our doctors
Dr. Mara (Austrins) Matison was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is a graduate of Comstock High School, where she excelled in academics and athletics. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Villanova University in 1995, where she also played Division I volleyball. In 2001, Mara received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Detroit Mercy Dental School. She has been a dentist for Austrins Family Dentistry for over 20 years. She is a long standing member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Kalamazoo Valley Dental Association. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two lovely daughters. Prior to having children, Dr. Matison authored over 13 gluten-free guides and cookbooks. Her hobbies include traveling, acrylic painting, playing volleyball, swimming, interior design/house renovation, and organic gardening. She is fluent in both English and Latvian. Dr. Matison is passionate about making her patients’ smiles beautiful, while providing a comfortable relaxing environment for them.
Dr. Mikelis Austrins immigrated to the United States in 1950 after fleeing Latvia with his family during WWII. He has lived in southwest Michigan for most of his life. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in1966, while also playing Division I tennis for the Broncos. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Michigan in1970. He then served as a captain in the United States Army in Fulda, Germany while working as a dentist. In 1972, he took over Austrins Family Dentistry from his mother Dr. Emilija Austrins. He is a long standing member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Kalamazoo Valley Dental Association. After 50 years of working as a dentist, Dr. Mikelis Austrins has recently turned over the practice to his daughter, Dr. Mara Matison. He is now enjoying organic gardening and spending time with his 4 grandchildren, 2 daughters and wife of 57 years. He is fluent in English, Latvian and German.
Dr. Emilija Austrins (b.1914 - d.1972), graduated from University of Latvia Dental School in Riga, Latvia in 1934. She was a dentist in Latvia until her family immigrated to the United States in the 1950’s. In order to practice dentistry in the USA, she attended and graduated the University of Pittsburg Dental School. In 1957, she established Austrins Family Dentistry. Emilija was a hard working and loving person. She had 5 children and welcomed everyone into her life. A lucky few of the Austrins Family Dentistry patients have been part of all three generations of dentists.