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 work 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)!
Barbara Bisanz, Medical Assistant Team Lead & Health Coach
I’ve been working as a medical assistant since 2013. Starting in conventional care and transitioning to functional medicine in 2021. This further fueled my passion to help educate and support transformations together with patients. In 2025 I completed my health coaching certification as an Integrative Health Practitioner. I am a big animal lover at heart. I enjoy being active outdoors with my husband and son.
Roni Hicks, Medical Assistant
I joined the team as a medical assistant in March of 2025. After getting engaged and moving to McHenry, I took. brief break from the medical profession, but I always knew that’s where I belonged. I was fortunate to find a home in functional medicine.
My passion is helping others and love to follow them on their journey to happier, healthier lives.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family and beautiful grandchildren. My favorite seasons are spring and fall and I love to spend time outdoors camping.
Brittany Palencia, Medical Assistant
I joined Vitality Renewal in April of 2025. I’ve always wanted to help people in a hands-on way. Being at Vitality Renewal allows me do that. My favorite thing is to help people feel comfortable with their blood draws, even if they think they are a “hard sick”! Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends. One of my hobbies is doing nails.
Danny Whited, Clinic Manager
I joined the team in September of 2024. I am an avid gamer, enjoy camping, and playing D&D. I have 2 dachshunds, Rex and Ruby. I enjoy learning new things in all varieties of categories, be it science, math, music, history, or what have you.
Kimberly Reich, Front Desk
I started off at Vitality Renewal as a patient in 2022 and had my first experience in functional medicine. It was such a change to have a provider take the time to listen to my concerns, validate my emotions of feeling so bad so young, and take a deep dive to try to find the root cause of my issues. I joined the team in August 2024, glad to be able to help other people find their root causes.
When I’m not in the office, you can find me spending time with my wonderfully supportive husband, We love to get out in nature and enjoy God’s creation by hiking and camping. You can also find me with my church in Elgin, or visiting my family in my home state of Michigan.
Dian Hoggatt, Front Desk
I joined the Front Desk team in February, 2025. The idea of Functional Medicine intrigued me, and after reading about Dr. Karney and her team, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I have witnessed the way in which they all care for the patients, the compassion and their tireless search for ‘what’s best for my patients’. The camaraderie of the team makes it fun to come into work every day!
Heather Moeller, Patient Concierge
My journey to Vitality Renewal was deeply personal – long before I worked here, I was a patient searching for hope and healing. After years of struggling with my health and being bed ridden many days, I found not only answers but a path forward through the care and guidance I received here.
The transformation I experienced ignited a passion in me to help others begin their own healing journey, which is why I serve as your Patient Concierge. It’s my joy to welcome you into a place that helped restore my life.
Holistic health and healing are more than interests for me – they are a calling. Having once been so sick myself, I know firsthand the power of functional medicine and the hope it brings when faith, care, and the right tools align.
Outside of work, my life is full and joy-filled. My husband Jay and I have been blessed with six beautiful children and are now the proud grandparents of five, with one more on the way. Our faith in God is the foundation of everything we do. And together, we serve others by encouraging them to walk fully in their calling and purpose!
It’s truly an honor to walk alongside you as you take steps toward greater health and wholeness.
I believe you were created to thrive – and I’m here to help you get started.
Ria Alqueza, Patient Care Coordinator
I joined Vitality Renewal in May of 2025, as Patient Care Coordinator. Working with Vitality Renewal has been rewarding experience. What I appreciate most is the supportive and collaborative team environment. I’ve had the opportunity to work with kind and helpful colleagues who make every day productive and enjoyable. Their positivity and teamwork inspires me to continuously grow and give my best. I’m here to help YOU in any way I can – all the way from the Philippines!