About Us

how we began and what we have become

Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

In 1989, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger began the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy to further the quality of aromatherapy education and training. Since then, she’s become recognized as one of the pillars of our field, cultivating a rich intellectual legacy. Over the past few years, her daughter, Nyssa Hanger, has come on board to continue the Atlantic Institute’s mission.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to further education standards for all aspects of Aromatherapy by providing a comprehensive resource for the professional or layperson interested in this fast-growing, holistic field.

We envision a world where active aromatherapy practitioners feel supported in expanding their knowledge on the safe and effective use of essential oils.

Our Achievements

 

Achievements

  • We are the oldest aromatherapy school continually run by a practicing aromatherapist. Our founder has 35 years of client-based experience, and our instructors have over 100 years combined experience in the field of aromatherapy.
  • We have been continually teaching classes in aromatherapy since 1989 and have international students.
  • We have global recognition; we have given papers at conferences in Canada, France, New Zealand, Australia, and across the USA.
  • Our director was a founding member of the American Aromatherapy Association and the “Purdue Initiative,” which ultimately lead to the formation of the ARC (Aromatherapy Registration Council) exam—leading to the title Registered Aromatherapist, RA. Read more on their site:  Aromatherapy Registration Council
  • We are the only aromatherapy institute, school, or organization that is actively collecting safety data reports on the adverse effects of essential oils and sharing the results with the aromatherapy community—showing what is really happening in terms of overuse of essential oils resulting in injury. See more here: AromatherapyUnited.org
  • Our institute serves our community with volunteer and paid work, as well as with classes at the James H. Haley VA Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Hospital, and Tampa General Hospitals.
  • We are the only aromatherapy institute to work directly with experts in the allied fields of herbology, psychology, essential oil chemistry, and structural bodywork. We have a collaborative history with Martin Watt, Dr. Trevor Stokes, Dr. Robert Pappas, Tony Burfield, Michael Kirk-Smith, and Dr. Jim Simon.
Our Team

Founder & Director

SYLLA SHEPPARD-HANGER

LMT, Director of Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy/ Instructor, Practicing Clinical Aromatherapist

Tampa, FL

Read more about Sylla

Founder & Director

SYLLA SHEPPARD-HANGER

Director of Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy/ Instructor, Practicing Clinical Aromatherapist

Tampa, FL

Read more about Sylla

Nyssa Hanger

Assistant Director

MA, LMT, RYT, Instructor, Practicing Aromatherapist

Tampa, FL

Read more about Nyssa

Doreen DeSerres-DuJardin

Instructor

Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy Instructor

Eau Gallie, FL

Read more about Doreen

Patricia Ann Starr

Instructor

BA, LMT, RA, SET, SCI, Instructor, Practicing Aromatherapist

Sarasota, FL

Read more about Patricia

Shellie Enteen

Instructor

BA, RA, Instructor

Greer, South Carolina

Read more about Shellie

NYSSA HANGER

Assistant Director, MA, LMT, RYT, Instructor, Practicing Aromatherapist
Tampa, FL
Read more about Nyssa

DOREEN DESERRES

Instructor, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy Instructor
Eau Gallie, FL
Read more about Doreen

PATRICIA ANN STARR

Instructor, BA, LMT, RA, SET, SCI, Instructor, Practicing Aromatherapist
Sarasota, FL
Read more about Patricia

SHELLIE ENTEEN

Instructor, BA, RA, Instructor
Greer, South Carolina
Read more about Shellie

Atlantic Institute Community

Our Students are the Best!

Ann Fuller

Sylla’s message of service to humanity was a huge draw for me and I appreciate that students learn to give back!

Ken Miller

The personal attention and support from the instructors is the real gem. You’re not just a student, you’re family.

Chris Mack

My time and experience with AIA has been no less than amazing and comprehensive. Great material and instruction!

Julie CM

Sylla’s extensive knowledge is shared in a supportive and encouraging environment. Once a student, always a friend: AIA support never ends.

Janet Roark

The foundation, science of AT, and compassionate heart of service is unparalleled and doesn’t end when you graduate!

Joanna Russell

The information is thorough and relevant, and the community is very supportive. Choosing AIA was the best decision!

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