Meet our Team!

Teamwork makes the dreamwork.

Meet the individuals dedicated to giving your child the five-star cleaning experience they deserve!


  • dr antonio braithwaite
    Dr. Antonio S. Braithwaite
    Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

    Dr. Antonio S. Braithwaite (“Dr. Antonio”) grew up in New York City before coming to the Tar Heel State and receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while majoring in Public Health Nutrition.

    Following college Dr. Antonio attended dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with Honors. After completing Dental school, Dr. Antonio earned his Master of Public Health degree from the UNC School of Public Health while completing a three-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of North Carolina Children’s Hospital and the UNC School of Dentistry. Dr. Antonio is a member of the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.

    Outside the practice of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Antonio stays active and enjoys traveling, swimming, watching Tarheel sports, and spending time with his wife Mary, their three children, family, and friends.

  • Dr. Brandon Knockum Bio
    Dr. Brandon M. Knockum
    Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

    Dr. Brandon Knockum (“Dr. Brandon”) was born and raised in New Orleans, LA.

    Dr. Brandon earned his Bachelor’s degree with Honors from Morehouse College.  Following college, he moved to North Carolina to attend Dental School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in dental school Dr. Brandon participated in various organizations that provided dental care to underserved populations in NC and around the world. After graduating from dental school Dr. Brandon completed his training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

    In his free time, Dr. Brandon enjoys traveling, reading, watching football, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

  • Dr. Nicole Nelson Bio
    Dr. Nicole H. Nelson
    General Dentist

    Dr. Nicole H. Nelson (Dr. Nicole) is a native of Cleveland Ohio.

    Dr. Nicole earned her Bachelor's degree from Miami University in Oxford Ohio. After college, she attended Dental School and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency training program at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Nicole has a commitment to public health and she also has earned a Master of Public Health degree from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining us at SPD, for more than ten years, she served as dental director at a federally qualified health center and as a clinical instructor at CWRU. Dr. Nelson is a general dentist who enjoys restoring smiles. She will be exclusively treating our fast-growing teenage population who need adult dental care services.

  • dr anthony bio
    Dr. Anthony P. Brown Jr.
    Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist

    Dr. Anthony was born and raised in New York City.

    After high school, Dr. Anthony earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences at Howard University. Following college, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. For the first five years after dental school, Dr. Anthony treated patients of all ages as a general dentist in Newton Grove, NC, and Wake Forest, NC. During his time as a general dentist, Dr. Anthony realized that treating children is fun and energizing, so he decided to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Anthony completed his pediatric dentistry residency at East Carolina University and decided to join our awesome team at the beginning of July 2021.

    Dr. Anthony loves playing video games, superhero movies, grilling, fitness, nutrition, and best of all... spending time with his wife Taneisha.

  • dr chad bio
    Dr. Chad Hannibal
    Pediatric Dentist

    Dr. Chad Hannibal (Dr. Chad) is from Brooklyn, NY but grew up on the Caribbean Island of Grenada.

    He earned his bachelor's degree from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY. Following college, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the Meharry School of Dentistry in Tennessee.  Following dental school, he enrolled in his post-doctoral specialty training program in Pediatric Dentistry in Brooklyn N.Y.

  • Chat Bubble Icon
    Dr. Melanie Smith
    General Dentist

    Dr. Melanie Smith ('Dr. Melanie') was born and raised near Jacksonville, North Carolina, and grew up loving the beach. Because the rural town she grew up in had very few dentists, she was inspired to become a dentist at a young age.


    Dr. Melanie attended the University of North Carolina, earning her undergraduate degree in biology. She then furthered her education by studying at East Carolina University, Dr. Melanie Smith graduated with her DMD in 2018 and pursued her career in General Dentistry. During her time at university, Dr. Melanie worked in numerous volunteer programs and had the opportunity to work with the Special Olympics.


    When she isn't working to save smiles, Dr. Melanie can be found at the park with her four-legged gold retriever furbaby, or traveling to the beach to soak up some sun.

  • Jamie
    Jamie E. Martinez
    Front Administrative Manager

    My name is Jamie, I was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and at the age of 3, my family and I moved to California where I grew up there. When I was 10 my father got a really good job opportunity and that's when my parents made the decision to move the family to the little town of Sanford, in North Carolina. I graduated from Lee Senior High School and I also attended CCCC (Cosmetology School).

    During my free time, I love spending time with my daughters Hailey and Sophia.

  • Denise L Tovar Bio
    Denise L. Tovar
    Clinical Manager / Dental Assistant II

    My name is Denise, and I was born and raised in Panama, I moved to North Carolina at the age of 17.

    I have over 18 years of Dental experience including; adult dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. I enjoy life and feel truly grateful for my family, my daughter, my friends, and my work family. My hobbies include yoga, reading, and journaling.

  • madison cushman bio
    Madison O. Cushman
    Marketing & Operations Coordinator

    Originally hailing from Alaska, Madison's family was Military and they moved to North Carolina in '99 where she was raised. Madison was always artistic and attended Liberty University Online for Advertising and Graphic Design, additionally studying in their Fine Arts program. In her free time, Madison loves to spoil her two dogs, Monica, and Coco, play video games, and sew.

  • christina murray bio
    Christina Murray
    Lead Surgical Operations Coordinator / Dental Assistant II

    Christina was born in Fayetteville, NC.  She graduated from the CCCC Dental Assisting program in 2010.  Christina has worked for Sanford Pediatric Dentistry for 12 years and you may know her from the clinic or in the operating room.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and camping.

