About the School
The study of aromatherapy is, at its essence, about relationships. It’s about nourishing a relationship with aromatic plants, essential oils, and the natural world, as well as enhancing your relationship with yourself, your dreams and your community.
The New York Institute of Aromatic Studies (formerly the School for Aromatic Studies) was founded because of how fascinated, inspired and moved we were by those discoveries in ourselves; that’s why our experience—and our curriculum—goes far beyond the chemistry of oils to include all the ways in which you experience aromatherapy, from aroma to memory, from emotion to energy. We started our journey as one of the first aromatherapy schools in the U.S. back in 1990. From that beginning, our mission was to offer a balanced, progressive and inspiring approach to aromatherapy education.
Pioneering the Evolution of Aromatic Medicine
For years there has been a commonly held belief in the aromatherapy community that essential oils should never be used internally. In fact, however, essential oils have and are used safely and effectively internally and as an adjunct to herbal therapies in France for years! Even in the U.S., they are even found now and clearly identified in the ingredient lists of dietary supplements in retail stores.
Feeling strongly the lack of balance in the aromatherapy field between the truth of active ongoing safe and successful internal use and the widely spoken fears in the aromatherapy community, the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies is committed to representing truth, progressiveness, and balance along with education on this topic.
Why the term French Aromatherapy for Aromatic Medicine? As described in Kurt Schnaubelt’s wonderful book The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, "the identification of 'French Aromatherapy' has long been an art which focused on the use of essential oils to support the healing from infectious illnesses including internal applications such as suppositories, pessaries, medicinal pastilles, syrups and so on."
Our school has been instrumental in bringing the French approach, Aromatic medicine, to the U.S. understanding that essential oils can and should be used in many ways, if used with common sense and plant knowledge. Interested in learning more: French Aromatherapy Certification Course for Aromatic Medicine.
Uniquely Collaborative Approach
We’re equally distinct in forging relationships with herbalists, sharing knowledge to elevate each of our disciplines, honoring what we have in common, then building upon and expanding the practice of aromatherapy.
Understanding that we are strengthened by diversity, we strive to bring together the best of the skilled and talented experts in a variety of expressions within this and related fields.
Each brings something unique to the study, offering their unique perspective to engage our diverse variety of students: healing perspectives, chemical properties, herbal integration, sensory applications, applications for end of life, emotional health and more.
Why the term French Aromatherapy for Aromatic Medicine? As described in Kurt Schnaubelt’s wonderful book The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, "the identification of 'French Aromatherapy' has long been an art which focused on the use of essential oils to support the healing from infectious illnesses including internal applications such as suppositories, pessaries, medicinal pastilles, syrups and so on."
Our school has been instrumental in bringing the French approach, Aromatic medicine, to the U.S. understanding that essential oils can and should be used in many ways, if used with common sense and plant knowledge. Interested in learning more: French Aromatherapy Certification Course for Aromatic Medicine.
“Plants mean nothing in isolation; they are a life-form rooted in and identified by their community, by their relationship to and interactions with all other life on Earth.”
- Stephen Harrod Buhner in The Lost Language of Plants
Our Credentials
- NAHA approved School
- Organization Member of United Plant Savers (UPS)
- Academic Member of the American Botanical Council
- Massage Therapy NCBTMB Continuing Education Provider
Jade Shutes
Jade Shutes holds a Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy, Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology, and Reflexology from the Raworth College of Natural Medicine in Dorking, UK, and a Diploma in Aromatherapy from the International Therapist Examining board (ITEC). Today she is the visionary and director of education for the School for Aromatic Studies.
An aromatherapy practitioner, researcher, and educator for over two decades, Jade opened her first aromatherapy school, The Institute for Dynamic Aromatherapy (IDA), in New England in 1991. She has also taught at Bastyr University, Duke University, Ashmead College, San Diego Hospice, and throughout North America. Recognized as one of the vanguard of professionals who helped introduce aromatherapy to the US, she has since played an active role in the setting of standards for aromatherapy education in North America.
Jade is the past president for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. She served two highly successful and rewarding terms as NAHA President (2000-2003 and 2013-2015). She is the author of "Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers", one of the most widely used textbooks for massage therapists learning about aromatherapy.
What keeps her passion and love for aromatherapy going? “I am a strong advocate for the use of aromatherapy and herbal medicine for self care healthcare and believe education is the key to self empowerment. I believe aromatherapy 'plants a seed' in each of us, awakening our inherent relationship with the beauty and wisdom of the natural world.”
Amy Galper
Amy Galper, B.A., M.A., Co-Founder of the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies, has been a Certified Aromatherapist since 2001, as well as a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, formulator and consultant in organic beauty and wellness. She has also co-authored the newly released book, “Plant Powered Beauty,” published by BenBella Books and endorsed by beauty industry visionary Bobbi Brown, Credo Beauty’s Annie Jackson and Sophie Uliano, author of Gorgeously Green. Amy is honored and proud to be a member of Credo Beauty’s Clean Beauty Council, celebrating, advocating and educating for Clean Beauty and Wellness, along with other influencers and thought leaders in the field.
Over the past several years, Amy has also built a vibrant consultancy practice, offering her expertise in plant-based beauty ingredient research and sourcing, product formulation and private labeling, as well as corporate and private wellness event planning; She is currently an advisor and educator to a number of beauty and wellness brands and companies.
Amy has appeared as a featured speaker at the Indie Beauty Expo, Women in Flavor & Fragrance Conference, EcoSessions, along with dozens of media events and conferences. She is a guest lecturer at NYU, and has presented at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and is a member of the Visiting Faculty at Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism in New York City.
She has been featured on FOX NEWS, CUNY TV, and FAT MASCARA, and has been quoted as an aromatherapy expert for countless of articles and posts about essential oils, as seen in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue.com, Extraordinary Health, Dr. OZ, Prevention, Well and Good, Better Homes and Gardens, Mind Body Green, People, Allure, Refinery29 and many many more.
Amy’s first aromatherapy teacher was Jade Shutes, and Jade, now her partner, continues to mentor and inspire her.