Meet The team
Highly Skilled Professionals Who Care
Behind every radiant smile at Cruz Orthodontics is our exceptional team. Committed to excellence, our skilled professionals combine years of expertise with genuine care for every patient. From the friendly faces at reception to the expert hands of our orthodontic assistants, every team member plays a vital role in your orthodontic journey. Get to know the passionate individuals who are not just our staff, but part of the Cruz Orthodontics family.
Clinical Assistant, R.D.A.
Kathy
Kathy is a San Diego native and calls it her “forever town.” Graduating from the Mesa College Dental program in 1984, she went on to become an accomplished R.D.A., and has spent her entire career contributing to the specialty field of Orthodontics. She enjoys and feels blessed in helping to create great smiles for all ages. Kathy enjoys family time and spending time with her grandchildren.
Clinical Assistant, R.D.A
Kathy
Financial Coordinator
Shirley
Shirley was born and raised in Chula Vista. She graduated from Hilltop High School. After taking some time to be a stay at home mom, she went to dental assisting school and has been in the dental field for over 25 years. She joined Cruz Orthodontics a year ago and loves to see all the beautiful smiles created by Dr. Cruz. In her spare time, she loves to ride bikes by the bay, bake, and spend time with her family.
Financial Coordinator
Shirley
Scheduling Coordinator
Julie
Julie was born and raised in Chula Vista. She has a Daughter and Son and 2 Grandson. Her family is everything. In her spare time she loves to spend time with family and especially her grandsons James Richard and Jax . She enjoys going to watch the padres but loves all sports! Her job is very important to her and she enjoys getting to know the parents and patients of our practice.
Scheduling Coordinator
Julie
Clinical Coordinator, R.D.A.
Donna
Leadership and training of assistants are her forté along with assisting the doctor. Great with kids and adults. Donna loves dogs and taking care of dogs whether it be as a volunteer for a rescue or for people in need of a dogsitter. Donna also loves to travel and is a true Francophile. Donna is always continuing her education whether it be in the orthodontic field or just in general. She's always curious and excited to educate herself.
Clinical Coordinator, R.D.A.
Donna
Clinical Assistant, R.D.A.
Yinzu
Yinzu was born in Costa Rica, and raised in California. She graduated from both Bonita Vista High, and UEI college. Her past experience includes being in the dental field for 11 years, with 6 years of experience working in Pediatric Dentistry. Orthodontics has now become her forte. Her favorite part of orthodontic assisting is creating beautiful smiles while working along side with Dr. Cruz. Yinzu loves doing arts and crafts. She has two children who keep her on her toes at all times. She enjoys spending her days with them, and seeing the world through their eyes, they are her world!
Clinical Assistant, R.D.A.
Yinzu
Clinical Assistant, R.D.A.
Annette
Born and raised in San Diego, Annette loves being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She has been an Orthodontic Assistant and R.D.A. for the past 25 years and has dedicated her career solely to this office. Annette loves and takes pride in her work. Seeing beautiful smiles at the end of treatment, and now treating the families of former patients is very fulfilling to her.
Clinical Assistant, R.D.A.
Annette
Records Technician, D.A.
Helen
Born and raised in Chula Vista, CA where she still lives, Helen is the proud mother of 4 young men, and has recently become a proud grandmother. She loves to spend time with her family. She also enjoys going to the gym and hiking in her free time. Making your first visit fun, exciting, and welcoming is her #1 goal. Helen handles all of our digital photo & x-rays used in treatment planning and tracking your progress. She loves being a part of such an amazing and caring team.
Records Technician, D.A.