Meet the Southlake Team
Alexandra
I was born in Ecuador, South America; my family and I moved to New York City in 1980. I started working in dentistry when I was 15 years old and continued to work in the dental field while attending college. Dental assisting has given me the opportunities to work in many different dental specialties, as well as having my own dental lab while living in California. I love working with children because it is so rewarding to see them smile!
My husband and I have had the pleasure of living in many different states. I am so glad that I can call Southlake Pediatric Dentistry my home.
Carolina
I have been working at South Lake Pediatric Dentistry since May 2021, starting in the front desk area doing basic tasks to keep the area with a good flow and running smoothly. Now I am getting more into verifying insurance information and eligibilities for patients. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and my Father (+) used to travel a lot with IBM of Venezuela, all throughout North and South America, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, among other countries. My parents decided to come to United States about 40 years ago. We first came to Miami, Florida from Venezuela, where I went to Miami-Dade Community College and I used to baby sit for many families to widen my already learned English language. I enjoy spending time with kids of all ages, because I learn a lot from them. As I grew wiser, I decided to move to Charlotte, NC over 18 years ago in search of being closer to Nature since I feel very connected with it. Also, I wanted to be more in the countryside than anything else in order to fulfill my dreams, since horses and cows are my favorite animals. I am very good with my hands and mind, which is why I really enjoy doing arts and crafts, playing different musical instruments, and working with plants. I also do meditation every day, especially Agnihotra. I enjoy reading and I still go to the public library and get paper books from it. I enjoy swimming every time that I have a chance, and even though I enjoy pools, I prefer to be in the ocean if I had a choice. I worked in the medical field when I was in Florida and in North Carolina for both, adults and children, and I value the family of South Lake Pediatric Dentistry since every member here is dedicated and considerate for the benefits of others, especially the patients. I like to help others and take care of people.
Crystal
I was born in Norwich, Connecticut. My family and I moved to Florida and lived there for 24 years. I moved to the Charlotte area about eight years ago. I have always loved the dental field so I decided to pursue it in 2006 and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. I have always enjoyed working with children so when the opportunity came to work at South Lake Pediatric Dentistry, I was very pleased. I enjoy how children express themselves, their honesty, and being able to share the Tooth Fairy with them.
My other passion is cooking and creating my own recipes. I also enjoy gardening and decorating. A random fact about me is that over my lifetime I have owned, found, or fostered more than 40 cats.
Diana
I am from Ecuador, South America. I relocated with my husband, our two beautiful children and our dog to the Charlotte area in 2018. Dental Assisting is a wonderful and rewarding profession. I love to work at South Lake Pediatric Dentistry and help the children to make them feel comfortable.
I have two little boys myself, so I understand what is important for the parents of our patients. I love animals and I have tried to help rescue animals in my home country of Ecuador.
Isabella
I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. I love my job, the people I work with, and the career I chose. I am very grateful for the opportunity that our amazing doctors at South Lake Pediatric Dentistry have given me to continue to expand my knowledge of the dental field. I have two beautiful dogs, Nakita and Odie that I adore, and I always take every chance I get to experience nature.
Lisa
I am the office manager at South Lake Pediatric Dentistry; I joined the team in March of 2014. I have been working in dentistry since 1999. I have always been interested in healthcare, but I found my true passion in pediatric dentistry. I love waking up in the morning and going to a job that I enjoy. It is very rewarding to see the progress in our wonderful patients. I specifically enjoy pediatric dentistry because I love working with children and interacting with them on a daily basis.
I was born in snowy Tyler, Minnesota. I moved to Charlotte in 1999 and I love it here. Before moving to Charlotte I lived in several different places including: Salt Lake City, Boise, Davenport, Nashville, Knoxville, and Raleigh. I love the warm weather in Charlotte, spending time at the lake, or hiking the mountains. Outside of work I stay busy spending time with my children, grandchildren, and dog & cat “babies.”
Maria
My name is Maria Blain. I was born in Venezuela and I moved to the United States in 1992. My husband Kenneth and I moved to Charlotte in 2001 and made it our home. We have three daughters named Elena, Katherine, and Victoria. We also have several pets: a white husky puppy named Daisy, two parakeets named Piolin and Charlie, and a turtle named Honu. I enjoy traveling, reading, dancing, and arts and crafts.
I am an Accountant and I have been working for Dr. Frank and Dr. Tonya since 2010. I work in the business office and help with the Administrative work, Payroll, and Human Resources. I consider my job a blessing and give thanks to God every day for it. Even before I became part of the South Lake Pediatric Dentistry team, I made this office part of my family by entrusting the doctors with my daughters’ dental care. They are awesome and we trust them to infinity and beyond!!!!!!!!
Margaret
I have been a dental assistant here at SLPD since 2009. I graduated as a Dental Assistant II from the Accredited Dental Assisting Program at PIMA Community College in Tucson, Arizona. I am certified in CPR, Nitrous Oxide, Coronal Polishing, Infection Control, and Radiography. I’ve lived in the amazing Charlotte area for the last 10 years with my husband, our 5 wonderful children and our dog, Jenny. My goal is to be professional and provide each patient and their parents with the best information and care available. With an emphasis on helping our patients achieve the healthiest and most beautiful smiles possible.
Outside of work I enjoy shopping as well as going on walks with my family and attending my children’s sporting events.
Natali
I am the Insurance Coordinator for our wonderful office! I have a background in working with insurances and have had the pleasure of working here for 2 years. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico and raised in Kannapolis, North Carolina. I live in Concord with my Husband and our three children, who keep me very busy! Outside of work I enjoy renovating our house, DIY projects, spending time with my family, watching movies, and going to fun seasonal events!
Sam
I’ve been a dental assistant here at SLPD for more than 6 years. I’m one of the few true Charlotteans in the area. I have a beautiful 8 year old little girl who loves taking care of all of our pets ranging from turtles, hamsters, a cute Border Collie named Winston, and a Tuxedo cat named Stan. I love to travel and hang out with friends on the weekends. You can probably catch me on the lake or at the White Water Center in my free time.
