Herway Health is coming. We’re renovating to create two dedicated clinic experiences: Herway Health for women & Joy Wellness Partners for men. Construction runs May 12 – July 4. Questions about your appointment? Call 858-609-0866. LEARN MORE →
At Joy Wellness Partners, our mission is to help you live longer, feel fully alive, and look fantastic—at every stage of life. We’re honored to be your trusted partner in total health, offering a complete, personalized approach all under one roof.
With over 100 years of combined expertise in functional, regenerative and anti-aging medicine, our team is committed to helping your body do what it was designed to do: heal, restore and thrive. Whether you’re focused on prevention, recovery or full-body transformation, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Because you deserve a vibrant life—full of energy, clarity, confidence and joy.
In 2016, Carol Joy Bender had a vision: a wellness hub in Southern California where individuals aren’t just treated but truly listened to, understood and cared for. A distinguished Nurse Practitioner and alumna of the prestigious Wharton School of Business and The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Carol dreamed of a place where the innate healing power of the body was not just acknowledged, but celebrated.
Carol’s journey into healthcare started young, and her passion only deepened with time. Post-college, she found herself in Africa, spearheading a non-profit aimed at training locals in healthcare. Upon her return, backed by her mentor’s faith, she was convinced that if she could ignite change across the globe, she could definitely do it closer to home.
However, during a stint in the ERs of several local hospitals Carol witnessed a startling reality: Individuals received temporary fixes, only to return still burdened by persistent pain and unresolved health issues. The turning point came when Carol encountered integrative regenerative medicine. With this modality, her patients experienced transformation and lasting results.
Despite skepticism from peers, Carol stood firm in her belief in the potential of regenerative medicine. In 2016, she realized her dream and opened Joy Wellness Partners in San Diego to provide accessible integrative wellness options and cutting-edge regenerative treatments for all–from dedicated military personnel and world-class athletes to busy parents, fitness enthusiasts and business executives.
“At Joy Wellness Partners® we help you live longer, feel fully alive and look your best—through total, personalized care under one roof.
With expert guidance in regenerative, functional and anti-aging medicine, we support your body’s natural ability to heal, restore and thrive—so you can enjoy a vibrant life full of energy, clarity and confidence.’’
- Carol Joy Bender, NP, CEO & Founder
We’re not just healthcare providers; we’re trailblazers, shaping a future where wellness isn’t an aspiration but a way of life.
We offer natural, non-invasive treatments such as bio-identical hormone replacement, including testosterone therapy and peptide therapies, for optimal wellbeing.
We have a full-service IV lounge for optimizing hydration and restoring energy levels.
We perform treatments using ultrasound guidance, including nerve hydrodissection, joint aspirations, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other regenerative injections.
Our team members are expert providers of the Stellate Ganglion Block, a treatment for PTSD, anxiety and chronic pain.
Our state-of-the-art shockwave therapy has the potential to provide relief from erectile dysfunction and injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
We hold a med spa within our clinic so patients can have a one-stop shop for their anti-aging goals.
Thousands have joined our JWP® family, trusting us with their wellbeing. And our JWP® family continues to grow as friends invite friends from all across the country to share in our wellness therapies.
We invite you to join them! Contact us to begin your holistic wellness journey today.Â
Coming Soon: We are setting our sights on the East Coast for our next expansion.Â
A Nurse Practitioner since 2013, Carol Joy Bender specializes in regenerative and integrative medicine, providing a broad range of care, ranging from emergent medical treatments to medical consultations and regenerative injections.
Carol grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 2009, she earned dual degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of Business and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the School of Nursing. In 2009, Carol also co-founded LifeNet International, a non-profit conversion franchise of healthcare clinics in Burundi, Africa.
From 2009 to 2011, Carol developed her clinical skills as a nurse in the emergency room at the University Medical Center of Princeton in NJ. In 2011, she returned to Burundi to serve as the Medical Director of LifeNet International.
In 2013, Carol completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and became board-certified as a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care.
From 2013 to 2017, Carol worked in five emergency departments in Southern California and in the Temecula Valley Advanced Medicine (TVAM) Clinic in Murrieta, CA. In TVAM, she learned to help patients find solutions to their pain through the powerful, life-changing results of regenerative medicine.
In 2016, inspired by her patients’ outcomes in this cutting-edge field of healthcare and determined to help more patients, Carol engaged her healthcare management degree, her success with a healthcare startup in the heart of Africa and her clinical experience. She founded Joy Wellness Partners in 2016 in San Diego, CA, with the vision of achieving solutions to patients’ problems through regenerative medicine. In 2019, she started Enliven Aesthetics, in order to better serve her clients’ aesthetics needs.
Dr. Masuda firmly believes that the key to healing is understanding the root cause of illness and the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. Her greatest passions lie with gastrointestinal dysfunction, infertility, preconception to postpartum care and pediatric health, which she treats with a combination of supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, IV and injection therapy.
After receiving bachelor’s degrees in science and biology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and the University of San Diego, Dr. Masuda considered pursuing a career in allopathic medicine. However, she felt called to pursue naturopathic medicine, which would allow her to help patients in a way that would truly benefit them long term and give them the opportunity to take control of their health and healing.
As if medical school alone wasn’t a big enough feat, Dr. Masuda began the transformative process of becoming a mother to two vivacious girls, all while juggling her full-time student schedule. When she isn’t wrangling her two children, she enjoys being outdoors, exercising, teaching Irish dance, reading and traveling to see her family who are scattered around the world.
Fun fact: While obtaining her undergraduate degree she decided to pursue her passion of dancing by touring with the Irish dance show, Riverdance. Her time with Riverdance afforded her the opportunity to travel around the world, experience an array of cultures and enjoy really good food! More importantly, touring for months at a time in unknown countries revealed the stress that can result from this type of lifestyle and fostered the development of tools essential for maintaining her physical and mental health.
Gavneet began her nursing career in the pediatric ICU, where she discovered her passion for healthcare and patient care. This pivotal experience motivated her to pursue advanced education, earning a Master’s in Nursing with a pediatric specialty from Indiana University. While practicing in pediatrics and completing her graduate studies, Gavneet was mentored by a plastic surgeon, gaining specialized training in aesthetics and regenerative medicine. This experience ignited her interest in holistic and naturopathic approaches to health.
To further broaden her expertise, Gavneet obtained a post-master’s certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati and earned board certification in Anti-Aging Medicine through A4M. Throughout her career, she has cultivated a deep passion for women’s health, disease prevention, aesthetics, and promoting longevity through proactive and individualized care.
Joining Joy Wellness Partners and Enliven Aesthetics has been a natural fit for Gavneet, as the clinic’s mission aligns perfectly with her holistic approach to health and wellness. She takes pride in providing care that not only addresses symptoms but also uncovers and treats root causes. Gavneet is committed to empowering patients to take control of their health and helping them feel their best inside and out.
Outside of Work: Gavneet relocated to San Diego in 2024 from Indiana with her boyfriend, a move she describes as one of the best decisions of her life. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring San Diego. She is always eager to hear recommendations for travel destinations and local must-see spots, so be sure to share your suggestions when you see her!
Dr. Michael Meng has 17 years of experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound, becoming certified as a Registered Physician of Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography (RMSK) in 2003, and has collaborated with our pain and injury team members for the past 3 years.
He received his degrees in Biology and Chemistry at Truman State University in Missouri, his Doctoral Degree in Chiropractic at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Missoouri, and his Nursing Degree from the International College of Health Sciences in Florida. Over the years, he has been a private consultant to medical doctors, medical societies, and physician colleges. Furthermore, he has been a university professor and a frontrunner in the fields of musculoskeletal ultrasound and regenerative medicine.
He has extensive clinical experience in orthopedics, rheumatology, pain management, anesthesiology, sports medicine, internal medicine and chiropractic. He has provided musculoskeletal ultrasound care at the United States Olympic Committee at Arco Olympic Training Center and the Interventional Spine Care and Orthopedic regenerative experts. He has taught at Boston BioLife, Society of Pain Practice Management and Napa Pain Conferences since 2010 and formerly taught at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as a preceptor of fellows in the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program.
He is fluent in using ultrasound to diagnose pain conditions and guide all of the procedures that JWP® offers for pain, injury and post-traumatic stress injury. He enjoys speaking with patients in both Spanish and English, and is is eager to bring his ultrasound expertise to enhance the high-level integrative and regenerative medicine offered at JWP®.
Dr. April Day, ND, is a naturopathic doctor dedicated to helping men and women restore balance and vitality through a personalized, root-cause approach to health. She specializes in guiding patients through the complex hormonal shifts that occur throughout life from perimenopause and menopause to andropause and age-related testosterone decline. By utilizing thoughtful bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT), nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and targeted natural therapies, Dr. Day helps her patients navigate these transitions with confidence. She is passionate about helping both men and women understand their unique physiology and the specific hormonal markers that impact their daily lives.
Dr. Day specializes in the thoughtful application of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (bHRT), combined with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and targeted natural therapies. She believes that aging shouldn’t mean a loss of quality of life. By understanding the unique physiological changes that occur throughout adulthood.
A cornerstone of Dr. Day’s practice is foundational gut health. She recognizes the powerful connection between the microbiome, immune function, and metabolic health. By addressing digestive dysfunction and inflammation, she optimizes the body’s ability to regulate hormones naturally, ensuring that treatment plans are effective from the inside out.
Known for her educational and empowering approach, Dr. Day works as a partner in her patients’ health journeys. She provides evidence-informed natural interventions that seamlessly complement conventional care, creating sustainable strategies to help patients feel their best at every stage of life.
