Meet the Lihue Team at Garden Island Dental

Dr. Chris Godla

Education and Experience

Dr. Chris Godla brings over a decade of dental experience to our team, combining a strong academic foundation with a genuine passion for patient care. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, he pursued his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 2013, followed by advanced training through an AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) program at Lutheran Medical Center in 2014.

Dr. Godla began his dental career in 2013 at a public health center in Keaau, Hawaii, where he developed his commitment to serving the community through comprehensive dental care. What initially drew him to dentistry was the opportunity to blend scientific knowledge with hands-on craftsmanship, and this approach continues to drive Dr. Godla’s commitment to patient care today.

Patient Care Philosophy

For Dr. Godla, the most rewarding aspect of his practice is the satisfaction that comes from helping someone achieve better oral health and confidence in their smile. He takes equal pride in creating a positive work environment for his team, understanding that exceptional patient care stems from a collaborative and supportive practice culture.

Life Outside the Office

When he's not helping his patients, Dr. Godla embraces Hawaii's natural beauty through his love of water sports, including surfing, foil surfing, stand-up paddle surfing, and longboarding. He also enjoys the challenge of big wave surfing at Hanalei Bay and is an avid hiker. What many patients might find surprising is that Dr. Godla studied English literature as an undergraduate and continues to enjoy the theater.

Holly

Dental Hygienist

Holly joined Garden Island Dental in 2023, bringing nearly two decades of dental hygiene experience that began in 2006. After completing her education in Riverside, California, she was drawn to the dental field by a simple but powerful desire to help people improve their health and well-being. This motivation continues to drive her approach to patient care today.

As our dental hygienist, Holly provides comprehensive preventive care through thorough hygiene exams, gum measurements, professional cleanings, and x-rays. What she finds most rewarding about her role is the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships with patients, getting to know them as individuals while helping them maintain optimal oral health. Her gentle approach and genuine care create a comfortable environment where patients feel valued and understood.

When she's not caring for patients, Holly enjoys the peaceful moments that come from reading and spending time at Kauai's beautiful beaches. She's dedicated to raising her three wonderful young daughters, balancing motherhood with her professional commitments. What might surprise many patients is that Holly has an adventurous side and enjoys the thrill of dirt bike riding!

Lea

Dental Hygienist

Lea's compassion for helping others led her to pursue dental hygiene at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2003. Her academic excellence was recognized through her role as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, demonstrating her commitment to learning and leadership. She became the newest member of our team in 2024, bringing over two decades of dental hygiene experience to Garden Island Dental.

What sets Lea apart is her ability to provide patient care in a calm, reassuring manner, helping patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their appointments. She particularly values the collaborative nature of dental practice, finding great satisfaction in working through challenges as part of a cohesive team. This team-oriented approach ensures that each patient receives comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to their individual needs.

Outside the dental office, Lea channels her adventurous spirit into planning exciting vacations to explore new destinations around the world. Her love for adventure is also evident here at home, where she has hiked extensively across the island, discovering hidden trails and breathtaking views.

Pua

Dental Assistant

Born and raised on Kauai, Pua joined our dental family in 2020, having built a long career in dentistry that began in the early 1990s. Her journey into the dental field started when a close personal friend, who was also a dental assistant, encouraged her to give it a try. What began as a friendly suggestion became a lifelong passion for helping others achieve better oral health.

Pua provides comprehensive chairside assistance, supporting patient care through scanning, impressions, surgical procedures, and maintaining our sterilization standards. Beyond her technical skills, she's known for bringing a naturally calming presence to our practice, helping patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits. What she treasures most about her role is working alongside like-minded team members who share her dedication to serving the community where she was born and raised.

Outside the office, Pua is deeply connected to Hawaiian culture through her love of hula, a passion she now shares with her granddaughter, inspiring the next generation to continue in her hula halau. She cherishes time spent at the beach with family, embracing the island lifestyle that has shaped her throughout her life. As one of four sisters, Pua values the importance of family bonds and brings that same sense of ohana to her relationships with patients and colleagues.

Tammy

Office Manager

Tammy brings over four decades of dental experience to our team, having started her career in the early 1980s with a simple motivation: a willingness to help people. As one of the founding team members when Garden Island Dental opened in 2020, she has been instrumental in establishing our practice's commitment to serving the local Kauai community. Educated right here on the island of Kauai, Tammy understands the unique needs and culture of our community.

As our office manager, Tammy oversees patient scheduling, insurance processing, and check-in and check-out procedures, but her role extends far beyond administrative tasks. She takes special pride in helping patients navigate insurance complexities and finding pathways to make dental treatment affordable and accessible. Her favorite aspect of working in dentistry is helping our local community improve their oral health, and she approaches each patient interaction with genuine care and understanding.

When she's not helping patients at the office, Tammy enjoys bargain hunting and exploring new destinations through travel. She also has a keen interest in designing and completing her forever home. What might surprise many patients is that Tammy loves baseball!

Kaleo

Front Desk

Kaleo's willingness to serve others has been the driving force behind her career in dentistry, which began in 2003. After completing her education at Molokai High School, she discovered her passion for helping patients navigate their dental care journey. She joined our Garden Island Dental ohana in 2024, bringing over two decades of experience in patient service and practice coordination.

At our front desk, Kaleo plays a vital role in helping schedule appointments and ensuring patients receive the care they need. What she finds most rewarding about her position is the opportunity to get to know each patient personally, building genuine connections that make every visit feel welcoming and comfortable. Her warm personality and attention to detail help create the positive first impression that sets the tone for our patients' entire experience.

When she's not welcoming patients to our practice, Kaleo enjoys the outdoor lifestyle that Hawaii offers, embracing activities such as camping, dirt bike riding, fishing, and beachgoing. What patients may not know is that she spent a semester as an exchange student in Japan, broadening her cultural perspective and appreciation for diverse communities.