Meet Our Instructors: The Heart of Our School
Offering a Collaborative Approach to Aromatherapy Education.
Live Class Instructors
Course Contributors
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 current 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 has been passionately engaged with essential oils and natural beauty for over 12 years. She is the owner of Buddha Nose, an award winning yoga-inspired brand of mind-body-beauty products and has been a strong and visible advocate for safe, toxic-free beauty and body care products.
In addition to running her product-based business, Amy has produced and curated a series of interactive Pop-Up Shops, called “The Yoga Beauty Bar,” that not only showcased and celebrated unique artisan organic beauty brands, but also incorporated educational panels and workshops to inspire and empower women to make more conscious beauty choices.
Over the years, Amy has taught a variety of workshops, and has guest lectured and moderated panels about essential oils and organic beauty. This past spring, she was a featured speaker at the Green Festival in New York City 2013; She has also appeared in many TV and radio interviews, and has blogged about natural beauty and body care.
Amy studied with Jade Shutes and earned her Certificate in Holistic Dynamic Aromatherapy (400 hours) from The Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy in 2001.
In addition to her training in Aromatherapy, Amy is also a Shiatsu Practitioner with a private practice in New York City. She earned a certificate from the Ohashiatsu Institute in 2001. Amy has a B.A from Smith College and a M.A. from NYU.
She is the creator and director for the New York Institute of Aromatherapy where she offers aromatherapy certification programs (via the School for Aromatic Studies) and a variety of other holistic health classes right in the heart of New York City!
Amy's Courses
Cathy Skipper
Cathy, is English by birth and spent her adult life in rural France, where she farmed, trained and worked as a herbalist and aromatherapist and taught practical herbalism, botany and aromatherapy at the L’Ecole Lyonnaise de Plantes Medicinales’ in Lyon. She also participated for four years in an experimental approach to energetic healing called 'Life cell' under French Kinesiologist, Caroline Gupta. Her plant training in France included a two year course with Claude Lefebvre on Plant Communication. She left France last year to live and work in New Mexico with her partner Florian Birkmayer.
Cathy’s own work involves building bridges between aromatic medicine and herbalism as well as recognizing the importance of healing the healer and reconnecting with nature. In her teaching she marries, theory, practical work and energetics with an underlying intention of helping students develop an intuitive relationship between themselves, the plant/essential oil and the patient as an impetus for healing.
Her work with Florian is centralized around the work of Carl Jung and the psyche, aromatic molecules and the mind.
Cathy is co-author of the book, Aromatic Medicine.
Cathy's Courses
- French Aromatherapy: Aromatic Medicine Online Certification
- Hydrosols: An Online Certification Program
- Plant Communication
- Aromatherapy & Medicine of the Soul: The Wounded Healer, the Alchemical Journey and the Sacred Union - Coming in 2017
Jah Skipper
Jah Skipper is an esteemed up and coming Botanist, widely considered one of the most gifted botanists of his generation. He currently lives in Great Britain and travels frequently to the United States. His understanding of plants is both practical and academic. An early passion for the plant word was sparked in the French countryside where he established himself as a field botanist. Professional and personal interests have pushed him to explore mountainous areas of France, Turkey, Morocco and now the North American Southwest. In Turkey he spent months hiking the land to assemble an extensive herbarium, a collection of plant samples. In Morocco he single-handedly identified a new conservation hot spot high in the Atlas mountains as well as helped protect some of the rarest plants of North Africa.
Jah holds a postgraduate degree in botany from Reading University and has taught field botany at one of the most respected French herbal medicine schools since the early age of 17. He has been immersed in the herbal world thanks to his mother, Cathy Skipper. Through these experiences,he He has developed a valuable “cross-cultural” understanding of the challenges and advantages of embracing the science of botany in the context of herbal healing. His teaching focuses on re-connecting the herbal community with the tools necessary to master botany, and ultimately deepen the relationship with the healing plants.
Jah's Courses
Practical Botany for Aromatherapists and Herbalists
Coming in Summer 2017.
Florian Birkmayer, MD
Florian Birkmayer, MD is a Wounded Healer and the co-developer with Cathy Skipper of AromaGnosis, which synthesizes Jungian Depth Psychology and aromatherapy. A holistic psychiatrist, he has an extensive background in trauma and addiction as well as Equine Assisted Therapy. He views himself as a bridge-builder between different medical worlds and works closely and respectfully with a wide range of healers.
