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
CHRIS | Registered Dental Hygienist
Chris is an integral part of our hygiene team! She is a graduate of Indiana University of South Bend, who returned to teach hygiene to up and coming students but also proceeded to upgrade her degree to a bachelor’s in dental hygiene in 2023. She brings over 20 years of knowledge, experience, and kindness to our office environment. She is a native of Indiana but has come to love the commute to Michigan having lived on the state line for many years. When not immersed in dental hygiene, Chris enjoys golfing, riding e-bikes, boating, and many other outdoor activities. Chris is committed to enhancing lives and empowering her patients! She is a veteran of her craft and loves to continue learning and expand her knowledge to her patients in the most caring and positive way.
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
ASHLEY JENSEN / Dental Assistant
Meet Ashley, one of our newest dental team members! Originally from Stevensville, Ashley graduated from Lakeshore High School in 2006 and pursued her interest in dentistry at Lake Michigan College in 2018. When she's not assisting patients, Ashley enjoys exploring the outdoors through adventures like kayaking, camping, and hiking. When she is not in office, you can find her indulging in her favorite restaurants, The Bait Shop in North Valparaiso and Farina's in Michigan City! At home, Ashley cherishes time spent with her boyfriend, Zack and their kiddos, Rodney, Carson, Alli, and Leo. Her family also loves to spend time with their cute cats, Astro and Charlie. With her warm demeanor and dedication to patient care, Ashley looks forward to making each visit to our practice a welcoming and positive experience. Don’t forget to say hello the next time you see her!
Meet Anna, one of our newest additions to the Modern Dentistry Associates team! She recently graduated in April 2024 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and is stepping into the world of dentistry with enthusiasm and dedication. As she applies to dental school, Anna looks forward to gaining as much knowledge as possible and making a positive impact in dentistry. Hailing from Buchanan, and growing up in Edwardsburg, she holds fond memories of family dinners at Red Arrow Roadhouse followed by beach walks in Union Pier. With a passion for sports and outdoor activities like rowing, running, swimming, weight lifting, and fishing, Anna embraces an active lifestyle. Family time with her parents, sister Cameron, and boyfriend Daniel, along with their cat Cleo, brings her joy and fulfillment. Beyond her professional goals, she likes to go boating with her friends and reading good books. Be sure to stop in and say hi to her at your next visit!
ANNA CLEVELAND / Dental Assistant | Front Desk
SYDNEY KELLER / Front Desk
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!