A WARM WELCOME TO
We don’t take it lightly that you chose Modern Dentistry Associates as your St. Joseph dentist. Every patient we collectively care for enters into a family, a lifelong partnership for optimal oral health. We’ve equipped our office with some of the industry’s most advanced dental technology and a highly talented team of very skilled dental professionals. Every smile service we provide is backed by true compassion and a one-of-a-kind attention to detail to give you the best solution possible to address your concerns and exceed your smile dreams.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE • COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE • COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE • COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE • COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE • COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE • COMMITTED TO EXCELL
Meet
the Owner
DR. ANDREA GODAWA
Andrea Godawa D.D.S. was born and raised in Coloma, Michigan, graduating from Coloma High School. Already with a goal of becoming a dentist, Dr. Godawa went on to attend Valparaiso University with a pre dental focus, and competed on the women’s Division I volleyball team. Over breaks from school, Dr. Godawa was given the opportunity to work alongside former founder of Modern Dentistry Associates, Dr. Sven Erickson. This time spent with him and his patients only solidified her love and passion for dental care in St. Joseph, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science from Valparaiso and then she later earned her dental credentials from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2015. Upon graduation from the University of Michigan, she aspired to return home with an interest in aiding those in underserved communities. With that in mind, Dr. Godawa began her career at the Van Buren and Cass District Health Department and spent 6 years mastering her skills. Looking for the opportunity to own her own practice and continue the legacy of Modern Dentistry Associates, she purchased the practice from Dr. Erickson in 2023. Always with a desire to learn and develop, Dr. Godawa has spent well over 100+ hours in continuing education at the Las Vegas Institute for Dental Studies, Spear Education, and with the AAFE. Outside of the office, Dr. Godawa enjoys spending time with her family: husband Stephen, son, Brooks, and daughters, Avery and Camryn. The family loves taking trips to the local beaches and spending time being outdoors. When she’s not with the family, there’s nothing she enjoys more than a good book.
I played Division I Volleyball at Valparaiso University
I love to mountain bike, paddle board, and spend time outdoors with my family
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
Listening to the waves crash at the beach, while reading a good book
I GET LOST IN
Eating breakfast at the Mason Jar Cafe
MY GUILTY PLEASURE IS
FUN FACT
YOUR TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS • YOUR TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS • YOUR TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS • YOUR TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS • YOUR TEAM OF
Meet
the Team
KARA BALDWIN / Registered Dental Hygienist
Kara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Grand Valley State University in 2007 and has an Associates in Dental Hygiene from Harper College after graduating in 2013. Kara’s love for learning didn’t stop there; she also has post-graduate training that consists of 36 credit hours every three years in dental hygiene subjects mostly obtained from the Midwinter Dental Conference held in Chicago. This allows her to get up-to-date information on the latest and greatest that dentistry has to offer. While obtaining continuing education credits, Kara can greatly expand her dental knowledge from year to year and then apply that at the office. She says it’s a real perk of living close to Chicago! As our lead Dental Hygienist, she’s responsible for performing cleanings, scaling and root planing, x-rays, oral cancer screenings, oral hygiene instructions, scheduling recare appointments, ordering products for the office, monthly reporting of treatment acceptance for both new patients as well as existing patients, and maintaining a professional work environment. Kara loves welcoming new patients to the office and building on relationships with current patients while also making people feel comfortable. Outside of the office, Kara loves to exercise, cook, camp, and spend time with her husband Mike and two young kiddos, Olivia and Evelyn. She also loves going to her favorite restaurant in Southwest MI — the Red Arrow Roadhouse in Union Pier because they consistently deliver great food and even better cocktails.
A graduate of Coloma High School, Shannon earned an Associates Degree in Dental Assisting from Lake Michigan College, obtaining both her Certificate Dental Assisting License and Registered Dental Assisting License. After working many years as a dental assistant, Shannon decided to return to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science Dental Hygiene. She obtained her Registered Dental Hygiene License with Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Administration. Shannon then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science Dental Hygiene at Siena Heights University. Shannon is a Registered Dental Instructor at Lake Michigan College. In her free time, she enjoys photography and spending time with family and friends.
SHANNON HEIGLE / Registered Dental Hygienist
MARISSA SWAB / Registered Dental Hygienist
Meet Marissa, one of our outstanding hygienists. Marissa is a graduate of Lansing Community College. She started her dental career in 2019 and has been a part of the Modern Dentistry Associates team since August 2021. Her passion for the dental industry is truly inspiring, and she loves building relationships with her patients and helping educate them about their oral health. When you have an appointment with Marissa, among the many things she’ll be responsible for are performing oral cancer screenings, taking x-rays, and performing your dental cleanings and scalings to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. She describes herself as kind, compassionate, caring, and driven, traits patients can see during their appointments. Outside of work, Marissa loves spending time with her husband, Matt, and their three children. She enjoys being active outdoors and you’ll catch her supporting her children at their sporting events. If Marissa didn’t have her rewarding career in dentistry, she would help with her family’s business, a local insurance company, and travel extensively.
