Meet the Pack - Finance Department

Wendy Engels
ABC Finance Manager

Wendy’s love of animals began when she was little with her first scruffy little pooch she named Charlie. Although this is her first opportunity working with animals, they have always been close to her heart. Along with the usual household pets such as dogs, cats, fish and hamsters, Wendy, has also owned an alligator (yes an alligator), a snake, several rats and one very shy turtle. Presently, Wendy has the sweetest little Schnoodle name Obi.

Wendy is originally from California but has lived in Europe, (Italy and Germany) as well as Enterprise, Alabama and Savannah, Georgia. But California is her favorite! Wendy is a published writer who has written for an Italian Magazine as well as the Entertainment Reporter on a newspaper in Savannah. Currently, (and for the past several years) Wendy is also a voice over actor with several credits under her belt including cartoons, commercials, videos, audio books, online webisodes, and a video game as the voice of Betty Boop! Interesting fact: Wendy had to be accepted by the Betty Boop Association as having the correct sound as Betty Boop before being hired to do the video game.) Currently, Wendy is the voice of Columbus and Ms. Lovely on the cartoon The Super Holidays—coming soon.

“The staff is warm, friendly, and everyone truly loves animals. And the way they care for their students is unmatched by any other school I’ve ever been associated with. It truly is a family here; both the human and canine kind! Or should I say we’re a ‘pack’!?””

Eduardo Hernandez
ABC Finance Assistant

Our Eduardo hails from Mexico City, and spent his first eight years in Guerrero, Mexico running around el Rancho Herndandez with his younger brother and sister. Surrounded by horses and many family pets, Eduardo’s fondest childhood memories are filled with racing caballos (horses) with his brother and falling off more times than he’d like to admit.

Immigrating to America in 1989, Eduardo and his family settled in the San Fernando Valley and ten years later, he joined the military. As a Marine, Eduardo learned that he was not only good at Administration duties, but really enjoyed them too which directed him towards a Bachelors Degree in Business Information Systems.

Along with his wife, son (and baby on the way), Eduardo and his family adopted Nala, a half pit, half mastiff very loveable member of the Hernandez clan that constantly amuses and delights them; especially while jumping on the trampoline and refusing to get down!

Joining the ABC family in 2008, Eduardo loves the family-like environment, “The people are so friendly and that alone makes you want to come into work everyday.” Eduardo’s gracious company and eagerness to help out our students is an asset to ABC and we are very lucky to have him.

Monica Caldas
ABC Finance Assistant

Monica grew up in Los Angeles, California with one older brother whom she adores, but admits to bullying around when they were kids. Monica is auntie to Andres’ and his wife’s very lovable Yorkie named CeCi that they brought back from Italy. Monica has always loved animals, especially the pups, but most of her childhood pets have been birds. Currently her most adored darling is a Cockatiel named Chiquis (which means tiny in Spanish); an oxymoron because Chiquis isn't so little, “He loves to eat and munches on everything!” Chiquis doesn’t speak yet, but he does do the sexy whistle whenever the time calls for it.

Our Monica went to UCLA and has earned a degree in Sociology and Education. Her professional background has been in Fleet and Transit, Student Loan Services, and Admissions but has always considered Education as a primary occupational goal as she loves helping people. That’s why ABC is so special to her.

When not at ABC, travel, eating, reading, and watching t.v. are among Monica’s much-loved past-times. When traveling, Monica loves to visit Mexico, Panama, and Colombia, and even though born in L.A. she really loves Chicago, “because the city is awesome!” Some of her future journeys will take her to New York, Australia, Tahiti, and a backpacking tour through Europe.

Joining the ABC family in 2008, Monica finds the environment a lot of fun. “My coworkers and the working environment is so friendly, funny and entertaining, that it’s so much fun to come to work. I enjoy talking with the students and helping them attain their goals. It’s so gratifying to hear the excitement in their voices. It’s such a pleasure to be here!” And it’s a pleasure to have Monica’s smiling face and sweet demeanor with us.

Kim Frias
ABC Finance Assistant

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!