About Us

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Euan Murray got his first dog, Ben, when he was eight years old. Ben was crazier than a bag of squirrels. From then on, Dr. Murray knew that he wanted to be a vet. Through his teenage years he worked on a dairy farm every day after school, with the aim of becoming a vet, and at 18 years old he was accepted to the University of Glasgow Veterinary School. Since he always loved working with large animals, he simultaneously pursued a career in professional rugby. In his second year of vet school, he was drafted as a semi-professional rugby player for the Glasgow Warriors. Following graduation, he played professional rugby for 13 years, and was privileged to play for clubs in Scotland, England, and France, and also internationally for Scotland and for the British and Irish Lions. He still holds the record for the most games played in his position for the Scotland Rugby team.

Following his retirement from rugby, he spent a year in Pau, France studying for the NAVLE and assisting Dr. Vincent Mahé at his small animal clinic, and Dr. Vincent Ammann, DACVIM at the largest flat-racing stables in Europe.

Returning to the field of veterinary medicine after such a long break was daunting, but he relished the challenge. In 2017 Dr. Murray and his family moved to the U.S. where he completed a large animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia. The following year he did a small animal medicine and surgery internship at BluePearl Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Louisville, KY. In 2020 he completed a specialty internship in Ophthalmology under the mentorship of Dr. Erica Tolar, DACVO, one of the nation’s leading veterinary ophthalmologists. Finally in 2021 Dr. Murray and his family moved to Maryland to live near his wife’s family.

Dr. Murray loves spending time with his wife and six children, their Golden mix, Ivy, their senior foster cat, Chloe, their bunny, Sprinkles, and their 17 chickens. Since 2021 he has served as a volunteer assistant coach to the US Naval Academy rugby team, and more recently as a Vestry member of St Andrew’s Anglican Church. In his free time (free time?!), he enjoys composting, gardening, fishing, foraging for mushrooms, playing British Bulldogs with his kids, and trying to beat his wife in a grammar war (yet to win one, but here’s hoping!).

A native of Severna Park, Dr. Paula Prestia joined the staff of Great Scottie Vet in June 2024. She received a BA in Mass Communication and History from the University of Virginia, the 3rd out of 5 family members to graduate as a Wahoo. After graduation, she worked for the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Pediatrics as Intern Selection Coordinator, then transferred to the Wilmer Eye Institute, where she worked on several clinical trials. She then was selected as field coordinator of the Waterman’s Study, a field trial conducted on the Eastern Shore evaluating the effects of ultraviolet exposure on cataract formation. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. When the study ended, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin and coordinated a multi center clinical trial on corneal transplantation in high risk patients at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Ophthalmology. While working at the University, Dr. Prestia attended an open house at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, and finally admitting a lifelong dream to be a veterinarian, made the decision to apply to veterinary school.

She took classes part time for the next few years to fulfill prerequisites before applying. She received a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 1996; there she focused on ophthalmology and small and large animal medicine, while considering a career as a mixed animal practitioner. Dr. Prestia ended up working in small animal private practices in Delaware, Virginia and Maryland. Her interests remain internal medicine and ophthalmology. Her favorite part of practice is the interaction with the clients and their 4-legged children.

Dr. Prestia shares her home in Arnold with her beagle, Peyton and with her 3 cats (Keith, Lilly and Lucy). In her free time, she enjoys gardening, swimming, baking and following University of Virginia and University of Wisconsin football, basketball and lacrosse. When she has time off, she enjoys spending time with her nieces in Harvard, MA and her parents in Atlanta.

Kaitlyn brings her passion for animal welfare and extensive leadership experience to her role as Practice Manager at Great Scottie Veterinary Clinic since March 2024. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Kaitlyn now calls Columbia her home, where she is dedicated to serving both the community and its furry companions.

With a lifelong affinity for dogs and a start in the field at a local pet store, Kaitlyn found her calling in the veterinary industry early on. The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their owners has been her driving force. As a Practice Manager, Kaitlyn thrives in her ability to lead and serve on a larger scale, overseeing all aspects of the clinic while still finding joy in hands-on interactions with her favorite patients. Outside of work, Kaitlyn cherishes time with her husband and beloved golden retriever, Mella, indulging in hobbies such as reading, baking, fitness, and enjoying the timeless camaraderie of her favorite TV show, F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Savanna, Lead Vet Tech at Great Scottie Vet Clinic since October 2023, is a native of Crofton, Maryland, where she spent her entire childhood. She is a proud born and bred Marylander!

For as long as she can remember, Savanna has loved animals. Her childhood penchant for sheltering stray cats in her room overnight is a testament to her early compassion for all God’s creatures.

Guided by her aunt, who worked at a local animal hospital, Savanna entered the world of veterinary care in 2018 as a part-time Customer Service Representative, all while finishing her high school degree. Since then, she has steadily climbed the professional ladder. Although she briefly changed course to study human medicine and attain her CDA, veterinary medicine ultimately reclaimed her heart.

