Sara has completed extensive training in vestibular therapy, including the Complete Concussion Management Practitioner Certification Course. Her combined expertise in manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation makes her especially effective in treating patients with brain injuries and multi-system involvement.
Currently at Katmai, Sara is pursuing certification in vision therapy to further enhance the care she provides for patients during vestibular rehab.
Outside the clinic, Sara enjoys exploring Alaska’s wild landscapes with her husband, Mark. Whether hiking, biking, backcountry skiing, or packrafting, she embraces the spirit of adventure in every aspect of life.
Book an appointment with our trained professionals.