VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital

Bios

• Dr. Roberto Marchan

  DVM

  Dr. Roberto Marchan was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He went to veterinary school at Ross University and completed clinical training at the University of Missouri. Dr. Marchan worked for two years at a general/referral practice in New York. He moved to California in 2005 and began working at VCA All Care Referral Center in the Critical Care Department. Dr. Marchan has 3 Chihuahuas named "Bella", "Lola", and "Biggie Smalls", a mix breed dog named "Pee", and 2 cats, "Pedro" and "Melvin" and is married to Dr. Bierens (our staff surgeon). He enjoys surfing, playing golf, and mixed martial arts.

• Dr. Cynthia Ribarich

  DVM

  Cindy Ribarich, D.V.M. earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with Honors from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In 1991, she was conferred the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her doctoral program, she worked for several years as a laboratory technician in the departments of reproductive physiology and epidemiology. Her love of animals began on her family's thoroughbred farm in Canandaigua, New York, where she developed a love for the farm dogs and cats. She is the co-author of the book, Felinestein: Pampering the genius in your cat.

• Dr. Gregory Hargenrater

  DVM

  Dr. Hargenrater graduated form the University of Southern California with degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1998. He then went on to attend the school of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, tracking in small animal medicine with an emphasis in emergency medicine. He graduated in 2003 and has practiced emergency medicine in Sacramento and the greater Los Angeles area for over 9 years. He is currently practicing general medicine, and very excited about this new opportunity. Dr. Hargenrater currently resides in the South Bay with his wife, Ashlie and his furry children. He has a precocious German Shepherd, Miko, a spunky Jack Russell Terrier, Harlee, and 3 tolerant cats, Bruce, Vladimir, and Sophie. His hobbies include playing music with friends, golfing, snowboarding, and traveling.

• Dr. Ronald Morein

  DVM

  Dr. Ronald Morein graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis in 1966. He entered private practice in the San Gabriel Valley working primarily with dogs and cats. Dr. Morein moved to the West Los Angeles area and while working with Dr. Marty Dinnes, expanded practice to include large exotic animals including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, bears, monkeys, and birds of prey. He moved to Long Beach in 1970 and began working at Lakewood Animal Hospital becoming one of the owners and Medical Director of Lakewood Animal Hospital in 1972. Dr. Morein has continued as Medical Director of Lakewood Animal Hospital since its acquisition by VCA in 1987. He currently has two children, Katie and Jim, two Staffordshire terriers, Baily and Indiana Jones, and one cat, Captain Kitty Cat and enjoys vacationing each year in Yosemite.

• Dr. Denise Bierens

  DVM

  Dr. Denise Bierens was born and raised in Canada. She went to veterinary school at Ross Uiversity and completed her clinical training at the University of Missouri. Dr. Bierens worked for two years at a private practice in New York. She moved to California in 2005 and completed a small animal surgery residency at VCA West LA in July 2008. Dr. Bierens is currently working on her research paper and conducting specialty surgeries here at VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital. She has 3 Chihuahuas named "Bella", "Lola", and "Biggie Smalls", a mix breed dog named "Pee", and 2 cats, "Pedro" and "Melvin" and is married to Dr. Marchan (one of our staff veterinarians). She enjoys horseback riding and drawing.

• Dr. Ryan Smith

  DVM

  Ryan Smith graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. Following veterinary school, Ryan completed a 1-year rotating internship in small animal surgery and medicine at Advanced Critical Care Center in Los Angeles. He will complete his Master in Public Health from the University of Minnesota in 2011. Ryan began working with VCA Lakewood in 2010. He enjoys surfing, traveling, playing music, and the outdoors.

  Education:

• Dr. Stephanie Zinsser

  VMD

  Dr. Stephanie Zinsser graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science with a focus in reproduction and research. She attended the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her veterinary doctorate (VMD). After graduation, she furthered her education with an internship in medicine, surgery, cardiology in West Los Angeles. Dr. Zinsser also has a lovable mutt named Luna and enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.