Our Staff
Nancy Kietzer, Registered Dental Assistant
Born and raised in Benton Harbor, Nancy graduated from St. Joe High School in 1972 and received her RDA/CDA from Lake Michigan College in 1974. She has been working in dentistry ever since and has been the primary dental assistant at Modern Dentistry Associates since 1989. Nancy has witnessed the tremendous changes in dentistry over the past few decades. As techniques, materials, and instrumentation improved over the years, Nancy learned new skills, and applies them with great skill. As a Registered Dental Assistant, Nancy is exposed to many dental procedures, an aspect of her job that she really likes. Having been a Registered Dental Assistant for over 35 years, Nancy is now a lifetime member of the American Dental Assistant Society, the Michigan Dental Assistant Society, and the Lakeland Valley Dental Assistant Society. She and her husband, Dave, enjoy target shooting and riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle, and are devoted caretakers of their mothers.
Chad Kalkman, Personal Assistant
Chad grew up in Holland, Michigan, graduating from Holland High in 1986. He studied at the College International de Cannes, majoring in Art History and French. He also studied at the University of Michigan, majoring in Specialized Economic Studies, and he received his BA in Economics from Gordon College, where he was Coordinator of Student Ministries for English as a Second Language. For two decades, he owned and operated Artisan Homes Builders in Holland, Michigan, where he purchased and developed properties, designed and built homes, as well as managed construction projects. In 2009, he moved to St. Joseph. A devoted father to his two young sons, Chad can often be found playing with them at the beach and at local attractions. In addition, he serves as a Reading Dad at their school, and he is involved with their scouting activities. Chad also completed the Florida Ironman competition in 2001, as well as several marathons, including the Boston Marathon once and the Chicago Marathon seven times. He has backpacked and snorkeled around the world, including the Middle East, Europe, Central America, as well as North America. Chad brings a wealth of experience to Modern Dentistry, serving in many capacities.
April Nitz, RDH
Born and raised in Baroda, April’s family once farmed the land that Modern Dentistry Associates now occupies. For years she didn’t smile, and she covered her mouth with her hand, masking the fact that many of her natural teeth did not develop. It was not until her late teens that she was finally able to go through orthodontics to straighten her teeth. Once the braces came off, April received her first set of porcelain veneers to make her teeth look better. No longer embarrassed by her teeth, April began smiling for the first time in her life. The impact on her was so profound that April decided she wanted to go into the dental field. She has been the primary hygienist at Modern Dentistry Associates since 1998, and is proficient in performing Soft Tissue Management as well as Laser Periodontal Therapy. Her skill has resulted in a huge, measurable improvement in the oral health of the patients of Modern Dentistry Associates. In her free time, April is actively involved in the local Elks lodge.
Joy Zavoral, Patient Coordinator
From the age of 12 to the age of 22, Joy worked along side her mother at The Chickhaven Restaurant in St. Joseph, where she learned and honed her hospitality skills dealing with people. In 1994, Joy was hired by Dr. Erickson to serve in the capacity of patient coordinator. She feels fortunate to have found a career that allows her to balance both of her passions: helping people by providing a higher-than-expected level of service and being able to spend quality hours with her family. Treating people how she would want to be treated has always been a priority for her, and she is happy to be able to work in an environment which not only encourages that behavior but practices it as well. Joy and her husband, John have two daughters. In her free time, Joy enjoys spending time with her family and gardening.
Kim Edinger, Registered Dental Hygienist
Kim graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1974 and received her training in dental hygiene from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, graduating in 1978 She has been a hygienist since 1978, and she has also witnessed the vast improvement in dental treatment over the years. Having first worked for Dr. Erickson in 1998, Kim is now back seeing patients at Modern Dentistry Associates. She enjoys working at Modern Dentistry Associates where she has adequate time allotted to see her patients in order to best care for their teeth and gums. Kim has two grown daughters, and, in her free time, she enjoys walking the beech, reading, yoga, and gardening.