Mentors that inspire our way

  • Dr. Kelly Ryder: Our Founding Inspiration

    Dr. Kelly Ryder, DC, ART, CCSP, was not only a pioneering sports medicine expert but also the original Medical Director and first champion of Desert Moon Wellness. His unwavering belief in our vision helped lay the foundation for everything we do. Dr. Ryder was a true innovator, dedicating his career to brain health, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and revolutionizing the way we approach healing and recovery.

    Dr. Kelly’s journey into healing began with a personal experience. As a teenager and long-distance runner, he faced a near career-ending injury. A visit to a chiropractor not only restored his athletic future but also ignited a passion that led him to become one of the leading sports doctors in the country. After earning his degree from Parker College of Chiropractic and completing specialized training in sports medicine, Dr. Kelly became a board-certified Chiropractic Sports Physician with extensive expertise in brain health, concussion management, and alternative therapies.

    Over his 16-year career, Dr. Ryder's work spanned professional athletes, military veterans, and everyday individuals. His groundbreaking approach to concussions, combined with his passion for whole-body wellness, set new standards in the medical field. He was instrumental in getting hyperbaric oxygen therapy approved by the Department of Defense for troops with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

    For Janelle and Cory, working alongside Dr. Kelly was both a privilege and an honor. Janelle collaborated with him on hyperbaric protocols for athletes and individuals, while Cory’s long-term partnership with Dr. Ryder extended into supporting physicians and professional sports teams. His influence continues to inspire us every day.

    One of the greatest honors of Janelle’s life was writing Dr. Kelly’s obituary when he tragically passed away from complications of COVID-19 in 2021. His passing was a tremendous loss, not only to us but to the world of sports medicine and wellness.

    The brain graphic that stands prominently behind our hyperbaric chambers was the background image on Dr. Kelly’s phone when he passed, serving as a daily reminder to us of his commitment to brain health and the power of hyperbarics. His legacy lives on in the work we do, and we continue to push forward, inspired by his dedication to improving the quality of life for everyone he touched.

    Dr. Kelly’s legacy is one of healing, hope, and friendship. He believed that pain is not a lifestyle and that the body, created perfectly by the Lord, could heal when obstacles are removed. His work, vision, and life remind us to stay grounded in our mission and continue advancing brain health through innovative therapies. We honor him every day at Desert Moon Wellness.

    "Stay Low, Crawl Slow, GodSpeed our Brother."

  • Dr. Halland Chen: Regenerative Medicine and Wellness Expert

    Cory and Janelle first met Dr. Halland Chen in 2020 at his practice in Malibu, where they witnessed him perform a groundbreaking treatment, regenerating their friend and mentor Samir Patel’s liver using NAD+ therapy. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of their own wellness journey with IV therapies, experiencing the benefits of NAD+ firsthand.

    Over the years, Dr. Chen has become more than just a trusted physician—he has become a close friend and mentor to both Janelle and Cory. His expertise in regenerative medicine has been instrumental in Cory’s health journey, particularly following his Anca diagnosis. Dr. Chen is currently overseeing the harvesting of Cory’s stem cells as part of his treatment plan.

    At Desert Moon Wellness, Dr. Chen is the go-to expert for clients seeking treatments ranging from longevity optimization to life-saving interventions. His unique ability to merge ancient healing wisdom with cutting-edge modern technology makes him one of the most brilliant and trusted figures in the field of wellness. His approach to human biology and commitment to ongoing learning continually inspire and inform the work we do at Desert Moon Wellness.

    https://www.drhalland.com/meet-dr-halland

  • Dr. Mindy Pelz: Fasting and Metabolic Health Pioneer

    Dr. Mindy Pelz is a world-renowned expert in fasting, metabolic health, and the holistic wellness approaches that we embrace at Desert Moon Wellness. Her groundbreaking work has inspired countless people to take control of their health, and we are honored to have her as a key influence in our journey.

