Home * Meet The Staff * Philosophy * Wholistic Therapies * Clinical Experience * FAQ
Appointments & Fees * Directions * Lectures & Seminars * Articles By Michael Gaeta
Press Room * Lessons For Life * Links * Upcoming Events

Letter From The ASNY Chair
-First Words

I begin with gratitude. This is my first letter to our members since I was given the privilege of serving ASNY as its Chair on October 29th of last year. My first thanks are to the members and Board who have placed their faith in me for these two years.

My gratitude especially extends to Kathleen Golden, our Chair Emeritus and my colleague, friend and mentor. In her more than five years of service in ASNY—first as an active student member, then as Board member, Co-Chair, and Chair—Kathleen has brought this Society out of its adolescence into adulthood. Through her skillful and prodigious efforts, ASNY has become the leading voice for acupuncture in New York. Kathleen has carefully and wisely built ASNY strong relationships with state and national associations, formed and nurtured a powerful, committed Board of Directors, deftly maneuvered ASNY through turbulent political waters, and most of all earned ASNY a solid reputation as a responsive and respectful force in our profession. I endeavor to continue her example of wisdom, integrity and character, and build on the solid foundation she has carefully laid. I also acknowledge the work and example of the Society’s leadership in years past—particularly June Brazil and William Prensky.

For those who do not know me, I have had a family practice since 1990, and taught since 1993 at the New York College in Syosset, where I was trained. My first career was as a professional musician. In the late 80’s and early 90’s you may have seen me the playing piano in a restaurant lounge, at your cousin’s wedding or in a local church. My main organizational work previous to this was with what is now called the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia, as copy editor and then editor of its member newsletter, Pulse, for six years.

I came to ASNY in 1994, and joined the Board in 1998, seeking to serve my chosen profession through writing, public speaking and whatever else needed to be done. I enjoyed contributing to an organization that I respected and believed in, and became Vice-Chair in 1999. Having little interest in politics, I was surprised to find myself on the front lines of last year’s political battle against acupuncture certification for podiatrists and chiropractors. It was exhilarating, and a lot of work. It taught me that the work of a committed few can make a difference, even against a more established and wealthier adversary. I also realized that I enjoyed providing leadership, with others, in areas where it was needed. I humbly and gratefully accept the opportunity to step up to the challenge of continuing the fine and pioneering work of those who have gone before.

An African proverb states, “If I stand tall, it is because I stand on the shoulders of many ancestors.” It is useful to know a bit about how we got here if we are to move forward with clarity and confidence. ASNY began on October 10th 1990 as the “New York Association for American Acupuncture.” Our corporate papers of the day stated that our purpose was, in part, “To cultivate the science of acupuncture and to elevate the standard, integrity, honor and courtesy in the acupuncture profession, and cherish the spirit of brotherhood among the members thereof.” These were prophetic words of great power and stature, which are no less true and important for us today. The initial group of directors, which included June Brazil, Carolyn Bengston, Arya Neilsen, Lorie Wish and Anne Bramier, were true pioneers in these early days of our profession.

I see ASNY not only as what it is, but what it can become. Earlier this year I was thinking about what ASNY’s purpose is. It seemed to me that our core mission is, and has been, to promote the growth and preserve the integrity of our chosen profession. ASNY does that by serving the public, practitioners and students, and the profession as a whole. With nearly 400 student, professional and organizational members, the Society is the largest professional acupuncture organization in the state, and one of the largest in the nation. ASNY has become a respected and respectful voice in our state and beyond.

In the days ahead, I see the Society becoming a primary resource for students, practitioners and the public to connect with each other. Our members and Board will accomplish this through our meetings, publications, seminars, website, and most of all our spirit. It is that “spirit of brotherhood” that our founders cherished, and which unites us in what is absolute and right at our core, that will carry us forward and upward. I trust that spirit which moves in and through and between us to let our Society and our profession be all that they can be. We are here to serve our world through our profession, and serve our profession through our Society.

In the next year-and-a-half, ASNY plans to publish its first professional member directory, create an online referral database, help pass insurance parity legislation, make its already wonderful website better, revise its member brochures, implement its new logo, create active regional chapters, increase its membership, and become a primary resource or patients, practitioners and students in New York.

I ask each ASNY member, if you have not already done so, to participate in your state Society once this year, even if for an hour. ASNY now has seventeen committees, each with a specific and important function. Think about how you would enjoy contributing to your profession through the Society, and let us know. In the spirit of President Kennedy’s words, ask not what your state association can do for you, but ask what you can do for your state association. ASNY is a potent means of helping practitioners and students contribute to their profession. Find your way to contribute.

I invite all ASNY members to share with me their vision for what can be, and how you would like to help create it. I can be reached at Chair@ASNY.org, or by mail to the ASNY office address. I look forward to co-creating our profession with you in the months ahead. Be well,

Michael Gaeta Chair, ASNY Board of Directors

To learn more about ASNY click here.