Our Team

Meet Your Veterinary Team

Our team is here to help. At Pressly Animal Hospital, we treat you and your pets like our family. Get to know our awesome team below:

Our Veterinarians

Dr. William Pressly

Veterinarian / Owner

Dr. Pressly's Bio
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. David Drake

Veterinarian
Dr. Drake's Bio

I grew up in Toledo, OH, and graduated from Whitmer High School in 1979. I was influenced by our family’s veterinarian, Dr. Bill Mewborn, and enrolled at the Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management in 1984. I then followed through by graduating from Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988.

After graduation, I returned to Toledo and started practicing as an associate at Countryside Animal Hospital, the same hospital where I worked performing kennel help during my undergrad. In 1991, I became a partner in that practice when one of the owners decided to retire. In 1995, I became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. I left the practice in 2009 and worked as a relief veterinarian at several hospitals and the local emergency clinic. I moved to Fort Mill, SC, in October 2011.

I began doing relief work at Pressly Animal Hospital in December 2011 and became their referral vet for all acupuncture needs. I joined PAH full time in November 2013.

I have two grown children, TJ and Alyssa. TJ is the manager of a brewhouse at a microbrewery in Columbus, OH. Alyssa graduated from Cleveland State University in the Spring of 2017. She studied Education for Special Needs children. I am extremely proud of both.

I enjoy being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding. I also enjoy gardening and growing my own vegetables. I have a Labrador Retriever named Duck.

To contact Dr. Pressly or Dr. Drake:
email: [email protected]
attn: Dr. Pressly or Dr. Drake

Dr. Zachary Bellomo

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Bellomo's Bio

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 engaged and eagerly anticipating his wedding on 12/5/24. At home, he shares his
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.

Dr. Marian Benitez

Referral Veterinarian
Dr. Benitez's Bio

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.

Our Veterinary Nurses

To contact the vet nurse team, you can email: [email protected]

Jennifer

Sydney McDonagh

Veterinary Technician, Team Lead
Sydney's Bio

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 two dogs, workout, and enjoy my time with friends.

Jennifer

Gabby Slape

Veterinary Nurse

Gabby's Bio

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.

Jennifer

Olivia Church

Veterinary Nurse

Olivia's Bio

Hi, my name is Olivia! I have been at Pressly Animal Hospital since June 2022 and I have loved every second of it! Working with animals is my greatest passion, and I love to befriend their owners too. Outside of work, I love to read, crochet and play with my Vizsla, Captain.

Jennifer

James Lyons

Veterinary Nurse

James's Bio

Greetings! I started here as an intern in January 2022 and in August of that year was offered a position on the team. I am also a full time college student. Animals have been my focus for as long as I can remember. Seeing the personality of each animal is the highlight of my day. I have two dogs (rescued from GCSPCA) and two cats. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, building Lego’s and playing strategy games.

Jennifer

Charlinae McNeil

Veterinary Nurse

Charlinae's Bio
Hi, my name is Charlinae! I am a fresh new face at Pressly Animal Hospital just starting in June 2024. I am originally from Raleigh, NC, but I moved to Charlotte after graduating from Veterinary school in May 2024 at Virginia Tech! I look foward to learning many things here in my time being a veterinary nurse, and hope to pass my boards exam to become a full blown veterinarian in the near future! When I am not at work I enjoy playing video games, hanging out with friends and family, and chilling with my fiancé, Jeremiah, and our tortie cat, Amidala, guinea pig, Kenobi, and 2 chinchillas, Yoda and Leia!
Jennifer

Kam Duckett

Veterinary Nurse

Kam's Bio
Lover of animals both big and small. Artist at heart.
Jennifer

Meghan Oettinger

Veterinary Nurse

Meghan's Bio

Hi, my name is Meghan! I am currently in my second year of vet school at the University of Illinois. I started working here in the summer of 2021 after I graduated from undergrad at NC State. I love coming back and working here whenever I’m on break from school. In my free time I volunteer at the Wildlife Medical Clinic on campus and participate in events held by the shelter medicine club. I own an Island cat named Seamus and a German Shorthaired Pointer named Boone. I hope to be able to work full time here once I graduate in 2027!

Jennifer

Jesus Armas

Veterinary Nurse

Jesus's Bio

I am from a small agricultural town in Venezuela. I studied at the Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvaro as an Agricultural Technician. I have 14 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician. In my free time I love to travel and visit new landscapes.

Our Client Service Representatives

To contact the front desk, you can email: [email protected]

Colene DeTullio

Creative Development Specialist

Colene's Bio

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]

Heather Hopkins

Heather Hopkins

Client Services Manager

Heather's Bio
I was born in a small town in Connecticut. Right before my freshman year of high school, my parents moved us to NC. A few months after graduating high school I became a veterinary technician. I was with the same doctor at a small animal practice for 14 years. I recently became a receptionist at Pressly Animal Hospital. My husband and I have been together for 16 years. I have 2 small children, a German shepherd named Titan, a bully named Hobbs, a cat named Leeloo, another cat named Mango, and 12 chickens. Veterinary medicine is my passion and I love being part of a great team.

Shelby Shampine

Client Service Representative

Shelby's Bio

Hi! My name is Shelby. I started working at Pressly Animal Hospital in August of 2023 because of my love of animals and trust in the practice. I am married and I have one son, Ryan, who  shares my love of animals. We have 4 dogs, 8 chickens and a potbelly pig. Outside of work we stay busy playing with all the animals, gardening, kayaking, camping and cooking.

Blythe Pressly

Client Service Representative

Blythe's Bio
Hi, my name is Blythe Pressly and I’m Dr. Pressly’s middle daughter. I started working here at the hospital in June of 2023. I am currently a student at Appalachian State University studying Exercise Science. Outside of work I love to go to our family’s farm, spend time with my friends, read and go to church.

Emery Pressly

Client Service Representative

Emery's Bio
Hi! My name is Emery and I am Dr. Pressly’s youngest daughter. I started working at the hospital in the summer of 2024 at our Vet Farm Camp as a camp counselor. I am currently going to East Meck High School and I am hoping to become a veterinarian myself! I enjoy working on our farm as we have almost every animal including goats, sheep, chickens, cows, a horse, a donkey and a guardian pup named Odie. Although that keeps me busy, I love rescuing animals, going to church and hanging with friends!