Meet the Team Behind
East Acupuncture Wellness Boutique

Acupuncturist/Herbalist-Greenville

A native of New Jersey, Dana completed her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University and attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago and New York City, where she graduated with honors from the Asian Bodywork and the Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine programs. In her time at Pacific College, Dana completed internships at the NYU Langone Center for Women with Disabilities in Manhattan and Lutheran Hospital’s Neurology and Labor/Delivery departments in Brooklyn. In Chicago, she interned at the Chicago Women’s Health Center. She is a licensed acupuncturist in North and South Carolina and nationally board-certified (NCCAOM) in Chinese herbal medicine.

She has over 10 years’ experience as an acupuncturist and has worked in a variety of settings, including integrative pain clinics and an addiction rehabilitation center. Dana enjoys treating musculoskeletal pain, trauma, fertility and women’s health issues and has completed additional training in the treatment of pain using distal points. She also treats digestive disorders, anxiety/depression (including PMS/PMDD) and seasonal allergies. Dana recognizes and values the role of emotional and spiritual life in the healing process, and can help you travel your path to balanced emotional and physical health. 

Acupuncturist/Herbalist- Greenville

Allison is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine who believes that true healing begins with treating the whole person. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Psychology from the University of Mississippi before earning her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, graduating from Pacific College of Health and Sciences in San Diego.

With a gentle and thoughtful approach, Allison believes that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. She takes the time to listen to each patient, understand their unique needs, and meet them where they are in their health journey. Her goal is to look beyond individual symptoms and address the underlying patterns contributing to them while supporting the body’s healing process. 

Allison has a particular interest in women’s health, cosmetic acupuncture, stress management, anxiety and depression, digestive health, preventative care, pain management and overall wellness. Her background in psychology allows her to bring a compassionate and understanding presence to her work, creating a space where patients feel comfortable, heard, and cared for.

She is passionate about helping patients feel more balanced, connected, and empowered in their health.

Acupuncturist/Herbalist- Greenville

Ian’s dedication to the healing arts is the result of many years of immersive study, hands-on training, and deep personal commitment. He spent over a decade in India, where he refined his understanding of traditional wellness systems through the disciplined practice and teaching of Kaula Yoga. His training encompassed not only postural work (asana), but also breath regulation (pranayama), yogic philosophy, massage, and Ayurvedic lifestyle principles, all of which continue to inform his therapeutic approach.

He went on to formalize his studies in Ayurvedic detoxification therapies, earning a diploma in Panchakarma from the Athreya School of Ayurveda. Seeking to broaden his manual therapy skills, Ian also pursued intensive training in Traditional Thai Massage, receiving certification from the renowned and Cheat Wan institutions at Wat Po Temple in Thailand.

With a strong foundation in traditional systems of medicine and bodywork, Ian eventually turned his focus to Chinese Medicine, studying Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine at Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine. Now integrating more than ten years of experience in holistic healing with the diagnostic clarity and clinical effectiveness of East Asian medical practices, Ian offers a grounded and skillful approach to supporting patients on their journey toward health and balance.

Acupuncturist/Herbalist-Asheville

As a second-generation acupuncturist, Lily Gach was immersed in the principles of Chinese medicine from an early age, learning from their father, who was both an acupuncturist and M.D. This upbringing provided invaluable insights and an authentic understanding of the healing arts.

Through her studies, Lily developed expertise in the Five Meridian System, a specialized approach that offers additional tools beyond Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly effective for addressing complex cases.

Their training not only emphasized clinical skills but also the importance of creating a healing space that fosters transformation and self-awareness for patients. By integrating technical proficiency with compassionate care, Lily provides treatments that not only address physical ailments but also delve into deeper aspects of the human experience, facilitating long-lasting change.

Lily is dedicated to helping patients choose and create a life that promotes greater health, freedom from pain, and comfort in their circumstances.

Acupuncturist/Herbalist- Asheville

Amy is a licensed acupuncturist with over 16 years of clinical experience. Her work focuses on skin health and facial rejuvenation, women’s health, stress and emotional well-being, and gentle Japanese style acupuncture.

Amy has a special interest in the connection between skin health and the whole body. Her approach blends East Asian medicine with modern skin science, taking into consideration the role that hormones, stress, digestion, inflammation, and overall health can play in the skin. She especially enjoys working with adult and perimenopausal skin, acne, sensitive or reactive skin, facial tension and TMJ, and those looking for a natural approach to facial rejuvenation.

Her facial treatments may incorporate cosmetic acupuncture, microneedling, LED therapy, facial gua sha and cupping, and facial massage. Each treatment is individualized, with the goal of supporting healthy skin while helping patients feel relaxed, cared for, and comfortable in their skin.

Amy earned her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Florida College of Integrative Medicine and completed additional clinical training at Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. She is nationally board certified by the NCCAOM and licensed to practice acupuncture in North Carolina.

Acupuncturist/Herbalist & Owner - Asheville + Greenville

Ashley Kuper, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with over 15 years of clinical experience. Her work focuses on fertility and women’s health, hormonal balance and perimenopause, acute and chronic pain, digestive disorders, psycho emotional health, preventative medicine, cosmetic acupuncture, and long term health maintenance. She is especially passionate about supporting patients through life transitions and helping restore balance in ways that feel sustainable and practical.

Ashley is known for combining strong clinical clarity with warmth, humor, and a deep respect for her patients’ lived experiences. One of her greatest strengths is creating a treatment environment where people feel genuinely cared for and well supported, with attention that extends beyond symptoms to the whole person. Her approach blends precision and intuition, tailoring each treatment to the individual and their evolving needs.

Outside of the clinic, Ashley enjoys spending time with her wife, Marlene, their pup Oliver, and their beloved cat Sonny. These quieter moments of connection help ground her work and continue to shape the way she shows up for her patients and community.

Director of Operations + Owner

Marlene Mechanic was born in Asheville and brings more than 25 years of experience in hospitality and the service industry to East Acupuncture Wellness. After decades of creating welcoming spaces, building relationships, and caring for people, she now brings those skills and her genuine passion for connection and community to EAWB. As co-owner, Marlene helps shape the experience of the practice from the moment someone walks through the door. Her background in hospitality influences so much of what we value at EAWB: making people feel comfortable, cared for, included, and at home. Marlene is also deeply dedicated to her community. She is a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has worked closely with local nonprofits and organizations throughout Asheville.

Outside of EAWB, Marlene loves traveling, experiencing new cultures and cuisines, playing tennis, pottery, and creating art through oil and encaustic painting.

Office Manager- Greenville

Sarah is the person behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly at our Greenville office! From helping with scheduling and answering your questions to navigating insurance and billing needs, Sarah helps make sure both our patients and practitioners feel supported and taken care of.

As a mom of four, she’s no stranger to juggling a lot of moving pieces with patience, warmth, and a sense of humor. Sarah brings that same steady, caring energy to the clinic, and we’re so grateful to have her helping keep Greenville organized, welcoming, and running smoothly.

Therapy Dog in Training | Professional Greeter | Treat Enthusiast

Oliver joined the East Acupuncture Wellness family in 2025 and has been taking his role very seriously ever since. Currently a therapy dog in training, Oliver is learning the important skills of offering comfort, staying calm, and knowing exactly when someone might need a little extra puppy love.

When he’s not working on his therapeutic credentials, Oliver specializes in greeting patients, supervising the front desk, taking extremely important naps, and keeping a close eye on the treat supply.

His clinical interests include stress reduction, nervous system regulation, and the healing power of a very good snuggle.