For Dr. Paige Helmers, Humboldt feels just like her hometown of Kenmare, North Dakota.

She appreciates that small town feeling.

“I always tell people, the Prairies are the Prairies - we are a hearty crew. We grew up with the wind blowing through our bones and snow and everybody helps everybody else out.”

She and her husband Dr. Trevor Styan, from Tisdale, started at Humboldt Vision Centre in January. The optometrists are filling the vacancy left by Dr. David Guilbault, who has retired following a medical leave.

“I like it, it’s been really good. The patients and everyone in the community has been really welcoming and really appreciative and they’re happy to have a new face around,” Styan said.

The couple met at Pacific University of Oregon and graduated in 2013. Helmers had started off studying accounting but knew within two weeks it wasn't for her - she knew she was a people person, and then remembered her lifelong curiosity when visiting the optometrist. The rest is history, Helmers said.

“We’d love to meet everybody. We’d love to get to know everybody and get introduced to our new community,” Helmers said.