Our Team

Dr. Peterson is a board-certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and interventional pain medicine. He earned his MD from the University of Minnesota and completed a fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Peterson is dedicated to helping patients manage pain and improve function through advanced, evidence-based treatments. In his free time, he enjoys running, sailing, and exploring the beautiful coast of California with his fiancé, Mariah.

Founder and Medical Director

Nicholas Peterson, MD

Mariah Johnston, MPH

Mariah oversees the day-to-day operations of Nervio, ensuring the practice runs efficiently while fostering a positive and welcoming patient experience. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Boston University and draws on a diverse background in international development to guide her systems-oriented approach to healthcare operations. Outside of work, she enjoys playing music with local groups and spending time outdoors, taking in the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara area.

Practice Operations Manager

Ian Johnston, BS

Ian supports Dr. Peterson in both clinical and administrative aspects of patient care at Nervio. He is a recent graduate of UC San Diego, where he studied Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience, and is currently preparing to apply to medical school. Outside of the clinic, Ian enjoys running, sailing, surfing, and spending time with his wheaten terrier, Bear.

Medical Assistant