Michelle Buchanan, CA

Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist

Michelle Buchanan founded Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2005. Michelle specializes in treating male and female infertility and gynecological disorders. Michelle uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional supplements alone or in conjunction with western Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Michelle has helped many women conceive and sustain successful pregnancies. Treatment plans are individualized to the patient’s needs and medical concerns.

Michelle learned about acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine after struggling with many health problems following two serious auto accidents. After five years of poor health, Michelle was able to heal her body and became healthier than she had been her entire life.

Michelle graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from The Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. Michelle is board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Michelle is certified in Traditional Chinese Medicinal Gynecology by the Blue Poppy Institute specializing in women’s health, infertility, and custom herbal formulas. She is a contributing writer for Achieving Families Magazine and the international infertility support newsletter FertiliE-Cycle. Michelle is also on the advisory board for Achieving Families and speaks on acupuncture and infertility at RESOLVE and other community events.

Michelle started Isthmus Acupuncture in 2005 and has been doing acupuncture professionally (after completing school) since 2002.

Amy Guinther, L.Ac., CA, MSOM, MBA

Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist

Amy Guinther joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2010. Amy has studied extensively with national experts in the fields of Oriental Medicine and Functional Medicine, giving her an eclectic yet focused approach to challenging health care issues.  Amy’s approach to wellness combines the ancient traditions of Oriental medicine and acupuncture with modern scientific approaches such as advanced laboratory analysis, amino acid therapy, hair mineral analysis, customized herbal formulations, nutritional supplementation and lifestyle coaching. 

Amy has advanced training and specializes in the following:

• Women’s Health Care:  infertility, PMS, menopause, endometriosis, fibroids, hormone imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and PCOS

• Functional Medicine & Endocrinology:  Detecting & treating core imbalances that underlie various disease conditions including adrenal dysfunction, thyroid abnormalities, hormone imbalances, and fatigue syndromes

• Emotional Imbalances: depression, anxiety, irritability

• Insomnia

• Pain: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, back pain/sciatica, arthritis, migraines/headaches

Amy earned a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in San Francisco in 1997. She is a licensed acupuncturist in California and nationally board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  She has an MBA and BS in Psychology from UW-Madison.  She recently moved back to Madison after practicing in California for many years.

 

Liz Mierendorf, CA, MAOM, ATC

Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Sports Medicine Specialist, Orthopedic Specialist

 

Liz, a Madison native, joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2011 as an independent contractor because of her specialized training and experience with sports medicine through Chinese-style acupuncture and athletic training. Liz has a background in sports medicine, and received her B.S. in Kinesiology-Athletic Training from UW-Madison. She continued studying sports medicine during a year-long residency with the New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, where she shadowed and learned under physicians and health care practitioners of all different specialties. She went on to study acupuncture and herbal medicine at the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston, MA (the first school created in the US). She graduated in 2011 with her Master's of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree (MAOM), and she is nationally board certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine by the NCCAOM. She is also a Certified Athletic Trainer by the NATABOC (National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification).

Liz uses a mainly a TCM style approach, and combines it with her western-influenced background. She combines acupuncture and herbal medicine with rehabilitative exercise and bodywork such as TuiNa, soft tissue mobilization, muscle energy, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). She also has studied Dr. Tan's balance method as well as Japanese acupuncture styles. Liz treats many ailments, but specializes in treating sports and orthopedic injuries such as:

• acute/chronic back/neck pain (disc herniation, stenosis, arthritis, post-surgical pain management, etc.)
• hip and knee pain/injuries
• shoulder pain/injuries
• arthritis

 

She also likes to treat:

• headaches/migraines and post-concussive syndrome
• stress management, depression/anxiety, insomnia
• asthma
• chronic sinusitis/cough
• any type of pain management (neuralgia, etc.)

Lisa Stapelmann, CA, PES

Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

Lisa Stapelmann joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2011. Having an educational background in both nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lisa blends both holistic medicine and biomedical sciences to best serve her client’s needs. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, earning a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Lisa completed advanced training and certification abroad from an internship at the Beijing Academy of TCM Hospital. Lisa holds national board certification through the NCCAOM.

Lisa has completed advanced training and specializes in the following:
• Pregnancy and postnatal recovery: morning sickness, pre-birth acupuncture, labor support, afterpains, lactation support
• Women’s health: endometriosis, uterine fibroids, painful periods, fertility concerns
• Autoimmune & endocrine conditions: thyroid disease, psoriasis, hormonal imbalance
• Musculoskeletal pain: TMJ, headaches, arthritis

As an extension of her commitment to supporting women with the post-partum transition, Lisa holds certification as a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. Prepared in accordance with the principles of TCM, placenta encapsulation has been shown to help new mothers with mood support, milk supply, post-partum hormonal fluctuations, and energy.

