Wendy Engels
ABC Finance Assistant

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.

Susan Bartnett
ABC Admissions Support

Susan lives in Simi Valley, with her husband of seven years, Gordon. With two fabulous grown sons and 2 wonderful daughter-in-laws, Susan’s growing family is busy, busy, busy raising her five beautiful grandchildren: Nicole, Samantha, DJ, Drew, and Tera!

Because of apartment living, Susan was unable to own a dog for several years, much to her dismay. But don’t despair, Susan and her husband recently moved to their new home and found their latest love, a four-year-old Basset Hound named Lady Bug. Lady Bug was originally a challenge as she was a stubborn girl that just wouldn’t listen. Happily, Lady Bug was professionally trained which, incidentally, ignited Susan’s interest in dog training. Now that Lady Bug is well trained, she is Susan’s heart and soul. Spending time with their Lady Bug is a special time for both Susan and Gordon.

Susan enjoys working at ABC for many reasons. “The people here are awesome to begin with, and I love the concept of helping people start their careers helping animals. This has the ability to save animals lives!” Susan brings a smile to everyone she comes in contact with. Her warmth and care simply come through even on the other end of the telephone line. Our big hearted Susan shows her kindness through her one amazing wish. “I wish that every dog is able to find loving homes and families that care for them as much as we all do. That be wonderful!”

Shelley Roe
ABC Admissions Support

Born and raised in Reseda, California, Shelley was greatly influenced by her parents who always rescued homeless and injured animals. Shelley remembers a houseful of rescues that went beyond the normal “pet” variety. Among the most unusual were: possums, tortoises, lizards, snakes, mice, and rats. Shelley now lives in Encino with her two Bengal Cats, Daiquiri and Sierra.

A huge Science Fiction and self-proclaimed “Fantasy Geek”, Shelley is an avid RP gamer as well as fantasy writer who is currently working on a her first trilogy.

Shelley is looking forward to taking the Dog Obedience Course in March 2009 and is excited about the 'Student's Saving Lives' portion, so that she can help homeless dogs find good homes. "My favorite thing about ABC is the fact that everyone is so involved with helping animals, from fostering dogs, to putting together donation drives for animal charities."

Traci Wynman
ABC Admissions Support

Our Traci grew up in Monrovia, California always surrounded by pets. Puppies without homes would find themselves a loving family as Traci would take them in; having to talk her parents into “just another sweet one, please.” From Hamsters to pups, Traci’s love of animals has been apparent; even to the oddest of pets, a Hermit Crab named Herman.

Traci’s warm heart extends from the animal world to our own. “Helping our community is important to me. People and pets just can’t do it alone. We need to connect and help each other out.” This way of thinking shows through her education at Mount Sac College where Traci learned signed language in order to become a translator for the hearing-impaired.

After spending several years as a General Manager for a very well-known movie rental company, Traci decided her two young sons needed her more than the corporate world, and decided to join a company that would allow her more time with her family. And we are very delighted that she did. Traci’s sweet, professional demeanor is a benefit that staff and students are privileged to enjoy.

Currently, Traci and her family share their home with two loving cats, Marmalade and Peaches. “Growing up I have always had animals and I wanted to instill that unconditional love our pets share with us with my children. It’s important to care for others, not just ourselves, and loving a pet teaches us that. I’m very happy to be a part of a company that understands this type of devotion. Everyday I walk through the doors of Animal Behavior College I feel as though I’m with family.”