About Resilient Roots

Lora Abbott works 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 Master 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 with a concentration in women’s and children’s health. 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 previously served in an integrative mental health clinic coaching those seeking a mind-body approach to better mental health. Lora loves making memories with her husband and 2 sons, challenging her body and mind, horseback riding, and anything outdoors.

Emily Palmer works as a nutritionist for Resilient Roots. Emily received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Virginia. After spending many hours in the exercise physiology lab and volunteering with the sports nutrition department at UVA, Emily found her interests extended far beyond performance optimization. While working as a patient care coordinator and scribe at Resilient Roots, she obtained a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States and subsequently obtained her certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Emily loves spending time in nature, lifting heavy things, or seeking restorative time with loved ones.

Kathy is a registered dietitian and coach at Resilient Roots. She received her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition and Foods from Virginia Tech, completed her Dietetic Internship at the Medical College of Virginia, and has been a registered dietitian for 23 years. Over the last 5 years, Kathy has shifted her focus to functional medical nutrition and has a Certificate of Training in Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy from Next Level Functional Nutrition. Outside of work, Kathy is a mom of 5 and has extensive, real life experience dealing with a variety of dietary needs for her kids, ranging from pickiness and food allergies to navigating the challenges of feeding tubes. When not researching, growing her knowledge in functional nutrition or spending time with her family, you can find her outside exercising, walking her dog Oki, volunteering in her community or puttering in the vegetable garden.

Rachel Tillas, DNP, FNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner at Resilient Roots. Rachel received her Family Nurse Practitioner-Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP-DNP) degree at Liberty University. Rachel also has five years of nursing experience working in emergency medicine. During her time in emergency medicine, Rachel witnessed the magnitude of chronic disease and the limitations of traditional medicine. As a nurse practitioner student, Rachel completed practicum hours at Resilient Roots and fell in love with the model of care that seeks to address the root cause of chronic disease, find lifelong healing, and help people truly thrive. She is excited to now be working in a place where she feels she can guide patients in their journey to a healthier life. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, trail running, lifting weights, and playing board games with her friends and family.

Will Midgette, DNP, FNP-BC is a nurse practitioner and a essential part of the medical team at Resilient Roots. He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) degree from Liberty University. He has several years of experience in emergency medicine as a nurse and now works full-time as an emergency medicine nurse practitioner. Aside from his career in emergency medicine, he has always held a passion for fitness, nutrition, and disease and injury prevention. In fact, this is what led him to pursue a career in the nursing and medical profession. Throughout his training to become a nurse practitioner, he completed practicum hours with Dr. Abbott and the Resilient Roots team. Here, he loved seeing how the team took a lifestyle approach toward disease prevention and addressing health conditions. Will is passionate about working with patients through their health journey and is passionate about men’s health and optimization. Outside of work, Will loves going to the gym, spending time with his wife and cat, playing pickleball, and attending concerts.

Sophia has been a patient care coordinator and essential team member for Resilient Roots since 2023. She graduated from the University of Virginia and is now attending physician assistant graduate school in the Boston area! After seeing the positive effects of a functional medicine approach to improve the health of her own family, she decided to follow her passion by working with Resilient Roots. When she’s not busy studying or working for the RR team, you can find her teaching Pure Barre, reading, lifting weights and spending quality time with her loved ones.