Megan is our skilled and passionate registered dental assistant who has been in the dental industry for over 21 years. She received her education from Lake Michigan College, and since then, dental assisting has become her passion. As an integral part of our team, Megan assists Dr. Godawa and is responsible for explaining procedures to patients, following up with them, managing lab cases, and performing in-office whitening procedures. She loves working for Dr. Godawa and alongside her co-workers, who all share a passion for providing patients with the highest level of care using modern technology. When she’s not in the office, Megan loves spending time with her husband, Brad, and their three children (two at home and one grown), watching her kids play hockey and softball, raising three bunnies, and camping. In fact, if she weren’t working at Modern Dentistry Associates, she would love to live in a cabin in the woods in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Megan is always on the hunt for a restaurant with good burgers. So if you see Megan at your next visit, be sure to ask her about her latest burger discovery or her favorite camping spot!
MEGAN WAHL / Registered Dental Assistant
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KARNA JOHNSON / Dental Assistant/Front Desk
Karna is our multi-talented dental assistant who also works at the front desk. She graduated from Western Washington University with a biochemistry degree, but it was in our office where Dr. Godawa trained her as a dental assistant. Karna learned everything she knows about dentistry from Dr. Godawa, and it shows in her work. She’s so inspired by her mentor that she’s currently applying to dental schools. At the front desk, Karna checks patients in and out of their appointments and helps with insurance questions. But her responsibilities don’t end there; she also assists with dental procedures. Karna is passionate about dentistry and loves helping patients and celebrating their successes. Karna enjoys being outside when she’s not in the office, especially hiking and playing with her dog. She loves to play golf and go to the beach in the summer. Karna is also quite the musician and loves playing the piano. You might even spot her at River St. Joe, where she can be found enjoying the food, drinks, and atmosphere. Say hello to Karna at your next visit, she’s always ready to assist you with a smile!
Laura has been around our office for many years, since she was our patient for about 10 years before she graduated from Lake Michigan College and joined our team. She’s always had an interest in the dental industry, so she loves how our busy office makes dental health a priority, rather just having a revolving door of cleanings like some dental offices do. She also loves our advanced level of equipment that is used to get our patients the treatments that they need with less time and more accuracy. You’ll talk to Laura about scheduling appointments and making financial arrangements, but she also wants to get to know you personally and help you achieve your smile goals. Outside of work, she loves having dinners out with her husband Pete and her kids, Eliana and Amara, especially at Coaches or Ryebelles. She also enjoys traveling, decorating, playing with Brody, the family German Shepherd, and believe it or not, organizing.
LAURA BILIONIS / Front Desk
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CAMALIN NORMANDIN / Front Desk
A graduate of Ross Medical Education Center, Camalin earned her certification in Dental Assisting where she learned clinical and administrative skills relevant to the dental office. She has been working in the dental field since 2018, and is our friendly face and voice at the front desk. Camalin started her career in dentistry as a general dentist assistant, however, her interest in the dental field started much earlier. She credits the dental office she visited while growing up as sparking her love for dentistry. Being a part of the team at Modern Dentistry Associates only enhances the passion she has for dentistry. Camalin loves being able to help people find confidence in their smiles which she says is easy to do with such a caring and welcoming team and relaxing atmosphere. When not in the office, Camalin drops some beats by playing bass guitar for her church. She enjoys being outdoors – going hiking and kayaking when she can. She also enjoys visiting farmers markets, curling up with a good book, and creating all types of art. If you’re out and about, you might even run into Camalin at Tim’s Too or at the ballpark during baseball season.
As the newest member to our team, Sydney is diving into the world of dentistry. Despite being a novice to the field, she is eagerly absorbing all there is to know. Her favorite aspect of dentistry thus far is witnessing patients’ confidence bloom through their smiles. Whether welcoming you with a warm grin at the front desk or offering assistance over the phone, Sydney is one of the friendly faces you’ll encounter as soon as you step through the door. Since graduating from Saint Joseph High School in 2020, she has been embracing life’s adventures. She recently transferred from the University of Kentucky to Siena Heights University to be closer to family and begin her path in her professional career. When she is not at work, you can find her at Oaks Eatery in Three Oaks enjoying all the delicious breakfast food. During the summer she likes to lay out at the beach soaking up some rays, creating memories with her family, or chasing around her canine companion, Louie. Be sure to tell her hi during your next visit!
SYDNEY KELLER / Front Desk
