Our Staff
The team of highly trained professionals at Coastal Allergy Care are committed to serving you and your family with the best comfort and care possible. Every staff member takes pride in being professional and detail-oriented with each patient and his/her individual needs.
Our team consists of RN’s, LVN’s and MA’s, many of who have had over 10 years experience in the allergy sector. Including experts in billing insurance as well as professional customer service here to answer your questions. We personally answer our phones.
Dr. Porch-Curren and Dr. Kanter, along with our associates, take great pride in the quality of care we provide.
Our Allergists
Cristina N. Porch-Curren, MD
Dr. Porch-Curren has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley. She received her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine where she graduated with the honors of AOA, Cum Laude, and Alpha Sigma Nu. She completed her internship and residency at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Harbor UCLA. Upon completing residency she was voted “best clinical” resident of the year. Her Allergy/Immunology fellowship training was completed at UC Davis Medical Center, where she had extensive training in adult and pediatric allergic disease. She is board certified in Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine.Allergist
Our Physician Assistants
Melissa Howie, PA-C
Melissa Howie has served as a Physician Assistant with Coastal Allergy Care since 2002. Having received her bachelors degree in Kinesiology from the University of Northern Colorado, Melissa went on to receive her Physician Assistant Certificate at Western University of Health Sciences. She has served as the research coordinator for multiple clinical studies conducted at Coastal Allergy Care and has lectured nationally on the topics of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis. As a member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants, The California Academy of Physicians Assistants, and The Gold Coast Allergy Society, Melissa is very active in her profession. A native Southern Californian, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family.
Physician Assistant
Derek Andrzejewski, PA-C
Derek Andrzejewski, PA-C
Derek Andrzejewski, PA-C has served as a Physician Assistant with Coastal Allergy since 2020 and is native to Thousand Oaks. Having received his Bachelors in Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from California Lutheran University in 2014, Derek went on to receive his Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Sacred Heart University in Stamford CT in 2019. As of 2023, Derek has been serving our country in the United States Coast Guard Reserves as the medical officer for his unit. In addition to his military service, he is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants. Derek is excited to serve his local communities and focuses on patient centered health care and believes that active listening and patient tailored education are key components in creating successful treatment plans. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and camping with his wife, daughter and dog Teddy.