Governor Greg Abbott has appointed fourteen members to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Advisory Council. The council provides advice to the commission and legislature regarding research, diagnosis, treatment, and education about pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.
The new appointees are Sophia Rahman, M.D., and Stefani Reinold, M.D. Governor Abbott also reappointed 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 based in Plano and owns Sophia Rahman MD PLLC. She serves on several medical boards including the Board of Censors for the Collin-Fannin County Medical Society and Texas Medical Association. She also participates in various philanthropic organizations. Dr. Rahman holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Methodist University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine.
Stefani Reinold practices psychiatry in Dripping Springs as owner of Wholehearted Integrative Psychiatrist. She is affiliated with local psychiatric societies and serves as president of the Dripping Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees. Dr. Reinold earned her degrees from Baylor University and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Brandon Brock is a clinician at Carpathia Collaborative in Sunnyvale with multiple advanced degrees in nursing and clinical research from institutions such as Duke University and Harvard Medical School.
Kara Chasteen lives in Lometa where she works as a homemaker, rancher, IT marketing consultant and volunteers for community charities.
Summer Gainey serves as Chief Clinical Officer at The HelmABA in Anderson and has been involved with state associations focused on behavior analysis.
Sarah Garrett founded the Phoenix Center in Spicewood where she works as a psychotherapist specializing in play therapy.
Suzanne Gazda is a neurologist practicing at the Neurology Institute of San Antonio who holds memberships in several professional organizations including the American Academy of Neurology.
Paula Kruppstadt operates Hope for Healing in Shenandoah where she is CEO and medical director with credentials from UT Dallas and UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Elizabeth Miller owns Well Mind Body: Integrative Psychotherapy and Wellness in Houston where she specializes in trauma recovery related to chronic illness while also teaching at UH-Clear Lake.
Amy Offutt co-owns Heart and Soul Integrative Health in Marble Falls; she presides over the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
Nathan Pullen works for the Texas Education Agency as State Autism Coordinator after previous roles as teacher and district specialist supporting special needs students.
Martha Shoultz is an attorney based in Dallas involved with advocacy groups like Partners for Ethical Care while volunteering locally for parent support initiatives around PANS/PANDAS conditions.
Barry Smeltzer leads Healing Provisions clinic in Boerne alongside faculty duties with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.
Melissa Smith serves as school health specialist for Region 16 Education Service Center while maintaining membership within national school nurse organizations.