  • halie davis bio
    Halie Davis
    Lead Surgical Operations Coordinator / Dental Assistant II

    Hi, my name is Halie.  I was born and raised in NC.  I recently moved to the Sanford area.  I graduated from MCC in 2012 as a DA II.  I have been with Sanford Pediatric Dentistry for five years now.  I love going on trips, cooking, and spending time with my family, my husband, and our dog.

  • jeannie perez bio
    Jeannie G. Perez
    OR Coordinator & Front Office Assistant

    Jeannie was born in Mexico, but raised in Bear Creek, NC at a very young age. She attended CCCC in Sanford, NC for her CNA Certificate and is finishing her associate in science. She values spending time with her husband and family; enjoys reading, shopping, and walking her dog.

  • teresa morrison
    Teresa Morrison
    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Teresa was born and raised in Sanford, NC.  She graduated with honors from Central Carolina Community College with an Associate’s in Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2010.  Aside from work, she enjoys watching her two sons play baseball.  She has been married to her husband Jason for 17 years.  Teresa is currently learning to play Pickleball.

  • lizbeth vivas bio
    Lizbeth A. Vivas
    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Liz was born and raised in Sanford, NC.  She is a 2017 graduate from Central Carolina Community College where she received an Associates in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene.   When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband and family.  She is a huge traveler and loves going on walks with her dog Coco.

  • stephanie rodriguez bio
    Stephanie Rodriguez
    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Stephanie was born in Germany, and moved to North Carolina at a young age. Stephanie graduated with honors from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2017. Stephanie enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family.

  • katherine matthews bio
    Katherine Matthews
    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Katherine was born and raised in Bear Creek, NC. She graduated from UNC- Chapel Hill in 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene. Katherine enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

  • kristen martin bio
    Kristen Martin
    Dental Assistant II

    Kristen grew up as a North Carolina native in Yadkin County and attended Guilford Technical Community College. When Kristen isn't at work making little ones smile she is at home with her Chug (chihuahua/pug), Molly! You can find her most weekends at a tractor pull, race track, or ball game of sorts supporting her siblings.

  • dijanai baldwin bio
    Dijanai Baldwin
    Dental Assistant II

    Dijanai was born and raised in Sanford, NC. She began her career as a dental assistant in 2019. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her twin daughters and her family and friends.

  • brenda ocampo bio
    Brenda Ocampo
    Dental Assistant II

    Brenda is a North Carolina Native, raised in a small town called Robbins. She graduated MCC's Dental Assisting Program in 2023 and is excited to make headway in her career! When Brenda isn't at work she can be found spending time with her family; she also loves to shop at Sephora for palettes to compliment her bright personality.

  • christina-mireles
    Christina Mireles
    Dental Assistant I

    Hello, my name is Cristina Mireles. I was born and raised in Sanford, NC. I graduated from the Accelerated Dental Academy in Raleigh, NC with a Dental Assisting Certification. I enjoy going out with friends, dancing, and getting my makeup done. I love to visit my family in Monterrey nuevo Leon, Mexico.

  • lisset noguez bio
    Lisset Noguez
    Front Office Assistant

    Lisset is a young lady from a small town with big dreams and a huge heart! Lisset was born and raised in Robbins, NC.  She is a huge Harry Potter fan. Her favorite hobbies consist of reading, shopping, and Starbucks runs. Lisset’s favorite moments in life are spent with her husband, family, and fur babies.

  • rosa izquierdo bio
    Rosa A. Izquierdo
    Front Office Assistant

    Rosa was born and raised in Sanford, NC. Rosa graduated from Lee County High School. Go Jackets! Rosa loves her job and enjoys putting a smile on people’s faces.  Rosa likes to spend her free time by hanging out with her family, friends, and dog.

  • brenda santos bio
    Brenda L. Santos
    Front Office Assistant

    Brenda was born in Los Angeles, CA. When she was 13 her family moved to Sanford, NC. Brenda graduated from Lee Senior High School and proceeded to go to CCCC where she got her cosmetology license. Later she moved to Houston, TX where she resided for twelve years before moving back to be closer to family.  She has three kids whom she loves. Brenda enjoys spending time with her family, going shopping, and going to the mountains.

  • kimberly zuniga bio
    Kimberly Zuniga
    Front Office Assistant

    Kimberly was born in Pinehurst, NC but raised in Robbins, NC.  She graduated from North Moore High School in 2019.  She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies.   She also enjoys shopping, going out to eat, and working here at SPD.

  • micaela terrones bio
    Micaela Terrones
    Front Office Assistant

    Micael was born and raised in North Carolina.   She currently resides in Sanford with her family,  she has two beautiful sons.  In her spare time she enjoy spending time with her family,  going to the park,  shopping and trying new things.

  • veronica mondragon bio
    Veronica Mondragon
    Front Office Assistant

    Veronica was born in Mexico but raised in California.  She has been living in NC for 20 years.  Veronica has been working in the Dentistry field since 2002 as a Dental Assistant and now with us as a Front Office Assistant for seven years.  She enjoys spending time with her children and baking.

  • michelle cruz bio
    Michelle V. Cruz
    Front Office Assistant

    Michelle was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.  She grew up in Miami, Florida before she moved to Camp LeJeune, North Carolina in 2009 with her six children.  Now she resides in Harnett County with her children, her cat, and her dog. Michelle has a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from Miami-Dade Community College. In her spare time, she volunteers at her children’s school.  She enjoys spending every minute she can with her children.  She loves being supportive and helping others achieve their goals.  She loves working with SPD and always has a warm and welcoming smile on her face.

Our Location

Hours of Operation

Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed