Richard Monyek, DVM

Owner / Veterinarian

Richard is a 1987 graduate of Colorado State University with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.  He worked as an associate veterinarian for Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic in Colorado Springs from 1988 to 1990 at which time he became the sole owner of the veterinary practice.  Richard continues to enjoy the challenges and rewards of veterinary medicine and has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, anesthesia and pain management as well as geriatric medicine.  Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and pets, playing inline hockey and taking trips to the beach.  He is also an amateur photographer with Houndog Photography.

Jesse Hand, DVM

Veterinarian

How long at ABAC: Started on 4/21/2018

How long in the field: 8 years (Graduated May 2010)

Background and Schooling: Grew up in Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs High School grad (2002). BS in Zoology and Doctor of Vet Medicine from Colorado State University (both in 2010, long story…). Worked ~ 8 years as an ophthalmology student technician at CSU. Also was raised by wolves (1000+ volunteer hours over 8 years at a Wolf and Wolf-dog sanctuary near Fort Collins, CO).

Favorite part of the job: I love preventative medicine because I love teaching. Though I don’t get the opportunity to teach Veterinary students anymore, I love the chance to teach people things they may not have known about their pets.

My own pets: One very spoiled Great Pyrenees mix dog named Mistaya (Misty for short).

Hobbies outside of work: Handyman- I love to build/repair/create things (woodworking, classic VW tinkering, etc). Collector (pronounced “Hoarder”)- I love garage sailing/ thrift store shopping, especially looking for 1980’s toys. Gamer (pronounced “Geek or Nerd”)- I love tabletop gaming with friends.

Trephina Benn MVB

Veterinarian

I started at ABAC in June 2017.

Brian, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Brian is a 2001 graduate of Bel Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology with an associates degree.  He has been an employee of Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic  as a Certified Veterinary Technician since December of 2001.  Brian excels in customer relations and strives to provide excellent patient care .  Brian keeps  his certification current by attending continuing education every year.   His interests include outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing as well as spending time with his kids and two dogs “Teddy” and “Clyde”. He also has the record in our hockey league for the most time spent in the penalty box. 🙂

Kaitlin

Assistant & Receptionist

How long at ABAC: Started on 8/27/2018

How long in the field: 2 years (Graduated October of 2016)

Background and Schooling: Born and raised in Colorado Springs. Was a 3rd generation graduate from William J. Palmer High School in 2014, completed the CVA program at PIMA in 2016. I hope to go back to school to become a DVM. I’ve always wanted to be a vet since I was little.

Favorite part of the job: I love seeing the pets walk out of the clinic healthy and happy. I started out in this field in emergency and way too often I didn’t see that. I love that I’m also still constantly learning new ways to help animals.

What I love about ABAC: I love how chill the environment is. I love that the doctors and techs are willing to take their time to teach me new things. Everyone is so friendly here.

My own pets: I’ve always had several pets in my house. Currently I have a spoiled Siamese cat named Kinzey, a crazy rescue mutt (Australian Cattle Dog/Chow Chow) named Koda, a fat potato guinea pig named George, and a mellow Red Eared Slider named Tily.

Outside of work: I’ve always been captivated by nature. I try to escape to the mountains whenever I can. I also really love photography, specifically in nature. I always have my camera with me ready to capture any gorgeous sight that Colorado will give me.

Stacy

Certified Veterinary Technician

Tanya

Receptionist

I was born in the Philippines and grew up in Pakistan. I immigrated to the US in 1996 and call Colorado home since 2008. I love animals and started out as a vet assistant in 2004. Due to some medical issues, I had to take a break from work between 2010 to 2015. That is when I went back to school and got an Associates in Applied Science degree in culinary arts/baking. In 2016 I decided to go back to work as my medical condition improved and have been working as a veterinary receptionist ever since then.

My happy home is filled with 3 dogs and a cat, all of them were rescues. The 3 dogs and I love summertime because we are able to go on walks. My hobbies include cooking/baking, gardening and working on my bonsai trees. I am also the vice president of Pikes Peak Bonsai Society.

Tessa

Practice Manager

How long at ABAC: Started on November 9th, 2015

How long in the field: I’ve been in the veterinary field since 2008

Background and Schooling: I got my associates degree in 2012 and I’ve been a certified veterinary assistant since 2010. I’m currently in school working on my bachelors’ degree.

Favorite part of the job: I love interacting with the clients and meeting all the wonderful pets that come in.

What I love about ABAC: The best part of my job is seeing pets grow up from their first puppy or kitten visit and well into their adult years.

My own pets: I have 2 dogs and 2 cats!

Outside of work: Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and exploring the mountains in Colorado. I love snowboarding in the winter and riding horses with my friends!

Bobbie

Veterinary Technician

How long have you been at ABAC: Started April 2018.

How long have you worked in the field: I have been a technician for almost 18 years.

Background and schooling: I was born in Clearwater, Florida then moved to Phoenix Arizona when I was 12. I graduated in 1999 from South Mountain High School in Phoenix. I then graduated from Long Technical College in 2001 with my associate’s degree. I recently moved to Colorado Springs in 2017 for a fresh start and have now found a home (ABAC) that I enjoy going to daily.

What’s your favorite part of your job: I enjoy being able to educate pet parents on how to properly care for their furry family members, as well as getting to play with the puppies and kittens that come in for the wellness appointments. I also enjoy the opportunities that our doctors give us to learn and further our education while we work.

Do you have any of your own pets: Let’s see…I have a registered medical alert pitty that is spoiled beyond belief and 3 kitties- 1 orange tabby female, 1 Turkish Angola mix male, and 1 Ragdoll male which are all also spoiled brats.

What do you like to do outside of work: Well I don’t have much spare time for hobbies with 4 animals, 7 children, and 2 grandkids but when I do get the chance my husband and I like to go to movies, dinner, fishing, or the shooting range.

Amanda

Veterinary Technician

My name is Amanda and I have been working at Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic since April 2019. I am both a receptionist and Certified Veterinary Technician. I have been working in this field for 8 years and love every aspect of it. I went to school here in the springs at PIMA medical institute and graduated in 2011, when I sat for my national boards. My favorite part of this field is that no two days are the same and every case though similar is always different. I have had an array of animals in the past that still have my heart, but for now our family has just adopted a sweet little terrier mix named Sam and he has such a great personality and truly is an amazing addition to the family. When I am not here working, I like to spend time with family and friends going on adventures or just being with them.

Megan

Receptionist

How long in the field: I have been in the veterinary field for about three years total.

Background and schooling: I went to Red Rocks community college where I received an AA degree and then started work on my Psychology degree at Metropolitan State University. I only have two semesters left and I will be finishing at UCCS.

Favorite part of the job: I ended up working in the veterinary field by complete chance but I love it so much. My favorite part of the job is solving problems for our clients and making their lives easier. I love being able to turn someone’s day around. Our pets are like family and I know how hard it is when they aren’t feeling well. I’m glad I’m at a job where I can see a pet’s entire life turn around. Also, petting all the cute animals isn’t so bad either!

My own pets: I have a 9 year old border collie named Rilo that I adopted when he was only 8 weeks old. He’s the sweetest, calmest Border Collie you’ll ever meet! Since moving to the springs I have acquired my fiancés pets as well. A fluffy 3 year old cat named Munchlax and a 12 year old Puggle named Frisco!

Hobbies outside of work: When I’m not at work or doing school work, I love hanging out with my husband, reading and re-watching the Office on Netflix. I also love going to the beach (although I only get to do that once a year). It really is too bad that Colorado is a landlocked state.