Clinician Support

Heather Dockstader, MS, CNS, MB (ASCP)^CM

Clinical Nutritionist

Heather is a dedicated Clinical Nutritionist and Molecular Biologist with over nine years of experience in clinical operations, project management, and strategic planning. With a deep-rooted passion for biochemical and functional nutrition, Heather combines her expertise in genomic analysis to empower individuals to achieve optimal health through personalized, evidence-based strategies.

In her professional journey, Heather has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing teams and complex clinical trials. Her role as Clinical Laboratory Scientist at NeoGenomics Laboratories involved leading genetic sequencing validation studies and contributing to significant advancements in cancer companion diagnostics for targeted therapy.

Heather applies her molecular biology background and clinical expertise to translate complex diagnostic data—including microbiome sequencing, metabolic labs, body composition analysis, and functional assessments—into individualized nutrition protocols grounded in nutritional biochemistry. She designs evidence-based interventions with particular depth in gut health, the microbiome, and the gut–brain and gut–metabolic axes, partnering closely with physicians to refine therapeutic strategies and assess emerging research for clinical applicability. With fluency in primary literature and a mechanism-driven approach to clinical reasoning, Heather advances whole-person, precision-based care within a systems-biology framework, helping patients achieve optimal health through personalized, scientifically rigorous nutrition.

Outside of her professional life, Heather enjoys an active lifestyle that includes hiking, fly-fishing, strength training, running, and rebounding, which not only benefits her physical health but also enhances mental clarity and neurogenesis. She is passionate about educating others on how to improve their gut biome density and biodiversity through natural food choices and lifestyle behaviors.

Lori Esarey, MS, APRN, FAARFM, ABAHHP

Lori Esarey is a master’s-prepared family nurse practitioner and the founder of Total Nutrition and Therapeutics. She also earned a master’s degree in Nutritional and Metabolic Medicine, completed advanced fellowship training in anti-aging, regenerative, and functional medicine, and holds board certification for anti-aging health practitioners.

Her commitment to healthy aging is rooted in both personal and professional experience. Growing up around a retirement community gave her an early appreciation for the changing needs of older adults. Her own challenges with weight, together with a strong family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, and high cholesterol, deepened her empathy for people navigating chronic health concerns and inspired her focus on prevention and long-term wellness.

Esarey began her clinical career as a registered nurse, caring for critically ill patients in the intensive care units at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and a Veterans Affairs hospital in Tampa. She later worked in emergency care while completing her graduate education, gaining broad experience with both acute and chronic illness. Mentorship from an internist encouraged her to think independently, remain curious, and build a practice centered on meaningful, personalized care.

In 2006, Esarey founded Total Nutrition and Therapeutics. What began as a weight-management practice evolved into a comprehensive functional and nutritional medicine clinic serving patients across the lifespan. Her approach begins by helping patients understand their current health and then developing individualized strategies designed to address underlying contributors, improve resilience, and support healthier aging.

In addition to patient care, Esarey is passionate about educating and mentoring other healthcare professionals. She believes transforming medicine requires collaboration and is committed to helping providers apply functional principles, move beyond reactive “sick care,” and build more proactive and sustainable models of health care.

Terry Rice, MD

Dr. Terry Rice is the Medical Director at Sydenham Clinic in Houston TX, and a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with more than 35 years of clinical and leadership experience. She brings a distinguished background in acute care and complex medicine, having served as Medical Director of the MD Anderson Emergency Center, Deputy Director of the Ben Taub Emergency Department, and Medical Director for Delta Airlines’ Concourse Health program. Known for her expertise, clarity, and steady clinical judgment, Dr. Rice integrates evidence-based care with a personalized approach to support long-term health and longevity.