Kathleen Stoneman, CA

Certified Acupuncturist, Certified Herbalist, Reiki Master

Kathleen Stoneman joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2007. Kathleen’s interests in holistic modalities include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, essential oils, nutrition, functional medicine, breathing, meditation, and Reiki. She incorporates these modalities to provide superior care and is passionate about working with people to implement diet and lifestyle changes for greater health.

Kathleen specializes and has additional training in:

• pain management: musculo-skeletal, arthritis, headaches
• women's health, infertility, irregular menses
• pregnancy care and labor preparation
• functional endocrinology, adrenal, thyroid, and hormone imbalances

She provides acupuncture support for all phases of western fertility treatments and works with the Wisconsin Fertility Institute in Middleton, WI, providing onsite acupuncture for IUI and IVF procedures.

 

Kathleen is a Reiki Master/Teacher and a Divine Coding practitioner.  She believes the calming and healing effects of energywork can be beneficial to patients coping with pain, stressful lifestyles, fertility issues, and other chronic health conditions.

Kathleen graduated Summa Cum Laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Her training includes a foreign internship at Guangzhou University in China. She is nationally board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). 

Chandon Williams, CA, LMT, CH

Certified Acupuncturist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Herbalist

Chandon Williams co-created Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2005. Chandon practices acupuncture and massage therapy focusing on women's health, reproductive health and autoimmune conditions. She combines massage therapy, acupuncture, herbs, nutraceuticals, and essential oils to help her patients reach their goals. Her specialized training includes:

• Pregnancy/labor and post-partum:  Swelling, body pain, breech, labor preparation, milk supply, recovery, acupressure training for birth partners
• Fertility/PCOS/Endometriosis:  Anovulation, cramps, hormonal imbalance, PMS, irregular cycles, painful intercourse, pelvic pain
• Facial Rejuvenation:  Sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, scars
• Soft tissue imbalances:  Tight muscles, nerve pain, numbness, tension, body aches and pains
• Autoimmune conditions:  Allergies, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc

Chandon earned a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in 2007 and became certified in massage therapy in 2005.  Chandon and Michelle have worked together since 2004 and helped create Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2005.  Chandon loves her work and feels it is not only a job, but an extension of who she is.  She feels fortunate to have found her calling in life and continues to receive healing treatments often. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, spending time with family and friends, eating/cooking fresh food, reading, biking, and participating in the present moment.

             

             

Massage Therapists

Shawn Armstrong, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist

Shawn Armstrong joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2007 and, after a hiatus, again in 2011. Shawn integrates several healing modalities including acupressure, Swedish and relaxation massage, deep tissue therapeutic massage, and Maya Abdominal Massage™. Shawn strives to enhance her clients’ psychological and emotional wellbeing, as well as help heal the physical body. She promotes the integration of the three centers of the body – physical, mental and emotional – in order to harmonize body and mind.
 
Shawn began her massage career in 1989 as a self-employed massage technician, following her training at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing, San Diego, CA. Her passion for travel and adventure led to a three-year study of Eastern culture while traveling throughout 12 Asian countries where she practiced Shiatsu massage, Tai Chi, meditation, and the healing power from within one’s self. In 2006 Shawn expanded her training with acupressure massage at East-West Healing Arts Institute where she graduated. She began her work with Isthmus Acupuncture in 2007 and added training in Maya Abdominal Massage™ through the Arvigo Institute.

Maya Abdominal Massage™ benefits both men and women in many ways including realigning a displaced or prolapsed uterus and/or bladder; helping regulate menstrual cycles, ovulation, and painful menstruation; and assisting with endometriosis, infertility, cysts, fibroids, prostate problems, and digestive disorders.

Shawn is committed to continuing education and plans to enhance her massage skills with cranial sacral and lymphatic drainage techniques.

In her free time Shawn enjoys reading, yoga, biking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters (ages 8 and 9) and their kitty and collie.

 

Monica Dubay, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner

 

Monica Dubay joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2011 as an independent contractor because of her specialized training and experience with emotional wellness through Reiki and massage. Monica has been teaching mind transformation since 1990 using the masterpiece, A Course in Miracles.  She began teaching in New York City and has traveled to Spain, Germany and South America to offer healing and enlightenment.  She is currently a teacher/healer at the Miracles Healing Center in Wisconsin Dells, having joined the center in January, 2000.

Monica is a Wisconsin licensed massage therapist with a focus on therapeutic massage and energy work.  She graduated from Blue Sky School of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in March 2010.  She is certified in Reiki, Cranio Sacral Therapy and Lomi-Lomi Hawaiian massage.  She serves all conditions in her massage practice and offers emotional/spiritual healing in her Reiki energy work.  She uses Young Living Essential Oils in her practice to support the release of pain.

