The Team

Meet the Team

Dr. Tom Tessendorf

I initially sought out Chiropractic care due to pain and suffering.

I was hurt in high school, while playing football, and had the proverbial “stinger” running down my left arm. My mother took me to the Chiropractor on a Saturday morning; I played football the next Friday. My tendencies toward moderate asthma did also show substantial improvement, this in turned caused me to pursue Chiropractic as a profession. 

Chiropractic Education

I received my education at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and then Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa; where I graduated in June of 1985. I have continued on with my Chiropractic education in regards to whiplash, wellness and pediatric studies.

Chiropractic Philosophy

I feel very excited in regards to practicing the Chiropractic philosophy. I’m also very excited in dealing with the health and wellness of individual patients; knowing that the ability to pursue the life they so choose is completely within their grasp. I have spent most of my time in the last 25+ years adjusting people and trying to assist them in pursuing their own wellness goals.

A Little About Me

I enjoy spending time with beautiful wife, Kathryn, my children and grand-children, cross-country skiing, running and swimming. In regards to health habits, I feel that by staying active, being optimistic and eating things that have come from a natural environment are best.

Dr. Joe Tessendorf

Unlike many people who discover chiropractic while searching for an answer to unrelenting pain or as last resort, I was born into a chiropractic family. With my father being a chiropractor I experienced my first adjustment at only a few minutes old, and the rest is history.

Chiropractic Career

Although I received my first adjustment at an age I cannot remember, chiropractic became a huge part of my life as I grew from a little tike into a man. Because I was a hockey player since the age of four, I came to know the benefits of chiropractic thoroughly through a patient’s perspective. Chiropractic care helped me stay active and fit even through my injuries and increased my immunity so I stayed healthy while others were sick. When it became time to make a career decision, I looked up to my dad as any son does and thought of all the lives, including mine, he had changed for the better. I recall early in my high school years telling my dad, “I want to help people and their loved ones achieve greater health like I have seen you do.” That goal stuck deep within me, and so I began down my long path to being a chiropractor.

Chiropractic Education

I was raised in small town called Medford in central Wisconsin (by small I mean 4500 people!). This is where I graduated from High School in 2006. Soon after I was off to the University of Eau-Claire WI where I spent a number of years working towards my bachelors of science. My wife and I were then off to Davenport, Iowa where I attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest chiropractic college in the world, until graduation in October of 2012. Inside of Palmer I was surrounded with some of the brightest minds in the chiropractic profession. Palmer prepared me, like so many alumni before me, with the tools to greatly improve the health of those around me. I am proud to have attended the world’s most prestigious chiropractic college.

Away from Tessendorf Family Chiropractic

While in college I married my high-school sweetheart, Kristina. We have been married for five years and now have two wonderful daughters, Julia and Violet. Spending time with my family is the most important and exciting thing for me. Hunting, fishing, hiking, running, and essentially anything in the outdoors I enjoy. Meeting and helping new people is one of the greatest perks of my job. The greatest pride I take in my work is making a positive difference through chiropractic care as well as being actively involved in our great community.

Contact Us Today

Through reading this page I hope you learned a little about health, and a little about who I am as a doctor of chiropractic, a person, a dad, and a husband. Now that you know enough about me, I look forward to learning more about you. I am here to serve the people around me and I look forward to making a difference in your life. If there is something that is holding you back from seeking chiropractic care, whether it is fear, financial strain, or the unknown, don’t hesitate to call us. I would love the chance to meet and talk with you on any thoughts you have. Thanks for visiting our site and we look forward to serving you in health.

Dr Austin Stivison

I discovered chiropractic at a young age, yet the treatment wasn’t for me it was for my father. The chiropractor was a family friend, who impressed me with what he could do to help my father with his hip issues, when other health professionals had limited what could be done for his recovery. I witnessed the benefits from an outside perspective which drove me to this profession.

Chiropractic Career

I attended, Eastern Washington University (Go Eags!) where I received my degree in Exercise Science. I wandered back to my home town of Vancouver (not Canada), Washington where just a stone throw away was University of Western States. This is where I received my Doctorate in Chiropractic in 2019. At the University of Western States I was able to develop my hands-on treatment abilities and case management skill set to help those in-need. 

Away From Work

I am a married man to a beautiful soul of a woman named Brittany. We have been married for 2 years and have two fur babies (dogs), known as Bella and Beast. We are expecting to bring a new life into the world soon.  I love spending time with my family and coming home knowing I’ve made a difference. I am a huge advocate for strength and conditioning, running, cycling, hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time on the lakes around us.

Lauren Sickmond

I was born and raised in New York, close to NYC, but a city girl I am not, so it has always been my goal to move out west and find some wide open spaces. I attended SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and earned my Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science in Syracuse, NY. After college I spent a few years traveling and working seasonal jobs, which allowed me to live and work in some amazing parts of the country. I’ve worked as a barista in Alaska, farm hand in Hawaii, and dog trainer near Seattle. You could say my work history is somewhat atypical, but it makes for some interesting stories.

I love the outdoors and enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring new places. Thankfully my husband Jake is always up for a road trip or a new adventure. We also have a wonderful Manx cat named Teka who brings us lots of joy and laughs.

I did grow up in the medical field with my father being a dentist, and I spent the past two years managing a PT office in Washington. I love the small-office environment that these specialties allow for, and I am so happy to have found such a wonderful practice to work in here at Tessendorf – and to have the opportunity to experience chiropractic care firsthand! 

Ana Maxwell

I was born and raised in Cuba. My family and I came to the US when I was 15 years old, and it has been my mission to make the best of the “American Dream.” I have had the opportunity to advance my professional career in different industries, which has allowed me to learn and interact with many people of different backgrounds. For the last few years I have worked for developmental construction companies, which gave me the opportunity to travel to Alaska and enjoy such a beautiful place. 

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my family and friends. My husband Ryan and I, love to be outdoors and enjoy all kinds of activities such as hiking, fishing, golfing etc. I have two beautiful children, which keeps me busy for the most part; but I love to craft and make homemade products for my family. I am currently learning all about the soap making industry. 

I was 7 months pregnant when I started working for Tessendorf Family Chiropractic, and it has an amazing experience. Not only do I love working here, but I personally benefitted from chiropractic care during my pregnancy and post pregnancy. I especially cherished witnessing my new born baby getting adjusted just a few day after her birth. I can say without a doubt, this has been the best work experience by far. I love our patients and we are like a small family here, and I am looking forward to many years to come.

LeAnn Henkle

LeAnn Henkle

My first introduction to chiropractic care was in December of 2018. I knew nothing about it at that time, but I was desperate and several friends had suggested giving it a try. Dr Tom educated me, and helped me understand that chiropractic care is about reducing nerve irritation and improving nervous system function. I wish I had understood this decades before! 

Personally, regular chiropractic care has helped me with neuromas in my feet, ankle sprain recovery, back and neck pain, headaches, and even seasonal depression. I have seen so many positive changes – for myself, my family, and friends!  It is still amazing to me how many areas are impacted by chiropractic care.
 
Born and raised in the Sacramento area, our family visited Coeur d’Alene in 2002 and knew we had found the place we wanted to call home. In 2004 our dream came true and our family of 5 moved to rural property in Athol.  
 
In my time away from the office I enjoy a myriad of hobbies including: playing with my dogs, gardening, crochet, hiking with my husband and dogs, gaming, reading, kayaking, trail running, creating herbal remedies, motorcycle rides, and camping.

Did You Know

We Raised $2200 dollars for the Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation by running the CDA Marathon​