JoAnna is a board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist in the state of California. She has worked in holistic medicine for over a decade. She holds a master's degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and is a nationally recognized diplomat of Oriental Medicine through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She currently provides acupuncture and herbal medicine to patients in West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and the surrounding areas.

JoAnna began her career in medicine with an allopathic focus while completing her bachelor of science in biology at UCLA. She graduated from UCLA in 2005 with departmental honors as well as the distinguishment summa cum laude.

To further enhance her knowledge of women's healthcare, she applied and was accepted into the prestigious Care Extender Pre-Medical Internship Program at UCLA Medical Center. Here she spent a year completing rounds in various departments within the hospital: labor and delivery, postpartum care, and the neonatal intensive care unit.

She deepened her knowledge of integrative medicine when she began working alongside Dr. Vincent Medici, D.C. and the late Dr. Robert Marshall, Ph.D, CCN, the CEO/founder of Quantum Nutrition Labs. Over the course of nearly 8 years she assisted in the care of thousands of patients. She witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of nutritional and lifestyle changes in treating illness and promoting overall wellness. She also learned the importance of integrating alternative therapies with Western medicine to ensure patients received well rounded care.

After being exposed to Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, she found these modalities to be extremely beneficial to her own health. Their effectiveness in her overall wellness and in patient care prompted her to complete a rigorous 4 year master's program. As part of her clinical internship she further enhanced her knowledge of integrative medicine by treating patients at the Providence Saint Joseph's Disney Family Cancer Center. Here she provided acupuncture treatment for multi-stage cancer patients. She graduated summa cum laude in 2013 from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, and is the founder/owner of Montoya Medicine.

Why I Do What I Do--A Message From JoAnna--

I have a profound respect for both Eastern and Western medicine, and I feel there is a time and a place for both forms of medicine. However, I believe there is so much more that can be done for patients using modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when it comes to non-emergency medicine. TCM is remarkable because it works synergistically with the body's natural healing ability. When acupuncture and herbal medicine are used to help restore the core fundamentals of health such as sleep, digestion, mobility, and reduced levels of stress and pain; extraordinary shifts in wellness occur.

I've worked in holistic medicine for over a decade. Time and time again I realize that many people are lost when it comes to knowing how to best care for themselves and their loved ones. From an overabundance of information online, to aisle after aisle stocked with nutritional supplements at the grocery store, many people are overwhelmed, scared, and just plain intimidated by the onslaught of what they 'should' or 'should not' be doing.

I've been on both sides of the healthcare system, and quite honestly, I cringe to think where I would be without the knowledge and tools holistic, natural medicine provide me. When I was around 7 years old I became ill and pharmaceutical drugs did not help me. In fact, years of antibiotic use played a pertinent role in my illness--severe migraines, digestive disorders, fatigue (just to name a few symptoms). I also suffered from common issues that plague many women. The imbalances in my hormonal system led to an array of issues.  I tried everything from pain-killers to muscle relaxants to birth control pill to surgery for cyst removal. Month after month, year after year I constantly thought 'there has to be a better way.'

Initially, this led me to start my career in medicine as a Western pre-medical student. In 2006 I had the unique opportunity of simultaneously working at a holistic healthcare center while also doing a pre-medical internship at UCLA Medical Center. It was at this time I really had the chance to explore both forms of medicine. What I found was that the use of acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition offer a truly effective way to heal the body. 

I've been fortunate to witness the effectiveness of natural medicine on my own health, my family's health, and the health of many patients. I often get asked why I chose this profession, and it's a very simple answer. My love for this medicine and its ability to help people heal is why I do what I do. This medicine is truly effective, and it allows me the opportunity to not only treat patients, but to educate them on ways to better take charge of their own health and the health of their loved ones.

-JoAnna