Ophthalmology - Practice Staff

Dr. Matthew Chavkin is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Dr. Chavkin graduated from Cornell University and completed a small animal internship and ophthalmology residency at Colorado State University. He has been in practice at VRCC since 1994.

Dr. Chavkin specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in animals. “The thing I love best about performing cataract surgery isn’t the technical aspect, but the moment when the pet is finally able to see its family again. It’s great to be a part of that happiness.”

Dr. Tanja Nuhsbaum is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana followed by eight years of education to complete her veterinary degree, small animal internship and ophthalmology residency training at Colorado State University and the University of Guelph, in Canada. She has practiced veterinary ophthalmology since 2001.

“I feel very fortunate that I love my job. I enjoy coming to work every day and meeting my new patients. It is a pleasure to work with clients with a common goal in mind: to assist and benefit the visual needs of their special, four-legged family members.”

Dr. Brad Graham is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He attended Carroll College in Helena, MT and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. In 1998, he completed his veterinary degree at Colorado State University. He then spent one year in an equine internship program at Littleton Equine Medical Center.  In 2004, he completed his residency at CSU and since then has been practicing veterinary ophthalmology in the Denver area.  “While veterinary ophthalmology deals with a very specific organ system, ocular disease impacts many facets of life, for the patient, and his or her human family.  I find it rewarding to be part of helping the patient maintain a good quality of life.”

Amanda moved to Colorado from Alaska to attend the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She graduated from Bel-Rea in June of 2000 with an Associate Degree in Animal Science. Amanda joined VRCC in 2000 with the Internal Medicine department and joined the Ophthalmology team in March 2002. Amanda has special interests in holistic medicine and veterinary nutrition.

Amanda has 4 dogs (Shiba Inu and Wire-haired Vizsla (3)) and enjoys training and showing them. She is also the proud guardian of two cats.

Amanda graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife and certification in Veterinary Technology. She worked at a clinic specializing in avian and exotic care before joining VRCC’s Ophthalmology department in March 2004. She has one handsome dog named Luke.

Krisha received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business at Texas A&M University in 2000. She moved to Denver in the winter of 2002 to pursue her dream of working with animals by attending Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. Krisha graduated in June 2004 and worked with the Neurology department at VRCC before joining the Ophthalmology department in July 2005.

Krisha has a German Shepherd Dog named Cassie. She takes every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with her husband.

Shauna graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology.  She returned to Front Range Community College to receive her Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.  Shauna has worked at the VRCC since 2006.  She joined the Ophthalmology department in 2011.  Shauna is a Colorado native and loves the beauty and adventure Colorado has to offer.  She enjoys biking, hiking with her 4-legged buddies, West-Coast swing dancing, and spending time with friends and family.

Anne graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in 2007 and is a Colorado native. After graduation Anne worked for another specialty hospital for almost four years. Anne has a special interest in surgery and anesthesia.

Anne has two dogs ( a German Shepherd mix and a Pointer mix) and two misfit cats who run her household. In her free time, Anne enjoys camping, spending time with her family and formulating beer brewing recipes with her husband.

Amy has worked at the VRCC for over 6 years. She has had the pleasure of working for the front desk, dermatology, internal medicine and Antech Laboratories. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as her two dogs, a crazy little boxer and a sweet old mastiff.

Amy has a degree in video production and is currently working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology.