Meet our Team
Meet Your Doctors
John Woell
Elizabeth Woell Rhode
James Vang
Amanda Steffes
Dr. Berg – Retired
John Woell
I am honored to have so many loyal patients to care for in our community. Our dental practice has many multi-generational families who entrust their oral health to our team.
I believe in treating people with a vision of maintaining each individual’s oral health for an entire lifetime. This requires a comprehensive approach which includes assessing one’s medical, periodontal, orthodontic, and restorative needs. I trained early in my career to diagnose and treat people having malocclusion problems by utilizing orthodontic therapy. Then the reconstructive dentistry is done.
As a native of Morris, I began my undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota Morris and then continued to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. I am an ongoing member of the Seattle Study Club whose educational objective is to use a multidisciplinary approach in treating complex dental conditions. I am also a member of the American Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental Association and the St. Paul District Dental Society.
The profession of dentistry gives many opportunities for volunteering, one of which is to participate at the Hope Dental Clinic (formerly the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul.) I have also been fortunate to be a team member of Programa San Francisco De Asis Sonrisa on the cleft palate team for over 10 years, along with my wife Marcia. This medical team has treated more than 6,000 cleft lip/palate children in Peru. One other area of mission is to provide preventive dental care for children and adults on an annual basis at the St. Rose School in the Gris Gris community of Haiti.
In addition to my passion for dentistry, I enjoy traveling, cycling, skiing, and all family activities with my wife and our 4 children/spouses and 6 grandchildren.
Elizabeth Woell Rhode
I am fortunate to be a part of the team at Dental Health Care Center. I have had several great mentors in dentistry, and am privileged to work alongside one, my father, Dr. Woell. I find practicing dentistry to be invigorating, and that the real joy of dentistry comes from building relationships with our patients and helping people live healthier lives each day. It is my goal to provide comprehensive care that is suited to each person’s individual wants and needs.
I studied Biology and French at the College of St. Benedict. I moved from Blazer/Johnnie red to Gopher maroon and gold at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. I am an active member of the American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, Minneapolis District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and Spear Study Club. I truly enjoy staying active in continuing education especially through interactive courses.
Outside of dentistry, I love spending time with my husband, Rick, and our two young children. I also have a love of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, yoga, and reading.
Dr. James Vang
I like to say I didn’t choose dentistry, rather it chose me. The combination of my love for science, appreciation of art, and innate handiness, naturally led me down the path of dentistry. I love being a dentist because I can literally use my knowledge and hands to have a positive impact on another person’s well-being. I am in a field where I have the privilege to contribute to improving the health of my community.
As a dentist, I enjoy working with my patients, people, and individuals. Everybody has their own unique stories and I’m here to figure out how to give that story a promising ending in terms of oral health, and perhaps address signs of systemic health issues as well. At the end of the day, I am here to provide compassionate and comprehensive care. My philosophy is to listen to and learn from my patients, in turn I become a better dentist each and every day.
Having been raised in Minnesota, I attended college at the University of Minnesota where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree. I spent another 4 years there to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After the University, I completed a 1-year training program at the Minneapolis VA hospital where I gained invaluable experience treating very complex patients with very complex oral health conditions.
In my personal time, I am a very active person. I am married and I have two furry kids who never seem to run out of energy. We love to go on hikes and camping trips to the various beautiful Minnesota state parks. We also love to enjoy the snowy Minnesota winters by snowboarding and skiing.
Amanda Steffes
I’ve wanted to be a dentist since age 5. I have maintained this career goal because I believe helping someone feel confident in their smile can change their life. I am passionate about providing patients with current dental education to include at home oral hygiene, preventative and restorative oral health, and longstanding patient relationships. I hope my patients find the environment to be safe and rewarding.
I was born and raised in Moorhead, Minnesota. I attended the University of North Dakota, where I received my Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Biology. Following graduation, I moved back to the great state of Minnesota to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Minnesota.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I do our best to keep our very active dog, Rae, busy by hiking or walks to the lake. When I’m not doing something to keep my pup busy, I enjoy traveling, reading, baking, attending sporting events, going to breweries, and watching the next binge worthy show on Netflix.
Hygienists
Amanda- Dental Hygienist
Amanda has been practicing dental hygiene since 2008. Previously a biology major at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, she continued on to attend hygiene school at Argosy University when she moved to Minnesota in 2006. What she loves about the dental hygiene field is the connection and education she gets to offer patients. “The best part of my job is being able to have a part in helping people to love their smile again.” Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband Kevin and their 2 sons.
Laura- Dental Hygienist
Laura has been employed as a dental hygienist at Dental Health Care Center since July 2005. She graduated from the dental hygiene program at the University of South Dakota in May of 2005 and soon after left her home state of South Dakota for the Twin Cities. Laura loves the daily interaction with all the patients at DHCC and works hard to make sure her patients feel at ease and are comfortable while giving the best care possible. Throughout her career, Laura has been a member of the Minnesota Dental Hygienists’ Association, where she has held numerous roles, including Vice President and Secretary. She has a history of staying active with community service and was involved in the startup of the Twin Cities Oral Cancer Awareness Walk which is held annually. In 2013 Laura was awarded “Outstanding Dental Hygienist” by the St. Paul District Dental Society. Laura and her husband live outside of Richfield with their two daughters and enjoy spending time together outside in the area where they live.
Rachel- Dental Hygienist
Rachel joined Dental Health Care Center in 2021 and is happy to work with the doctors and their wonderful team. She earned her degree from Rochester Community and Technical College and was a life-long DHCC patient herself! She loves being a cheerleader to her patients, especially when they come from a place where they don’t feel confident about their smile. When she’s not working with patients, she likes to visit the North Shore where she met her husband and playing with the puppies that they welcomed into their family during the pandemic.
