Our Team
Brook Barnas
Lead RN
Brook is a Functional Medicine Nurse with over 10 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and health assessment. Her own personal health journey led her to become a patient of Dr. Cara’s, where she experienced firsthand the transformative impact of a functional medicine approach. Inspired by those results, she felt called to transition into functional medicine and help others achieve optimal health and wellness. In her role, she works closely with patients to identify and address the root causes of their symptoms through comprehensive functional lab testing and personalized care plans. She provides guidance and education on gut health, food sensitivities, toxin exposure, inflammation, and whole-body wellness. Alongside Dr. Cara, she creates patient’s individualized treatment plans, and supports them throughout their healing journey with ongoing follow-up visits and coaching. Her goal is to empower patients with the knowledge, tools, and the support they need to make meaningful, lasting improvements in their health. She is passionate about helping people feel their best, regain vitality, and create a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.
Drew Riordan
Operations and Experience Manager
Our Clinical Operations & Experience manager ensures every detail of the patient journey reflects the elevated level of care and personalized attention our practice is known for. Blending operational excellence with a passion for integrative wellness, she oversees daily clinic operations, team leadership, and patient experience to create a seamless, welcoming, and supportive environment for every individual who walks through our doors. From coordinating staff and optimizing workflows to enhancing communication and concierge-level service, her role is essential in maintaining the calm, connected, and patient-centered atmosphere that defines our practice. Dedicated to both exceptional hospitality and whole-person care, she helps ensure our patients feel heard, supported, and cared for throughout every step of their wellness journey.
Helga Shoening
IV Specialist Nurse
Helga brings over 13 years of nursing experience, including caring for critically ill patients in various hospital settings. Her passion for longevity and wellness is rooted in helping others feel their best through personalized, compassionate care.
Kris Fortman
Massage Therapist
Kris is a licensed massage therapist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in therapeutic deep tissue massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Orthopedic Massage. He has a deep understanding of anatomy which allows him to pinpoint the root cause of pain and address the problem. Kris is focused on restoring and maintaining functional movement so you can live life pain free.
Melissa Rusinski
Patient Experience Coordinator
As our Patient Experience Coordinator, Melissa is dedicated to creating a warm, seamless, and personalized experience for every patient who walks through our doors. With a genuine passion for exceptional customer service, she strives to ensure each individual feels welcomed, supported, and cared for throughout their wellness journey.
Victoria Burris
Massage Therapist
Victoria is a holistic-minded healthcare professional who supports clients through a range of hands-on therapeutic approaches, including CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release Therapy, and Massage Therapy. Believing that healing is a dynamic and deeply personal process, Victoria takes an integrative approach that honors the whole person. Her work intentionally weaves together the body’s interconnected systems, including the central nervous, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, circulatory, digestive (and more), to support alignment, mobility, and overall vitality. With a calm presence and a passion for helping others, Victoria creates a supportive space where the body can access deep states of healing.