Savanna loves that veterinary medicine affords her a constant opportunity to acquire new knowledge, especially since that knowledge allows her to better assist her patients. Nothing gives her greater joy than helping suffering animals.

Growing up with three younger brothers, Savanna’s home was a bustling hub of friends and family—an atmosphere she cherishes. Now married to her high school sweetheart, she is committed to maintaining the warmth of a full and lively household. The household includes three cherished pets: Leo, their yellow lab, and two cats, Willow and Minnow, both rescued from dumpsters and now thriving in the comfort of their home. During her leisure time, Savanna can be found swimming, engrossed in a good book, or indulging her passion for baking.

Deara was born and raised in beautiful Prince George’s County, Maryland. Growing up she had both dogs and cats, and she has always been passionate about working with animals.

In 2017 she took her first job in veterinary medicine as a front desk associate. From there she gradually transitioned to a veterinary technician role. Great Scottie Vet Clinic is very fortunate to have had Deara as technician since opening; she is loyal, reliable, and hardworking, and she always has a smile for everyone. Deara especially loves assisting in surgery and in dentals, and she trained for a year and a half in anesthesia monitoring and other surgical support skills. She loves making a positive difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Outside of work, Deara loves spending time with her family and going to church. She also loves traveling, cooking, and listening to music.

Jesse Holmes is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant at Great Scottie Vet with over 10 years of experience in general practice (GP). She discovered her passion for working with animals after realizing marine biology wasn’t in her future due to the rigorous swim tests. Instead, Jesse decided to focus on the world of four-legged creatures, a decision that has driven her rewarding career in veterinary medicine.

Jesse’s journey in the veterinary field has seen her bravely face her fear of eyeballs while working in an ophthalmology practice and later spending time in oncology, before ultimately returning to general practice, where she felt most at home. Her talent for working with animals became clear when she realized how good she was at her job, confirming that she was in the right profession.

Outside of work, Jesse has been happily married to her husband, Chris, for 15 years, and the two have worked together for over two decades. They share three boys—Connor (17), Collin (13), and Cayden (9)—along with two cats, Ripple and Cinder, and a lively puppy named Coal. Jesse also has a passion for true crime, which led her to form a team to investigate a 50-year-old unsolved cold case in Bowie. In her free time, she enjoys reading, relaxing by the beach or pool, and watching movies with her family.

Emma has lived in Maryland her entire life as the youngest of five siblings. Her passion for animals began early when her family bred pets, creating an opportunity for her to care for them daily. This experience inspired her to pursue a lifelong career dedicated to caring for all God’s creatures.

As a Veterinary Assistant at Great Scottie Veterinary Clinic, Emma finds joy in understanding and helping animals in unique ways, especially since animals cannot communicate their pain like humans. Her ability to connect with animals and address their needs affirms her choice of profession every day.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her artistic talents include painting and drawing, and she also teaches art at a homeschool tutorial.

Brianna brings her passion for effective communication and dedication to animal welfare to her role as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) at Great Scottie Veterinary Clinic, joining the team in January 2024. A Maryland native with a deep-rooted love for animals, Brianna is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in media and communications, driven by her commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and sharing ideas in our ever-evolving digital landscape.

Driven by her love for animals and a desire to make a positive impact, Brianna found her calling in the veterinary industry. She believes wholeheartedly in providing every animal with compassionate care and supporting pet owners through the ups and downs of pet ownership. Outside of work, Brianna’s passions include animal photography, travel, and culinary adventures. She cherishes moments with her two cherished cats, explores nature with her horse, and eagerly seeks out new experiences wherever her travels take her.

Grace serves as the compassionate Receptionist at Great Scottie Veterinary Clinic. Hailing from Anne Arundel County, Grace has spent her entire life in the area.

Grace’s journey into the veterinary industry was inspired by her lifelong love and passion for animals. Her involvement with horses from a young age ignited her enthusiasm for animal care, fostering a deep connection to the well-being of animals. Grace finds immense joy in building close relationships with both pets and their owners, cherishing the opportunity to provide compassionate care and support.

As a dedicated member of the team at Great Scottie Veterinary Clinic, Grace brings her warmth and empathy to every interaction, ensuring that both pets and their owners feel welcomed and valued. Her genuine love for animals shines through in her work, making her an invaluable asset to the clinic.

Chelsea brings her passion for animals and science to life every day. Growing up in Bowie, MD, Chelsea always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. While life led her on a different path, her deep connection with animals and fascination with the science of animal care inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. Since starting in the profession in 2018, Chelsea has embraced her role as a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves, finding fulfillment in her work and the difference she makes.

Outside of the clinic, Chelsea is a proud mom to eight girls and four boys, ranging in age from 14 to 8 months, as well as a loving wife to her husband of 11 years, Benjamin. Her home is filled with furry (and scaly) friends, including eight dogs, three cats, a giant rabbit, and a bearded dragon. She enjoys family movie nights, summer hikes, swimming, and curling up with a good book. Her life is a vibrant blend of family, pets, and adventure, which fuels her compassion and energy both in and out of work.