Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., Martha Shoultz, Barry Smeltzer, and Melissa Smith and reappointed Brandon Brock, D.N.P., Kara Chasteen, Sarah Garrett, Suzanne Gazda, M.D., Qazi Javed, M.D., Paula Kruppstadt, M.D., Amy Offutt, M.D., and Nathan Pullen to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council for terms set to expire on August 31, 2025. The council advises the commission and the legislature on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D. of Houston is owner of Well Mind Body Integrative Psychotherapy and Wellness in Houston and is an integrative psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and speaker who specializes in chronic illness and compassion-focused trauma recovery. Additionally, she is a professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She is a member of the Texas Counseling Association, Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Physicians Network, Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, National Perinatal Association and a volunteer for the West University Parent Teacher Organization and Therapy Dog International. Miller received a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University, Master of Clinical Psychology from Houston Baptist University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University.

Martha Shoultz of Dallas is associate general counsel for Nexstar Media Inc. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, co-founder and president of Partners for Ethical Care, and a volunteer for ASPIRE and the Dallas Ft. Worth PANDAS Parent Support Group. Shoultz received a Bachelor of Arts in German from Baylor University and a Juris Doctor from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Barry Smeltzer of Boerne is the owner and primary practitioner at Healing Provisions for the past 12 years. He is the executive director, faculty member, and former executive board member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and an adjunct professor for The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San Antonio. Smeltzer received an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from North Central College and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Finch University of Health Sciences Chicago Medical School.

Melissa Smith of Bushland is a school health specialist for Region 16 Education Service Center. She is a member of the Texas School Nurses Organization and the National Association of School Nurses. Additionally, she volunteers for Eastridge Mission Center and The Church at Bushland. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU).

Brandon Brock, D.N.P. of Sunnyvale is a staff clinician at Carpathia Collaborative and a family nurse practitioner. He has served as a gubernatorial appointee on the Advisory Council since 2020. Brock received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hardin Simmons University, Master of Science in Nursing from Samford University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University. He is also recognized as a Global Clinical Research Scholar by Harvard Medical School.

Kara Chasteen of Bertram is a rancher and IT marketing consultant who volunteers with several community charities. She has served as president on various boards including Burnet County 4H's parent’s board while also being involved with Hill Country Fellowship Church. Chasteen holds degrees from Tarleton State University (B.Sc.)and WTAMU (M.Ed.).

Sarah Garrett founded Phoenix Center where she serves as executive director; she’s also registered play therapist licensed psychotherapist under American Association Play Therapy guidelines since earning her B.A UT Austin followed up Masters Clinical Social Work UH

Suzanne Gazda MD Neurologist based out San Antonio Neurology Institute active memberships include American Academy Neurology TMA Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance appointed advisory role continues since initial selection back '20 UT Austin alum completed medical studies UT Health Science Center San Antonio

Qazi Javed MD Psychiatrist Integrative Psychiatry-Austin affiliated fellow American Psychiatric Association alongside membership within American Academy Child Adolescent Psychiatry practicing since ‘02 King Edward Medical graduate advisory position held continuously dating back '19

Paula Kruppstadt MD operates Hope Healing Shenandoah pediatric/family practice certified diplomat board pediatrics fellowship academy additionally involved numerous professional organizations TMA ILADS earned biology degree UT Dallas pursued medicine studies further UT Health Science Center San Antonio

Amy Offutt MD Marble Falls co-owner Heart Soul Integrative Health Yoga leading ILADS presiding capacity coupled volunteering Faith Academy Marble Falls various summer camps central region bachelor Abilene Christian advanced integrative medicine George Washington doctorate UT Health residency Christus Santa Rosa

Nathan Pullen Austin TEA state autism coordinator holds memberships multiple behavioral analysis associations previously named gubernatorial appointee ’21 educational background includes Baylor (B.A.) followed master’s applied behavior analysis/autism Texas State