Our Staff

DEBBIE PEDERSEN

Debbie started her medical career as an LPN in 1978 in Upper Michigan.  After relocating to the Twin Cities she worked for a group of podiatrists.  In 1992 she began working with Dr Engasser as his office assistant and has continued her great work ethic and enthusiasm. Patients can count on her friendly and efficient scheduling of clinic appointments, diagnostic studies, and surgery.  Debbie enjoys reading, gardening, walking, and spending time with her three grandchildren and exploring Northern Minnesota with her husband.

BARB SYKORA

Barb Sykora joined Dr Engasser’s practice as his bookkeeper in May 1994.  She previously worked with a number of physicians in Lansing Michigan, Toledo Ohio and Houston Texas.  After moving to Minnesota she worked for Drs Richard Strand and Jerry Reese, both orthopedic surgeons. Her positive energy and high level of efficiency are always apparent. Barbara is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA in History.  She is a board member of the Deephaven Historical Society and writes their quarterly newsletter.  An avid runner for the past 30 plus years, Barb also loves to garden and hang out with her family.

DAWN DREWES  RT(R)

Dawn joined the team as the Orthopedic Assistant in 2006 after spending the previous eight years at home raising her family.  She quickly became a valuable part of our practice.  As a Radiologic Technologist (RT)R and a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and American Registry of Radiological Technologists, she has extensive experience.  In her 10 years at United Hospital she worked with a diverse group of patients in all departments from Labor and Delivery to the Emergency Room. She also worked for another Orthopedic group for 7 years. Dawn stays a step ahead of the needs for each patient. With a winning smile she takes time to make each patient feel comfortable in the office.  Dawn and her husband live in Savage with their three children.  She enjoys scrapbooking and sewing, as well as a good round of golf with her husband.

JULIE CONNER

Julie has been with us for 7 plus years as an orthopedic secretary.  Prior to that she worked for 20 years as a medical secretary.  Julie has been particularly helpful in the conversion of our charts to Practice Fusion, our Electronic Medical Record.  She is a woman of many talents and interests, enjoying decorating, arranging flowers, and rollerskating.  Her greatest interest is to be with her husband and two creative sons.