Meet the Veterinarians & Pet Care Professionals of Rocklin Road Animal Hospital

Eric Grunder DVM, Veterinarian/Owner

Dr. Grunder completed his bachelor’s degree in physiology in 1980 at the University of California, Davis. He received his DVM from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He has been practicing veterinary medicine in South Placer since 1987. Dr. Grunder is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the Society of Phi Zeta (Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine).

Dr. Grunder has owned and operated Rocklin Road Animal Hospital since 1998. His professional interests include general surgery, dentistry, dermatology, geriatric care, preventive medicine, and orthopedics. He strives to provide a hospital environment that offers high-quality medicine and exceptional patient care while maintaining a “family doctor” relationship with his clients. When he isn’t working at the hospital, Dr. Grunder enjoys hiking with his Great Dane, Daisy; backpacking; mountain biking; and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Tara Williams DVM, Veterinarian

Dr. Williams finished her undergraduate education at Auburn University, Alabama, in 1999. She went on to complete her doctorate in veterinary medicine at Auburn University in 2003. She has been practicing medicine in Placer County since 2006 and has been a part of the Rocklin Road team since 2008.

Dr. Williams’ professional interests include internal medicine, oncology, and dermatology. You will find her to be compassionate and understanding as she cares for your dog or cat. When not at the hospital, you will find Dr. Williams busy enjoying life with her husband, two children, dog, cats, and horse.

Rebecca Pierce, Veterinary Assistant

Rebecca received her associate degree in veterinary technology from Western Career College in 2008, and then sat for and passed the state technician exam. Rebecca completed her externship here at Rocklin Road Animal Hospital and was then hired on as a full-time veterinary technician.

Rebecca has a soft spot in her heart for animals and that, combined with her technician skills, makes her an excellent technician and asset to our team.

Cheryl Weinrich-Marvin, Veterinary Assistant

Cheryl completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Dominican College in 1987 and practiced medicine as a registered nurse. After 10 years in the human side of medicine, she decided she wanted to work with your furry family members.

Cheryl has been a veterinary technician since 2000 and at Rocklin Road Animal Hospital since 2008. She is an asset to our health care team, bringing experience from both arms of medicine to our hospital.

April Bean, Veterinary Assistant

April joined the Rocklin Road team in 2003. April is a graduate of Western Career College with an associate degree in veterinary technology.

April’s compassion for animals leads her to adopt most of the unwanted, downtrodden animals that cross her path. Her nursing care is bested by no one and her concern for your pet is evident—it isn’t unusual for April to show up at the hospital on her day off, just to check on a patient she was in charge of the previous day.

Tatiana McPhee, Veterinary Assistant

Tatiana has been working as a veterinary assistant since 2006 and has been at Rocklin Road since 2008. Tatiana has a special interest in animal dentistry, loves cleaning teeth, and would be happy to discuss your pet’s dental care with you.

Tatiana’s technical skills, her compassion for the patients, and the contagious enthusiasm she brings to work all add to the quality of our team.

Kathi Norgon, Hospital Manager

Kathi has been managing veterinary hospitals since 1993 and Rocklin Road Animal Hospital since 1998. When she isn’t here at the hospital, adjusting employee schedules, ordering supplies, or helping in the treatment room, she is home spending time with her numerous dogs, cats, and birds. Kathi has many animals because her big heart goes out to stray or unwanted pets.

You may meet Kathi if she is filling in for a receptionist or technician or if you have special needs at the hospital.

Cay Sisson, Receptionist

Cay is a seasoned veterinary receptionist, having worked as such since 1983. She joined Rocklin Road Animal Hospital in 2006. Cay’s years of experience in the field have given her a knowledge base that makes her an important part of our team.

You will meet Cay at the front desk or on the phone as she answers your questions, schedules your appointments, or welcomes you to our hospital. She is great at answering your questions and helping you through a crisis with your dog or cat.

Courtney Mattice, Receptionist

Courtney began greeting our clients at the front desk in 2006 and quickly became an important member of the Rocklin Road veterinary health team. Courtney’s enthusiasm and excitement for life spills over onto our staff and clients alike.

You will meet Courtney as she welcomes you, answers yours questions, takes you phone calls, or makes appointment for you. She will do all she can to accommodate you and your pet’s needs.

Kaitlynn Blackwell, Kennel Attendant

Kaitlynn has been caring for the dogs and cats in our boarding kennels since May 2010. You will meet Kaitlynn when she checks in your pet for boarding. You will find Kaitlynn to be a very sweet person with a heart for animals. When you check in, tell her all your pet’s particulars so she can treat them as much like you do a possible.

Brittney Swanger, Kennel Attendant

Brittney has been watching out for your pets in our boarding facility since July 2010. Brittney has a soft spot for animals and has already adopted an unwanted puppy that was left at our hospital. Brittney will take great care of your dog or cat when you board them at our kennels. You can go on vacation knowing your furry family member is in great hands with Brittney.

Lucy, Rocklin Road Animal Hospital Mascot

Lucy was brought to us by a Good Samaritan. She had been run over by a car and had sustained massive abdominal trauma. Lucy’s owner was not interested in saving her, so we took her in, performed surgery to save her life, and rehabilitated her.

Our hospital manager, Kathi, adopted her on the spot, and Lucy has been Kathi’s friend and companion ever since. It is rare to see Kathi without Lucy at her side. You will see Lucy wandering the hospital any day that Kathi is around.

Lucy is a wonderful example to all of us—good veterinary care combined with lots of love can accomplish miracles!