Meet the Staff
Michelle Tate, Lic. Ac.
Michelle Tate is a graduate of the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, she holds a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, as well as certification by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and a state license in Illinois.
Michelle has been involved in the study of Oriental Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal formulas for more than 12 years as a direct student of Dr. John Honey who in turn, is a direct student of Dr. Zhengang Guo. She also studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago on a part-time basis. While Oriental Medicine both interested and fascinated her, Michelle’s full-time career was spent as a network administrator for the National Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. Eventually, Oriental Medicine became her greater interest and she decided to make the study and practice of this medicine her full-time venture, bringing her to where she is today.
She is a published author of two books, "healing happens" and "Souls Unravel", and a co-author of "Along the Way", all of which can be found on her website or amazon.com.
Michelle is also a student and teacher of Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art which she has been training in for 15 years. Her other interests include reading, writing, meditative practices, and spending time outdoors.
Michelle has been involved in the study of Oriental Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal formulas for more than 12 years as a direct student of Dr. John Honey who in turn, is a direct student of Dr. Zhengang Guo. She also studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago on a part-time basis. While Oriental Medicine both interested and fascinated her, Michelle’s full-time career was spent as a network administrator for the National Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. Eventually, Oriental Medicine became her greater interest and she decided to make the study and practice of this medicine her full-time venture, bringing her to where she is today.
She is a published author of two books, "healing happens" and "Souls Unravel", and a co-author of "Along the Way", all of which can be found on her website or amazon.com.
Michelle is also a student and teacher of Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art which she has been training in for 15 years. Her other interests include reading, writing, meditative practices, and spending time outdoors.
Lisa Tomoleoni, Lic.Ac.
Lisa Tomoleoni is a graduate of the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine and holds a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine and Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. In addition, she is board certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed by the state of Illinois.
Previously, she lived for almost 14 years in Japan, where she taught the martial art Aikido professionally and also trained in the martial arts of Judo and Iaido. She holds 6th degree black belt rank in aikido, 3rd in Iaido, and 1st in Judo. She also studied other traditional arts while in Japan, such as tea ceremony, calligraphy and the classical music of the shamisen and Nagauta. Her interest in Oriental Medicine and acupuncture began through her martial arts training. She experienced first hand the effectiveness of this medicine after an injury. Lisa’s belief is that the martial arts are about developing one into a healthier person on many levels, and integrating mind, body and spirit. Oriental Medicine fits with this ideal nicely, and so was a natural path for Lisa to follow. She has been studying and practicing Oriental Medicine since she returned from living in Japan.
Lisa is the chief instructor at Abiding Spirit Aikikai, and Director of the Aikido Shimbokukai. In her spare time she enjoys reading, studying Japanese swords, meditating and spending time in nature.
Previously, she lived for almost 14 years in Japan, where she taught the martial art Aikido professionally and also trained in the martial arts of Judo and Iaido. She holds 6th degree black belt rank in aikido, 3rd in Iaido, and 1st in Judo. She also studied other traditional arts while in Japan, such as tea ceremony, calligraphy and the classical music of the shamisen and Nagauta. Her interest in Oriental Medicine and acupuncture began through her martial arts training. She experienced first hand the effectiveness of this medicine after an injury. Lisa’s belief is that the martial arts are about developing one into a healthier person on many levels, and integrating mind, body and spirit. Oriental Medicine fits with this ideal nicely, and so was a natural path for Lisa to follow. She has been studying and practicing Oriental Medicine since she returned from living in Japan.
Lisa is the chief instructor at Abiding Spirit Aikikai, and Director of the Aikido Shimbokukai. In her spare time she enjoys reading, studying Japanese swords, meditating and spending time in nature.
Dr. John Honey
Dr. John Honey serves as Oriental Medicine resource consultant for the Abiding Spirit Center clinic. A graduate of the Logan School of Chiropractic, he is a licensed acupuncturist and chiropractor with over 20 years experience in the practice of Oriental Medicine. He has studied as an intern with world-famous Oriental Medicine doctor Zhengang Guo, who specializes in acupuncture and herbal treatments, with whom he maintains an on-going professional relationship. An accomplished martial artist and musician, Dr. Honey incorporates music, breathing methods, and energy work into the treatment of his patients. Dr. Honey also practices at Honeybee Wellness Center in St. Charles, Illinois.
Dr. Zhenggang Guo
Dr. Zhengang Guo, master herbalist and acupuncturist, and physician of Western medicine.
Dr. Guo practiced as a surgeon and oncologist in both China and the U.S. He envisioned the potential of integrating the best of Western medicine with Oriental Medicine and started the first classes offered in Oriental Medicine at the University of Illinois.
To this day, Dr. Guo continues to revise products, creating new formulas and new methods for Western lifestyles. He sees patients regularly at his offices, and is available as consultant to the Abiding Spirit Center clinic.
Dr. Guo practiced as a surgeon and oncologist in both China and the U.S. He envisioned the potential of integrating the best of Western medicine with Oriental Medicine and started the first classes offered in Oriental Medicine at the University of Illinois.
To this day, Dr. Guo continues to revise products, creating new formulas and new methods for Western lifestyles. He sees patients regularly at his offices, and is available as consultant to the Abiding Spirit Center clinic.