Meet The Team
Roberto J. Marchan, DVM
Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Marchan graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Animal Science and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his clinical training at the University of Missouri. Dr. Marchan began his professional career practicing in Westchester County, New York and later moved to California with his wife who began her veterinary surgical residency program. Dr. Marchan spent two years as an emergency veterinarian at VCA All Care in Fountain Valley, California, followed by eight years at VCA Lakewood in Cerritos prior to becoming the owner of Animal Hospital of South Bay.
Dr. Marchan enjoys treating cats and dogs from young to old. He was trained by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. His special interests are internal medicine, endoscopy, acupuncture, and dentistry.
When not working at the clinic, Dr. Marchan enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Denise Bierens, two sons, Liam & Luca, and four pets: , one cat named Pedro and three Chihuahuas named Lola, Bella, and Biggie Smalls. Dr. Marchan enjoys being involved in the local community. Animal Hospital of South Bay is a proud sponsor of the Manhattan Beach Youth Athletics and is also partnered with the local SPCA LA office performing routine surgeries and treating sick, injured, and/or abused animals.
Denise Bierens, DVM
(Practice Limited to Surgery)
Originally from Canada, Dr. Bierens grew up loving dogs, cats, and horses. She was a competitive equine dressage rider traveling all over North America. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at her local veterinary hospital. Dr. Bierens graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Animal Science and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bierens completed her clinical training at the University of Missouri and began her professional career in small animal general practice in New York.
Dr. Bierens subsequently moved to Southern California to complete a three year residency in Small Animal Surgery at VCA West LA. Since completing her residency, Dr. Bierens has continued to work at referral surgical centers (VCA West LA, California Animal Hospital, and VCA All Care) as well as in general practice (VCA Lakewood).
Outside of professional practice, Dr. Bierens enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Marchan, two sons, and four pets. She also enjoys playing golf and painting.
Katherine Gilman, DVM
Dr. Gilman has been an established, well respected Veterinarian in the South Bay for over two decades. She treats all pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, exotics and avians.
Dr. Gilman was raised in northern California and completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of California at Santa Cruz. She graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.
Outside the hospital, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, reading and spending time with her family.
Sandra Kranz, DVM
Dr Kranz has been a part of Animal Hospital of South Bay for over 2 years.
Dr. Kranz has completed a small animal surgery residency and is now available on Wednesdays, Friday, and Saturdays.
Dr. Kranz has a special interest in veterinary soft tissue and orthopedic surgery..
Justine Walker, DVM
Dr. Walker joined our Rolling Hills team last fall.
Dr. Walker graduated from the University of Davis and is available Wednesday through Saturday.
Dr. Walker is also fluent in Japanese.
Elisabeth Sevy DVM
Bio to follow
Andrew Arriola DVM
Bio to follow
Michelle Verdin, Hospital Manager for Lawndale & Rolling Hills
Ms Verdin joined our team last fall after working for a multi-veterinarian practice in management. Ms Verdin is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Maribel
Senior Technician
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Maribel: Assisted with operating on a lion once, it was scary and exciting.
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Maribel: Hmmmm, I think an elephant.
AHSB: That’s not a pet…
Maribel: Oh, ok, ok, ok…I think I would want to be a tortoise.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Maribel: I think it’s to show compassion!
Maria
Technician
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Maria: Working on interesting cases, I’ve never seen before.
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Maria: A feisty cat!
AHSB: What would your name be?
Maria: Miss-chief
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Maria: I’m always on the move!
Eddy
Technician
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Eddy: Assisting with cataract surgery on a crow.
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Eddy: A domesticated fox. It’s my alter ego.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Eddy: Being aware of all my surroundings.
I’m a big believer in teamwork.
Monica
Technician Assistant
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Monica: When owners really appreciate your help with their pet.
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Monica: I’d be a beagle.
AHSB: What would your name be?
Monica: Boomer.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Monica: Bringing a positive attitude!
Hannah
Technician Assistant
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Hannah: Wow, every day is so different, people, pets, it’s all good.
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Hannah: Ha! A German Shepherd.
AHSB: What would your name be?
Hannah: Nala.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Hannah: I work fast!
Bria
Receptionist
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Bria: I love “Reception” day!
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Bria: I’d go crazy I’d be a lion.
AHSB: Um…that’s not a pet…
Bria: Ok, I love dogs, I’d be a dog.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Bria: Kindness, yes, that’s my Super Power!
Raquel
Receptionist
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Raquel: When we had a pig come in for treatments. I love the pig!
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Raquel: A snake.
AHSB: What would your name be?
Raquel: Pepperoncini.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Raquel: I remember everything!
Daniela
Receptionist
AHSB: What was your best day in the profession?
Daniela: A litter of 7 puppies, came in…loved that!
AHSB: If you were a pet, what would you be?
Daniela: A cat.
AHSB: What would your name be?
Daniela: Pistachio.
AHSB: In the clinic, what is your Super Power?
Daniela: I can multi-task, even under pressure!
Erika Bonsky,Lead Receptionist (Lawndale)
Victor, RVT, Lead Treatment Technician/Supervisor (Rolling Hills and Lawndale)
Robert, Treatment Technician (Rolling Hills)
Eduardo, Treatment Technician (Rolling Hills)
Did You Know?
We sponsor the Manhattan Beach Youth Athletics and we also partnered with the local SPCA LA office performing routine surgeries and treating sick, injured, and/or abused cases.
