Dr. Cynthia Binder joined UTMB Health Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 2002. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she also earned her medical degree. Dr. Binder holds a bachelor's degree from Baylor University.

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Binder enjoys providing healthcare and education to her patients and their families. Additionally, she enjoys teaching medical students and residents.

Dr. Binder enjoys all aspects of Pediatrics, but has a special interest in preventive medicine, infectious disease, and the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Binder is bilingual in English and Spanish.

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.

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.

Beverly Pennington completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. A few years later, she came back to UTMB to join the Geriatric Division as the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner serving the Galveston community. Beverly is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau which recognize superior achievements and developing leadership qualities. She is also an active member of organizations such as American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and Texas Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Jillian was born and raised in the Houston area. She initially received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing in 2010. She graduated in 2017 with her Master's Degree in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing and Health Science Innovation, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Jillian joined the UTMB Community Based Clinics (CBC) in Webster in August 2017. She moved to UTMB CBC Friendswood location in 2022. She was a Registered Nurse from 2010-2017 before starting her role as a Nurse Practitioner. Her experience as a bedside nurse primarily includes a women's health background.

Jillian is board certified in Family Medicine as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Jillian enjoys spending time hiking, traveling and fishing with her children and husband. She is an avid Texas Longhorn and Houston Astros fan.

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

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.

Dr. Priya Shah is a family physician. She received her MD from St. George's University - West Indies and completed her family medicine internship and residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York, an affiliate of the Mount Sinai Health System. Her clinical interests include all aspects of family medicine including preventative medicine.

 Provider is LGBTQIA+ Responsive

Taylor Little, FNP-C is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Pediatric Primary Care. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2012. She began her nursing career at Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center working in Orthopedic Trauma for 3 and a half years. She then went on to earn her Family Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2015. She completed her clinical rotations for her Master's degree in the Downtown Houston and Pasadena areas.

Taylor has now been working in pediatric primary care since 2016 and is excited to continue her career at UTMB. She loves working with children and getting to know the families that care for them. She is passionate about educating her patients on healthy practices and prevention of disease in a holistic manner.

She is originally from Houston and currently lives in Clear Lake with her husband. They are currently expecting their first child and could not be more excited. She is a member of Houston Area Nurse Practitioners and Pasadena Running Club. In her free time, she enjoys running, practicing yoga, playing music, spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, learning, and watching movies.

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.