Governor Abbott Appoints Fourteen To Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kara Cashteen, Anne Esquivel, Ph.D., Dan Freeland, D.O., Lisa Formby, Sarah Garrett, Suzanne Gazda, M.D., Lisa Hardy, Anthony Infante, M.D., Ph.D., Qazi Javed, M.D., Paula Kruppstadt, M.D., Sharon Lemons, Darcy McMaughan, Ph.D., Amy Offutt, M.D., and Carol Trautman, Ph.D. to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council for terms set to expire on August 31, 2021. The council advises the commission and the legislature on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.
Kara Chasteen of Bertram is a rancher and IT marketing consultant. She previously served as a family and consumer science teacher in Jarrell ISD and a Service & Life Agent for State Farm Insurance Offices. She serves on the Williamson/Burnet Counties Opportunities Board, and is a member of Burnet Future Farmers of America Friends and Parents, and Burnet County 4H. She formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Burnet County Livestock Show. Chasteen received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Tarleton State University and Master of Education from West Texas A&M University.
Anne Esquivel, Ph.D. of New Braunfels is a clinical psychologist and owner of Mind Works. She is a member of the American Association of Play Therapists and is former president of the Bexar County Psychological Association. Esquivel received a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Auburn University at Montgomery, a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the United States International University.
Dan Freeland, D.O. of Lakeway is an Osteopathic Physician, owner, and medical director for Bee Caves Family Practice. He is past president and current member of the Texas Society of American College of Osteopathic Family Practice. Additionally, he is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice, and serves as chair of the Osteopathic Clinical Research Committee and vice-chair of the credentials committee. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Texas Osteopathic Medical Associate, American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventative Medicine, Texas Medical Association, and Travis County Medical Society. Freeland received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Truman State University and a Doctor of Osteopathy from AT Still University Medical School. He served as a Captain in the medical corps and was honorable discharged from the United States Air Force.
Lisa Formby of Hereford a school nurse at Hereford ISD. She is the president of Texas School Nurses Organization and a member of the National Association of School Nurses and Region 16 School Nurses. She is a board member of BRIDGE and a former board member of the American Red Cross. She also volunteers with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Formby received a nursing degree from Northwest Texas Hospital School of Nursing.
Sarah Garrett of Spicewood is the founder and executive director of the Phoenix Center. She is a member of the State Board of Social Work and the American Association of Play Therapy. Garrett received a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Houston.
Suzanne Gazda, M.D. of San Antonio is a senior partner of the Neurology Institute of San Antonio and owner and director of Gazda Integrative Neurology. She is also co-director of the PANS and PANDAS Center of South Texas. She is a member of the International Society of Environmental Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, American Society of Antiaging Medicine, Texas Neurological Association, ILADS, and the Institute of Functional Medicine. Gazda received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from The University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School.
Lisa Hardy of Argyle is president and executive director of the Children’s Autoimmune Brain Disorder Association. She serves as an advisor for the Alliance to Solve PANS Board, and as a member of the American Red Cross and Medshare. Hardy received a degree in nursing from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing.
Anthony Infante, M.D., Ph.D. of San Antonio is a professor of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio. He is a member of the Clinical Immunology Society and the American Association of Immunologists. He serves as the former board chairman for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and served as a volunteer physician of SAMMinistries. Infante received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Ball State University, Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, and a Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University.
Qazi Javed, M.D. of Austin is a psychiatrist at Integrated Psychiatry- Austin. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, Texas Medical Association, Integrative Providers of Austin, and Austin Wellness Collaborative. Javed received a Bachelor of Medicine at King Edward Medical College and a Bachelor of Science at Punjab University.
Paula Kruppstadt, M.D. of The Woodlands is the medical director at Hope for Healing. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine (a Certified Practitioner) and the American Academy of Ozone Therapy and Christian Medical Dental Society. Kruppstadt received a Bachelor of degree in Biology at The University of Texas at Dallas and a Doctor of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She served in United States Army Medical Corps and was honorably discharged.
Sharon Lemons of Saginaw is the lead dietitian of MHMR of Tarrant County. She currently serves as the House of Delegates Representative of the Behavioral Health Nutrition Council. Lemons received an undergraduate degree in Dietetics and Institutional Administration and a graduate degree in nutrition at Texas Women’s University.
Darcy McMaughan, Ph.D. of College Station is an assistant professor in research at Texas A&M University. She is a member of the American Public Health Association, Geriatric Society of America, and Society for Disabled Studies and the American Institute on Intellectual and Developmental. McMaughan received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Educational Psychology, and a doctorate degree Health Service Research from Texas A&M University.
Amy Offutt, M.D. of Marble Falls is the medical director and owner of Heart and Soul Integrative Health and Yoga. She is a member of the Texas Medical Association. Offutt received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Abilene Christian University, a Doctor of Medicine at The University of Texas Health San Antonio, a Master of Arts in Integrative Medicine at George Washington University, and completed her family medicine residency at Christus Santa Rosa in San Antonio.
Carol Trautman, Ph.D. of Austin is a program specialist and educational diagnostician for the Texas Education Agency. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and represents Texas at the National Autism Leadership Summit. Trautman received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida, Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education from George Washington University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychological Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas.