Meet The UpCurrentFM Team


  • Zoie Phillips, MSPA, PA-C, IFMCP, AFMC

    Functional Medicine Physician Assistant Founder & CEO of UFM

  • Edit Zelkind, PA-C, IFMCP, AFMC

    Functional Medicine Physician Assistant

  • Melissa Reade, MS, CDN, CNS, NB-HWC

    Functional Nutritionist & Health Coach

  • Erica Evans

    Lead Virtual Assistant, supporting Zoie

  • Grace Fehrnstrom

    Virtual Assistant, supporting Edit

UpCurrentFM Functional Medicine Providers


Zoie Phillips,

MSPA, PA-C,

IFMCP, AFMC

Her Story:

After witnessing her family member’s release from crippling anxiety after a simple change in diet, Zoie became convinced of the power of lifestyle medicine. Consequently, she developed an insatiable hunger to learn as much as possible about the human body and made it her mission to share these truths with the world. Her passion for Functional Medicine, people, and sustainable wellness is unrelenting and she thanks God everyday for equipping her to do what she loves.

Education:

  • Zoie is dual certified in Functional Medicine via:

    • The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

    • The School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM)

  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant from Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in Fishersville, VA

  • Bachelor of Science in Health Promotions: Clinical from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA

 

Credentials:

  • MSPA: Master of Science in Physician Assistant

  • PA-C: Board Certified Physician Assistant

  • IFMCP: Certified in Functional Medicine via The Institute for Functional Medicine

  • AFMC: Certified in Functional Medicine via The School of Applied Functional Medicine

Experience:

  • Prior to launching UpCurrentFM in 2022, Zoie spent several years caring for patients as a Functional Medicine PA-C at one of the top Integrative Medicine practices in the United States.

  • Zoie has been mentored by two renown Integrative Medicine providers:

    • Dr. Jim Roach, MD, ABIHM, ABOIM, a singular pioneer with over 40 years of experience in the field of Anti-Aging medicine, nutritional science, and the role of supplementation

    • Dr. Georgia Tetlow, MD, ABOIM, IFMCP, founder of Philadelphia Integrative Medicine with over 10 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation and holistic medicine

Partnerships:

  • Zoie is a regular guest speaker at the esteemed School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM). She provides clinical insight on various topics, promotes the visibility of Functional Medicine, and inspires other healthcare providers to pursue this life-changing education.

Get to know her:

  • Zoie once had the unique experience of participating in a triathlon alongside Lance Armstrong! A seasoned athlete, she has completed a marathon and numerous triathlons, but is now passionate about weightlifting.

  • Ask her about: her faith and how it influences every aspect of her life, including her career!

  • Most likely to find her: on the beach with her husband, Drew, and their son, Vander.

Features:

  • Zoie is featured in the video below with Tracy Harrison, the founder of The School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM). In this video, she details her pillars for patient success.

  • Zoie is featured in the The School of Applied Functional Medicine’s Targeted Functional Medicine Supplements for Long Haul COVID. In this video, she discusses her favorite supplement to assist patients with Long Haul COVID. See 52:50-57:28 to hear Zoie’s pearls.

 

Edit Zelkind,

PA-C, IFMCP, AFMC

Her Story:

During a challenging season of her life, Edit developed psoriasis. Conventional medicine offered only symptom management — not true healing — which led her to search for deeper answers. That search brought her to Functional Medicine, where she discovered its remarkable ability to restore lasting, resilient health. Through this approach, she was able to put her psoriasis into remission and has since dedicated herself to helping others do the same. Witnessing the power of root-cause medicine to transform lives continues to inspire her daily, and she is deeply grateful to walk alongside others on their journeys toward wellness.

Education:

  • Edit is dual certified in Functional Medicine via:

    • The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

    • The School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM) (to be conferred Spring 2026)

  • Edit pursued advanced Functional Medicine training via:

    • Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO, LAC, DIPLOM- certified via the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health

    • Dr. Daniel Kalish, DC, IFMCP- completed all courses via the Kalish Institute of Health

    • Chris Kresser M.S., L.Ac.- completed all courses via the ADAPT Program

  • Certification in Physician Assistant Studies from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN (graduated with honors)

  • Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN

Credentials:

  • PA-C: Board Certified Physician Assistant

  • IFMCP: Certified in Functional Medicine via The Institute for Functional Medicine

  • AFMC: Certified in Functional Medicine via The School of Applied Functional Medicine (to be conferred Spring 2026)

Experience:

  • Prior to joining UpCurrentFM, Edit served as a Functional Medicine PA-C for several years at the UltraWellness Center in Massachusetts founded by Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, a pioneer and advocate for Functional Medicine, known for his work as a physician, author, and educator. While there, she gained extensive experience working with complex chronic illness and learned firsthand the power of personalized, systems-based care. Her years at the UltraWellness Center strengthened her passion for Functional Medicine and shaped the compassionate, patient-centered approach she brings to UpCurrentFM today.

  • Edit has been mentored by widely respected physicians at the UltraWellness Center (lead by Dr. Mark Hyman, MD) including:

    • Dr. Todd LePine, MD, IFMCP, a distinguished expert in Integrative and Functional Medicine, for over two decades of experience in Internal Medicine, systems biology, and mind–body health. A graduate of Dartmouth Medical School and Board Certified in Internal Medicine, he specializes in a holistic approach to optimal aging, detoxification, and cognitive vitality. He is a physician at The UltraWellness Center and global educator.

