Physicians
- 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.
Nutritionists
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.
Administration
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.