Our Team

I have lived in Charlotte most of my life and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1987. I attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for undergrad studies and graduated in 1992. Upon graduation, I was looking for a new adventure and moved out west to work on a Dude Ranch in Colorado. After several months on the ranch, I was placed in charge of all the horses’ herd health. I was inspired by my time in Colorado that I went back to school in 1993 at NCSU. Go WOLFPACK!! While in school, I was working as a large animal veterinary technician. I then decided to enroll in Veterinary School at Ross University, which is located on St. Kitts. I came back and completed my senior clinical rotation at NCSU. After graduating in 1998, I went to work with my long-time mentor, Dr. Richard Cochrane, treating large animals in the NC triangle area. Upon moving back to Charlotte in 1999, I continued working with large animals. I suffered a near-fatal crash in June that year while on my way to a large animal service call. I suffered a broken back and a badly lacerated left forearm. After several months of rehab, I returned to what I loved, veterinary medicine. I decided at that time to make the transition to small animal medicine.

Before opening Pressly Animal Hospital, I was an emergency medicine clinician and associate in corporate and local private practice. As an associate, I noticed a lack of involvement in private practices with local rescue organizations. So, our mission was born: WE ARE THE VOICE OF FORGOTTEN PETS. I quickly came to terms with my calling and opened Pressly Animal Hospital in July 2011.

Here at PAH, we are very fortunate to work with over 80 different local and long-distance rescue organizations, as well as the Humane Society of Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control. These wonderful, committed individuals and organizations allow me to do what I feel called to do and help animals find their FURREVER homes. I really enjoy coming to work every day with staff and clients committed to education and healing.

In my free time, what little I have, I spend it with my three daughters, hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, farming, and of course rescuing animals both big and small. Our animal family consists of three rescue dogs (Duke, Colin, and Emma — PAH’s honorary receptionist), one cat (Daisy), cows, and a donkey named Molly. Just recently, we have added three sheep (Daisy, Dollie, and Dibbs) and 8 chickens (Lily, Piper, Roxy, Charlotte, April, Helen, and Georgia), and 11 goats (Mollie, Millie, Fern, Minnie, Rick, Morty, Pearl, Butter, Bessie, Hopps, and Barley) to our farm.

Thank you to all our clients and friends that support our practice and mission to help all pets have a better life. Remember, stewardship of all creatures is our responsibility.

Dr. Bellomo earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from NC State University, and his education continued at the University of Florida Veterinary School, where he graduated in May
of 2024. While in veterinary school, Dr. Bellomo spent a lot of his time dedicated to working with animal shelters, and he even spent time with a veterinary school in Ecuador doing relief work with different species of animals.

Dr. Bellomo is happily married to his wife, Makenna, and at home, they share life with two cats, Egg and Bean, who bring chaos and excitement to his household. Outside the clinic, Dr. Bellomo enjoys the great outdoors and has a range of hobbies including traveling,
cooking, and sports such as pickleball.

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Small Animal

I graduated top of my class at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. My desire to pursue surgery led me to advanced surgical training where I completed a medical and surgical internship at the University of Georgia and a three-year small animal surgical residency at Kansas State University.

I am a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine and surgery, but I have a special interest in orthopedic procedures for cranial cruciate ligament rupture and gastrointestinal diseases. My Masters of Science thesis focused on pain management considerations of small animals and I’m very invested in bringing about excellent pain management for my patients.

I am the sole owner and operator of Dogwood Veterinary Surgical Care, PLLC. My goal is to bring advanced surgical procedures into local veterinary practices to better serve clients and their pets.

Learn more about Dr. Benitez at www.DogwoodVeterinarySurgery.com.

Please visit www.tplocharlotte.com for additional information on surgical treatment recommendations for dogs with cruciate ligament (ACL) injury with Dr. Benitez and Dogwood Veterinary Surgical Care.

Hey! I’m Sydney. I started working at Pressly Animal Hospital in August 2023. I have always loved animals, and I love my team. I love working with animals and learning new ways to help them. Outside of work, I play with my dog, workout, and enjoy my time with friends.

Hi, I’m Alex!

