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
- After September 11, 2001, we formed the United Aromatherapy Effort, Inc. a 501c(3) non-profit. Current activity can be found in the Facebook Group.
- 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.
Founder & Director
SYLLA SHEPPARD-HANGER
LMT, Director of Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy/ Instructor, Practicing Clinical Aromatherapist
Tampa, FL
Founder & Director
SYLLA SHEPPARD-HANGER
Director of Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy/ Instructor, Practicing Clinical Aromatherapist
Tampa, FL
Nyssa Hanger
Assistant Director
Doreen DeSerres-DuJardin
Instructor
Patricia Ann Starr
Instructor
Shellie Enteen
Instructor
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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