About — Acupuncture Impact Foundation

HEALTHCARE FOR ALL

We want you to get the care you deserve

Founded in 2023, AIF emerged from our firsthand experience in a for-profit acupuncture practice, where the harsh reality of financial barriers prevented many within our community from accessing the care they desperately needed. Witnessing the distressing choice between health and financial stability, we were compelled to pivot towards a solution. Our mission is to ensure that essential acupuncture care is within reach for everyone, without the burden of financial compromise. At AIF, we are dedicated not only to providing immediate care but also educating the community on the preventative principles of Eastern Medicine. By demystifying its practices and rectyfying common misconceptions, we aim to transform acupuncture from a last resort into a proactive choice for wellness and health.

“The tiger lies low not from fear, but for aim”

Meet the team

Marlene Mechanic, Executive Director

Marlene Mechanic is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Acupuncture Impact Foundation.
Marlene (she/her/they) comes from a long line of of hospitality professionals and being of service and giving exceptional service have always been at the forefront of her professional and private life.
As a queer and Jewish individual, she has always understood the importance of standing up for justice and equality. From an early age, she witnessed the power of community and the impact that advocacy can have on shaping a more inclusive world.
Her journey in the field of holistic healthcare has been deeply intertwined with her commitment to social justice.In her role as Executive Director at Acupuncture Impact Foundation, she is honored to lead a dedicated team in their mission to make acupuncture and holistic healing accessible to everyone.
Beyond their work at the organization, Marlene is actively involved in various community affiliations. These connections allow them to stay engaged with the diverse needs and experiences of the communities they serve. Through dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, She is committed to amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized and ensuring that their healthcare needs are met with dignity and respect. Marlene is inspired by the resilience of individuals who have faced adversity, and it fuels their determination to create a more just and inclusive society. She will continue to break down barriers, challenge norms, and pave the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Ashley Kuper, Development Director

Ashley Kuper is the Co-Founder and Operations Coordinator of AIF. Ashley (she/her/they) has over two decades of experience in the field of alternative health care. She is nationally board certified by the NCCAOM and state licensed by the NCALB. Her clinical experience includes co-creating and successfully establishing multiple acupuncture and herbal medicine clinics in Buncombe county as well as in Greenville, SC and she currently practices full-time group practice in Swannanoa.
As a first-generation American, Ashley understands firsthand the challenges faced by families navigating the complexities of undocumented status and healthcare. This experience ignited their passion for making quality healthcare a fundamental right for all, regardless of our background or circumstances. Through the transformative power of acupuncture and herbal medicine, Ashley is dedicated to pioneering a movement towards inclusive healthcare. Through partnerships with local communities and healthcare providers, she aims to bridge the gap in accessibility and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.
She is driven by the vision of a world where healthcare is not a burden, but a source of empowerment and vitality and will continue to advocate for a future where everyone has equal access to the transformative benefits of holistic medicine.
Dr. Janette Engelbrecht, Clinic Director

Dr. Engelbrecht is a seasoned healthcare professional whose journey has led her from conventional Western cancer care to the field of holistic medicine. As a board-certified doctor of Chinese Medicine, Janette (she/her) has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing the principles of acupuncture and natural healing.
Dr. Engelbrecht's educational background includes serving as adjunct faculty at both the Center for Massage & Natural Healing in Asheville, NC, and Bay College in Iron Mountain, MI, where she has contributed to the growth and development of aspiring practitioners in the field of massage.
Currently, Dr. Engelbrecht holds didactic and clinical faculty positions at Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, NC. She is also a contributing author for an ethics textbook for acupuncturists set to be published internationally in 2024. In addition to her institutional affiliations, Janette maintains her clinical practice at East Acupuncture Wellness Boutique.
Dr. Engelbrecht embodies a passion for holistic healing, ethics, and education. She is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission of providing care to the underserved individuals of Asheville’s local community by promoting the benefits of acupuncture and natural healing.