Safron & Sage

Cristin D. Smith is a visionary serial entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the healthcare industry through holistic wellness and integrative practices. Beginning her career in Financial & Insurance Services immediately after high school, Cristin swiftly rose through the ranks as a top producer, manager, and Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, she co-founded a successful boutique brokerage firm before transitioning her passion into community development and social enterprise. A health crisis during a six-month sabbatical in Mexico profoundly reshaped Cristin's personal and professional trajectory, inspiring her to seek out holistic healthcare providers, therapeutic practices, and non-toxic wellness solutions. This transformative experience led to the founding of her acclaimed social enterprise, Saffron & Sage. As CEO and Spiritual Director of Saffron & Sage, Cristin skillfully blends ancient healing traditions with contemporary medical insights, emphasizing holistic wellness that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. Cristin pursued her certification as a Spiritual Director through Loyola Marymount University and is also trained as a 3rd Degree Reiki Practitioner and Breathwork Instructor. Her expertise lies in facilitating profound individual growth and healing, guiding clients through their personal journeys with compassion, depth, and discernment. Cristin's influential work has earned recognition from numerous esteemed publications and organizations. She has been featured in outlets ranging from Forbes to Modern Luxury Magazine, and was recently honored as one of San Diego’s Top 22 Most Influential Leaders and recognized among the Top 40 Under 40 by the San Diego Business Journal. Under her leadership, Saffron & Sage has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including recognition as one of the Top 10 Spas by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

Dr. Trupti Gokani, MD, is an esteemed, award-winning neurologist renowned for integrating modern medical practices with ancient healing traditions. She has significantly advanced the field of headache treatment through her innovative, integrative approach, addressing the intricate connections between mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Gokani earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she completed her neurology training, served as Chief Resident, and obtained additional post-doctoral certification as a Master Clinical Psychopharmacologist. Her passion for holistic patient care has driven her to pursue further certifications in Ayurvedic medicine, Functional Medicine, and Transcendental Meditation, as well as board certification from the American Board of Neurology & Psychiatry. An accomplished educator and speaker, Dr. Gokani frequently lectures on topics including headaches, mood disorders, insomnia, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and adult attention deficit disorder. Her expertise has led her to engagements with prestigious organizations such as Pfizer and media platforms alongside health influencers like Dr. Oz. Dr. Gokani is also the author of "The Mysterious Mind," a compelling exploration of the deeper purposes behind pain and the transformative power of understanding the mind-body-spirit connection. Her work continues to inspire patients and professionals alike to embrace holistic wellness for profound and lasting health outcomes.

Dr. Scott McFarlane, DACM, L.Ac, CMT, is a passionate advocate and practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, driven by a deep commitment to helping others achieve a pain-free and balanced life. He holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, alongside an Associate of Applied Science in Holistic Health Science. As a board-certified and California-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, Dr. Scott brings extensive expertise to his practice, complemented by his credentials as a Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. His integrative, results-driven approach incorporates diverse healing modalities, including Qigong meditation, Asian Bodywork Therapy, and customized herbal medicine, to promote profound healing and lasting transformation. Outside his professional practice, Dr. Scott enjoys exploring his creative side through music, particularly playing the djembe drums and various guitars, spanning acoustic, electric, and classical styles.

Dr. Kolin Durrant, DACM, L.Ac., is an accomplished Eastern Medicine Doctor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and dedicated wellness advocate. He earned his Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science, graduating with honors. Dr. Kolin’s personal health journey during his graduate studies profoundly influenced his professional path, prompting extensive advanced training in functional medicine. He specializes in thyroid health, autoimmune conditions, chronic illnesses, digestive health, and comprehensive wellness care. Dr. Kolin employs an integrative approach, utilizing acupuncture, functional medicine, herbal formulas, nutraceuticals, cupping, gua sha, therapeutic massage, dietary and lifestyle counseling, and energetic healing modalities. His primary focus is addressing underlying causes to restore balance and significantly enhance his patients' quality of life. In his personal life, Dr. Kolin cherishes being a devoted father to two children and grandfather to three wonderful grandsons. He enjoys leisure activities such as sailing, camping, and rock/gem hounding, particularly valuing time spent outdoors with family. With his comprehensive expertise, compassionate approach, and genuine commitment, Dr. Kolin is dedicated to empowering each individual on their path toward optimal health and vitality.

Dr. Alexander Aponte-Davila is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritionist whose comprehensive academic and clinical background equips him to provide exceptional holistic primary care. He earned his Master's degree in Health Science Nutrition from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Health Science Campus, followed by a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University Washington. Furthering his expertise, Dr. Alexander completed a rigorous two-year general Naturopathic Medicine Residency at Bastyr University California and is currently advancing his training with a two-year Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine in La Jolla, CA. Dr. Alexander specializes in an integrative approach to conditions such as metabolic syndrome, weight management, endocrine and neurological disorders, mental health challenges, gastrointestinal conditions, nutrient deficiencies, chronic pain, and chronic infections. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he is committed to connecting authentically with diverse patient populations. His holistic approach incorporates Functional Laboratory Testing, IV Therapy, and Hormone Replacement, underscoring his belief in empowering patients through education and creating supportive healing environments. Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Alexander embraces wellness through activities such as hiking, working out, playing basketball, journaling, cooking, and engaging with music and podcasts—reflecting his balanced and integrative philosophy towards health and life.

Dr. Mahshid Mireskandari, DAOM, MTOM, L.Ac., is a highly skilled practitioner specializing in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She earned both her Master's and Doctorate degrees from Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recognized as the premier institution in California and second nationwide. Dr. Mahshid's extensive training incorporates a diverse range of techniques from Japanese, Korean, and Classical traditions, allowing her to deliver personalized care tailored specifically to each patient's unique needs. Her clinical experience is enriched by specialized externships, including working under Dr. Robert Chu, PhD, at the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Hospital, where she provided supportive care for patients undergoing cancer treatments. Additionally, she honed her expertise assisting Dr. Atsuki Maeda, DAOM, in his practice dedicated to stroke recovery. Dr. Mahshid is dedicated to identifying and addressing root causes of health imbalances, particularly sleep disturbances and anxiety disorders. She passionately advocates holistic and natural treatments for skin conditions, combining Chinese Herbs, Facial Acupuncture, and Microneedling to achieve comprehensive results. Her integrated approach reflects her commitment to enhancing patients' well-being through both internal and external therapeutic strategies.