Dr. Schultz is a nurse scientist and pediatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years’ experience providing family-centered care to children with neurological conditions. She is an Associate Professor at Texas Woman’s University, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing in Houston. TX and Assistant Professor, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schultz received her PhD in Nursing Science from Texas Woman’s University and Masters in Science and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Texas in Galveston. Research interests include access to care, acquisition of self-management skills, and transition from pediatric to adult care for youth with neurological disorders. She has lectured widely on issues related to pediatric epilepsy and has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on epilepsy and related topics. 

She joined the Child Neurology Foundation’s Board in October 2021.

We asked Dr. Schultz a few questions about her career and her interest in working with CNF for our latest “Getting To Know CNF” post.

Why did you become a nurse practitioner with a focus in pediatrics?

I chose pediatrics because I love interacting with children. After working 12 years as an RN in Pediatric Intensive Care, I became a PNP because I wanted to acquire advanced knowledge and skills so I could manage the care of children with acute and chronic illnesses alongside my physician colleagues.

What is your specialty/sub-specialty area?

My sub-specialty is epilepsy particularly youth with refractory epilepsy and IDD, ketogenic diet, and transition from pediatric to adult care. My passion is empowering youth and families with the skills and resources to transition to adult care.

Why did you want to join CNF’s BOD?

I have been a strong advocate for youth with special needs and their families for over three decades and I enjoy educating youth, families, and health professionals. Knowledge is power—power to achieve the highest potential outcome. I felt my knowledge, skills, and beliefs aligned well with the CNF mission. Thus, I wanted to join a group of esteemed professionals working to fulfill the CNF mission.

What inspires you/provides you hope about the future of the child neurology field?

This is an exciting time in the field of child neurology with the explosion of knowledge and new therapies for diseases that can change the lives of children living with neurological disorders. I am hopeful these advances will inspire more physicians and nurses to join us in the care of these children and families.

What inspires you/provides hope when you think about children who are living with a neurologic condition?

I am hopeful that with the explosion of knowledge and new therapies that more children living with neurological conditions will be able to live life to their fullest potential, and that through strong advocacy we can effect policy changes that will lead to improved quality of care for these children and families.

Tell us about a hobby or something most wouldn’t know about you.

My hobbies include sewing, gardening, trying out new recipes, and baking pies. Most of all I enjoy spending time with my three grandchildren.