Black Friday Code: DIGEST35
Virtual Clinic SHOP
Virtual Clinic SHOP

Meet Our Clinical Leadership

Three clinicians. One Mission. Evidence-based digestive healthcare.

  • Dr. Scott Spiridigliozzi, ND

    Clinician, Director of Clinical Care

  • Dr. Jake Vonfeldt, DC, MS

    Clinician, Research Manager

  • Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC

    CEO, Chief Health Officer,
    Head of Research

Our Affiliations

About

Dr. Scott Spiridigliozzi is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in mold, candida & gastrointestinal disorders.

He brings over 8 years of clinic expertise to patients across the United States and internationally. Including: Canada, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, and Australia. He received his doctoral degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona.

Education

  • Doctorate Degree in Naturopathic Medicine, Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health)
  • BS in Biology and Chemistry, State University of New York Cortland

Personal Health Challenges

Throughout his 20s and 30s, Dr. Scott personally navigated challenges with mold exposure, candida overgrowth, and histamine intolerance. These experiences have deepened his empathy and understanding, allowing him to better support others facing similar issues.

He knows how exhausting it can be to constantly live in research mode, trying to manage your symptoms alone. Speaking from his own health journey, he found it incredibly liberating once he trusted a professional with a clear plan. Dr. Scott’s hope is that you can experience the same relief—letting your clinician guide the path forward so you can focus on living your life instead of being your own researcher.

 

About

Dr. Jake Vonfeldt, DC, MS, is a clinician and clinical research co-manager. He consults with clients both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Vonfeldt earned a Bachelor’s degree in human biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland University-Kansas City, as well as a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States.

Dr. Vonfeldt uses an evidence-informed functional and integrative approach to help his clients overcome a wide array of chronic health complaints. He has dedicated his life to helping people find answers for their health struggles via natural methods.

Prior to joining the Ruscio Institute of Functional Health, Dr. Vonfeldt worked in his own clinical practice where he helped people dealing with a variety of health issues. He strongly believes that his greatest attribute as a clinician is his ability to listen and carefully craft personalized health plans tailored to the individual.

Through his years of experience, he has developed a wide toolkit of therapies which allows him to support those dealing with many issues.

Education

BS in Human Biology, Cleveland University–Kansas City
Doctor of Chiropractic, Cleveland University–Kansas City
MS in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine, University of Western States

Personal Health Journey

Dr. Vonfeldt became interested in a functional approach while working in his university clinic, where he often saw patients given symptom-focused treatments without clear answers about what was driving their concerns. That experience shaped his commitment to getting to the “why” behind symptoms–because the root issue is frequently something upstream, like the gut, mold/biotoxins, or Lyme-related infections.

 

About

Dr. Michael Ruscio is a DC, Naturopathic Practitioner, researcher, and clinician. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bridgeport and has published numerous papers in scientific journals.

Dr. Ruscio founded the Ruscio Institute of Functional Health, a consulting practice and research clinic that helps patients heal a wide range of GI conditions. Dr. Ruscio serves as the Head of Research, rigorously researching complex gastrointestinal disorders as well as their relationship to thyroid health.

From his clinical research and experience, Dr. Ruscio authored a book Healthy Gut, Healthy You, created a Thyroid Self-Management Course, and developed the first ever over-the-counter fully elemental diet formula on the market.

In 2016, Dr. Ruscio started the Dr. Ruscio Radio podcast, which frequently ranks in the top charts for Alternative Health podcasts.

Education

BS in Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts
Doctor of Chiropractic, Life West
Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, ANMCB

Personal Health Journey

In his early twenties, Dr. Ruscio personally dealt with an intestinal parasite, amoeba histolytica. In his early thirties, he had mold in two consecutive homes. In his late thirties he dealt with the Lyme-family organisms of Bartonella and Babesia. While painful, he used these challenges as an opportunity to learn, research, and develop into a vastly better clinician.

Care Team

Our care team is here to help you with the first steps.

Care Team

Our care team is here to help you with the first steps.

  • Virtual Clinic - Jasmine Simon, Office Manager

    Jasmine Simon

    Office Manager

    Jasmine is the Office Manager at the clinic, where she oversees clinic operations, administrative functions, and patient support. She brings over 10 years of experience in patient relations and healthcare management.

    Having navigated her own personal health journey, Jasmine is passionate about helping patients feel supported, cared for, and truly heard throughout their experience with the clinic. She is dedicated to creating a positive and seamless patient experience while ensuring patients feel comfortable and well cared for every step of the way.

    Jasmine strives to provide exceptional service and foster a welcoming environment for both patients and the clinical team.

  • Alli Cook

    Patient Care Coordinator

    Alli is the Client Care Coordinator at the clinic, supporting patients throughout their healing journey.

    With a background as a Functional Nutritionist and years of experience in client care, she brings a deep understanding of chronic illness.

    As a former chronic illness patient herself, Alli is known for her empathy and ability to help patients feel heard and supported. She is dedicated to ensuring each individual has a seamless, encouraging, and empowering care experience.

  • Melissa Brescia

    Melissa Brescia

    New Patient Coordinator

    Melissa is the New Patient Coordinator at Ruscio Institute, helping patients feel at ease and supported from the very first conversation.

    With over 10 years of experience in holistic health, and a background in nutrition, wellness coaching, and functional medicine, she understands how frustrating it can be to deal with ongoing symptoms without clear answers.

    Having navigated her own healing journey, Melissa brings both expertise and empathy to every interaction. She is known for making patients feel heard, comfortable, and confident, so they can finally take the next step forward with clarity.

Improve Your Health

Our care team is here to help you with the first steps.

Book Your First Visit Contact Us

Improve Your Health

Our care team is here to help you with the first steps.

Book Your First Visit Contact Us