I moved to Charlotte from Miami, Florida, in 2017, and I’ve been loving life in the Queen City ever since. Working with animals has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been fortunate to pursue that passion professionally for the past 5 years, with over 2 years of experience in a veterinary setting. While I enjoy working with all types of pets, exotic animals hold a special place in my heart.

In addition to my work, I’m currently enrolled at SPCC, where I’m working toward my Associate of Science degree with the goal of becoming a licensed veterinary technician.

When I’m not at work, my wife and I love exploring the outdoors with our six dogs—all under the age of two! Our furry family includes three Australian Shepherds (Nova, Arlo, and Flynn), two Labrador/Pitbull mixes (Kado and Draco), and a spirited Chihuahua named Max, lovingly called Tootie.

My name is Jess and I am a Mom to a 2 year old rottie named Indy and a 3 yr old cat named Sandor and they are my world!! I have 25+ years with handling animals of all shapes and sizes and have worked in many different types of animal jobs but vet med is my favorite!! I am so happy to be apart of the Pressly team and can not wait to see what the future holds for our team!!

Hello, my name is Gabby. I started working at Pressly Animal Hospital in October 2022. I love animals and enjoy working with them everyday. Outside of work I love to spend time with friends and working out at the gym.

Hi, my name is Kasi! I’ve been working in veterinary medicine for 2 ½ years, beginning my journey in shelter medicine. Vet med is my passion, and I’m an aspiring veterinarian committed to advocating for every animal I meet. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work at Pressly Animal Hospital alongside such a dedicated team. Outside of work, I love spending time with my three pups—Lana (a sweet Staffy), Prince (my playful Lab), and Toby (my cuddly Shih Tzu)—and hanging out with my loved ones.

My name is Jaden Phillips. I have been working in vet med for a little over 4 years now and have enjoyed every moment of it. I have a spicy small mixed breed dog (Yorkie, Shihtzu, Chihuahua mix) named Koda and he is about 6 years old. In my free time, I enjoy reading, binge watching tv shows and spending time with my family.

Hi, I am David. I have been in Vet Med for 4 years and am working on becoming an RVT. I have three crazy cats that I adore. Outside of work, I like to read, cook, and knit. 

Hey there! My name is Norah and I’m a certified veterinary assistant (CVA). I’m still in high school but will be graduating June 2026. I started out as an intern here the summer of 2024 and began volunteering my time here until I became an official employee. I love music and band, classic cars, travel and making a difference in the world. I can’t wait to see what my future brings!

Hi. My name is Rhonda, and I assisted Dr. Pressly in building Pressly Animal Hospital in 2011.  Once it was up and running smoothly, I decided to pursue my career in Human Resources outside of the veterinary field. After working in both the corporate and government sector of Human Resources for many years, I pursued my passion of esthetics and became a licensed esthetician in 2024. Shortly after I became licensed, Dr. Pressly and I decided to collaborate professionally with each other again to build Pressly Animal Wellness Clinic and restructure the management team at Pressly Animal Hospital.

 When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family including my three beautiful daughters, practicing esthetics, and watching true crime documentaries (I am a true crime junkie). I am also a very proud owner of two lovely Sphynx cats, June and Sushi, and a wonderful American Bully named Cash.

Hi, I’m Emma! I recently moved to North Carolina from Cincinnati, Ohio. I love spending time outdoors, traveling, reading, and trying new crafts! I miss my family dogs back home, but I get my pet fix by snuggling the sweet patients at Pressly Animal Hospital and petsitting as much as I can.

Hello, my name is Mackenzie! I have always had a passion for working and caring for animals since the age of 10 years old. I started working at Pressly Animal Hospital in February of 2025.

I have been in the veterinary technician/assistant field for approximately 6 years now, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world. In my short time at Pressly Animal Hospital, I’ve had the opportunity to increase my knowledge, became a CSR, and along the way have proved my efforts and abilities to become the trusted role of ‘Lead CSR’.

I have one pet of my own, a Pitbull Mix named Nala, and she has easily become my pride and joy. 

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, line dancing, trying new foods and traveling!

Hey, I’m Alexa! I just started here at Pressly Animal Hospital in August of 2025. I love all kinds of animals and have five of my own; a boxer, pitt/dalmation, and three cats! In my spare time I love reading, boating, spending time with my husband and cuddling my fur babies 🙂