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

Lora Richardson

Functional Nutrition Practitioner

Lora Richardson works as the 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.

Emily Fair

Scribe

Emily Fair works as the Scribe at 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. As a result, she is currently studying how sustainable dietary and lifestyle approaches can support healing and optimize health as part of a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States. You can find Emily spending her free time getting lost in the Blue Ridge Mountains, lifting heavy things, or seeking restorative time with loved ones.

Jennifer Van Santvoord

Patient Care Coordinator

Jennifer is the Patient Care Coordinator at Resilient Roots. She graduated from The George Washington University, and after a career in hospitality management and her own personal experience with autoimmune disease, Jennifer decided to follow her passion for Functional Medicine. She is currently pursuing her masters degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States. When not studying, she enjoys hiking, cycling, meditation, reading, and spending time with her three children and husband.

Andrea Loving, DO

Osteopathic Physician

Andrea Loving D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician practicing Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Loving graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine where she also completed an OMM teaching fellowship. She completed an internship in Family Medicine with Osteopathic Manual Medicine at the Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, Maine, and has done additional training in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field with the Osteopathic Cranial Academy, and in women’s health focused integrative medicine with Dr. Aviva Romm. She is trained in a wide variety of Osteopathic techniques and is passionate about supporting the body’s innate healing capacity through hands on care. She particularly enjoys working with pregnant and postpartum women, as well as newborns.