Dr. Lillian Roberts graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987.  After a pioneering private-practice internship in California's Bay Area, she moved to the Coachella Valley.  Here she spent several years at the Animal Emergency Clinic -- culminating in the publication in 1998 of a book, EMERGENCY VET: TRUE STORIES FROM THE ANIMAL ER. 

Dr. Roberts opened Country Club Animal Clinic in 1996, providing personalized service to pet owners in the growing East Valley.  Built mostly by word-of-mouth, the practice continues to serve discriminating pet owners at its convenient new facility opened in 2008.  After more than 20 years of practice, Dr. Roberts still loves what she does -- and it shows!  "Whether it's an annual wellness visit or a challenging medical or surgical case, I take real pleasure in making every client experience a positive one," she says.  "I look forward to interacting with my patients and consider many of their owners to be personal friends."

When not providing excellent veterinary care, Dr. Roberts enjoys world travel, scuba diving, hiking, cycling and kayaking, as well as wildlife and nature photography.  She is the author of several books, including the Andi Pauling veterinarian mystery series, is past president of the Desert Camera Club and supports numerous animal-related and other charities.

Erica Mulanouskus: Head Technician; Inventory

Erica has worked in the veterinary field since her teens. She boasts an AA from COD, and is studying for her RVT license.  She may be found assisting the doctors in exam rooms, in surgery and dentistry, or caring for hospitalized patients.  In her spare time, Erica enjoys fishing and cheering her daughter's college soccer team.  She lives with her husband, daughter, three cats, a German Shepherd, and a guinea pig.

Jennifer Agnew: Technician

Jennifer has worked as a veterinary assistant and later technician since 2004.  She joined the Country Club Animal Clinic team in 2007 after a spontaneous working interview spent assisting in a major surgery.  Jen is a key exam-room assistant and has a special interest in dentistry.  Jennifer shares her free time with her life partner and a dog named Haley.

Athena Zittritsch: Client Services

Athena is likely to be the first person you see on arriving at Country Club Animal Clinic.  She greets client on arrival, schedules appointments, and helps clients with their pet health insurance claims.  Athena joined our staff in 2009 and quickly became an essential team member.  In her spare time, she enjoys league bowling.  She and her fiance share their home with a boxer mix, a ball python, and a very tolerant cat.

Stella Ontiveros: Technician

The latest member of our team, Stella joined us in 2011 with eight years' experience as a veterinary assistant.  She is skilled in every aspect of veterinary assisting, and is always eager to learn more.  Stella shares her home with her husband, two children, a cat and and two chihuahuas.  As an added bonus, Stella speaks Spanish fluently.

Michael Bentsen: Maintenance

Michael joined our team in 2008, to help keep us looking sharp.  When we make a mess (which happens a lot in this business!) Michael is right there to restore order.  He lives with his wife and their dog, enjoys bowling and has won medals for his tennis playing.

Rocky: Official Greeter

Found wandering the streets of Palm Desert in 1989, Rocky (A Congo African Grey Parrot) knew his name but not his address or phone number.  He has lived at Country Club Animal Clinic since it opened in 1996.  Rocky's hobbies include whistling dogs over to his cage for a little "love nip" and cadging treats out of the staff.

Bella: Rubber band inventory

Bella came to live with us after her owner was disabled.  Most days, she can be spotted warming the front counter.  In an emergency, she might be called upon to donate life-saving blood to a cat who becomes injured or ill.  In her spare time she experiments with potential new cat toys (pictured here with a favorite) and tests the furniture for sleeping possibilities.

Guapo: Food Taster

Guapo was living at an animal shelter when it became apparent that Bella needed a companion.  While he fits in for the most part, it was soon obvious that he could not be trusted with the pet food inventory overnight.  Not satisfied with a single flavor, if left unsupervised, Guapo will open every bag in sight, nibbling from each before moving on.  To coax him into posing for this photo, we dangled a treat just out of reach (which, of course, he received after the shutter had clicked!)