He received his B.A. from Princeton University and his M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico. He has previously served as the director of the Dual Diagnosis Clinic at University of New Mexico Psychiatric Center and as the director of the Substance Use Disorders program at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM.
Florian's Courses
- Aromatherapy & Medicine of the Soul
The Wounded Healer, the Alchemical Journey and the Sacred Union - Coming in 2017
Nicholas Zemp
Nicholas Zemp is a Clinically Certified Western & Chinese Herbalist, educator, aromatherapist, and avid naturalist and gardener. He is the founder of Grey Mountain Herbs and Director of the Grey Mountain Herbs School of Botanical Medicine.
Growing up close to nature in Southeastern Idaho, Nick has always loved the outdoors and been fascinated by the Earth’s natural abundance and innate intelligence. At the age of 15 he (precociously) threw off modern medicines and began to voraciously devour any book regarding herbal medicine and natural therapies he could find. After moving to Oregon at the age of 18 and volunteering on a medicinal herb farm, he devoted himself to an herbal healing path. In 2007, he received a Traditional Western Herbalist Certificate from the Appalachian School of Holistic Herbalism, and in 2010 received an Advanced Chinese Herbalist Certificate from the Institute of Chinese Herbology. Nick continues to educate himself and others in the wonders of botanical medicine and Gaian consciousness.
Nicholas' Courses
Organic Chemistry for Aromatic Scholars
Aromatic Phytochemistry
Gergely Hollodi
Gergely holds an BA in English teaching and after a 12-year long period spent in the advertising-marketing world decided to change his life and started his journey in the field of healing. Gergely is a graduate of the Cortiva Institute: Seattle School of Massage and is a nationally certified (NCBTMB) and Washington state licensed massage therapist. He completed the Masters Apprenticeship program with the School for Aromatic Studies in Seattle. He is professional member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists.
He currently lives in Budapest, Hungary where he practices massage as a certified therapeutic massage therapist and offers aromatherapy courses to the public. He is the lead instructor in Hungary for the School for Aromatic Studies. He continues his study of alternative medicine/herbal medicine and is a certified phytotherapist.
I have a passion towards massage and aromatherapy. I am committed to helping my clients with massage for stress reduction, treatment of and rehab from common injuries, relaxation, and discomfort associated with everyday activities. My massage and aromatherapy practice is grounded in the union of East-West healing traditions. I approach healing with healthy curiosity and invite my clients do the same.
Margo Hertzfeld
I received a B.S. in Merchandising from Indiana University in Bloomington, and later went on to create Rosy Glow Beauty Company, a line of all-natural personal care products for moms. When I realized the most fulfilling part of this business was researching essential oils for the line, Rosy Glow Aromatherapy was born!
My aromatherapy education began in 2011 with a Level I certification from Jade Shutes, B.A., Dipl. AT, Cert. Herbalist, Director of Education for the School for Aromatic Studies, and David Crow, founder of Floracopeia, with an emphasis on the priciples of Ayurveda. I continued with Jade for my Aromatic Scholars certification for 450 hours of comprehensive education.
I am a professional member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, and a member of the Natural Perfumers Guild. My love of all things botanical has led me to certifications in flower essence and hydrosol application, as well as certification in reflexology through the Center for the Healing Arts in Sterling Heights, MI. Other coursework includes natural perfuming with Roxanna Villa, meditation, yoga, mother and baby care, and natural oncology therapies.
Elí Ramos
Eli is an aromatherapist, mother and nature lover. She combines her passion for essential oils with her language skills (is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish). She has been an Aromatherapy interpreter for courses in Europe, Colombia and Brazil for international renowned aromatherapy authorities. She volunteered in local Hospices and Hospitals, not only with her time, but also as an aromatherapy consultant. She has also volunteered in orphanages in Brazil and had the opportunity of using Aromatherapy for a more peaceful ambience. She is part of a group of Aromatherapists from Brazil who works with the staff of a Foundation in Colombia that works with orphans, drug addictions and severe trauma to use Aromatherapy as a therapeutic tool. She teaches Aromatherapy and Herbalism in camps for kids in the US and Brazil. She has studied two years of Curative Education and Social Therapy (Anthroposophy) in Brazil. She has a BA in International Business Administration and currently is studying Tibetan Medicine.
