Our Dedicated Team
The Heart of Healing with Hyperbarics
Welcome to Healing With Hyperbarics. Here, you'll meet a team of professionals who are at the forefront of utilizing oxygen-powered treatments to help you heal. Our highly trained staff are dedicated to applying hyperbaric oxygen therapy with care and precision. Get to know the individuals whose expertise and compassion make a real difference in the lives of those seeking better health and recovery.
Daphne Denham, MD FACS FACCWS - Clinic Founder and Medical Director
After completing medical school at University of Louisville, in her home state of Kentucky, Dr. Daphne Denham trained as a general surgeon at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, Florida.
She was fortunate to have six children and her surgical career took on a focus in wound care and hyperbaric medicine after a few years out of medicine to enjoy her children.
While seeing what hyperbaric oxygen treatments could do for various conditions, at the same time watching her children participating in sports, Dr. Denham developed an interest in concussions. In 2015 she was able to add hyperbaric chambers to her private practice of wound care and her passion for treating concussions truly began. Seeing firsthand with one of her daughters how quickly her concussion resolved, Dr. Denham has spent the last 9 years working out various protocols and collecting objective data, to try to change the standard of care for concussions.
In 2018 she met Gary Tharaldson which allowed her second clinic, Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota, to open in Fargo, ND. Both clinics provide the only treatment for concussions currently available, and they have the data to prove it.
Menley – Clinic Director and Certified Hyperbaric Technician
Menley is the Clinic Director at Healing With Hyperbarics of North Dakota. With over five years of experience in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, she brings a blend of management skills and technical expertise to the clinic. Although originally from Chicago, where she started her journey in hyperbarics, she moved to Fargo in January 2021 and has since been an integral part of our team here.
Her academic background in neuroscience sparked a deep fascination with the brain's intricate workings. This passion aligns perfectly with her role at Healing With Hyperbarics, where she witnesses the remarkable capabilities of hyperbaric oxygen in repairing and rejuvenating the brain. She is particularly excited about the research the clinic conducts, as it challenges the boundaries of conventional medicine and highlights the potential of hyperbaric oxygen as a transformative treatment.
What truly inspires her daily is the diversity of patients they serve. She says, ”It's a joy to see individuals from all walks of life discover the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.”
Outside the clinic, she enjoys exploring the vibrant Fargoland community, which has warmly welcomed her and continually adds to her wonderful experiences here. “The people in this community are unlike anywhere else I have lived. I am so lucky to be a member of this wonderful community. To be able to serve them with the work we do at the clinic is unparalleled to anything I have been a part of before.”
Tanner – Safety Director and Certified Hyperbaric Technician
Tanner, a dedicated member of the team at Healing With Hyperbarics, serves as the Safety Director and a Certified Hyperbaric Technician. His role encompasses a range of responsibilities, from assisting patients in preparing for their hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to meticulously monitoring their vitals and well-being throughout the treatment. Tanner also ensures accurate documentation of patients' symptoms and progress.
Away from the clinic, Tanner's world revolves around fantasy literature and the latest TV shows. He also enjoys spending quality time with his dog, Riku. One of the most rewarding aspects of Tanner's work is witnessing the remarkable recovery of children with concussion symptoms. He finds being part of their healing process and seeing them return to their normal, vibrant selves in just a matter of days both amazing and inspiring. Tanner reflects, "It's incredible to be part of a journey that has such a profound impact on the lives of our patients, especially the children.”
Jen – Assistant Safety Director and Certified Hyperbaric Technician
Jen, the Assistant Safety Director at Healing With Hyperbarics of North Dakota since 2022, began her journey with the clinic in 2018 and became a certified Hyperbaric Technician in 2019. In addition to her role at the clinic, she has served as a medic in the National Guard since 2015. Outside of work, Jen enjoys exploring the outdoors, weightlifting, and spending time with her golden retriever-black lab mix, Thorsaurus Rex.
Her passion for hyperbaric oxygen therapy is deeply rooted in both personal and professional experiences. In 2019, following open hip surgery, Jen experienced the significant benefits of hyperbaric treatment firsthand, enhancing her pain management and allowing an earlier cessation of pain medication than her Mayo Clinic doctors anticipated. This personal healing journey has solidified her belief in the power of hyperbaric therapy. Jen reflects, "Experiencing the benefits of hyperbaric therapy personally has given me a unique perspective and a deeper commitment to our patients' care."
