Meet our Dentists!
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 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 H. Nelson
General Dentist
Dr. Nicole H. Nelson (Dr. Nicole) is a native of Cleveland Ohio. Dr. Nicole earned her Bachelors 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 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.
Meet our Coordinators!
Jamie E. Martinez
Front Administrative Manager
My name is Jamie, I was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala 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 & I also attended CCCC (Cosmetology School.) During my free time I love spending time with my daughter's Hailey & Sophia.
Denise L. Martinez
Clinical Manager / Dental Assistant II
My name is Denise, and I was born and raised in Panama and 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 O. Cushman
Marketing and 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
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
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 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.
Meet our Dental Team!
Teresa Morrison
Registered Dental Hygienist
Teresa was born and raised in Sanford, NC. She graduated with honors for 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 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
Registered Dental Hygienist
Stephanie was born in Germany, 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
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.
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.
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, getting my makeup done and I love to visit my family in Monterrey nuevo leon, Mexico.
Meet our Front Office!
Lisset Noguez
Front Office Assistant
Lisset is young lady from a small town but 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 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 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
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
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
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 V. Cruz
Front Office Assistant
Michelle was born in 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 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.