Meet Dr. Laurie Blanscet, a board-certified Family Physician with a passion for preventive medicine. Dr. Blanscet serves as the collaborative and supervising physician at Joy Wellness Partners, fostering a longstanding partnership with Carol Bender since 2015. Their collaboration began with mentorship in integrative regenerative medicine in Dr. Blanscet’s clinic An Optimal You. She continues to inspire Carol and her team to this day.
Dr. Blanscet’s journey began in a traditional insurance-based practice, where she quickly realized the limitations in patient care and the toll it took on her wellbeing. Determined to provide quality care, she transitioned to a wellness-focused approach after overcoming personal health challenges.
Driven by her experiences, Dr. Blanscet pursued advanced training in preventive and integrative medicine, specializing in hormone balancing and holistic treatments. Her practice prioritizes personalized care, opting for direct patient payment to ensure tailored treatment plans and individualized attention. With a holistic perspective, she guides her patients towards vitality and wellbeing, drawing from her own journey.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Blanscet finds joy in travel, scuba diving, yoga and reading, sharing these passions with her husband of over 30 years.
Amber Ennis began her nursing career in 2007 in a Critical Care Unit, specializing in post-operative care for open-heart surgery patients. During this time, she developed a deep passion for educating patients on lifestyle changes to support healthier recoveries and long-term well-being after life-altering events. After nearly a decade, Amber transitioned to the Emergency Room, where she thrived in the fast-paced, dynamic environment. The variety and challenges of the ER fueled her love for nursing and her ability to adapt to new situations every day.
Over the years, Amber’s interests have expanded to aesthetics, regenerative medicine, and wellness. Her extensive experience in the hospital setting, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaped her understanding of health and healing. This perspective led her to embrace a holistic approach, focusing on root-cause healing and the vital role of vitamins, nutrients, and supplements in supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and thrive.
Joining Joy Wellness Partners has been an exciting step in Amber’s career, as the clinic’s mission aligns perfectly with her passions. She is inspired by the comprehensive offerings that help individuals feel, perform, and look their best, and she is proud to be part of a team dedicated to improving lives in meaningful ways.
Outside of nursing, Amber is a proud mother of three and enjoys attending her children’s sporting events. She is also a certified yoga instructor and has taught both yoga and paddleboard yoga, combining her love for movement and mindfulness. An avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, Amber experienced a transformative journey walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, a testament to her adventurous and reflective spirit.
Taylar has been a dedicated Registered Nurse since 2017, beginning her career in Boston. With a solid foundation in critical care, she spent four years working in the Emergency Room (ER), where she honed her expertise in rapid patient assessment, acute intervention, and thriving in high-pressure environments. Currently, she is working in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), ensuring patients experience a smooth and safe recovery after surgery. This combination of experience in both critical care and recovery has enabled Taylar to develop a well-rounded skill set and a deep understanding of clinical care.
In addition to her nursing career, Taylar is expanding her expertise into holistic medicine, driven by a strong interest in integrating complementary therapies with traditional healthcare practices. She believes in the power of a balanced, patient-centered approach to health, combining conventional and holistic strategies to promote healing and wellness.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Taylar is passionate about hobbies that foster creativity and self-care. She enjoys attending festivals, capturing moments through photography, and exploring all things related to beauty and skincare. These interests not only provide relaxation and inspiration but also allow her to connect with others who share similar passions.
Taylar is committed to continuous growth, both professionally and personally. She strives to provide exceptional care, education, and support to her patients while exploring innovative ways to enhance health and well-being.
Caroline Reid, originally from New York, just outside Manhattan, holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College.
Her nursing career began in Labor and Delivery, a field that embodies both incredible strength and profound challenges. This experience instilled in Caroline a deep appreciation for patient advocacy, empowerment, and compassion, shaping the impact she strives to have on the lives of her patients and their families.
While continuing her work in Labor and Delivery, Caroline expanded her expertise by transitioning to Private Duty Nursing. In this role, she provided personalized care to post-operative plastic surgery patients in New York City. This opportunity sparked her passion for delivering individualized care, offering education, nutrition support, and guiding patients through their recovery journeys.
Currently, Caroline works in Labor and Delivery at UCSD while also serving Joy Wellness Partners (JWP) on a per diem basis. At JWP, she can often be found in the IV lounge, where she administers personalized nutrient infusions. One of her favorite procedures is the Stellate Ganglion Block, which offers life-changing relief for patients suffering from long-term anxiety or trauma, significantly improving their quality of life for months or even years.
Outside of her professional commitments, Caroline enjoys soaking up the San Diego sunshine. She loves playing volleyball, taking long walks, reading by the beach, and exploring new restaurants. Patients are encouraged to schedule an IV treatment and stop by to say hello!