Jen is also dedicated to working with veterans, a commitment stemming from her service in the National Guard. She finds it incredibly rewarding to aid fellow veterans in improving their quality of life through hyperbaric treatments. She has witnessed numerous veterans experience significant life improvements, which she finds both inspiring and affirming of the treatments' efficacy. Jen believes, "Helping veterans through hyperbaric therapy is not just a job; it's a way to continue serving and giving back to those who have served our country.”
Nate – Assistant Safety Director and Certified Hyperbaric Technician
Nathan, known as Nate, serves as the Assistant Safety Director and a Hyperbaric Technician at Healing With Hyperbarics of North Dakota, joining the team in October 2018. His journey in emergency medical services extends beyond the clinic, as he also serves as a full-time paramedic with County Emergency Medical Services. Nate's path to this role began immediately after high school when he became an EMT-B, a certification he has held for over fifteen years. His commitment to emergency care led him back to college four years ago to become a paramedic, a dedication further honed during his time in the United States Marine Corps, from which he was honorably discharged in 2007.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Nate's work at the clinic is collaborating with fellow veterans. He finds witnessing the transformative impact of hyperbaric therapy on their lives profoundly rewarding. Nate shares, "Working with veterans at the clinic allows me to continue the camaraderie and support that are so vital in our military community. It's an honor to contribute to their well-being."
Nellie – Hyperbaric Technician
Donelle, who prefers to be called Nellie or Nell, is a dedicated hyperbaric technician at Healing With Hyperbarics. Her role is crucial in ensuring each patient's comfort and safety during their hyperbaric oxygen therapy journey. Nellie's responsibilities include conducting initial vital checks, assisting patients in getting comfortably settled in the chamber, and helping them choose the perfect show to watch during their treatment. She also answers questions and guides patients through their entire chamber experience.
Nellie's path to becoming a hyperbaric technician began with obtaining her EMT license, fueled by a growing interest in the field of hyperbarics. She finds witnessing the profound impact of the treatments on patients, especially children with concussions, incredibly fulfilling. Nellie remarks, "Seeing the transformation in our patients, particularly children, is a powerful reminder of why I am passionate about hyperbaric therapy. It's about making a real difference in their lives."
Andy – Certified Hyperbaric Technician, Community Lead
Andy's journey has been quite an adventure, transitioning from an Engineering Major at UND to pursuing an Associates Degree in Paramedicine at NDSCS. At Healing With Hyperbarics, he stands by the chamber side as an EMT-B and a Certified Hyperbaric Technician. Outside the clinic, Andy's life is dynamic, involving quality time with his dog, woodworking projects, and outdoor activities. He is also a self-proclaimed Netflix connoisseur.
Andy's passion for Hyperbaric Medicine was ignited by the remarkable and immediate results it delivers. He finds witnessing the transformative power of just a few hours in the chamber awe-inspiring. Andy shares, "Being part of a process that has positively changed thousands of lives is a privilege. It's amazing to see how a few hours in the chamber can make such a significant difference."
Rachel - Certified Hyperbaric Technician
Rachel, who joined Healing with Hyperbarics in 2023, is a Certified Hyperbaric Technician with a background as a certified EMT. Her introduction to hyperbaric therapy was not just professional but also personal, stemming from her own experience as a patient.
An outdoor enthusiast, Rachel spends her time away from work engaging in various activities such as camping, hiking, playing sports, and enjoying bonfires. She also has a passion for music, playing the piano, singing, and dabbling in guitar.
Rachel's journey into hyperbaric therapy began following a car accident, which led her to seek treatment for a concussion. The immediate relief and healing she experienced from hyperbaric therapy played a crucial role in her recovery and subsequently influenced her career path.
In her role as a technician, Rachel values the personal connections she forms with her patients. She finds joy in the regular interactions, getting to know them, and observing their progress through their treatment journey. Reflecting on this aspect of her work, Rachel says, "Connecting with my patients and seeing their improvement over time is incredibly rewarding. It's these personal interactions and positive changes that make my work so fulfilling."