Our Providers

medical

White

Janelle White, MD, MHCM, FAAP

Cheif Medical Officer

 

Locations:  N/A 

Languages: English 

Israel M. Mendez, MS, PA-C

Israel M. Mendez, MS, PA-C

Medical Director

Education: East Carolina University

Associations:  American Academy of Physician Associates, North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants

Locations: University

Languages: English, Spanish

Mendez is a graduate of East Carolina University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health. He was the distinguished graduate of the year and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He returned to East Carolina University to earn his Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies where he served as class president, taught medical Spanish, and volunteered at free clinics. Mendez then completed the Healthcare Management Certificate program from Vanderbilt University.

 Prior to his PA studies, Israel accumulated valuable experience as a research assistant, certified nursing assistant, and clinic director for a non-profit. His research has been published in the Journal of the Medical Library Association and the Journal of Health Promotion Practice.

Before joining CCHC, Israel provided comprehensive prenatal, adult, and pediatric care at another FQHC, where he developed a deep understanding of the commitment required to care for patients and gained a profound appreciation for the unique needs of diverse communities. He looks forward to collaborating with the CCHC team to deliver high-quality care and support the growth and development of the organization. 
In his free time, he enjoys exercising, traveling with his wife, and engaging with his local church. 

Hilary Canipe, MD

family Physician

Locations: University

Languages: English

Brandy Sampson, FNP

Family nurse practitioner

 

Locations: University 

Languages: English,

Brandy Sampson is a Family Nurse Practitioner who provides care to both children and adults at our University location. She is especially passionate about addressing the social determinants of health and serves as CCHC’s provider champion for care management.

Rose Medina, MSN, RN, FNP-C

family nurse practitioner

Education:  ECPI University

Locations: University and West

Languages: English, Spanish

Rosa Medina is a compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in healthcare. She brings experience from both acute care nursing and over a decade as a medical assistant. Rosa cares for patients of all ages. Her journey with CCHC began as a volunteer and NP student, demonstrating her deep commitment to our mission and community.

Ronald Shore, PA-C, MMSc

physician assistant

Education: Davidson College, Emory University
 
Locations: West, Ophelia Garmon-Brown, Express
 
Languages: English, Spanish
Ronnie completed his undergraduate studies at nearby Davidson College and his medical training at Emory University in Atlanta. He has worked at various Federally Qualified Health Centers in Chicago and San Diego and helped establish the telehealth department at one of these organizations. Ronnie has served as a clinical preceptor for Rush, Midwestern and Rosalind Franklin Universities. 
 
Prior to medicine, he played professional baseball internationally in Australia and Germany. Originally from the Charlotte area with a passion for providing care to underserved populations, Ronnie returns home to join CCHC in helping carry out this mission. Outside of work, he enjoys international travel, exercise, live music, good food and tasty coffee.

Maite Velazquez-Hernandez, PA-C

Physician assistant

Education: James Madison University

Locations:  University

Languages: English, Spanish 

Maite graduated from the James Madison University Physician Assistant Program. She spent her early childhood living in central Mexico but grew up in Greenville, SC. Before PA school, she volunteered at a free clinic as a Spanish medical interpreter and worked as a certified nursing assistant in the intensive care unit, in a pediatric orthopedic hospital, and a skilled nursing facility. She has a passion for serving the immigrant community and plans to make a long-term career out of working with underserved populations. She additionally has a strong interest in chronic disease management and prevention through patient education. 

Lubabatu Maimai, FNP

Family nurse practitioner

Locations: Express Care

Languages: English

Lubabatu Maimai is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner who sees patients at our Express Care clinic on Saturdays. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and is a valued member of the CCHC team.

Andrea Rice, MD

Pediatrician

Education: University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina

Associations: American Academy of Pediatrics

Locations: West

Languages: English

Dr. Andrea S. Rice is proud to join the CCHC team as a pediatrician. She was born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and has lived in the Charlotte, NC area since 1999. She obtained her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, completed her internship at the Medical College of Virginia and her residency at East Carolina University School of Medicine. Dr. Rice is board certified, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and has been caring for patients for over 20 years. Prior to CCHC, while in Charlotte, she has had over 10 years of experience with community health at C.W. Williams Community Health Center and over 7 years of experience with rural health in private practice at Boiling Springs Pediatrics and Family Medicine. Her interests include preventative care and nutrition. She is excited to be a part of CCHC where she will strive to be her patient’s advocate. 

Nga Tran, MD

Nga Tran, MD

Pediatrician

Education:  UNC-Chapel Hill; East Carolina University – Brody School of Medicine

Training: East Carolina University Pediatric Residency

Locations:  University and Dave Cathcart clinic

Languages: English, Vietnamese

Dr. Tran is a Board-Certified Pediatrician who grew up in Charlotte and has moved back home to practice medicine. She has a passion for community/immigrant health and enjoys seeing kids of all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog. She likes to travel and try out new restaurants with her husband.

Tiffany Byerly, MD

Pediatrician

Education: High Point University, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

Training: East Carolina University Pediatric Residency

Locations: University and Dave Cathcart clinics

Languages: English, Spanish

Dr. Byerly is a board-certified pediatrician who grew up in central NC. She completed her medical degree at East Carolina University. She has worked at various federally qualified health centers in North Carolina and Kentucky and also works as a pediatric hospitalist here in Charlotte. She has a passion for immigrant and global health and helps lead medical teams in Mozambique and Zambia annually. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, learning new languages, going to concerts, exploring new coffee shops, and working out

Dental

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Victor Perry, DMD

Staff Dentist

Education:  

Locations:  

Languages: 

Detwiler

Tashana Detwiler, DMD

Staff Dentist

Education:  

Locations:  

Languages: 

Behavioral Health / psychiatry

Lashandra Dunca DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

psychiatric Nurse practitioner

 

Locations: University 

Languages: English

Lashandra Duncan is a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in both psychiatry and family medicine. She is a dedicated advocate for her patients and brings a thoughtful, integrative approach to care. We are proud to have her on our team.

Rachael Pennell - MSW, LCSW

Rachael Pennell, MSW, LCSW

Behavioral Health Director

Education: UNC Chapel Hill, University of Michigan

Associations: Association of Social Work Boards

Locations: University, West

Languages: English

Rachael grew up in Charlotte and recently moved back after spending a few years in Boston, MA, where she worked at another FQHC. She is inspired by the belief that healthcare is a right and not a privilege. She is also passionate about removing barriers to great care, and she hopes to add to the welcoming environment already established here at CCHC. She is particularly interested in destigmatizing mental health. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities and art projects! 

McGovern

Melissa McGovern, MSW, LCSW

Behavioral health consultant

Education: 

Associations: 

Locations: University, West

Languages: English

Heather Bartlett - MSW, LCSW

Heather Bartlett, MSW, LCSW

Behavioral health consultant

Education: Gardner-Webb University, UNC Charlotte

Associations: NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

Locations: University, West

Languages: English

Heather is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience. Before joining CCHC, Heather worked at Roof Above – previously Urban Ministries – as a Social Worker, Therapeutic Art Coordinator, and Therapeutic Housing Navigator. In this role, she primarily worked with with individuals experiencing homelessness. She specializes in an understanding of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, passionate about walking with clients on their personal path toward wellness, advocating for those who cannot access the care they need, and honoring the dignity of every person’s story.