Accurate & trustworthy health and wellness information is our highest priority

Christy Zagarella, MS, RDN
Director of Member Success

Living a healthy lifestyle has always been a passion of Christy's. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics and her Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University. As one of our lead Registered Dietitians, Christy works directly with The M.D., Caroline J. Cederquist, to ensure the principles of her nutritional foundation are being met and interacts frequently with bistroMD members to provide one-on-one consultations and support. She also works closely with our chefs and dietitians to ensure all entrees are nutritionally balanced, and that they meet our standards for sourcing clean ingredients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter, going for a run or swim, and loving on her dogs.

Sarah Asay, RDN
Director of Nutrition and Product Development

Sarah Asay, RDN, purposefully leads the nutrition department in strategic direction, developing entrees, snacks, and nutrition education to inspire ownership in health and wellness. She believes sharing nutritionally-focused products and programs that are both delicious and appealing to the senses will serve to regenerate the nation's perception of health and wellness. Sarah works directly with our chefs and kitchens to create flavorful entrees that meet the nutritional science set forth by The M.D., Caroline J. Cederquist. She upholds bistroMD product standards and enjoys researching new products available in the food market, to ensure only the highest quality ingredients are utilized in bistroMD products. Sarah enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their two dogs, Lola and Harvey. She also loves to entertain and create new recipes to share with friends, while finding inspiration in legendary chef, Julia Child's quote, "People who love to eat are always the best people."

Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN
Nutrition Editor

Sydney Lappe is bistroMD's Marketing Registered Dietitian residing in St. Louis, MO. She completed her undergraduate work in Psychology and Dietetics at Missouri State University. She then participated in Saint Louis University's Dietetic Internship/Master's Program where she published research on the concept of mindful eating. Once an official RDN, she began orchestrating evidence-based guidelines into user-friendly articles with bistroMD. She continues combining her love of writing and nutrition, while elevating content through the pillars of SEO. Sydney also served as a clinical dietitian at a psychiatric rehabilitation center, which deepened her understanding of the relationship between nutrition and mental health. Also recognizing the importance of motivational interviewing, Sydney strives to connect with others on an intimate, yet professional level. She loves trying and eating good food (just like any RD does), drinking endless cups of coffee, hanging out with her feathered friend named Pax, running, hiking, and enjoying lake time.

Rafael Haciski, MD, FACOG
Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician and Surgeon

After completing his undergraduate education at MIT, Rafael C. Haciski, MD, FACOG graduated from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta in 1977 and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Chicago. After 20 years of working on the cutting edge of infertility and IVF in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Haciski moved to Florida and has been practicing at Advanced Gynecology in Naples, Florida since 2010. As a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Haciski provides expert diagnosis and treatment of the full range of gynecologic conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and menopause. With training, experience, conservative, yet cutting-edge approach, the goal is to provide the best medical care, and empower women to improve their health and purposeful and treat each patient as a member of the family.

Rob Brown, MD
Physician

Dr. Rob Brown is a diagnostic radiologist who has worked in private practices and academic centers, including NY Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic, for the past 25 years. During this time, he accumulated vast experience with how toxins effect our lives, which he shares in Toxic Home | Conscious Home: A Mindful Approach to Wellness at Home. While introducing others to their potential, ideal state of wellness by helping them create healthier lifestyle choices, Dr. Brown also enjoys creating an environmental sanctuary at home, where the body can rest and heal, which is essential to maintain optimal wellness. While at home, Dr. Brown helps to raise and educate his two teenage children. He enjoys organic backyard farming, tending to a vegetable garden, a fruit orchard, berry patches, and a small flock of chickens. From sprouting seedlings to crop harvest and food preservation, he has firsthand experience of the effort required and reward received in getting food from farm to table.

Jennifer Berman, PA-C
Physician Assistant - Certified

Jennifer Berman, PA-C, better known as Jenni, is a Physician Assistant. She first graduated from the University of Florida, earning an Undergraduate Degree in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. She went on to earn a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL. As an ex-competitive gymnast and after focusing on nutrition and exercise physiology through her schooling, Jenni wanted to help make a difference in individual's lives to prevent them from taking medications and experiencing co-morbidities that could be prevented. She has a passion for writing exercise programs and helping others reach their fitness goals. She is the founder of Berman Health and Wellness who helps with personal training specialized to your needs and specialized to your location or fitness facility. In addition to exercising, Jenni loves to spend time with her family, her dogs, and water ski!

Jake Berman, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Jake graduated with highest honors from University of Florida, earning his Undergraduate Degree in Health Science. He went on to finish the University of Florida Physical Therapy Doctoral program. Following graduation, he practiced two years at Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy in Destin, FL, learning the complex philosophy of Primal Reflex Release Technique under Bob Seton. Before deciding to open his own practice, Dr. Berman furthered his education by practicing at Innovative Therapy Solutions in Jacksonville, FL, specializing in Functional Manual Therapy™ with Aaron Robles. A lifelong resident of Naples, Jake opened the doors of Berman Physical Therapy is the very proud father of two dogs, Yeti (the office therapy dog!) and Brady. When he's not spending time with his dogs or his beautiful wife, Jenni, you can find Jake golfing or spending time outdoors.