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.

Alyssa Daley, DDS

Dr. Alyssa Daley, DDS is originally from Byron, MN. She attended the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biology in 2015. She then went on to complete her dental school education, graduating in 2019 from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Alyssa's passion for dentistry is driven by her patients. She is very invested in educating her patients about their oral health and working with them to reach their dental goals.

Dr. Alyssa is a member of the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association. Outside of the office, Dr. Alyssa enjoys baking, reading, participating in many outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends. One of her goals over the next few years is to visit every state park with her boyfriend! Dr. Alyssa is very excited to be back in the Rochester community. Having grown up here, she has strong ties the area and is looking forward to meeting you at your next visit!

Phil Pattee, DDS

Dr. Pattee is originally from Perry, Iowa. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He majored in biology with a minor in Spanish. Surprisingly, it was his Spanish minor and not the biology major that led him to dentistry. In 2009, Dr. Pattee spent a semester abroad in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala living with a local host family. Here, he volunteered with an organization called Salud y Paz (Health and Peace). This opportunity gave him his first real exposure to dentistry. By the end of the trip, he was actively working alongside a Guatemalan dentist, helping alleviate pain and educate the local Mayan population about oral hygiene. This experience spring boarded his passion for international travel, helping the less fortunate, learning other languages, and dentistry. He has since provided volunteer dental work in the Unites States, Cambodia, Jamaica, Guatemala (again) and hopes to be able to continue to use his skills to travel and help those in need throughout his career in dentistry.

Dr. Pattee is active in several dental groups including Spear Study Club, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Never Stop Learning Study Club, Breathe Institute, and the Dawson Academy. He received the Concept of Complete Dentistry Award from the Dawson Academy in 2016.

Dr. Pattee's passion for the connections between optimal orofacial development, breathing, tongue posture, tethered oral tissues, sleep, airway concerns, and dentistry started after his son, Leo, had his lip and tongue tie diagnosed and treated. After the immediate and significant improvement in Leo's sleep post-frenectomy, Dr. Pattee wanted to learn more about how all these things can be tied (pun-intended) together. Since then, he has completed additional continued education courses and achieved a certification through the American Laser Study Club. Dr. Pattee is also currently in the process of becoming certified in Vivos® treatment and appliances.

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.

Camryn (Dental Assistant)

Camryn is from Hayfield, MN and the newest member to our team at Respira. She's excited to help improve patients' quality of life through the treatments Respira offers. Outside of work she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

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.

Krista (Director of Operations)

Krista is originally from Stewartville, MN. She earned her bachelor's in business and finance from SMSU, and is currently working on her MBA through Concordia University. She has received a Manager of the Year from Wiz Dental Guys and is an active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Krista has a daughter, son, and a dog named, Turk. Outside of the office Krista enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to breweries, traveling, being at their cabin in WI, hiking, bicycling, and completing house projects.

Meet Our Spectacular Team

Korinne (Marketing Director)

Korinne was born and raised in Rochester, MN and recently relocated back to the area with her husband after living in Elk River, MN for 3 years. Korinne brings over 6 years of marketing and sales experience to our practice, and we appreciate her passion for design, creative mind, and marketing initiatives.

Outside of the office, she enjoys painting, drawing, woodworking, gardening, and spending quality time with her husband, Jeff, their dog, Raven, their family, and friends.