About The Team

Practitioners

Patricia Fitzgerald, Director and Founder

Patricia Fitzgerald, D.H.M., L.Ac., C.C.N. founded the Santa Monica Wellness Center in 1994 after being in private practice for several years. She has a Master’s Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and a Doctorate in Homeopathic Medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, as well as a Certified Clinical Nutritionist. She is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Fellow at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, where she is involved in a research project in Integrative Medicine. She has served on the faculty of Yo San University and is the Wellness Editor of the Huffington Post.

Dr. Fitzgerald is the author of the best-selling award winning book, The Detox Solution: The Missing Link to Radiant Health, Abundant Energy, Ideal Weight, and Peace of Mind. This groundbreaking book has received rave reviews from the press as well as medical professionals. For more information, visit detoxsolution.com

Passionate and interested in integrative health since she was a teenager, Dr. Fitzgerald has attended countless seminars and workshops, and is often a featured speaker. She enjoys spreading the message of health and wellness, and feels strongly about educating and empowering her patients so that they may enjoy optimal health.

Lauren Howard, Licensed Acupuncturist, Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine

Lauren Howard, L.Ac. holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine.  Her foray into acupuncture began when she met and trained under her mentor, renowned healer and author, Patricia Fitzgerald.  After completing her graduate studies in Chinese Medicine at the prestigious Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, Lauren began honing her area of specialty:  pain management.  Her well-rounded education also encompasses extensive training in herbal medicine, meditation, chi gong, massage, and Chinese dietary therapies.

Lauren also stresses the importance of diet and lifestyle choices in achieving optimal health.  In addition to her qualified supplement recommendations, she offers nutritional counseling which focus on the patient’s specific health concerns.  Lauren has also successfully treated patients with a variety of health challenges in addition to acute and chronic pain.  These include digestive disorders, immune disorders, fertility issues, and anxiety/depression among others.

Lauren is recognized by her patients for her unique and passionate style of healing.  She is pleased to bring her kind and gentle approach to all people seeking greater and health and wellness. 

Tanna Moontaro, Clinical Director, Marriage Family Therapist Intern

Tanna Moontaro, M.A, M.F.T.I., is the Clinical Director of the Santa Monica Wellness Center.  She brings a rich background as an Emmy-nominated costume designer and illustrator.  She is a graduate of Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Psychology Program and is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern.  Tanna has been a volunteer lead facilitator in the Alternatives to Violence Project since 1998, working with felony youth offenders in prison.  She is passionate about working as a therapist with adolescents incorporating all the arts.

Patient Care Coordinators

May Bazzelle

Raymond Salas