She believes in the beauty of the world, in kind hearts and in walking together.
Jacqueline Bloom
Jacqueline is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an Advanced Clinical Case Manager.As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience she maintains a private practice in NY and Connecticut treating Adults, Children, Adolescents and Geriatrics. She incorporates Aromatherapy applications of essential oils in psychotherapy, when appropriate with clients, as an adjunct to primary treatment for emotional issues, stress related problems, depression, ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders. As a result clients experience increased mood, positive self esteem, decreased worries and depression, stress relief, better focus and concentration and improved sleep. Treatment also includes clients who have somatic complaints secondary to stress-related disorders. Clients experience relief when applying essential oils to over worked muscles, sinuses problems, spasms and other body aches and pains. She helps adults in treatment to understand the energetics of essential oils and how to apply them for personal self care.
Jacqueline holds a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Northeastern University (Boston, MA) and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Washington University (St. Louis, MO). She is studying Aromatherapy for 2+ years with Jeanne Rose, Distance Learning Certification Program and is studying Chinese Medicine: 5 Elemental Treatment Theory with Gems and Stones and Aromatherapy with Jeffery Yuen at The Chinatown Wellness Center, NYC.
Heidi Nielsen
Heidi Nielsen is a certified Aromatherapist with the School for Aromatic Studies (formerly the Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy) and the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy (PIA)
As well as being certified in Holistic Aromatherapy Massage with Lynda Henderson and Paul Crowder in 1997, Heidi has completed Christine Selda’s Indigo Bridge Medicine Wheel training and is a mesa carrier in the Andean Shamanism Tradition and incorporates these ancient techniques into her healing treatments.
Her studies in Aromatherapy and Holistic Health began in 1994 while working at Escents Aromatherapy and taking a course with Jade Shutes, teacher, mentor and founder of the IDA, (Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy) now called The School for Aromatic Studies.
Her interest in holistic health has evolved during her mentorship with Jade giving her a great respect for plants & nature. This in turn has broadened her landscape for training in many different healing modalities including Herbology, Ayurveda, Shamanism and Natural Medicine.
Kathy Klug
Kathy has been practicing the Art and Science of Aromatherapy for over 30 years. She recently retired from a 35 year career as a nurse and is now devoting her time to teaching interested students about the uses and the wonders of essential oils. Kathy combined her knowledge of essential oils to her knowledge of nursing and has incorporated that into her daily life and work. She is a Registered Aromatherapist and also a Reiki practitioner. She does daily energy work using essential oils, stones and herbs. Kathy also delivers presentations to various groups and organizations on subjects such as Essential Oils with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and Pain. She also provides hand and arm massage using essential oil blends and Reiki to help with anxiety and pain relief particularly with the elderly and for palliative care. Kathy makes all of her own products and they are being sold in 3 locations. She was born and raised in Missouri and has always had a deep passion for the use of essential oils and herbs.
Michelle Ensley
Cert. Aromatherapist, Flower Essence practitioner and educator.
Michelle’s love for plants started as a young girl, helping in the flower and vegetable gardens with her mother and father. She studied horticulture in high school and college. She now utilizes plants in the form of essential oils and flower essences with clients and patients.
Michelle is a graduate of the Brenneke School of Massage and a graduate of The School for Aromatic Studies. She has studied various types of bodywork and energy work and has continued her education in Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine to enhance not only her practice but also self care.
Michelle is the owner of Soulscents & Bodywork in Enumclaw, WA. She works as a comfort therapist for Multicare Home Health and Hospice utilizing Aromatherapy, Massage and Reiki.
She has been teaching for the School for Aromatic studies for a decade. She also teaches Australian Bush Flower Essences course for the ABFE co in Australian and Reiki Classes. Teaching and sharing her experiences with health and healing is her passion.
