Dr. Jason Spychala
Dr. Jason Spychala—better known as simply Dr. Jason—graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2007 and worked for two years as an associate before purchasing the dental practice in Albany. He then started Albany Family Dentistry in 2009.
Dr. Jason’s favorite part of being a dentist is being able to interact with people. Whether that means the team and the daily discussions around enhancing their careers, or providing new information and treatment options to patients. he enjoys providing an enlightening experience for those he cares for.
“I chose dentistry because I love working with my hands, enjoy being creative, and I find joy in helping people. Dentistry allows for all this and more. As I continue to learn, innovate, and incorporate my skills into my profession, I’m continuously reminded of my passion for my job.”
Outside of work, Dr. Jason loves including his kids in daily life discussions on healthy lifestyles. He and his wife incorporate healthy food into their family camping trips, take their kids on biking adventures, raise animals on their family hobby farm, work together on creative family projects like lego building and game nights. He and his family also run Harvest on the Hill, which provides sustainable farm-to-table produce locally and seeks to teach people about the importance of knowing where their food comes from.
Dr. Kara Engelbrektson
Dr. Kara Engelbrektson graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2010. She then completed a General Practice Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in 2011 and joined Albany Family Dentistry in the spring of 2022.
She comes from a family of medical providers and found her passion for dentistry during college when she was working alongside her father, a CRNA, at an oral surgery office for a few summers. Dr. Kara enjoys working with patients to address their concerns and improve oral health.
“I enjoy collaborating with everyone I meet to customize a plan to address their concerns and improve oral health. It’s a privilege to make an impact and observe the transformations.”
Outside of work, Dr. Kara enjoys getting outside to go boating, wake surfing, snowmobiling, and riding UTVs. She loves adventuring with her mini–Australian Shepard and Affenpinscher, raising chickens, and making memories with her husband and two young daughters.
Peg Tenney
Office Personnel
Peg joined the team at Albany Family Dentistry in 2019. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, preferably around a bonfire with outdoor activities. Favorite part of her job: Meeting new patients & seeing people she hasn’t seen in a very long time.
“Beautiful teeth and smiles have always been important to me. The opportunity to work at this awesome clinic came at a perfect time in my life.”
Julie Kierzek
Office Personnel
Julie is new to the dentistry world, and she feels like the profession chose her! When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as reading, gardening, and cooking/baking. Favorite part of her job: Ensuring that each patient’s visit is an enjoyable one.
“I enjoy making patients feel at home.”
Ann Scheel
Office Personnel
Ann has been involved in dentistry for over 40 years. She was fascinated with the industry early on in life, and after shadowing her dentist in high school, she knew that a career in the dental world was right for her. Ann enjoys providing a positive dental experience as well as helping patients feel welcomed and comfortable at our clinic. Outside of the office, you can find Ann spending time with family, tending to her garden, or lending a hand on the family farm.
“I enjoy providing a positive dental experience and helping patients feel comfortable at our clinic”
Teresa Dickhoff,
RDH
Hygienist
Teresa graduated from RCTC in Rochester, MN in 2011 and has been with Albany Family Dentistry for 8 years. Teresa loves spending time with her three kids, visiting the lake, and enjoying the outdoors. Favorite part of the job: Working closely and getting to know patients, and helping them maintain a healthy smile.
“I chose dentistry because I always had positive dental experiences growing up and wanted to give patients the same experience”
Emily Nietfeld,
RDH
Hygienist
Emily has been practicing dentistry since 2011, graduating as a dental assistant from Northwest Technical and Community College in Bemidji before receiving her Dental Hygienist degree in 2016 from St. Cloud Technical and Community College. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and camping and fishing. Favorite part of her job: Making patients feel comfortable during their appointments and getting to know them.
“I chose dentistry to be able to educate and help people feel good about their oral health, because it can affect their whole body.”
Charlene Ohmann,
RDH
Hygienist
Charlene has been practicing dentistry for 23 years, with 18 of them being here at Albany Family Dentistry in her home town. She takes pride in caring for people and educating patients about their oral health. Charlene enjoys being outdoors, walking and biking, and spending time with family and friends. Favorite part of her job: The Patients.
“I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families right here in my home town.”
Lindsey Wolf,
RDH
Hygienist
Lindsey recently graduated from Lake Superior College in Duluth. She chose this career path so she can help her patients achieve a confident and healthy smile. Lindsey loves camping, fishing, and spending time with her growing family. She has recently been busy with her family’s newest addition, Oakley, a golden retriever puppy, as well as her recent marriage.
“I enjoy building relationships with my patients and having them leave with a healthy smile.”
Marissa Throener,
RDH
Hygienist
Marissa is a graduate of St. Cloud Technical and Community College, where she chose to go into dental hygiene in order to help people achieve healthy, happy smiles. She loves getting to know patients while providing care for their oral and overall health. Outside of work, Marissa enjoys playing music on a variety of instruments, spending time with family and friends, and raising golden retrievers.
“I want to help people improve their overall health, which is directly related to oral health.”
Lindy VanderEyk,
RDH
Hygienist
Lindy has been practicing dentistry for more than 20 years, and knew she wanted to be a hygienist as a kid. She loves getting to know patients and working on treatment plans with them. When not at the clinic, Lindy enjoys hanging out with friends and family, including her three children. Summer is her favorite season, where she enjoys cabin time, tending to her flower gardens, and visiting Duluth.
“I’ve always loved going to the dentist, and as a kid I knew I wanted to be a hygienist.”
Jen Stepan,
LDA
Assistant
Jen has been practicing dentistry for 20 years. Growing up, she always enjoyed going to the dentist and had a passion for helping people—because of that, Jen decided to pursue a career in dentistry. Favorite part of her job: the variety of things she does as a hygienist—every day is different!
“Growing up, I liked going to the dentist, but not everyone does, so it is a great feeling to help people through an appointment and see them leave with a smile on their face.”
Brenda VanBeck, LDA, REF
Assistant
“I chose dentistry because I love to help others. Dentistry is always evolving, and I love to learn new things and improve my skills.”
Kaitlyn Wensman, LDA
Assistant
Kaitlyn has been in school for the past two years practicing dentistry and has been practicing in the field for the past few months. She chose dentistry because she always found it very interesting and she loves interacting with patients. Favorite part of the job: Interacting with patients and making them feel good.
“I believe everyone is a little bit more confident with a beautiful smile.”
Alyssa Rodenwald, LDA
Assistant
Alyssa has been practicing dentistry for 20 years. She chose dentistry because there is such a wide variety of services in the dental world and she thought it would make a great, always interesting career. Favorite part of her job: The wide variety of procedures that I get to be a part of.
“I’m learning new things every day. Dr Jason takes pride in being up-to-date on technology and it’s so fun to be a part of.”
