Here you can learn about our founder, animal trainers, and staff.
Meet the Pack
Margueriet Gonzalez
ABC Admissions Support
Margueriet lives in Southern California with her kitty, Speedy and Herbie her dog. She enjoys traveling and has a new found hobby in amateur Photography with an emphasis on animals and nature.
Her father who was a Park Ranger would bring home injured animals varying from peacocks, to owls, basically any little critter that was injured. He would rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. Margueriet knew then she wanted to work with animals
A special opportunity came that allowed her to attend “The Biological Sciences/Zoo Magnet High School” which is located adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo. There she had the opportunity to excel in a highly academic curriculum with emphasis on animal studies and biological sciences, while observing and conducting research at the zoo facilities. She was able to get involved with the local High School “Future Farmers of America” where she enjoyed the opportunity to be President of the chapter for 2 years and in that time she raised steers and rabbits and took them to show.
She later went on to Mt. San Antonio College to further her educational goals with a major in Pet Science. While in the program she was able to gain additional education through Cal Poly Pomona where she worked in the Sheep unit and got the opportunity to assist with the Famous Kellogg’s Arabian horses. She later worked as a Veterinary assistant, Kennel Assistant and Receptionist. She did volunteer work in the field with Animal Control Officers at the Orange County Animal Shelter.
Margueriet enjoys working at ABC as they have a very knowledgeable and highly educated staff in the field of animal care. She looks forward to taking the Certified Groomer Program as she has always had an interest in this field.
Margueriet is a fun and friendly asset to the ABC pack, we are glad to have her as a part of our team!
Kim Frias
ABC Admissions Support
Kim was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley surrounded by kittens and puppies. One of Kim’s most loveable memories was Ruby, her sweet Rottweiler, who would roll on her back so Kim could rub her belly while watching television.
Although she adored her Rottie, Kim has always had a soft spot for the little yappers. Currently she shares her life with two happy Chihuahuas; Tinker Bell and Rocky who have distinctly different personalities. Tinker Bell who is loveable and cuddy and Rocky, is the type who’d much rather be left alone.
Kim attended the United Education Institute, receiving her medical assistant certification in 2006. Following graduation, she worked in the medical field. After graduation she worked as a front office receptionist at a The Community Medical Group. She also worked as a dispatcher for a thriving plumbing company.
“I’m very grateful, and proud to say that I work for ABC. I like the friendly environment here and how everyone at ABC cares so much about their students and their success. It’s a happy place to be. “
Kim is a phenomenal addition to the ABC pack. She is kind hearted and a team player. We are lucky to have her as a part of our admissions support team!
Caren "Angel" Maneker
ABC Admissions Support
Caren grew up in Portland, Oregon, in a large family of 6 sisters and 2 brothers. They always had animals growing up that included at least 1 dog at a time. Animals have had a great impact in her life.
At the age of 5, Caren’s family went to the outskirts of town to visit a family friend. This is where Caren observed the mistreatment of a dog on a front porch nearby. He was tied up to the front porch column with no water, the dog appeared very thin and his fur was matted and un-kept. Caren decided she would make it known that she was not comfortable with his treatment and Caren’s caring attitude towards animals didn’t end there.
Today, Caren and her family have six birds: 2 Cockatoos, 2 Cockatiels, 1 Jenday, and a Sun Conure along with 2 Dogs a Chow Chow mix and a Flat Coated Retriever. All of Caren’s animals are rescues and they each have their own special story. Caren is a proud wife and the mother of 3 adult children John, Jeffrey and Jasmin along with 4 grandchildren, JJ, Trysten, Kaylen and Abby.
Caren says, “Working at ABC is very exciting and comes with a variety of challenges each day. With each welcoming phone call, I have the pleasure of addressing each prospective student to an admission counselor for their corresponding individual needs. In addition, I work daily with a wonderful team of co-workers, each one with a love for animals. There is nothing better than loving what you do and doing what you love!”
