M. Yvonne Karney, MD, FACOG, ABAARM
Dr. Yvonne Karney, M.D., has dedicated her medical career to improving the lives of women. A doctor for over 25 years, Dr. Karney is a sought-after clinician and educator. She is the founder and medical director of Vitality Renewal Functional Medicine, a clinic specializing in midlife wellness, located in the Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Dr. Karney started her career as a U.S. Air Force physician, after graduating from medical school at Loma Linda University. After proudly serving her country for 8 years, she left the military in 2003 to work as an Ob/Gyn physician in the Chicago suburbs. For 2 years she served as chairman of the Ob/Gyn Department at her hospital.
Her intense desire to improve the lives of her patients and her personal health struggles with chronic fatigue led her into the field of Functional Medicine, where she discovered a level of health for herself and her patients that she never knew was possible. A life-long learner, always searching for the best way to help her patients, she has continued her education through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The Institute for Functional Medicine, The American Academy of Environmental Medicine and The Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health.
In 2016 she founded Vitality Renewal Functional Medicine, where she and her team are experts in midlife wellness, hormone replacement therapy, and reversing early autoimmune dysfunction.
Dr. Karney is a sought-after speaker for both medical professionals and community events. She has appeared on CBS Chicago News and Bloom TV in Tampa. Her goal is to help women achieve their best health so they can contribute as their hearts desire to their own life purpose. That’s why the mission at Vitality Renewal is: Making the world a better place, one healthy person at a time.
Tanya Tanzillo, DNP, FNP-BC
I have had the pleasure of caring for McHenry County community members for over 20 years. Through searching for the best way to help patients optimize their health, I discovered functional medicine and knew I had found my home! Eventually I obtained my PhD, with my thesis on men’s health.
I love the way functional medicine emphasizes care of the whole person, and recognizes diet, exercise, stress, and sleep as VITAL pillars of health. I truly love the capacity for healing rather than merely suppressing symptoms with umpteen medications!
My PASSION is to help you maximize WELLNESS. This requires working with your body’s amazing ability to heal! Only you can be the captain of your ship on your journey to wellness. I look forward to helping you navigate the waters!
Charmagne Benz, MS, FNP-BC
I have always dreamed of helping people become the healthiest versions of themselves. I became a nurse for this reason, but over time began to see that the traditional medical model didn’t really make that possible. I worked for 9 years in a hospital setting and then continued my education to become a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner.
During my training at Northern Illinois University, I had the privilege of rotating through Vitality Renewal. I was immediately drawn to functional medicine, and the ability to help people truly heal. I’m so happy to be part of this team!
When I’m not in the office you can find me spending time with my wonderful husband and 3 beautiful boys. Some of my favorite hobbies are being active in my church, being active with my family, playing piano and singing, and doing almost anything outside (especially pickleball)!
Katie Melull, RN and Health Coach
Katie is both a registered nurse and a health coach. She joined the team in the summer of 2019. Katie is passionate about functional medicine and truly enjoys supporting patients on their journey to wellness as a health coach. She is also an expert at IV infusions. Outside of work you will find Katie enjoying time with her husband and young son. She enjoys cooking healthy meals, spending time outdoors, and researching the latest health break-throughs.
Liz Alvarez, MA
Liz joined the Vitality Renewal Team in February, 2022. She is multi-talented. In addition to helping with patient flow she runs the phlebotomy department, administers injections, frequency specific microcurrent and neurofeedback.
Outside of work Liz is a mom to 3 adventurous boys who keep her very busy!
When you meet her you will immediately notice her caring and cheerful personality. So glad to have you on the team Liz!
Cheryl Bakotic, Office Manager
Cheryl is our expert patient-care coordinator and neurofeedback technician. She joined the team October 2018. She spent many years at Good Shepherd and Centegra hospitals as a unit coordinator in several different departments. Immediately prior to joining the Vitality Renewal team she was a Customer Care Specialist for Medela, assisting moms with their breastfeeding needs.
She lives in Spring Grove with her fiance and their two cats. She has 2 grown children, each with their own children, making her a very happy grandma! In her free time Cheryl loves anything outdoors –gardening, kayaking, walking/hiking. And of course spending time with her grandchildren!
What Cheryl loves about working at Vitality Renewal is the culture in which patients and staff are encouraged and supported to not only grow but to THRIVE! In her own words: I feel truly blessed and am very excited to be a part of this amazing team. And we are lucky to have YOU Cheryl!
Lori Schoenfeld, Patient Care Coordinator
Lori is our patient care coordinator. She has been on the team since July of 2022. She will very likely be the one to greet you when you come to the office, as she is frequently the one manning the front desk. She is also skilled at administering Frequency Specific Microcurrent.
Lori is a long-time resident of the Crystal Lake area, has 2 grown boys, and enjoys reading, playing golf, traveling, and getting together with family and friends.