    Janelle and Cory had the privilege of meeting Dr. Mindy at a hyperbaric conference in 2020, introduced by her close friend Melissa Sonners. It was during this meeting that Dr. Mindy offered Janelle valuable detox support guidance for her upstream medical implant, a life-changing moment that sparked a deep connection. Mindy’s knowledge in fasting and metabolic health opened Janelle’s eyes to the importance of these practices, especially in relation to detoxification and healing.

    Over the years, Dr. Mindy has become a steadfast mentor and supporter of Desert Moon Wellness, generously sharing her wealth of knowledge and empowering others. Her books are an essential resource for every new client we welcome, offering them a deeper understanding of their health journeys.

    Dr. Mindy has been a constant inspiration in our lives and in the growth of Desert Moon Wellness. Her willingness to give back to the community and support our mission has been a guiding force, especially in the creation of our annual Longevity Experience. Held in December during A4M, this event was inspired by Mindy’s encouragement and our shared passion for supporting health through fasting, metabolic health, and hyperbaric therapies. What began as a vision now involves numerous doctors and experts, all coming together to educate and inspire.

    Her impact on our community and Desert Moon Wellness is immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful for her continued guidance and support.

  • Dr. Jason Sonners: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Pioneer and Mentor

    Dr. Jason Sonners, DC, DIBAK, DCBCN, is a renowned leader in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), blending his deep fascination with human biology and performance to push the boundaries of health optimization. Since 2020, we have been fortunate to call Dr. Sonners and his family close friends, ever since co-hosting a hyperbaric house with them on the North Shore of Hawaii. His influence and friendship have been invaluable to our mission here at Desert Moon Wellness.

    With a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and advanced certifications as a Diplomate of both the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition and the International Board of Applied Kinesiology, Dr. Sonners has dedicated his career to understanding and applying the science of healing. He is currently pursuing a PhD in molecular biology with a concentration in regenerative medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.

    Dr. Sonners is the author of the Amazon best-seller Oxygen Under Pressure, a comprehensive exploration of the science and benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly for longevity and performance enhancement. Oxygen Under Pressure is a key tool at Desert Moon Wellness, shared with every client and often provided for reading during hyperbaric sessions. As a leader in HBOT, Dr. Sonners serves on the boards of prestigious organizations, including the International Hyperbarics Association (IHA), the International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM), the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MedMaps), and the Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG).

    A sought-after speaker at functional medicine conferences, Dr. Sonners also teaches the first and only HBOT certification course tailored for functional medicine doctors and hyperbaric technicians. Those who complete this IHA-approved course earn the Certified Hyperbaric Practitioner credential, marking them as leaders in the field. He also oversees the certification of clinics like Desert Moon Wellness through his organization, HBOT USA, helping practitioners gain access to hyperbaric equipment, education, and business protocols.

    Dr. Sonners, alongside his wife, Dr. Melissa Sonners, co-owns Core Therapies Family Wellness Center in New Jersey, as well as two hyperbaric clinics—NJ HBOT and PA HBOT—and HBOT USA.

  • Dr. Melissa Sonners: Empowering Mothers and Inspiring Wellness

    Dr. Melissa Sonners has become a beloved friend to Janelle and Cory.

    As a mother, chiropractor, and wellness advocate, she seamlessly integrates health tools into her children's lives, always striving to inspire and empower others along the way. Her personal journey reflects a deep commitment to helping families lead grounded, healthy, and conscious lives—even amidst the chaos of modern life.

    Melissa is on a mission to help mothers get unstuck, believing that by empowering moms, we can positively impact future generations. Alongside her husband, Dr. Jason Sonners, Melissa is raising three healthy children and proving that a holistic, wellness-focused lifestyle is possible, no matter how busy life gets.

    In 2023, Melissa launched the Be Inspired Mama podcast, dedicated to supporting and uplifting mothers through wellness strategies and personal growth. The podcast has rapidly grown in popularity, reaching a wide audience of moms seeking inspiration. Most recently, Melissa achieved another milestone by signing a book deal with Hay House, bringing her message to an even broader audience.

    Her dedication to family wellness, entrepreneurial spirit, and mission to impact future generations make her a cherished and influential figure within the Desert Moon Wellness community.