Juanita has been an FNP working in Pediatrics for UTMB for about 15 years.  She speaks both English and Spanish.  Her certification is through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.  She is also a member or Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society.  Although working with children is her passion, some special interests include working with animals and boxing.

Dr. Maria P. Nguyen joined the UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2001. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston after earning her doctor of medicine from Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned two bachelor's degrees from the University of California at Irvine, one in biology and one in psychology.

Dr. Nguyen is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Nguyen's passion is to provide high quality and compassionate medical care.

She has special interests in asthma management and adolescent medicine.

Her dedication to educating medical students earned her the following honors: UTMB Community Preceptor Award in 2012 and Teacher of Distinction (TOP DOC) Award in 2019 and 2012.

Dr. Nguyen is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.

Roxanna Sanchez began her nursing career with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) graduating in 2008. Upon graduation, Roxanna went to work at the Texas Medical Center as an operating room and perioperative nurse working with children and adults. Roxanna's dedication towards her patients and passion for aiding in the healthcare of others lead her to pursue her Master's degree of Nursing. She wanted to be more closely involved in her patients' care and began her degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and graduated from UTMB in 2012. She currently helps prepare future nurse practitioner students by being their mentor during clinical rotations.

Roxanna is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, is bilingual and also a member of the International Nursing Honors Society, Sigma Theta Tau. She is a member of the Galveston Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses.

I grew up in Clear Lake myself, so I was very excited to become a part of this UTMB Clear Lake family. I attended the University of Houston – Main Campus for my bachelor’s degree, and I completed my medical training (medical school and my pediatric residency) in the large Texas Medical Center in Houston. In 2023, I moved back to Clear Lake so that I could give back to this wonderful community.

I have a wonderful husband, and we are lucky to have both our families and fur-siblings in the area. My hobbies include playing tennis (when it’s not too hot outside), playing the piano, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Pediatrics has been my calling since high school. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be able to educate and comfort patients and their family members in some of their most stressful times. I love that I get to watch these children grow from newborns into wonderful young adults and help them along the way.

Being a growing child (or even raising one) isn’t easy! Every patient brings their own story, challenges, and personality, and each of them has something to teach me. I just strive to be a positive light during their journeys and work to keep my patients safe, healthy, and happy.

Dr. Sarah Bruce is a physician specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Clear Lake Campus. She has a passion for women’s health with interests in general and high-risk obstetrics, contraception management, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

She was born and raised in the northeast, spending her childhood in New York before moving to Philadelphia with her family. She attended Pennsylvania State University for her undergraduate degree in Biology. She returned to Philadelphia where she was awarded a scholarship to attend Temple University School of Medicine, graduating with distinction in the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

She completed her Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency at the Houston Methodist Hospital. During residency, she was recognized not only for her dedication to teaching but also for her academic and surgical success. She achieved multiple awards including the Exemplary Resident Teacher Award, the Outstanding Minimally Invasive Surgeon Award, and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy Award.

Beverly Pennington completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. A few years later, she came back to UTMB to join the Geriatric Division as the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner serving the Galveston community. Beverly is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau which recognize superior achievements and developing leadership qualities. She is also an active member of organizations such as American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and Texas Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Amy Laird- Payne was born and raised in the Brazosport Area. She is a 1996 graduate of Brazoswood High school. She received her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies with an emphasis in Medical Education from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth in 2003.

Amy joined the UTMB Lake Jackson Pediatric Clinic in March 2018. She has worked in Pediatric Medicine as a Certified Physician Assistant in the Brazosport Area for the past 15 years and has been certified by the NCCPA since 2003.

Amy is passionate about empowering people to pursue their dreams and obtain great health. She enjoys spending time with her family and performing volunteer work in the community. She lives in the Brazosport Area with her husband and 3 children.

Dr. Adri P. Smith joined UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2006.  She completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2005 and received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 2002.  She completed her bachelor's degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M University in College Station in 1997.

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Smith has a special interest in adolescent preventative medicine, infant care, treating and preventing obesity in children and treating allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma.  She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She also enjoys teaching medical students and residents and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

When she is not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her three children, husband, family and friends.

Dr. Michael Binder received his MD from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX and completed his pediatrics internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Binder is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. His clinical interests include all aspects of pediatrics and seeing his patients develop through the physical, emotional and social health through infancy through adolescence and young adulthood.

Dr. Ralph W. Noble III has been a general pediatrician since 1978. He attended medical school and completed his specialty training in pediatrics at UTMB. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has taught UTMB medical students and pediatric residents throughout his career.

Dr. Noble enjoys practicing general pediatrics. He has an interest in mind/body medicine, including breathing techniques, meditation, and exercises.

In the past, Dr. Noble has served as a clinic medical director, public school medical consultant, teaching a sex education course at one of Galveston's private schools, medical director of the Advocacy Center for Children of Galveston County, a member of the board of various Galveston community agencies. For several years he was an assistant scoutmaster of a Galveston Boy Scout troop.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive