THE TEAM
Chris Farrelly – ND, LAc
Passionate about treating the whole person, Dr. Farrelly blends science, empathy, and a deep respect for the body’s innate ability to heal. He sees health as more than the absence of illness; it’s about creating balance between the body, mind, spirit, and environment.
Dr. Farrelly’s extensive training includes a residency at Bastyr University Clinic, advanced work in gastroenterology and autoimmune care, and specialized training in IV therapy, regenerative joint injections, and homeopathy. His clinical focus spans hormone balancing, digestive health, autoimmune disorders, fertility, and the fascinating gut-skin connection, helping patients heal from within.
Ronald S Cohen, MD
As a board-certified expert in Family and Sports Medicine, Dr. Cohen ranks in the top 1% of doctors nationwide for experience and training in regenerative orthopedic treatments.
With a career shaped by service, Dr. Cohen spent over a decade managing the Sports Medicine & Reconditioning program for all Marine Corps recruits in the western United States. He also served as a special consultant to Navy SEALs, honing his expertise in addressing complex injuries and chronic conditions under high-stakes circumstances.
Connie Joffre-Monaco MSN, APRN, FNP-BC,
Boasting over a decade of total experience that spans cardiac nursing, gastroenterology, weight management, physiatry, and home health, Connie believes in treating the whole person, not just a set of symptoms.
Connie’s specialized expertise in bioidentical pellet hormone replacement therapy allows her to create precise, personalized treatment plans. From meticulous pellet insertions to ongoing patient education, she optimizes hormonal balance for improved vitality, mood, and overall well-being. Drawing on her cardiac nurse and case manager background, Connie integrates evidence-based practices and fosters strong, collaborative relationships with her patients.
Joanne C Imperial, MD, FAASLD
A graduate of The Harvard School of Medicine, Dr. Imperial is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology. She completed her Fellowship in Nutrition and Metabolism at New York Medical College, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of how nutrition and metabolism influence overall well-being.
Dr. Imperial’s expertise extends to developing individualized weight loss programs tailored to each patient’s unique needs, addressing the critical connection between metabolic health and long-term vitality. She also specializes in gut health, offering advanced care with a focus on restoring digestive balance and improving quality of life.
Dr. Michael Burstein – ND
Dr. Michael Burstein brings a personal, evidence-based approach to naturopathic care—grounded in both clinical expertise and firsthand experience.
After earning his B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Linguistics from the University of Arizona, Dr. Burstein completed his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in San Diego.
His path to naturopathic medicine began with his own health struggles—and a search for answers that conventional medicine couldn’t provide. That search became a mission: to help others take control of their health through preventive, personalized care.
Emilee Patel – NP
With over 20 years of experience in critical care, Emilee brings a deep foundation of clinical excellence to every patient interaction.
Her transition into aesthetic medicine was fueled by a passion for beauty, wellness, and the transformative power of confidence. Emilee is known for her precision, compassion, and personalized care. She is extensively trained in advanced injectables, including neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and biostimulators, as well as laser treatments, microneedling, PRP, hair restoration, and medical weight loss.
Jeffrey A Sternberg, CEO
Working in the healthcare field since 1999, Mr. Sternberg has seen how medicine and the business of medicine often are at odds with positive patient outcomes and patient choice.
KOI Wellbeing was imagined and developed by Mr. Sternberg as a solution to what he sees as a need for a patient experience that aligns with what people spend on their medical care, one that is highly individualized and in a beautiful spa-like environment.
Recognizing that the best outcomes result from quantitative, diagnostic specialty lab and genetic testing that is the cornerstone of Naturopathic Medicine, Mr. Sternberg conceived KOI as an integrative medical practice space where naturalized healthcare would be grounded in science.
Having a decades long background in hospital and insurance- driven medical care Mr. Sternberg recognized that the elimination of insurance carriers as gatekeepers is paramount to giving patients and clients the best, most effective and most appropriate care. This gives patients and doctors a direct and unimpeded relationship wherein doctors have far more time to focus on the individual and money is not given to any “middleman” and patients receive better care and real value for their healthcare dollars.
Read more about his vision for KOI Wellbeing in the Q&A with Mr. Sternberg published in the La Jolla Light: https://www.lajollalight.com/business-spotlight