    • Dr. Elizabeth Boham, MD, MS, RD, IFMCP, a respected clinician and educator in Functional and Integrative Medicine, has spent over twenty years bridging the disciplines of medicine and nutrition. Board Certified in Family Medicine and serving as Medical Director at The UltraWellness Center, she focuses on evidence-based, root-cause approaches to women’s health, breast cancer prevention, and chronic disease reversal.

  • For over 2 decades, Edit worked at Kaiser Permanente providing compassionate care as a PA-C in a multitude of specialties:

    • Emergency Room / Urgent Care

    • Primary Care

    • Dermatology

    • Breast Care

    • Medical Weight Management

  • After completing her undergraduate studies, Edit conducted research in the Pediatric Cardiology Laboratory at the University of Minnesota with a focus on insulin resistance.

Partnerships:

  • Edit has been a guest speaker at the esteemed School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM) on the topic of metabolic dysregulation and was featured on the Positive Choice podcast at Kaiser Permanente discussing immune health. She is invited to speak at these engagements to share her deep expertise in root-cause, systems-based approaches to health and to empower both practitioners and the public with practical tools for restoring balance and resilience.

Get to know her:

  • During college, Edit had a memorable side gig as a singing telegram!

  • Ask her about: her family—they’re what keep her grounded and give purpose to everything she does.

  • Most likely to find her: traveling to see her kids, playing with her two dogs, and watching movies with her husband.

Features:

  • In this two-part series, Edit unpacks the science and strategies behind a strong, balanced immune system. Enjoy!

 

UpCurrentFM Functional Nutritionist & Health Coach


Melissa Reade, MS, CDN, CNS, NB-HWC

Her Story:

Melissa was inspired to pursue a career in Functional Medicine after healing her twelve-year battle with migraines and gut issues. Her personal health journey is what compels her to do the work she does every day. She knows what it’s like to be disillusioned by conventional medicine and desperate for someone to listen. Her aim in working with clients is to listen deeply and help them to discover their innate capacity for healing.

Education:

  • Master of Science in Nutrition & Integrative Health with a concentration in Clinical Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health

  • Post-Baccalaureate in Complementary and Alternative Medicine with a concentration in Integrative Modalities and Physiology from Georgetown University

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and Biology from Syracuse University

  • Trained via The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and actively pursuing certification

Credentials:

  • CDN: Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist Credential

  • CNS: Board Certified Nutrition Specialist designation from the American Nutrition Association

  • NB-HWC: National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

Experience:

  • Melissa has several years of experience working for telemedicine Functional Medicine practices as a Functional Nutritionist (CDN, CNS) and Board Certified Health Coach (NB-HWC)

Get to know her:

  • “I love to educate and empower my clients to take control of their health. I am passionate about using a highly individualized approach to health, as no two people are alike, and I advocate for the use of nutrition, movement, and mindfulness as powerful, therapeutic tools. Nutrition can seem overwhelming, I’m here to help guide, simplify, and encourage you throughout the process.”

  • Ask her about: “How I healed my twelve year battle with migraines and gut issues, my favorite yoga pose, and how a fascia ball will change your life!”

  • Most likely to find her: “At a hot yoga or dance class, listening to my classic vinyl collection, reading the latest literature in evidence-based nutrition and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.”

 

UpCurrentFM Virtual Assistants


Erica Evans, Lead VA

Erica Saintsing earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at East Carolina University in 2020. She is dedicated to serving others and honoring the Lord in all aspects of her life– whether it be through her work, or in her home, and community. She is passionate about fostering genuine connections and feels grateful to play a small part in your journey at UpCurrentFM. Outside of work, you can find her spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two pets, Nala and Boone. She loves diving into a good book, baking fresh sourdough bread, and spending time outdoors– whether it be snowboarding or going for a run.

Erica is the head of daily operations at UpCurrentFM, ensuring the seamless coordination of patient care and administrative tasks. From scribing during visits and scheduling appointments to handling patient inquiries and ordering labs and specialty tests, she plays a vital role in maintaining the efficiency and exceptional service patients deserve at UpCurrentFM.

Grace Fehrnstrom

Grace Fehrnstrom earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and is a Holistic Life Coach & Mind-Body Practitioner from the MindBodyFood Institute. Through her personal health journey, she is passionate about helping others live a holistic and purposeful life by combining her background in wellness with a faith-based approach to care. Grace seeks to serve others with empathy, integrity, and compassion, honoring the Lord through her work and relationships every day. 

Grace is a Virtual Assistant at UpCurrentFM focused on outstanding patient care and administrative support management. Her responsibilities include taking notes during visits, scheduling appointments, handling patient inquiries, managing lab and specialty test orders, and ensuring seamless, compassionate care between patients and healthcare providers. Her genuine care for others helps create a supportive and uplifting experience for every patient she serves.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time at the beach, cooking nourishing meals, and spending quality time with friends and family. She finds peace in prayer, nature, and simple moments that remind her of God’s grace in everyday life.