Monica holds a Master of Arts Degree in Music Performance.  She currently plays clarinet and sax in a jazz trio.  She writes a blog about her experiences with A Course in Miracles and is passionate about healing through music and touch.

 

Angie Roherty, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Aesthetician, B.S. Natural Health

Angie Roherty joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2010. Angie focuses on a therapeutic and holistic approach to all of her treatments.  She uses only 100% pure, therapeutic, food-grade essential oils and eco-friendly products in her therapies.  She specializes in The Raindrop Technique, Swedish, therapeutic, lymphatic, and infant and pediatric massage.  She is trained in pregnancy massage and certified through Kate Jordan Seminars Bodywork for the Childbearing Year. As an aesthetician, she focuses on customized therapeutic skin care and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) of the head, neck and face.

Angie began massage school hoping to start a career in sports massage.  Shortly after starting her program, she discovered a whole new meaning to living that has changed her life forever. She learned the importance of holistic living and truly taking care of oneself, physically and mentally.  She now loves to eat fresh, organic foods, takes time for daily meditation, spends as much time in nature as possible and is on a great journey as a healer.

Angie has been a certified massage therapist since 2002 and an aesthetician since 2003. She graduated from Florida College of Natural Health with an A.S. in Natural Health, with a concentration in Massage Therapy and Skin Care. She has been working with Young Living Essential Oils since 2006. Angie is now finishing her B.S. in Natural Health.

 

Other Services

Jahna Cook

Certified Cupping Therapist, B.S. Biology

Jahna Cook joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2010. Jahna earned her Bachelor of Science degree through the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point in 2005. She studied biology with emphasis in allied health and mammalogy. Jahna has worked extensively in the equine industry, including assisting in artificial fertility methods and embryonic transfers with horses. Although this is still an area of interest for her, she now focuses on restoring health and wellbeing for her two-legged friends!

Jahna is currently studying at Midwest College of Oriental Medicine to earn her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is certified in cupping therapy through the International Cupping Therapy Association of Washington State. Jahna has taken extensive training modules to expand her skill set in cupping therapy techniques.

Jahna specializes in facial rejuvenation, bells palsy, and sinus conditions, using special non-fire facial cups. She also specializes in cellulite reduction treatments and musculoskeletal pain management including sciatica, frozen shoulder, TMJ, and chronic back pain.

Jahna is passionate about healthy living. She is committed to organic gardening, shopping the local farmer’s markets, and getting creative in the kitchen. She is also an avid trail runner, snow boarder, and overall outdoor enthusiast. She can often be found enjoying time with her horse, Talon. She is also a practitioner of equine sports massage therapy and is an active member of the International Association of Animal Massage Therapists. She lives in Madison with her husband Scott and their two cats, Moses and Taza.

Jill Kiesow

Jill Kiesow joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2006 as receptionist. Jill now works largely outside of the office on IAC's newsletter, print pieces, and three websites for IAC and affiliates: Isthmus Acupuncture Center     Body-Feedback     Wisconsin Wellness and Healing Arts

She likes the mind/body/spirit approach to healing that IAC uses, as well as the proactive, forward-thinking attitude of the staff.

Jill has completed certification in canine massage and started Black Dog Massage (blackdogmassage.com) to offer the same benefits of massage to animals that humans enjoy. Jill is certified in Reiki I and II and in Divine Coding, and uses these techniques with animals (and humans). Jill graduated from the UW-Whitewater with a B.A. in writing and journalism, and enjoys writing fiction. She has worked for a national nonprofit animal advocacy group, as well as an animal shelter and an advertising agency. Jill’s primary passion is helping animals. She and her husband share their home with their rescued cats, adopted black dog Cirrus, and occasional foster animals.

 

Karen Moeller

Receptionist

Karen Moeller joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2009. Though Karen is only a part-time presence at Isthmus Acupuncture, she has made our philosophy of good health a full-time part of her life, and credits it with the many improvements she has seen in both her and her husband's health and happiness.  Essential oils are her newest passion, and she is dedicated to learning more about their incredible benefits to mind and body, and to sharing her knowledge with others.

When not behind the front desk, Karen stays busy as an actor.  You might have seen her on stage at the Overture Center or Bartell Theater, or on You Tube in the Chad Vader series.  She works frequently as a voiceover artist, so if the voice leaving your confirmation call sounds familiar, perhaps you've heard her on the radio or TV!  Karen is also a devoted animal lover who spends way too much time with her dog, a standard poodle named Butter.

 

Erin Schuenemann

Receptionist

Erin Schuenemann joined Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC in 2010. Erin is a part-time receptionist here at Isthmus Acupuncture while also being a full time student. After seeing all the health benefits of acupuncture in her own life, Erin has been inspired to begin her own quest to study alternative medicine.

In her free time Erin likes to listen to live music at the Union. She recently adopted her dog, Javier, from the Humane Society, and loves to take him on walks.