Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of fourteen individuals to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Advisory Council. The council is responsible for advising the commission and the legislature on matters related to research, diagnosis, treatment, and education concerning pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.
The new appointees are Sophia Rahman, M.D., and Stefani Reinold, M.D. Returning members include Brandon Brock, DNP, Ph.D., Kara Chasteen, Summer Gainey, Ph.D., Sarah Garrett, Suzanne Gazda, M.D., Paula Kruppstadt, M.D., Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., Amy Offutt, M.D., Nathan Pullen, Martha Shoultz, Barry Smeltzer, and Melissa Smith. Their terms will run through August 31, 2027.
Sophia Rahman is an internal medicine physician based in Plano and owner of Sophia Rahman MD PLLC. She serves on various medical boards and advocacy organizations and has been recognized as one of D Magazine’s Best Internal Medicine Doctors for Dallas and Collin Counties since 2020.
Stefani Reinold practices psychiatry in Dripping Springs as owner of Wholehearted Integrative Psychiatrist. She is involved with local psychiatric societies and community organizations including serving as president of the Dripping Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees.
Brandon Brock works as a staff clinician at Carpathia Collaborative in Sunnyvale and holds advanced degrees in nursing from several universities.
Kara Chasteen from Lometa volunteers with community charities and has experience in IT marketing consulting along with previous roles on local boards related to agriculture.
Summer Gainey serves as Chief Clinical Officer at The HelmABA in Anderson. She is a board-certified behavior analyst-doctoral with involvement in autism service provider associations.
Sarah Garrett leads the Phoenix Center in Spicewood as founder and CEO. She is also a licensed psychotherapist specializing in play therapy.
Suzanne Gazda practices neurology at the Neurology Institute of San Antonio. Her professional affiliations include national neurology organizations.
Paula Kruppstadt owns Hope for Healing in Shenandoah where she acts as CEO and medical director. She holds memberships across several pediatric medical associations.
Elizabeth Miller operates Well Mind Body: Integrative Psychotherapy and Wellness in Houston while also teaching at UH-Clear Lake. Her focus includes chronic illness care and trauma recovery.
Amy Offutt co-owns Heart and Soul Integrative Health in Marble Falls where she also serves as medical director. She leads the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
Nathan Pullen works for the Texas Education Agency as State Autism Coordinator based out of Austin. He brings experience from special education teaching roles.
Martha Shoultz practices law in Dallas while volunteering with parent support groups focused on neuropsychiatric syndromes.
Barry Smeltzer owns Healing Provisions clinic in Boerne where he focuses on environmental medicine practice; he also teaches at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Melissa Smith works as a school health specialist for Region 16 Education Service Center located in Bushland; she participates actively within school nurse organizations statewide.
