About Us | Cross Care

The Cross Care Story

Cross Care California is a Southern California–based service dedicated to facilitating access to high-quality medical care in Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico. Our mission is to provide clients with a seamless, safe, and comprehensive experience that combines trusted healthcare with tailored
logistical support.

The idea for Cross Care California was born from personal experience. Over 10 years ago, one of our founders' mother faced a medical issue that many Americans can relate to today. She unknowingly sustained a two-level herniated disc that caused severe pain in her left leg. We watched as doctor after doctor dismissed her symptoms with little more than physical therapy and narcotic prescriptions. Instead of improving, her condition worsened. The medications left her debilitated and within months, she
could no longer walk.

Desperate for answers, we sought a second opinion from an orthopedic and trauma specialist in Tijuana. The difference was night and day. They listened carefully, ordered the right tests, and conducted a thorough evaluation. Within days, they recommended an advanced treatment — stem cell therapy. The results were extraordinary: within a week, his mother was walking again, regaining her health and her quality of life.

Over time, we learned how to navigate the healthcare system in Mexico, build relationships with providers, and manage logistics across the border. Along the way, we discovered the incredible culture, food, and hospitality that made each trip not only beneficial but enjoyable. Today, with years of hands-on experience, we bring expert knowledge to help others safely and confidently access the same high-quality care.

Meet the Co-Founders

Co-Founder

Rucci

Rucci is one of the founders of Cross Care that has had over 10 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Los Angeles. She has worked under a variety of specialties, such as, oncology, urgent care, med-surg/tele, ortho/spine, and the public health sector. She understands first-hand the difficulties patients and their families have in regards to obtaining quality health care. Her goal is to help you find new solutions to your medical needs without compromising your financial stability and mental health.

Co-Founder

Jonathan

Jonathan is one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Cross Care California. With a degree in Psychology and experience working in a Mental Health Rehabilitation facility, he has always been passionate about helping others improve their quality of life. After facing challenges with the U.S. healthcare system, he discovered the compassion and professionalism of doctors in Tijuana — at a fraction of the cost. That experience reignited his purpose and inspired him to help others find accessible, high-quality care with empathy and trust.

Meet the Experts

Cross Care California is connected with a well-rounded team of professionals from Tijuana that are licensed and accredited to accompany you in your path to wellness.

Ortho/Spine Surgeon

Dr. Fernando

Dr. Fernando is an orthopedic and spine surgeon with 33 years of experience in orthopedics, trauma injuries, and spine surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, and completed his specialty training in Orthopedics at the University of Guadalajara and Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.

He is certified by the Mexican Board of Orthopedics and has been practicing in one of Tijuana's premier hospitals since 2006. He is currently focused on regenerative orthopedics and is highly regarded in his work with Plasma-Rich-Platelets (PRP) therapy to treat orthopedic issues and accelerate healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.

Nutritionist

Mariel

Mariel Nallely Pacheco Sandoval is a clinical nutritionist with 14 years of experience providing individualized nutritional care with a patient-centered approach. She earned her degree in Clinical Nutrition from Universidad Iberoamericana, Campus Tijuana, and has collected numerous certifications to better understand patients of all backgrounds. She is certified in nutrition courses with focuses on Diabetes Mellitus, Renal Dysfunction, Thyroid Issues, Hormonal Imbalances, Lactation, Pregnancy, Cancer, and is currently enrolled in Psycho-nutrition. In her current clinical setting, she is committed to helping patients improve their health and well-being through professional, compassionate, and personalized nutrition guidance.

Psychologist

Julio

Julio Angel Lara Landgrave is a Psychologist with 18 years of experience supporting patients in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Psychoanalysis. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with additional training in Gestalt therapy. His background also includes family support, parenting guidance, and forensic psychology, with nine years of experience serving as an expert witness in the state judicial system.

His vision is to support individuals with professionalism and compassion, helping them build the awareness, tools, and skills needed to overcome obstacles that may be affecting their well-being in all areas of life.

Veterinarian

Dr. Lourdes

Dr. Lourdes Briseño Díaz is a trusted veterinarian known for providing compassionate, ethical, and thorough care for dogs and cats in Tijuana. She completed her studies in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and graduated in 1995, building a strong academic foundation for her longstanding work in animal care. Pet owners praise her for her professionalism, gentle handling, clear explanations, and sincere commitment to the health and well-being of every animal she treats. Supported by a caring team and a welcoming clinic environment, she has built a strong reputation among families seeking dependable, high-quality veterinary care.

Women's Clinic

Centro Panamericano de la Mujer

We are proud partners of Centro Panamericano de la Mujer, a leading women’s clinic located in Tijuana. What makes Centro Panamericano so special is their all-female physician staff that is ready to help women through all stages of their life (from infancy to menopause), along with their patient-centered approach that focuses on education, prevention, and woman empowerment. Centro Panamericano uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate diagnoses and innovative treatments that improve a woman’s quality of life. Their services cover gynecology, obstetrics, fertility/reproductive health, adolescent health, maternal health, and menopausal support. They firmly believe in empowering women to take control of their health .

Laboratory

Laboratorios del Chopo

Laboratorio Médico del Chopo is a premier, well-established diagnostics provider in Mexico, founded in 1947. It is recognized for offering a wide range of clinical analyses and medical imaging services, with over 330 locations and 27 specialized centers nationwide. Their services include clinical analysis (comprehensive blood tests and urine tests), specialized tests (genetic testing, cancer markers, hormone panels, etc.), and diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray). Unlike laboratories in the U.S., Chopo Laboratorios pride themselves on efficiency, with same-day scheduling and same- day results to you and your doctor. Their just and fair pricing, quick optimization, and wonderful customer service makes them a trusted partner of Cross Care.