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

Benjamin found his passion for healthcare while serving in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Shortly after moving back to Texas, he attended The University of Texas Medical Branch to obtain his Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Benjamin went on to earn his Master’s of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from The University of Texas Medical Branch as well.

Benjamin is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. Benjamin also enjoys spending time as a Clinical Instructor for the School of Nursing at UTMB Galveston, where he is able to share his knowledge and experiences as a healthcare professional with future nurses.

Benjamin enjoys fishing, running, spending time with his wife and two rescue dogs, and staying active in church. He focuses on a holistic approach to patient care with an emphasis on disease prevention.

Rosana Draper, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC is a graduate of University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, where she obtained her MSN as well as her PhD. Rosana specializes as an experienced board certified nurse practitioner. Her clinical interests include family medicine, healthy lifestyles and diabetes care.

Ms. Peralta joined the UTMB Health Department of Family Medicine in 2015.

Ms. Peralta earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She graduated with honors from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.

Ms. Peralta is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Dr. James Yao Doe was born and raised in Ghana. He attended University of Science and Technology in Ghana where he completed his medical training. Upon completion, he worked as a general medical practitioner at Koforidua Regional Hospital and then Battor Catholic Hospital (both in Ghana), before relocating to the United States.

He was a resident in the Department of Family Medicine at University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. After completing residency, Dr. Doe initially worked as a locum doctor both in Oklahoma and in Houston, Texas seeing patients in primary care clinics, urgent care clinics and emergency rooms. He was then employed by the Coastal Health and Wellness Clinic (former 4c's Clinic) and then by University of Texas Medical Branch Correctional Managed Care. Dr. Doe recently joined the UTMB Community Based Clinics in March of 2016.

He is actively involved in Texas Association of Family Physicians Galveston Branch. Dr. Doe and his family are active members of the Ghanaian community in Greater Houston.

Erika Schulze was born and raised in the Midwest in Illinois 30 minutes outside of St. Louis, MO. She completed her academic training at Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO. Her experience spans 16 years, which included working at Barnes Hospital as staff nurse on general medicine floor for 8 years; Pulmonary and Critical Care research at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. In 2003, Erika was accepted into graduate school at Goldfarb School of Nursing and completed Master of Science degree in Nursing with focus as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. This program was two and half years of additional medical assessment and decision training including diagnostic testing. Since completing Graduate School, she has worked in the primary care setting. She moved to Texas and started working at UTMB in January 2013.

During her time off, she enjoys her home, gardening, and time with her family and friends. She is passionate about animal welfare charities and animal fostering programs. Erika is also very passionate about the mental health of the community. She chairs a weekly support group, Nar Anon, for family and friends of those suffering from addiction.

I am MBSR (Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction) certified, and a Board-certified pediatrician, with a passion for promoting well-being and mental health.

When not working with patients, I love to travel with my family and explore new cultures. I enjoy going to musical theater a passion I share with my kids. I also enjoy reading and attending book club with friends, where I can engage in lively discussion about literature and life.

My ultimate goal is to provide the best care possible to patients as they navigate through each developmental stage. I believe in being there for patients and their families during the process, offering support and guidance every step of the way.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive

Dr. Matthew J. Hay joined UTMB Pediatric Associates in 1997. Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Hay completed his residency in pediatrics and received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Hay holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is also the Medical Director of the UTMB Health Primary and Specialty Care Clinic in Texas City.

Dr. Hay has been named the Galveston Daily News Reader's Choice Best Pediatrician of Galveston County in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. Dr. Hay is currently a member of the Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees, currently serving in his third three-year term, as well as serving as the President for six of those years. He served on the Texas Youth Commission Advisory Board after being appointed by then Texas Governor Rick Perry. He has developed a special interest in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other behavioral or school-related problems.

When he isn't seeing patients, Dr. Hay coaches the Texas A&M Galveston Lady Aggies soccer team.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive

Brittany Menefee was born in the great state of Texas and was raised in Galveston County. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas State University in 2012. Brittany started her nursing career as an Emergency Room RN in Round Rock, Texas. She then moved back to the Houston area, to be closer to family, and began working as an Emergency Room nurse at Ben Taub Hospital. Brittany continued working at Ben Taub throughout her Master's degree program. She graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in December 2017. Brittany is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and her rescue dogs.

Leslie obtained her Bachelor of Science from Texas State University in San Marcos in 2009. She went on to obtain her Master in Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2013.

Leslie began working with UTMB in 2014 and currently holds a faculty position with the UTMB Pediatric Urgent Care.

Leslie is board ceritifed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed through the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners.