Dr. Nelson received his Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude in Chemistry from Colorado College. After receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1979, he completed a 5 year program in a large referral hospital in Los Angeles. After three times being honored by the California Academy of Veterinary Medicine, he returned to his native state in 1983. He and his business partner, Dr. Jerry LaBonde, over the past 25 years have built Nelson Animal Hospital and Homestead Animal Hospital, serving the medical and surgical needs of canine, feline and exotic pets in the Front Range area. Dr. Nelson is a member of the AVMA, DAVMS, CVMA and AAHA.
Meredith Douglas, DVM:
Dr. Douglas received her Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in Zoology in 2000. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2004. After serving as a staff veterinarian at Westridge Veterinary Hospital for 3 years, she joined the staff at Nelson Animal Hospital. Her special interests are Internal Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery. She is married and her family consists of 2 dogs and 2 cats. In her free time Dr. Douglas enjoys bicycling and skiing. Dr. Douglas is a member of the AVMA and DAVMS.
Matt Hitchcock, DVM:
A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dr. Hitchcock escaped the "frozen tundra" and attended the Florida State University on a National Merit Finalist scholarship. After graduating with business degrees, he spent 3 years in television advertising sales in Chicago. Upon realizing his true calling was in veterinary medicine, he left his sales job and began working at an animal hospital while attending night school for the veterinary medicine prerequisite courses. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The University of Wisconsin in 2008. Dr. Hitchcock's special interests include Soft Tissue Surgery, Neurology, and Pain Management. When not cheering for the Green Bay Packers, he enjoys hiking, camping, and mountain biking with his dogs "Sierra" and "Payton". Dr. Hitchcock is a member of the AVMA, DAVMS, and AAHA.
Support Staff:
Ginny Betz, Practice Administrator:
Ginny's career with animals began as a 12 year old volunteer at The Dumb Friends League and she hasn't left the field since! She has worked at Nelson Animal Hospital for 19 years. Ginny also has a successful Pet Sitting business called Pet Tenders. She also is a foster parent for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue. In her spare time she enjoys movies, reading, music, and working on her house. She shares that house with 4 dogs, Schuyler, Che', Reese, and Tally. 4 cats Chin Spot, Joseph, Molly, and Oggie. 2 Bearded Dragons, Gollum and Pogo. And 2 fish tanks.
Ashley Johnson, CVT:
Ashley has worked in the veterinary field since 2001. She graduated from Bel-Rea Institute in 2005 with an associates in Applied Sciences. She has a black lab mix named Mickey, a black cat named Chizzle, and a 13-year-old white dove named Snow White.
Beth Johnson, CVT:
Beth became a certified veterinary technician through the Bel-Rea Institute in 2005 and has been working at Nelson AH since 2006. She is the mother of one human daughter and several furry/feathered children.
Keri Ross, CVT:
Keri is a 2009 graduate of the Bel-Rea Institute. After working in a veterinary emergency hospital for 1 1/2 years, she decided to join our general practice. She spends most of her free time chasing her 5 ferrets, 1 rat, and 1 cat. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Biology at Metro State College.
Gina Lanverton:
Gina moved to Colorado from California in September 2005. She has worked for Nelson AH since April 2007. She has a background in dog and cat rescue/foster/placement in California. Gina has always had a great love for all animals and currently has 3 of her own: "Guido" an Amazon yellow-nape parrot that she has had since she was 12 years old, "Daphne" a Jack Russell Terrier, and "Jack-Cedes Benz" a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Sarah Hayden:
After working part-time at Nelson Animal Hospital while in high school, Sarah returned for a full-time position in 2008. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 4 dogs, and 1 cat.
Carroll Mello:
Carroll has worked at Nelson Animal Hospital for 19 years tending to our kennels and grounds. She is married and enjoys spending time with her Chihuahua "Maya". She also enjoys outdoor activities and in the summer cheering on the Rockies.
Brenda Maier
Brenda has worked at Nelson Animal Hospital for 2 years caring for our kennels on weekends. Brenda also works at The Cat Care Society helping homeless cats.
