Meet the Team at ABC Veterinary Hospital Pacific Beach

Dr. Nicole Zaranek

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Zaranek developed a passion for animals at an early age and pursued that interest through volunteer work at farms, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and small animal clinics. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and ultimately earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College.

Dr. Zaranek is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to her patients. She finds the greatest fulfillment in helping pets recover from illness and building long-term relationships with both clients and their families. Her professional interests include dermatology and allergy management, as well as geriatric medicine, with a special focus on improving the quality of life for senior pets. She is also currently pursuing advanced certification in veterinary acupuncture.

Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys gardening, hiking and spending time with her family.

Dr. Liz Noppinger

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Noppinger was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating college, she drove across the country to California to pursue her career and graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Her special interests include behavior, emergency medicine, and oncology and hospice care.

In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and traveling with her family whenever time allows. Dr. Noppinger shares her home with her son and daughter, as well as a bonded pair of cats.

Natalie Baloochesti

Registered Veterinary Technician, Dental Technician, Surgical Technician

Natalie was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She moved to San Diego, wanting a change of scenery and to be close to the beach. Natalie attended Northwestern State University in Louisiana, where she majored in Biology with a Concentration in Veterinary Technology. She has always had a fascination with animals and knew she wanted to work in the Veterinary Field.

She quickly discovered her passion for animal dentistry, pursuing her Registered Veterinary Technicians License and gaining experience performing anesthetic dental procedures. Natalie is a fur mama to her two dogs, Zoey and Chloe. On her off days, she enjoys being outside, at the beach, and with her friends.

Fernanda Cervantes

Veterinary Technician

Fernanda Cervantes is a dedicated Veterinary Technician based in San Diego, where she was born. She plays a key role in supporting animal care and guiding pet owners to provide the best possible care. Her hands-on experience spans urgent care, spay and neuter clinics, and general veterinary practice.

Fernanda studied Veterinary Medicine in Mexicali, Baja California, and holds an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology in California. She is currently preparing to earn her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license, with the goal of becoming a licensed Veterinarian in California. Outside of work, Fernanda enjoys life in San Diego with her 10-year-old rescue dog, Greta, and her family.

Charla Lowe-Valdez

Veterinary Assistant

Charla has lived in San Diego since she was 4 years old.

She has been working with animals for 17-plus years. Charla studied at Pima Medical Institute in Chula Vista.

Charla loves giving the best customer service possible, and she succeeds at it! Her favorite part of her job is when she gets to see a patient recover from illness or injury.

In her spare time, she makes succulent arrangements for friends and family. Charla shares her home with three cats and one dog, Taylor, Bootsee, Spookie, and Latte.

Ardel Trujillo

Registered Veterinary Technician, Dental Technician, Surgical Technician

Meet Ardel! A proud Coronado native, born and raised right here in Coronado, she brings both local roots and a growing passion for veterinary medicine to our team. At 23, Ardel discovered her calling in the veterinary field when she started her first role as a veterinary assistant—and she hasn’t looked back since.

She quickly fell in love with animal dentistry, where her passion for hygiene and attention to detail truly shine. There’s nothing she enjoys more than seeing the transformation from heavy tartar buildup to a clean, polished smile, and she’s excited to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

At home, Ardel is kept busy by her hardworking crew—Nukka, her Australian Cattle Dog (whose daily job mostly consists of expert-level snoozing 😄), and her cat, California.

When she’s off the clock, you can find her soaking up the outdoors, exploring nature, and enjoying her favorite local fish tacos.

We’re so happy to welcome Ardel to the team and can’t wait for you to meet her!

Ivan Bernal Heredia

Veterinary Technician

Meet Ivan, a dedicated new member of our veterinary team with a strong passion for animal care and medicine. Born in Tijuana, Ivan moved to San Diego about 10 years ago to begin his journey in veterinary medicine.

Ivan was inspired to enter the field through family—his brother was already working in veterinary medicine and helped open the door for Ivan to begin gaining experience in the profession. From the start, Ivan knew he had found the right path. His passion for vet med comes from his deep love for animals and the opportunity to build a meaningful career doing work that truly matters to him.

Professionally, Ivan brings advanced skills in emergency medicine while also appreciating the steady rhythm and variety of general practice. He values both the fast-paced challenges of critical care and the relationships built in everyday patient visits.

Outside of work, Ivan enjoys continuing to learn and expand his knowledge across many subjects. He often visits museums and is passionate about education in all its forms. At home, he enjoys spending time with his wife, and together they unwind by playing video games and relaxing after busy days.

We’re excited to have Ivan on the team and look forward to the experience, skill, and heart he brings to our practice.

Summer Bernard Heredia

Customer Service Representative

Summer is a dedicated veterinary receptionist who brings years of hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant to the front desk. Her background in patient care allows her to support clients with compassion, clear communication, and a deep understanding of what pets need to feel safe and comforted. Summer’s calm, friendly presence helps create a welcoming environment for every pet family who walks through the door.

Outside of the clinic, Summer enjoys spending time with her husband and their beloved pets—two cats and a dog who keep life full of joy (and fur). She loves cooking and baking new recipes, cozying up with relaxing video games, visiting museums, and listening to or watching her favorite musicals. Summer is passionate about animals, kindness, and learning something new every day.