ABOUT OUR PRACTICE

Our very own Dr. Loraine Stern founded Valencia Pediatric Associates in 1971. At that time, the Santa Clarita Valley looked almost nothing like it does today; pig farms and fields of fruit and onions stretched out in every direction. Dr. Stern had just completed her residency training at UCLA, but she saw this wonderful community and she took a leap of faith, beginning her medical journey in Newhall.  Dr. Stern has since retired in December of 2018.

Dr. Kathy Brockett joined the practice in 1988, as Valencia Pediatrics was growing day by day.  Dr. Brockett became a patient favorite with her loving personality and loyalty to her families. Dr. Brockett and Dr. Stern fell in love with their patients, and the feeling was mutual. During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, they had to charter a helicopter to move past the collapsed 5 freeway. The doctors arrived to find - not destruction - but lines of waiting patients. "We knew you would come," the families explained.

The community continued to expand, and the doctors were blessed to have Dr. Mike Schoenwetter join the office in 1998, bringing his joy and  - some might say - loud exuberance to every visit. Dr. Brian Kirschner followed in 2001 bringing his loving, calming nature and both doctors were immediately beloved. They each settled in Valencia, buying homes and starting their own families.  Dr. Becky Mandel joined the office in 2005, lucky enough to have met and studied with Dr. Stern at UCLA. She quickly became popular with teenagers and new mothers, and Valencia Pediatrics was able to see her marry and start her own family over the past ten years.

By 2006, Valencia Pediatrics could no longer be considered a small, community practice, just as Santa Clarita was no longer only a small town. New families were arriving every day, grateful to find safe neighborhoods and excellent schools. With no more room in their cozy and cramped Newhall offices, the group packed up and moved to its current location, excited to spread its wings.

Dr. Neela Sethi arrived in 2010, ready to share her lactation expertise and a clear love for newborns and their parents. She’s been raising her young family and nurturing our patients ever since. And in 2016, the Valencia Pediatric family was thrilled to welcome Dr. Lidia Alonso Shadrick, who brought with her over 10 years of experience and a wonderful family of her own.

Valencia Pediatric Associates has been privileged to grow along with the Santa Clarita Valley. It has been a joy and a pleasure treating your children and your grandchildren over the years, and we feel truly honored to be your pediatricians.