Kunta Gautam, PhD, NP, MPH, FMAPS

Kunta Gautam, PhD, NP, MPH, FMAPS, is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and founder of Shishir Pediatric Autism Care (SPAC) based in Cypress, Texas. She currently practices at Texas Children’s Hospital Urgent Care, providing comprehensive pediatric care in both primary and urgent care settings. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Gautam serves as an adjunct faculty member at Prairie View A&M University, teaching Community Health Nursing and mentoring Nurse Practitioner students in acute pediatric care.

With over seven years of experience as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Gautam specializes in general pediatrics, acute care, and specialty services for children, including those on Texas Medicaid. She is a frequent contributor to Nursology and has held leadership roles in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, serving as Secretary for the Beta Beta Houston Chapter from 2023 to 2025. She is also an advisory board member at Nursology, where she supports the advancement of nursing science and education.

Dr. Gautam earned her PhD in Nursing Science from Texas Woman’s University in 2024, focusing her dissertation on the perceptions and experiences of health among mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is currently completing the Global Public Health Leadership Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her academic and clinical training provides a strong foundation for evidence-based practice, education, and mentorship in pediatric healthcare.

Through SPAC, Dr. Gautam is dedicated to developing innovative care models for children with autism and their families. Her work emphasizes holistic, compassionate care that addresses both medical and emotional needs, ensuring children feel seen, supported, and empowered. She also serves as a clinical preceptor, providing guidance and practical experience to Nurse Practitioner students at her practice sites.

Dr. Gautam maintains active involvement in professional organizations, including the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), the Medical Academy of Pediatrics & Special Needs (MAPS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She continues to advance the nursing profession through education, mentorship, advocacy, and contributions to pediatric and autism-focused healthcare research.

• PhD in Nursing Science, Texas Woman’s University, 2024
• Master of Public Health (MPH), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Global Public Health Leadership Program, 2026

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC)

• Secretary (2023–2025), Beta Beta Houston Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society

• International Society for Autism Research (INSAR)
• Medical Academy of Pediatrics & Special Needs (MAPS)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

• Clinical Preceptor, Texas Children’s Hospital
• Advisory Board Member, Nursology
• Founder, SPAC (Pediatric autism care and advocacy)

Contributor, Nursology
Contributor, Sigma Centered (Sigma Theta Tau International)
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Articles on pediatric care, autism, and healthcare delivery