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. 

Doctor in a white coat smiling in a hospital hallway


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

Doctor in white coat standing with arms crossed in a hospital hallway, smiling.

Matt Merfeld, DDS, MAGD

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.

Samantha Seys,

DMD, FAGD,D-AADSM,DASBA

Tired mother of three that may or may not have gotten any sleep last night, here to treat your sleep and snoring needs with compassion and sarcasm. Qualified and trained by people you may or may not have heard of, trust me...


But for the people who want the fancy version:

Dr. Seys grew up in rural southern Minnesota. She completed two undergraduate degrees at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and then went on to continue her education at Midwestern University in Arizona. After completing her degree in Dental Medicine, she returned to Minnesota.


She is part of the Spear Study Club, Supportive Specialist Study Club among other dental groups. She has completed training through Airway Health Solutions and is an Ambassador for the Breathe Institute. She has been trained with surgical techniques including laser treatment for the release of tethered oral tissues. She has also completed laser training for the treatment of snoring and soft palate treatment. She has completed TMJ training specific to airway, including becoming a provider of Vivos and airVata appliances. Other areas of interest include integration of bodywork, speech and occupational therapists and lactation consultants to work with ENTs, Sleep Medicine, and Dentists.

Smiling medical professional in a white coat standing in a clinic office

Working with new moms, and their breast feeding infants is a particular interest of hers. Her own journey in better breathing and health began with her own children. Early intervention in children has been a large component of her training. The quality and ease of breathing directly impacts the quality of life a person lives. Breathing is such an important foundation to how you think, feel, move, and interact with the people in your life. Anything that compromises optimal breathing causes an adaptation in your body, sometimes at the detriment of other key components of health. The greatest contribution I can make to a better world for my children is to allow people to achieve their best restorative sleep and wake up feeling rested ready to tackle their day with patience and kindness.

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Stephen Sylwestrak, DDS

Dr. Stephen has always been driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to understanding the science of health and human well-being. He completed his undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, earning degrees in biomedical engineering and chemical engineering. He then returned to his hometown of Chicago to attend Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine. Forever a student at heart, he continued his education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry which ultimately revealed his true professional calling.

Dr. Stephen began his career in a non-profit dental clinic, where he developed a strong appreciation for compassionate, community-centered care. He later joined his wife, Dr. SonjaMae, in private practice where they work together to support patients through a whole-health approach to dentistry. Over time, he has cultivated a particular passion for helping people breathe better, recognizing the profound impact that airway health has on sleep, development, and overall quality of life. Supporting patients in developing easier, healthier breathing has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

Born and raised just outside Chicago, Dr. Stephen is grateful to now call Rochester home. Outside the office, he enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, baking pies in an outdoor grill, attending live theater, playing the cello, solving crossword puzzles, and spending time with his family. His favorite fruit remains an unbreakable tie between coconuts and pineapples.

At Respira, his goal is to empower patients through education so they can make informed decisions that best support their health, development, and a better next breath.


the quality of life a person lives. Breathing is such an important foundation to how you think, feel, move, and interact with the people in your life. Anything that compromises optimal breathing causes an adaptation in your body, sometimes at the detriment of other key components of health. The greatest contribution I can make to a better world for my children is to allow people to achieve their best restorative sleep and wake up feeling rested ready to tackle their day with patience and kindness.

Sonja Mae Langton-Yanowitz, DDS

Dr. SonjaMae is a Rochester native: 4th generation! She thoroughly enjoyed earning a B.S. in Biology at Carleton College. Then, after graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry she pursued a General Practice Residency through the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Dr. SonjaMae is fluent in Spanish and was able to work with a majority of her California patients in their native language.



Her interest in sleep apnea and guided growth/development of jaws started when her daughter and husband became patients at Respira. She saw what a difference Respira made in their lives and decided to pursue training so that she could provide the same life-changing experience to others. Dr. SonjaMae finds satisfaction in improving the quality and longevity of her patient's lives through the treatments offered at Respira.


In her free time Dr. SonjaMae enjoys playing the Irish fiddle, camping, biking, cross country skiing, hunting for giant puffball mushrooms, and spending time with family.

Portrait of a smiling man in a gray suit, purple tie, and glasses against a studio backdrop
Smiling woman in a dark green blazer standing in an office hallway

Jamie

Marketing and Sales Director

Jamie is our Marketing and Sales Director at Respira. 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 with her family, going on new adventures with her husband, or curling up to read a good book.

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Elese

Operations/Office Manager

Elese is likely the first friendly face you’ll see when you walk through the doors at Respira! With a background in general dentistry and more than a dozen years of administrative and managerial experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge, organization, and a welcoming personality to the Respira team.


She also serves as Respira’s resident insurance guru—if there is such a thing! From navigating the ins and outs of insurance to helping patients feel more comfortable throughout their journey, Elese is always ready to help make things a little easier.


Elese is passionate about airway health and everything it encompasses, and she truly loves what Respira stands for and the difference it makes in people’s lives.


When she’s not keeping things running smoothly at the office, you can find her spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, cruising around in their ’55 Chevy, baking, staying active, or playing the piano. In other words, she knows how to keep busy—and she wouldn’t have it any other way!



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Aimee

Myofunctional Therapist


Aimee our Myofunctional Therapist blends her deep clinical dental background as a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 15 years of experience with an airway-focused, whole-body approach to health. Certified through MyoMentor, graduating in 2024, she is passionate about helping both children and adults break habits like thumb-sucking, eliminate tongue thrusts, and retrain their muscles for proper nasal breathing. Her journey into myofunctional therapy began when she noticed how improper tongue posture and mouth breathing routinely impacted her dental patients' jaw growth, airway health, and orthodontic success. When she isn’t helping patients open up their airways, you can find her reading, traveling, or spending time with her family or watching her kids participate in softball, dance or soccer.

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Nicole

Dental Assistant


I grew up in a small town of LeRoy and always had a love for animals, especially dogs. I moved to Rochester and went to RCT for Veterinary Technician career. I got married to my husband Ryan at the end of my college career. We had a baby boy named Austin! I loved being a Vet Tech but quickly learned I didn't want to deal with cats. I am a dog lover! I also wanted more time with my growing family as we had our second son Gavin. I opened my own in home daycare and did that for almost 12 years. As my kids got older and life changed I was wanting a change in my career as well and that led me to Respira! I couldn't be happier here and have found a passion in the dental/airway world. On my downtime, I love to be on the water on our boat relaxing and fishing with my husband and kids. We also love to camp, ride dirt bikes, and any activity that involves being outside. We recently started playing pickleball and love that! In the winter we love to ice skate and play and watch hockey! also am plant and coffee lover and love to cook and bake.

Smiling clinician in black scrubs with glasses, standing in a medical office hallway

Megan

Dental Assistant


Megan is from the twin cities and completed her undergraduate at Iowa State University studying Biology. She then went on to study Radiology at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN. She now lives in Rochester with her husband and two little boys. Her experience in healthcare has given her a unique understanding of the

importance of high quality sleep, compassion, and making a difference in people's lives. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending her time outside between running, chasing after her little boys, or enjoying a round of golf with her husband.