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.
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
Deborah Wainwright, DNP
Deborah Wainwright, originally from Canada, has lived in the US for over 20 years. Currently, she is a local Bird Rock resident with her husband and two sons.
Deborah is our senior provider at KOI Wellbeing. She earned her MSN, NP degree from the George Washington University in 2014 and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Frontier Nursing University in 2017.
She is an ANCC board-certified nurse practitioner and also holds ABHRT hormone certification through the Academy for Preventive and Innovative Medicine. Balancing hormones is her specialty which can be achieved through various methods.
Through the years, Deborah has found patients feel better with bio-identical hormone pellets. Both men and women can greatly improve their quality of life with pellet therapy.
Deborah Wainwright offers a complimentary 20-minute hormone consultation for new patients to discuss if hormone replacement is right for them. To schedule an appointment please call our office at (858) 500-1633
Dr. Kelsey Myers
As an advocate of mind-body-spirit medicine. Dr. Myers believes that healthy lifestyle choices, community, mindfulness, and feelings of joy, passion and love are needed to create optimal health and wellness.
Dr. Kelsey Myers is our Naturopathic Doctor at KOI Wellbeing. She earned her degree at Bastyr University, a 4 year post graduate program and accredited naturopathic medical school. Dr. Myers a born and raised Californian, grew up in central California but was drawn to the coast because of her love for the ocean.
Her specialties include gastrointestinal health, food sensitivities, hormone balancing including female, thyroid and adrenal hormones, and mental health.
Out of the office you’ll likely find her outside enjoying the sun and ocean air, cooking up something healthy (and yummy) in the kitchen, reading or enjoying the company of friends and family.
Melissa Marie Cosio, Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Melz Grew up In El Centro. She attended Cal Regional where she became a medical assistant. She later attended Phlebotomy Specialist in San Diego, where she obtained her Phlebotomy License.
Melz loves to travel and see the world one destination at a time. In her Free time, she also likes to hang out with friends and Family.
Melz started off in the orthopedic field where she loved helping patients who had been Injured on the job. She has been with KOI since 2021, where she has expanded her knowledge in the wellness field. She has Worked front desk and back office and loves what she does!
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