Our Team

Dr. Angelica Salazar, MD

Functional Medicine Doctor
(IFM certified)

Hello, I am Dr. Angelica Salazar the director and CEO of Santa Cruz Functional Medicine. I have over 13 years of clinical experience in Family Practice and have committed my career development and practice for the past 10 years to Functional Medicine because I believe in it deeply and have witnessed firsthand its power to transform and heal.  With me as your Functional Doctor you will experience a holistic, root cause, evidence-based approach to creating and supporting health in your body, mind, and spirit.  It is my deepest intention to help and guide you towards achieving your optimum health so that you may reach your highest purpose in life and spread this positivity to your communities and loved ones.

Credentials

  • Stanford University: Pre-Med – BS in Biological Sciences (2000)
  • Human Genome Project (2000 – 2002)
  • Master’s degree in Medical Sciences – Boston University (2005)
  • Medical Doctorate Degree – Boston University School of Medicine (2010)
  • Medical Residency Program – Natividad Medical Center (Monterey Bay – 2013)
  • Medical board certified in Family Practice (2013)
  • Medical board certified in Integrative Medicine (2014)
  • Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) – Fully certified physician practitioner (2019)

Dr. Caroline Engel, DO

Functional Medicine Doctor *

Hello! I am a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with over 10 years of experience in family medicine emphasizing preventative medicine and lifestyle changes by focusing in functional medicine. I strive to be a compassionate physician dedicated to providing personalized healthcare to each and every patient. I offer a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan rooted in osteopathic and functional medicine and will partner with other providers, a nutritionist, and a health coach – to help meet your goals.

Credentials:

  • University of California, Santa Cruz- BS in Marine Biology and BA in Art (2003)
  • San Francisco State University- Pre-Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Coursework (2005)
  • The Osteopathic Cranial Academy-Certification in Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (2009)
  • Osteopathic Medical Degree – Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-CA (2011)
  • Family Medicine Residency Program – Natividad Medical Center (2014)
  • Medical Board Certification by the American Board of Family Medicine (2014)
  • Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) – * Candidate for Certified Physician Practitioner (2020-current)

Megan Murphy-Rouse, M.S., CNS®, CAP

Functional Nutritionist

Megan’s clinical approach blends the science of Functional Medicine Nutrition with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Her goal is to identify the underlying causes of imbalance in a woman’s body that perpetuate dis-ease. She selects appropriate dietary, lifestyle, nutraceutical, or botanical therapies that allow healing to unfold naturally. Megan’s clinical strengths and passion lie in women’s reproductive health and infertility, as well as in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Credentials:

  • Masters of Science in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine, with Honors, University of Western States
  • Certified Nutrition Specialist®
  • Licensed Dietitian (OR)
  • Licensed Nutritionist (WA)
  • Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (CAP), National Ayurvedic Medical Association
  • Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, Candidate

Emily Craig, B.S., NB-HWC

Health Coach & Yoga Instructor

I’m a Santa Cruz native with a love of the ocean, redwoods and helping people grow. I chose to become a Health and Wellness Coach to help people discover a way of living very consciously that enhances their well-being. I like to take a holistic approach, drawing knowledge from mindfulness, self-compassion research, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and positive psychology. I am excited for the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey to better health and wellness.

Credentials:

  • B.S. in Kinesiology emphasis Nutrition Fitness and Health, San Diego State University – 2008
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist, Grossmont College – 2017
  • National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, YogaMedCo – 2021
  • Lifestyle Medicine Coach, American College of Lifestyle Medicine – 2022
  • 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher – Yoga Alliance – 2023

Danae Carroll

Office Manager

I am here for support with patient care coordination and administration.  I work directly with each patient to help them stay on track with the functional medicine treatment process.  I have been working in this type of patient care for almost 5 years and love being a part of this healing community.  I truly enjoy interacting with every patient I meet and hope to add something positive to each person’s healing journey.