A decorated veteran that served in the Medical Corps in Iraq, Dr. Neely-Shelmire is a board-certified pediatrician with a passion for partnering with parents to raise healthy children through wellness goals, good nutrition, physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and an approach that balances the physical, emotional and developmental aspects of being a child. A parent herself with two adult sons and a host of nieces and nephews, she enjoys spending her free time running, kayaking and with family. She holds professional memberships with the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Catholic Medical Association. Awards and honors she’s received during her career include:

• Combat Medic Badge
• National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal
• (2nd)Army Commendation Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Army Service Ribbon
• Pediatrics Resident/Intern Award
• Service Leadership Award
• Dean’s Honor Roll
• Honor Scholar

Ms. John joined the Department of Family Medicine in 2017.

Ms. John earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Leelabai Thackersey College of Nursing at SNDT Women's University in Churchgate, Mumbai, India. She also earned earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing, from the Prairie View A&M College of Nursing in Houston, Texas.

She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Dr. Raquel Mena received her medical degree graduating cum laude from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.

Dr. Mena's philosophy of practice is to provide parents as much information as possible to promote healthy dietary and safety habits. She welcomes questions from parents.

She is fluent in both Spanish and French. Dr. Mena resides in the Clear Lake area. In her free time, Dr. Mena enjoys reading and traveling.

Amy Laird- Payne was born and raised in the Brazosport Area. She is a 1996 graduate of Brazoswood High school. She received her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies with an emphasis in Medical Education from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth in 2003.

Amy joined the UTMB Lake Jackson Pediatric Clinic in March 2018. She has worked in Pediatric Medicine as a Certified Physician Assistant in the Brazosport Area for the past 15 years and has been certified by the NCCPA since 2003.

Amy is passionate about empowering people to pursue their dreams and obtain great health. She enjoys spending time with her family and performing volunteer work in the community. She lives in the Brazosport Area with her husband and 3 children.

Dr. Adri P. Smith joined UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2006.  She completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2005 and received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 2002.  She completed her bachelor's degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M University in College Station in 1997.

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Smith has a special interest in adolescent preventative medicine, infant care, treating and preventing obesity in children and treating allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma.  She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She also enjoys teaching medical students and residents and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

When she is not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her three children, husband, family and friends.

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Dr. Elam was born and raised in Lake Jackson, and returned to the community after completion of her medical training.

She is passionate about vaccine advocacy and behavioral health. She currently lives in Lake Jackson with her husband and their very active toddler. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at the beach or river.

Stephen Granger, DO is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in biology with a minor in chemistry. Following this, he attended medical school at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, MS. He completed residency at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, OK, and was appointed as Chief Resident for the 2020-2021 residency year.

Dr. Granger strives to provide patient-centered healthcare tailored to his patients’ needs. He pursued family medicine because he wanted to care for patients from all walks of life, ranging from birth to late adulthood. He believes that disease prevention is the most important aspect of medicine.

Dr. Granger’s hobbies include exercising, cooking, spending time with family, playing with his dog, and traveling. He is excited to join UTMB and would be happy to see you for all your healthcare needs.

Dr. Natalie Royer is an Assistant Professor in the division of Pediatric Urgent Care at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas Lutheran University. She obtained her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her pediatric residency training at The University of Texas Medical Branch.

Dr. Royer joined the University of Texas Medical Branch as faculty in 2018 and is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Dr. Elizabeth Gordon-Moussaoui has been practicing as a General Pediatrician for over 20 years and is most passionate about preventative health care initiatives and health education. She has a special interest in breast feeding support, developmental behavioral medicine and enjoy teaming with parents to support the physical and emotional health of children.

Dr. Gordon-Moussaoui also enjoys spending time to help physicians in training learn to care for pediatric patients. Her personal hobbies include reading, gardening and spending time with her family.