Expert Instructors and Support

Our faculty includes internationally acclaimed aromatherapy experts in diverse areas of specialization to help you focus your career goals. We bring these experts — and the experience of learning from them — directly to you. 

Essence of Thyme
— Faculty —

Core Instructors

Colleen Thompson RA

Colleen Thompson, Cert Ed, MIFPA, RA®, EOT®, CA


Founder

Colleen has been a passionate and highly respected aromatherapy educator for over 25 years.

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Kelly Ablard, RA, PhD

Kelly Ablard, PhD, RA®, EOT®, MIFPA


Co-Principal

As a Conservation Aromatherapist™, Kelly has been an aromatherapy educator and conservation biologist for over 12 years.

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Supporting Instructors

Dr. Florian Birkmayer & Cathy Skipper

Dr. Florian Birkmayer &
Cathy Skipper


Psychiatry and Alchemy Experts

Lesson on addiction and essential oils for the Professional Level Certification Program

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Madeleine Kerkhof

Amy Williams DeLong


Animal Aromatherapy Expert

Elective course on animal aromatherapy for the Certified Master Aromatherapist Program

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Natallia Dzichkouskaia

Natalia Dichkovska


Skincare Expert, Aromatherapist, Researcher, and Educator

Lessons on formulation, emulsions, active ingredients, and preservation in the home laboratory for the Certified Master Aromatherapist Program

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TracyAnn Schuur

Marika Fleri


Aromatherapy for Cancer and Palliative Care Expert

Lessons on complementary therapy interventions in a clinical environment for the Certified Master Aromatherapist Program

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Ann Harman

Ann Harman


Hydrosol Expert

Lessons on hydrosols for the Professional Level and Certified Master Aromatherapist Programs


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TracyAnn Schuur

Madeleine Kerkhof


CO2 Extract and
Palliative Care Expert

Lessons on CO2 extracts for the Professional Level and Certified Master Aromatherapist Programs

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Benoit Roger, PhD

Benoit Roger, PhD


Organic Chemistry and
Distillation Expert

Instructor for the Advanced Aromatherapy Science Program: Ecology and Pharmacology of Essential Oils from the Plant to the Clinic

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Marco Valussi

Marco Valussi


Distillation and Essential OilĀ Science Expert

Instructor for the Advanced Aromatherapy Science Program: Ecology and Pharmacology of Essential Oils from the Plant to the Clinic

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Marco Valussi

Kat Maier RH, (AHG)


Herbalist and Author

Founder and director of Sacred Plant Traditions, aĀ center for herbal studies in Charlottesville, Virginia

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Support Team

ANGIE KENNEDY

Angie Kennedy, CAAP


Case Study Team Leader

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Yvonne Brodka

Yvonne Brodka


Mentor

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Wendie MacQuarrie


Mentor

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Emelia Thompson

Emelia Thompson


Social Media Manager

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Learn about our world-class professional aromatherapy certification

Our Programs >

Learn about our world-class professional aromatherapy certification

Our Programs >