Houston Daily

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 both the commission and the Texas Legislature on matters related to research, diagnosis, treatment, and education concerning pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

The newly appointed members are Sophia Rahman, M.D., and Stefani Reinold, M.D. Returning appointees 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 expire on August 31, 2027.

Sophia Rahman is an internal medicine physician in Plano and owner of her own medical practice. She serves on several boards including the Collin-Fannin County Medical Society and Texas Medical Association Board of Censors. Dr. Rahman 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 where she owns Wholehearted Integrative Psychiatrist. She is also 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 multiple degrees in nursing and clinical research from institutions such as Duke University and Harvard Medical School.

Kara Chasteen from Lometa is a homemaker who also works as a rancher and IT marketing consultant. She volunteers with local charities and previously served on boards related to agriculture education in Burnet County.

Summer Gainey serves as Chief Clinical Officer at The HelmABA in Anderson. She has experience leading professional organizations related to behavior analysis.

Sarah Garrett founded the Phoenix Center in Spicewood where she provides psychotherapy services specializing in play therapy.

Suzanne Gazda is a neurologist practicing at the Neurology Institute of San Antonio with memberships that include the American Academy of Neurology.

Paula Kruppstadt leads Hope for Healing in Shenandoah as its CEO and medical director with credentials from several national pediatric organizations.

Elizabeth Miller operates Well Mind Body: Integrative Psychotherapy and Wellness in Houston while teaching at UH-Clear Lake.

Amy Offutt co-owns Heart and Soul Integrative Health in Marble Falls where she also serves as medical director. She currently presides over the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.

Nathan Pullen is State Autism Coordinator for the Texas Education Agency based in Austin with previous roles supporting special education programs across school districts.

Martha Shoultz practices law in Dallas while volunteering for parent support groups focused on neuropsychiatric conditions affecting children.

Barry Smeltzer runs Healing Provisions out of Boerne while serving as executive director for the American Academy of Environmental Medicine; 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 near Bushland; she participates actively within state nursing associations.

"Governor Abbott appointed Sophia Rahman, M.D. and Stefani Reinold, M.D. and reappointed Brandon Brock...and Melissa Smith to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council for terms set to expire August 31, 2027," according to an official statement.