About Resilient Roots

For those chronically sick patients who have seemingly tried everything but aren’t getting better, Resilient Roots provides hope and long-term healing that sets us apart because of our proven wholistic, functional and evolutionary approach to health and wellbeing. By practicing in true collaboration with each of our patients, we empower them to regain not only their health, but also the health and wellbeing of their families and loved ones.

Meet the Team

Rob Abbott, MD

Integrative Medicine Physician

Rob Abbott, M.D. is the medical director and integrative physician at Resilient Roots: Functional and Evolutionary Medicine as well as a clinician and researcher with the Ruscio Institute for Functional Medicine. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed his family medicine internship at VCU-Shenandoah Valley in Front Royal, Virginia. He has completed training in functional medicine through the Kresser Institute and the Institute for Functional Medicine and was the medical advisor from 2018-2022 for Autoimmune Wellness where he conducted research and wrote about integrative approaches to autoimmune disease. He has authored peer-reviewed publications examining the efficacy of lifestyle and functional medicine therapies to treat chronic disease and is a community preceptor for students who desire clinical exposure to functional and lifestyle medicine. In his free time, Dr. Abbott enjoys trail running, poetry and contemplative practices.

Publications:

1. Abbott R D, Sherwin K, Klopf H, et al. (July 08, 2020) Efficacy of a Multimodal Online Lifestyle Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Individuals With a History of Major Depressive Disorder. Cureus 12(7): e9061. doi:10.7759/cureus.9061

2. Abbott R D, Sadowski A, Alt A G (April 27, 2019) Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet as Part of a Multi-disciplinary, Supported Lifestyle Intervention for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Cureus 11(4): e4556. doi:10.7759/cureus.4556

Ryan Hall, CNS, CKNS

Functional Medicine Nutritionist

Ryan is currently a candidate for Doctor of Clinical Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health, from which he holds a Masters of Science in Clinical Human Nutrition and Integrative Health. He has been in professional functional medicine practice for 5yrs. His approach incorporates a thorough health history review, inventory of current habits and practices, utilization of functional lab tests, such as stool tests, organic acid testing, nutrigenomics, and functional blood chemistry analysis. He works to support patients in their healing and wellness journey with education and empowerment first and foremost. His integrative comprehensive approach combines nutrition, focused supplementation, movement instruction, contemplative practice, such as meditation and centering prayer, as well as other lifestyle domains. Ryan is an expert in gut health, autoimmunity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity/overweight, mast cell activation syndrome, mental/emotional health, environmental toxicity, chronic disease and human optimization and longevity. In his spare time he explores the Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife and two savage children, cultivating a homestead, pushing his physical limits with unconventional training methods, practicing yoga and meditation, sitting in cold water, and finding ways to laugh that make it hard to breathe.

Lora Richardson

Patient Care Coordinator

Lora Richardson works as the patient care coordinator and as a functional nutrition practitioner for Resilient Roots. Lora began her studies in functional medicine and nutrition after she witnessed the significant limitations of traditional nutritional services during her post-baccalaureate studies in nutrition and dietetics. Pivoting from traditional dietetics training, Lora obtained a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States and is currently a candidate for the Certified Nutrition Specialist designation. Beyond her graduate work, Lora has completed training in a number of women’s health-related topics including the fertility awareness method (FAM), preconception and prenatal nutrition as well as nutrition and lifestyle supports for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding nutrition. Lora enjoys being a mom to a busy toddler and anything outdoors.

Sidney Hall

Health Coach

Sidney has had an affinity for transformational work and contemplative practice for the past 13 years. Receiving a BA in Traditional Eastern Arts from Naropa University, she dove deep into the ancient art and science of Yoga, receiving her 1000 YTT. She is currently involved in a Yoga Nidra Teaching certification. She has also been involved with alternative health focused baking for the past 12 years, and owns and operates the wellness bakery Moon Maiden’s Delights, selling at the IX Art Park Farmers Market every Saturday. Sidney enjoys creative activities that draw her into the present moment, hiking and exploring beautiful natural spaces with her family, and continuously greeting the invitation for self development and growth. Navigating her own health challenges and achieving sustained relief through the methods of functional medicine has been a huge impetus towards assisting others as an ADAPT Certified Functional Health Coach-receiving training with the Kresser Institute.