About Resilient Roots

Lora Richardson 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 son, challenging her body and mind, horseback riding, and anything outdoors.

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 Master 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 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 master’s 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 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.

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 in the mountains training for ultramarathons, lifting weights, and playing board games with her friends and family.

Kathy is a functional nutrition practitioner 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.