Our Team

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.

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.

I was born in San Diego, CA but have lived in the Charlotte area for almost 30 years. I graduated from Independence High School in Mint Hill where I met and married my high school sweetheart. I started working in the veterinary industry just out of high school as a part-time receptionist. Over the years, I have worked in many roles in the hospital, including receptionist, kennel help, veterinary assistant, lead pet nurse, and hospital director. I worked with Dr. Pressly in a corporate setting several years ago and our paths crossed again when Pressly Animal Hospital opened in July 2011.

I began working at Pressly Animal Hospital when it opened as a pet nurse. Since October of 2013 I have been the Practice Manager.

My husband and I currently live in Indian Trail with two children and a Bulldog/Staffordshire Terrier cross rescue named Zoe. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I also love to attend church, plan parties and go shopping.

To contact Kristina, you can email: [email protected]

I was born in Decatur, Georgia but have been in the Charlotte area since I was about 2. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Major in Business Management and a minor in Media arts. I initially wanted to be a film editor until I started volunteering at the Humane Society where I was eventually hired and worked there for 6 years. I enjoyed the experience so much that I made the decision to go back to school to become a Registered veterinary technician. I graduated from Gaston College in 2021. I did my internship for school at PAH and was hired upon completion of my training. I became registered in January of the following year.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going to plays, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends. I have one dog, an Australian Shephard / Border Collie mix named Harley Quinn.

I have been an animal lover since I was a child. My very first pet was a cat that lived to be 19 years old. I moved to Charlotte in 2002. My early career was in Property Management, but my love for animals took over and led me into this industry. I have an affinity for the unique look of hairless animals, and I currently own a Sphynx, a gray Tabby, a Border Collie mix as well as a Chinese Crested, all rescues. I also foster for various local rescues, so there’s always a third dog of some kind in the mix.

In my spare time, if I’m not with my animals, you will find me crafting or spending time with my husband and 2 grown children. To contact Colene directly, you can email: [email protected]

Hi, I’m Mandy. I was born across the pond in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. When I was 13 years old, my family moved to the United States. My educational background is in Childhood Development and Special Education. I’ve been working at Pressly Animal Hospital for 2 years now. I have two grown children and a little dog Charlie. In my free time I like to hike and enjoy going to concerts.