Vision:
The widespread adoption of a healthcare model that reverses the global epidemic of chronic disease and supports the development of vibrant longevity.
Mission:
- To shape and mobilize the next generation of Functional Medicine for both patients and practitioners through innovation, education, inspiration, collaboration and empowerment
Guiding principles:
- The patient must be at the center of any health care approach
- Healthcare requires a collaborative care team, with the patient and his support group at the center
- We need the best of allopathic, integrative and systems approaches to optimize patient health
- Understanding and addressing root causes can prevent or reverse chronic disease
- Dietary and lifestyle factors are major determinants of health
- Human ecology—including social, built and natural environments—is an integral part of creating lasting human health
- The health of future generations will be determined by how we act today
We are also deeply committed to addressing social inequality and ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of all we do. It is something that we passionately want to do and get right. We invite you to read more about our initiatives and our Roadmap for Change.
About Dr. Kara Fitzgerald – The Sandy Hook Clinic
The Sandy Hook Clinic (SHC) is located in the Sandy Hook Village section of Newtown, Connecticut in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The clinic is housed on the fourth floor of a rehabilitated old brick mill building, overlooking the Pootatuck River. Visitors find the clinic setting to be beautiful, centering and relaxing. Indeed, perched up above the river nestled in the Rocky Glen State Park, it feels a bit like being in a tree house.
We would love to have you visit, and we are happy to share directions and accommodations. If you are unable to make it to our clinic, we also offer telemed appointments. Please review our services for more information about the many ways we can work together.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and evaluating the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
Practitioners
Functional Medicine is a personalized, systems-oriented model that empowers patients and practitioners to achieve the highest expression of health by working in collaboration to address the underlying causes of disease.
- Functional Medicine offers a powerful new operating system and clinical model for assessment, treatment, and prevention of chronic disease to replace the outdated and ineffective acute-care models carried forward from the 20th century.
- Functional Medicine incorporates the latest in genetic science, systems biology, and understanding of how environmental and lifestyle factors influence the emergence and progression of the disease.
Dr. Fitzgerald received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Kenneth A. Litwin, MD FACP IFMCP, is a highly respected, board-certified Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine physician.
Stacey Cantor-Adkins MD, MS, IFMCP, received her MD degree from Stanford University, and then trained as a cardiac anesthesiologist
Elizabeth Bird, MD, FAAP, IFMCP, graduated from The Yale University School of Medicine where she was awarded both the American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow Memorial Award and New England Pediatric Society Prize.
Darisa Espinal, ND, MS, received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport. She earned her BS in Biology from the University of Hartford and completed her Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is currently licensed as a naturopathic physician in the State of Connecticut.
Dr. Rachel Surprenant is a licensed naturopathic physician with a focus in functional medicine approaches to women’s health.
Our Nutrition Team
All nutrition appointments are available remotely, conveniently fitting into your life and your schedule no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
All of our Functional Nutritionists are trained and experienced in Functional Medicine through our clinic and the Institute for Functional Medicine. Your nutritionist will help you uncover the root causes of your issues, using detailed histories and functional laboratory testing (often included in your package), and create a highly-tailored Functional Medicine plan just for you.
Our nutrition team also has the benefit of ready access to myself and Dr. Litwin during our weekly Clinical Grand Rounds, to consult on your case should that be needed.
Lara Zakaria PharmD MSc CNS CN CDN is a Nutritionist, specializing in Functional Medicine. She uses scientific evidence as well as positive psychology to inspire patients to use whole food, herbs and lifestyle modification to achieve their health goals.
Gretchen DePalma, MS CNS Nutritionist Book an Appointment Contact Phone: (203) 304-9502 Email: info@drkarafitzgerald.com Social links: Biography Gretchen DePalma, MS CNS, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from…
Jessica Kovalchik, DC MS CNS LDN CDN Nutritionist Book an Appointment Contact Phone: (203) 304-9502 Email: FrontDesk@drkarafitzgerald.com Social links: Biography Jessica Kovalchik, DC MS CNS LDN CDN, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Chiropractor. She received her Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2011 and her Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition in…
Melissa Parker, MS CNS CDN, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist. During a decade-long career in the fashion industry she completed a comprehensive certification program in the Pilates method. Shortly thereafter, she received a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is also one of the nutritionists for the 3 Years Younger Diet and Lifestyle Program detailed in Younger You by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald.
Our Administrative Team
We have a fabulous, customer service driven team waiting to assist you.
Please do not hesitate to seek out support or guidance regarding any of your questions or concerns. We love to hear your compliments, too!
Karen L. Herb, MS CNS LDN holds a master’s degree in Functional Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT.
Karen Frank has been working with Dr. Fitzgerald since 2009. She began her coding career in Long Island with the North Shore Health System.
Rhonda is a dependable team player with strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.