Meet Our Team—Your Dental
Care Experts

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.

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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.

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"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."

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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.

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. 

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"I  chose dentistry because I always had positive dental experiences growing up and wanted to give patients the same experience"

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. 

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"I chose dentistry to be able to educate and help people feel good about their oral health, because it can affect their whole body."

Brenda has been a Dental Assistant since 1989 and part of the Albany Family Dentistry team since 2009. She received her Restorative Functions degree from the U of M in 2005. Brenda loves spending time with her kids and husband, relaxing on the lake with family & friends, helping others in need, and enjoying the simple things in life. Favorite part of her job: Educating my patients and making sure they have the absolute best care possible. 

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"I chose dentistry because I love to help others. Dentistry is always evolving, and I love to learn new things and improve my skills."

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.

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"I enjoy making patients feel at home."

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. 

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"I enjoy building relationships with my patients and having them leave with a healthy smile."

Jill has been practicing dental hygiene for 22 years. She chose dentistry because she likes to serve others while providing care to people of all ages. She also loves to camp, craft, watch her boys' sporting events, and spend time with family and friends. Favorite part of her job: Working as a team. 

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"I enjoy working as a team to help patients find value in their oral health, and help give them a smile they can be confident in!"

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.

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“I want to help people improve their overall health, which is directly related to oral health.”

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.

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“I’ve always loved going to the dentist, and as a kid I knew I wanted to be a hygienist."