Dr. Crystal Sierra joined UTMB Health in November 2010.  After completing her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas - Pan American in Edinburg, Texas, Dr. Sierra earned her medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2006. In 2009, she completed her Residency in Pediatrics at UTMB. Prior to working for UTMB, Dr. Sierra worked as a pediatrician in Clear Lake.

Dr. Sierra is board certified by The American Board of Pediatrics. She is also certified in Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She has her Texas medical license, and is a member of The American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Sierra is married to Dr. James T. Sierra, a dentist in Friendswood, and they have two beautiful daughters, Gabriella and Francesca.  Dr. Sierra is fluent in Spanish and also enjoys reading and traveling with her family in her spare time.  She has enjoyed living in the area, and is excited to be giving back to the community!

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.

Dr. Kimble joined UTMB Health Community Based Clinics in 2015. She is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after completing her residency at UT Houston Health Science Center. She has a bachelor's degree from Hampton University.  She was in private practice shortly after residency and co-owned the practice for 10 years. She is a married professional with 4 children; 2 sets of twins identical boys and fraternal girls. Eventually she and her family made a change and moved to San Antonio where she worked as a general pediatrician, urgent care physician and then a hospitalist before moving back to the Houston area.

Dr. Kimble serves on the Student Health Advisory Committee and is a mentor to area youth. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Harris County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, and Houston Medical Forum.

She has a special interest outside of the love for the children she cares for in her clinic and chasing butterflies in their ears, she also enjoys her multiples families given her bond with them having her own sets of multiples. More recently she has had the unique opportunity to work on the reality show, Outdaughtered that can be viewed on TLC for the last few years.

Samuel Kahiu is a graduate of Texas Woman's University in Houston, where he obtained his Master of Science in Nursing. Samuel specializes as an experienced family nurse practitioner, and enjoys all aspects of family medicine and urgent care.

Dr. Syed K. Kazmi joined UTMB Pediatric Community Based Clinics in 1994. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He received his doctorate from Universidad Technologica de Santiago Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and his masters of public health from Tulane School of Public Health in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Kazmi has a special interest in community health education and the uses of homeopathic medicines, earning a diploma in Homeopathy from Galein College, United Kingdom.

In addition to serving as the Medical Director of UTMB Health Pediatrics in Alvin, Dr. Kazmi is the Medical Director of a Houston based charity clinic. He is an active member of the community, working with the Alvin Independent School District as a consultant and as the Alvin City Health Officer.

Dr. Kazmi sees general pediatric patients and is multi-lingual in English, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi.

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.

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. 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.

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