Ryan Henrichsen, DDS, MAGD

Dr. Henrichsen is originally from Winterset, Iowa and completed his undergraduate degree at Iowa State University. He then chose to pursue his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr Henrichsen is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), and an alumnus of the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute. He is also a Visiting Faculty member at Spear Education and holds a Qualified Dentist designation with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)-- the leading national organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Most recently, Dr. Henrichsen has become a diplomat in the American Sleep & Breathing Academy (ASBA).

He became interested in treating sleep apnea and TMD through his everyday interactions with dental patients. Dr. Henrichsen realized that many of the issues his patients faced were a result of the structure of their mouth and throat. 

Dr. Henrichsen is a VIP with the Institute for Craniofacial Sleep Medicine, where he trained to be able to treat the source of sleep apnea and TMJ issues. He also completed training for the Solea Sleep laser, a revolutionary new treatment in the field of sleep dentistry that can relieve snoring in just one 5-minute session. 

"My interest on airway health and its effects on the entire body has really brought all of my learning so far into focus. Being a dentist, I have extensive knowledge of the airway, and its intimate connection with the development of the orofacial structure, including the upper dental arch, jaw, and jaw alignment." - Dr. Henrichsen

Matt Merfeld, DDS, FAGD

Dr. Merfeld is originally from Onalaska, WI. After graduating with an undergraduate degree from the University of La Crosse he worked as a clinical laboratory technologist at Mayo Clinic before pursuing his dental degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. After completing his DDS he returned to Rochester where he works full time as a general dentist. Dr. Merfeld specializes in frenum and tongue tie surgeries with the Solea laser and traditional surgical intervention when needed. 

Dr. Merfeld is active in a number of dental groups including Spear Study Club, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Breathe Institute, Progressive Orthodontics, American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the Dawson Academy.

When not treating his patients or traveling for continuing education he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. During the cold winter months, you can typically find him in his workshop restoring vintage pinball and arcade machines.

Meet Our Spectacular Team

Melissa (Dental Assistant)

Melissa has been working in the dental field for over two decades. She attended both Concordia University and Rochester Community Technical College for her Dental Assistant Education. Melissa also attended advanced training courses through Vivos, Spear, Pankey Institute, and the Institute for Craniofacial Sleep Medicine. Her favorite part of her job is an easy answer - the patients!

Originally from Alden, MN, Melissa is married with two children, and two grandchildren. When she isn't busy at work, she enjoys going to breweries, practicing CrossFit, and being a proud Grandma.

Tara (Myofunctional Therapist)

A Rochester native, Tara has been working in dentistry for over two decades. She attended both Rochester Community and Technical College and Mankato State University for her education. Tara has also completed Vivos training, a MyoMentor training course, and a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM) program through Neo-Health Services. She has been a part of the team at Respira for over a year, and she enjoys this new journey of helping patients through Myofunctional Therapy.

Tara and her husband, Brent, have four boys named Seth, Dylan, Tyler, and Blake. When not in the office, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening, reading, cooking, and taking care of their chickens.

Lori (Dental Assistant)

Lori was born and raised in Rochester, MN. With over 15 years of dental experience, Lori brings a lot of knowledge, compassion, and excellent patient care to our team. When she's not in the office you can find her cheering from the MN Twins and Vikings and spending time outside with friends and family.

Elese (Office Manager)

Elese (Office Manager)
Elese grew up in a small town in Minnesota and is the oldest of three children. She graduated college from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse before moving to Rochester, MN and starting her career in the dental field. Elese brings 10+ years of administrative and managerial experience to Respira. She is excited about this opportunity and the chance to help change lives!

Elese lives in Rochester with her husband, Michael, daughter, and fur child Frank. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, travel, cruise in their '55 Chevy, bake, stay active and play piano.

Jamie (Administrative assistant and Marketing Director)

Jamie is from Rochester, and is the newest member to the Respira team. Jamie has years of medical background, as well as Insurance. She received a bachelors degree in Business management/marketing, as well as Criminal Justice. In her free time, she owns a hair and makeup business and travels for weddings. When not in the office, Jamie loves spending time traveling and playing games with her 4 kids and husband.