Juliet Blankespoor
Juliet Blankespoor started the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine in 2007, after deciding to become a professional plant-human matchmaker. She lives with her partner Tom outside of Asheville, NC, in a wee handbuilt home where they nurture a medicinal herb garden and a delightfully hilarious daughter. Juliet has been sharing her passion for plants for over twenty-five years through teaching herbal medicine and botany. Despite a seemingly single-minded obsession for medicinal plants, she’s branched out in the last few years, exploring new territory and interests—namely photographing, videoing, and writing about: medicinal plants.
Juliet is an unabashed botanical entrepreneur –her earliest project during her collegiate years included a get-rich-quick-scheme involving papaya trees. After graduating from University of Florida with a degree in botany, Juliet founded and formulated a tincture line, Green Faith Herbals. She spent her twenties growing and wildcrafting medicine for her tincture business.
http://chestnutherbs.com/
Leyla Bringas
Leyla Bringas began her formal botanical studies with Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Apprentice Program in 1996. She received her first Aromatherapy Certification from The Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy in 1997 which has since grown to be The School for Aromatic Studies. She is certified to teach for the School for Aromatic Studies and offers a level 101 as well as a level 201 certification program in aromatherapy.
Leyla founded Lunaroma in Burlington, Vermont in 2000. Studying herbal and aromatic medicine for 17 years she has formulated Lunaroma’s line of aromatherapeutic, bath, body, spa and aesthetic products. She is a member of NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy), The Natural Perfumers Guild, and The Indie Beauty Network.
Lunaroma specializes in pure aromatherapeutic grade essential oils and handcrafted body care products as well as excellent customer service at the boutique in Burlington, VT, where custom blends, aromatherapeutic blends and custom botanical perfumes are a specialty.
Erika G Galentin, MNIMH Medical Herbalist
Erika is a Clinical Herbalist and an ITEC certified Clinical Aromatherapist consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens & Columbus, OH. She holds a degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK and Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow, UK. She is a professional member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK) and the American Herbalists Guild (USA). She is also a proud member of Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society in Horticulture (USA).
A decade of clinical practice has provided a platform for a deep and influential understanding of the efficacy of medicinal plants within a clinical environment. It is through this clinical practice that Erika is able encourage positive, learned relationships between plants and people. She is a firm believer in celebrating the role humanity plays in the ecology of our landscapes and that our relationships with the natural world should be based upon reciprocity and exchange.
In addition to clinical practice, Erika is both a student and teacher of horticulture and native medicinal plant conservation and ecology. Erika is also deeply passionate about the history of botanical medicine in the United States as depicted by the American Botanical Movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has built her clinical philosophy around the principles and practice of Physiomedical and Eclectic traditions.
With her dedication to medicinal plants native to Ohio and the Greater Appalachian region, Erika teaches, lectures and writes on native medicinal plant conservation and applied ecology, propagation, herbalism, and clinical efficacy. Former Course Development Director for the Herbal Academy, Erika is currently a guest instructor at Ohio Herb Education Center, Gahanna, Ohio, Faculty at the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, Lowgap, NC, and Course Contributor for the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies
She also participates as a member of the Stewardship Committee for Appalachia Ohio Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of land and water in Southeast Ohio.
Nancy Cyr
Nancy is a graduate of San Jose State University and of the Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle, Washington. She has also studied nutrition at the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado. Nancy had a full time massage practice in the Seattle area for 8 years.
She has taken workshops with others in the aromatherapy field as well, including Jan Kusmerik, Jeanne Rose, Shirley Price, Valerie Cooksley and others.
“My passion for natural methods of healing and health care has been nearly life long. That which supports the body’s innate wisdom has always felt aligned for me with how I want to live, how I want to treat my own body and how I most enjoy empowering others.”
Plants and their essential oils have supported and carried me through many times, difficult and joyful and I know my relationship with these beings will continue to deepen and grow.”
In 2013, Nancy and Jade reconnected and she now is thrilled to be in her third year as Jade’s administrative assistant where she guides and supports students of the School for Aromatic Studies online courses and our instructors. You will see her hand in encouraging feedback for students on their case studies and papers, participating in the student forum, and on the website and Facebook.
She loves helping online students to have a personal, uplifting and excellent educational experience.
Her future holds herbal studies and continued expansion into greater understanding and creative use of herbs and essential oils and ways of empowering others to know themselves and support their own health in natural and respectful ways.