Meet the Pediatrics Team

South Padre Island Pediatric Center is lead by a team of pediatricians with over 20 years of experience.

Dr. Mulukutla Ramakrishna, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mulukutla Ramakrishna, MD, FAAP

Pediatrics Specialist

Dr. Ramakrishna is our resident Pediatric Specialist. He is affiliated with Corpus Christi Medical Center, as well as CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi.

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Dr. Muhammad Tahir

Dr. Tahir is a board-certified Pediatrician who joined the team at SPID Pediatrics in October 2025. He provides comprehensive pediatric care with a focus on preventive health, acute and chronic disease management, and a family-centered approach to care. He is dedicated to delivering evidence-based medicine while fostering strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families.

He completed his Pediatric Residency at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, where he developed a strong foundation in both inpatient and outpatient pediatrics. Following residency, he served briefly in a chief resident role, contributing to resident education and clinical operations. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics. He remains committed to ongoing learning and staying current with advancements in pediatric care.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Tahir has a strong passion for running and endurance training. He has participated in well-known races such as the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon, the Harbor Half Marathon, Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR) and the Portland Half Marathon. In addition to running, he enjoys playing cricket, hiking, and staying active outdoors.

Dr. Venugopal Krishnan, MD

Dr. Balasundari Krishnan Venugopal Krishnaraj, MD

Pediatrics Specialist

Dr. Venugopal Balasundari Krishnan, MD is a pediatrics specialist in Corpus Christi, TX.

Dr. Jorge S. Rodriguez, MD

Dr. Jorge S. Rodriguez, MD

Pediatrician

Dr. Rodriguez has been a practicing pediatrician for over 20 years. He is affiliated with several hospitals in the area, including Driscoll Children's Hospital and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi.

Dr. Toby Garcia, MD, MBA, RPh

Pediatrician

Dr. Garcia has been in the general pediatric care for more 35 years with compassion and knowledge. He has been affiliated with Children's Health Associates of Corpus Christi from 1985 to present and is currently one of our practicing pediatrician in SPID Pediatrics.

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Dr. Parek, MD, FAAP

Trained at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, is board certified by American Board of Pediatrics, and fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics. Caring for her patients in South Texas for over 35 years.

Gloria Calk, PA

Gloria Yturria-Calk, PA-C

Brings over two decades of invaluable experience to her role as a Physician Assistant. Having dedicated the last 20 years to the field of pediatrics, Gloria's journey began at Driscoll Children's Hospital, where she specialized in Pediatric surgery and Urology for seven years. Transitioning her focus to General Pediatrics, Gloria has spent the past 13 years caring for children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents. As a Pediatric PA, Gloria finds fulfillment in educating parents on newborn care, promoting healthy growth and development in toddlers, and supporting teenagers through their adolescent challenges. Her passion lies in ensuring the holistic well-being of children, both physically and mentally, empowering them to achieve their life aspirations.

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James Garza, NP

James Garza is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of nursing and medical experience. He earned his nurse practitioner training from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and his clinical mental health counseling training from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. With nine years of experience as a pediatric provider, he has also worked in family practice and emergency medicine.
In addition to his clinical work, James serves as a pastor at Kingdom Now Church and attended Bethel Bible Institute. He is deeply committed to the prevention of illness and disease, as well as promoting optimal health, wellness, and vitality for his patients and their families.
Outside of his professional roles, he is a devoted husband and father. He enjoys fishing, running, weight training, and continually expanding his knowledge through reading and study to better serve those in his care.
Helen Gonzales

Helen Gonzales, NP

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care), she specializes in comprehensive pediatric preventive care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is nationally certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to children and their families.
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Kristen Kolb, FNP

A compassionate Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over 15 years of experience in the medical field, including more than four years as a nurse practitioner, she is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. She prioritizes clear communication with patients, their families, and the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes.
She is experienced in diagnosing a wide range of conditions and developing individualized treatment plans, while staying current with the latest medical advancements and technologies. Known for her strong interpersonal and leadership skills, she is committed to caring for patients and managing both acute and complex health conditions with expertise and compassion.
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Catherine Morales, APRN, PNP

Catherine Morales is a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and educator committed to improving healthcare outcomes for the youngest and most vulnerable members of her community. With a Master’s in Education, Catherine serves as a clinical professor at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Nursing, where she helps shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Specializing in the care of preterm, high-risk infants, Catherine’s expertise spans the entire pediatric spectrum—from the delicate needs of newborns to the complex health challenges of adolescence. Her clinical work is driven by a mission to serve rural and underserved areas, ensuring that sick children in marginalized communities receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.

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Paige Bode, AANP


Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, she has been with the clinic for over three years. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care and values building lasting relationships with each of her patients.

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