Wendy- Dental Hygienist
Wendy brings many years of dental hygiene experience to DHCC where she most recently was working with Dr. Paul Berg in Richfield. She graduated from Minnesota State University- Mankato and has enjoyed getting to know her patients throughout her career in dentistry. Wendy has a calming presence and relaxing demeanor. She looks forward to using her skills and experience to make sure every patient has a positive dental experience each time they visit our office. When she is not working at DHCC she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and visiting northern MN.
Melissa – Dental Hygienist
Melissa joined our DHCC team in 2021 She brings a fun, energetic and caring personality to the team. One of her favorite things about being a hygienist are all the wonderful people she gets to meet and interact with. She has a passion for dental hygiene and it shows through her gentle, efficient cleanings and great patient relationships. When not seeing patients in our office, she enjoys taking her dog on walks and to the dog park, traveling and spending time with her family.
Assistants
Janel- Dental Assistant
Janel assists a variety of treatment procedures and maintains a clean, sterile, and positive atmosphere to optimize patient safety and comfort. She earned her assisting degree from Normandale and brings many years of assisting experience to our office having worked in general dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery. Janel most enjoys the variety of people she gets to meet through her career in dentistry and being able to comfort someone who might be nervous about going to the dentist. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and visiting northern Minnesota.
Jenni- Dental Assistant
Jenni has been with the Dental Health Care Center team as Dr. Woell’s dental assistant since 2002. She attended Century College where she became a Registered Dental Assistant. She has enjoyed the long term relationships she’s developed with the wonderful staff and patients. Jenni has years of orthodontic experience and has a special interest in helping patients transform their smile. She brings a positive attitude to DHCC and is always wearing a smile. Jenni and her husband Nate have 2 children, Katie and Matt, and a puppy named Hallie. They enjoy exploring Wisconsin near their home.
Sidonie- Dental Assistant
Sidonie became a part of the Dental Health Care Center team in early 2017 after going through the dental assisting program at Dakota County Technical College. Sidonie’s warm and friendly personality ensures each patient a pleasant and positive dental experience. She’s energetic and will greet you with her great smile. She’s always had an interest in dentistry, and enjoys helping people. She says working in our office is unique because of the amazing team members who truly care about patients. Outside the office, Sidonie enjoys being outside and camping in her family RV and spending time with her family and friends.
Susie- Dental Assistant
Always ready to greet you with a smile, Susie brings many years of dental experience to Dental Health Care Center while assisting Dr. Rhode. She attended Century College and has been assisting since 1990. She was very impressed with the state of the art equipment, but most of all with the friendly environment at DHCC. Susie has a genuine concern for the health and well being of each and every person she treats and meets. Susie has 2 sons, Cory and Jake, and enjoys running, biking, skiing, taking her 2 dogs on walks, and spending time up north with family and friends.
Admin Team
Jamie- Patient Coordinator
Jamie started in the dental field in 2009 and has developed her expertise in both clinical dental assisting and administrative duties. She became a certified dental assistant in Colorado where she worked before moving back to Minnesota. Her favorite thing about dentistry is knowing she’s in a professional field of work that is committed to excellence. Dentistry is constantly changing and improving the techniques, equipment, and education opportunities. Jamie joined our team in late 2014 and is the smiling face welcoming you to our office, helping schedule appointments, and answer questions regarding financial arrangements, insurance and treatment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Brett and their 2 children, being outdoors, and crafting.
Daniela- Patient Coordinator
Yo hablo Espanol!
Daniela has been in the dental field for a few years and joined Dental Health Care Center as a patient coordinator in 2022. Daniela plays a crucial role in helping our patients experience an excellent dental visit. Knowing and understanding treatment options, costs, insurance benefits and duration of treatment are all key pieces of information that she helps keep track of to assist you in making important dental treatment decisions. She looks forward to meeting all of our patients at your next visit. When she’s not at DHCC, she enjoys working on home renovations and traveling with her family.
Sara- Office Manager
Sara’s career in dentistry started in 2002 shortly after she attended college at University Minnesota Duluth. She joined the Dental Health Care Center team in 2008 after working in general dentistry, oral surgery and periodontics. Sara is a very high energy person and one of the most positive people you will ever meet. Sara is the type of person who will drop everything immediately to help out in any way she can. She loves working for a practice that goes the extra mile for their patients. She is a member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers. Sara and her husband Pat live near Richfield with their 3 children, Grady, Kendall, and Cal.
Lia– Patient Coordinator
Kuv hais lus hmoob! (I speak Hmong)
Lia’s smiling face will be with you every step of the way throughout a dental visit as a patient coordinator at DHCC. She is committed to making sure patients understand all aspects of their dental experience, including the treatment and appointments, and helping patients navigate their insurance and financial questions. Lia is currently a student with plans to pursue a career in dental hygiene after falling in love with dentistry! When she’s not working with our patients or studying, she loves to spend time with her husband and 2 children, traveling and photography.
Sandy– Patient Coordinator
Sandy was very excited to join the Dental Health Care Center team. As a patient coordinator, she strives to make sure every patient is warmly welcomed, treated like family, and are completely happy with their dental experience. She is one of the friendly voices and smiles you first hear and see at DHCC. Sandy comes to us with years of customer service experience and working in an office that included orthodontic care. She loves baseball, gardening, taking care of the birds at her feeders, and spending time with her grandkids.