Our Pediatric Experts
Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates provide care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 21.
Our Doctors
Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates (SOCPA) has been caring for infants, children, and young adults across South Orange County since 1977. With offices in Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and Irvine, we’ve spent nearly five decades growing alongside the communities we serve, and we’ve never stopped adding to what we offer families.
Our team of board-certified pediatricians sees patients from their very first newborn visit all the way through age 21, and they bring far more than routine pediatric care to every appointment. From our Travel Health Specialist to prenatal consultations, from no-charge phone nurse advice to after-hours care at our Ladera Ranch office, this practice was built to have thought of everything, so you don’t have to.
Paulina Avendano MD, FAAP
“What I enjoy most about pediatrics is interacting with children and families. A lot of pediatrician’s time is spent on teaching, and I take this role seriously.”
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Eric Ball MD, FAAP
“I became a pediatrician because I am passionate about preventative medicine and keeping kids healthy. The greatest privilege of my life is being able to work with families to ensure that their children thrive and grow into healthy and happy adults.”
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Terence Chu MD, FAAP
“It is so very rewarding to be able to watch different patients grow and change throughout their childhood, to help teach and guide patients/families, and to treat and prevent illness and injuries.”
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Amy Conrad MD
Dr. Conrad has been with SOCPA since 2023.
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Cynthia Dimalanta MD, FAAP
“The trust that parents give to pediatricians in caring for their children is so special. I truly take that to heart as I build a relationship with families, educating parents and patients alike, and helping them through well-visits and illnesses.”
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Lauren Dwinell MD, FAAP
Dr. Dwinell is passionate about guiding families through every stage of childhood and into adulthood.
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Sarah Kay Herrera MD, FAAP
Dr. Herrera has been with SOCPA since 2022.
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Roia Katebian MD
Dr. Katebian has been with SOCPA since 2026.
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Kenson Lo MD, MPH, FAAP
Dr. Lo has been with SOCPA since 2013.
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Katherine Nielsen MD
“I believe healthy, happy kids are our future, and that prevention and compassionate care make all the difference.”
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James Su MD
“Pediatric medicine is a collaborative effort between the patient, parents, and the pediatrician.”
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Meena Tanwar-Ahuja, MD, Ph.D
Dr. Tanwar-Ahuja is particularly passionate about preventative medicine, building connections and trust with families, and caring for children through both illness and wellness.
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Jenna Timboe MD
“It is a privilege to care for pediatric patients and their families. I recognize this honor even more so after becoming a mother and understanding the trust you must place in a physician that is caring for your child.”
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Margaret van Blerk MD, MPH, FAAP
Dr. van Blerk is particularly passionate about childhood obesity prevention, asthma education, and promoting healthy choices for children and families.
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Katherine Williamson MD, FAAP
Dr. Williamson feels humbled and inspired by the patients and families she serves. She’s honored to work alongside her SOCPA family who strives every day to make a positive difference in our patients’ lives.
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Shruti Vora, MD
Dr. Shruti Vora has been with SOCPA since 2023.
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Rosette Yson-Zaragoza MD, FAAP
Dr. Yson-Zaragoza has been with SOCPA since 2005.
