Often I am asked how I got into acupuncture and I am happy to share my story. It all started years ago when my first son came into this world. At around age 3 1/2 we found out he had Tourette's Syndrome. As you can imagine my husband and I were completely devastated. Many nights were spent crying ourselves to sleep. At the beginning his tics consisted of eye blinking. It was so bad that he couldn't walk down the steps by himself because his eyes were closed too much to see well. They progressed from there to include odd vocal sounds and other jerky movements of his body. He was also displaying severe hyperactivity. It is not uncommon for children with Tourette's to have other neurological issues such as ADD/ADHD as well.

I searched day and night for answers. I knew I did not want to put him on drugs. They were only marginally effective at minimizing the tics, not eliminating them. I just couldn't imagine putting his tiny liver and kidneys through the stress of powerful Western drugs at the age of 3 1/2 (knowing what I know now... this probably saved him). Since I was a dietitian I approached the problem with nutrition first. I researched all the medical literature to see if these children suffered from any type of deficiencies or problems processing nutrients. After coming up with a list of nutritional items, I started him on a program of regimented supplementation. After one month I hadn't noticed a single change. So I continued to scour the internet for answers. The internet was fairly new at the time so there wasn't that much information available online.

After looking for weeks I came across some articles on a procedure called NAET. It was a natural allergy elimination technique. I found someone in the area that knew the procedure and started taking my son to two appointments a week. Within a month his tics disappeared. I was very impressed. So much so that I went to California to be trained in the procedure.

After a few years of practicing NAET with my dietetics license, I felt I needed to continue my education and learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was the foundation of NAET. I enrolled in school and started on the path to becoming an acupuncture physician. I have never looked back. I fell in love with the power of this ancient medicine. It has been used for over 2500 years to help people heal their bodies, minds, spirits, and souls. I feel honored and priviledged to have learned these methods.

I look forward to helping many of you that read these pages. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding your health and whether or not I think that the protocols I have been trained in may benefit you.

My family noticed my interest in skincare very early on. I remember at around age 6 mixing together my moms' creams and applying them to my little sister. Mom wasn't too happy about that but she understood my innate interest in beauty and esthetics. In Ecuador where she grew up, a woman's inner and outer beauty is cultivated starting at a young age.

After High School I traveled a bit and attended various colleges and universities studying everything from laboratory technology to law. Nothing really seemed a perfect fit. I'd been away from South Florida for a number of years and was living in New York City when my mom asked me to come home. She needed my help. She told me that my dad had been diagnosed with late stage melanoma and had been given only 4 months to live. I quit my job at a law firm and moved back home. That was a very bittersweet time in my life. I'm so grateful that I was able to be with my dad in his final days but I felt helpless as I watched his health deteriorate. I read everything I could get my hands on about skin health and diseases, vowing to find out how to prevent this terrible illness.

I never looked back . I took a job with the Estee Lauder companies and became interested in naturally sourced and organic ingredients. I was transferred to their Origins line at a time when the concepts of "organic", " environmentally friendly" and " no animal testing" were new to the American public. I became a passionate advocate for safe , reliable ingredients in our sun and skincare products. I went back to school and earned my facial specialist license from the Florida College of Natural Health.

I have also earned certifications in Ayurveda facial rejuvenation, medical grade facial peels, Indian organic treatments and various body treatments. I firmly believe that to look good on the outside we must also feel good on the inside. My interest in total wellness has led me to become certified as a Reiki practitioner and Qigong instructor. I am honored to be a member of the Evolution Wellness team and my goal is to help all my clients realize their birthright of health and beauty.

Johanna Maldonado began her illustrious career by giving herself, her dolls and any willing family member (poor doggies!) facials at the ripe age of seven years old. Ever since she was in ponytails and braids she can remember being infatuated with skin care and cosmetics. It was her passion to experiment with crèmes, lotions, masques, and make-up since she was old enough to reach on top of her mother's vanity.

Her professional career started by obtaining her degree in Paramedical Skin care at the renowned Florida College of Natural Health. Her advanced aesthetic skills include facial rejuvenation treatments, laser hair removal, electrology, endermology, and cellulite and body contouring. Her knowledge and natural talent in aesthetics escalated her position and recognition in the medical field.

She is infamous for the results her patients obtain after just one treatment. Johanna specializes in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, severe acne, rosacea, and laser hair removal. Her patients benefit from her ten years of esthetic's experience and intuitive abilities to assess skin and pick just the right treatment to correct the skin's imbalances.

Her clients look radiant and years younger after her treatments.