Nyssa Hanger, MA, LMT, RYT
Nyssa Hanger is a second-generation aromatherapist, Assistant Director and Instructor for the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, founded in 1989 by Nyssa’s mother, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger. In 2001, Nyssa helped Sylla form and operate a non-profit called United Aromatherapy Effort in response to the September 11th tragedy. Nyssa got to see firsthand the healing benefits of massage and aromatherapy in times of crisis, and she knew then that she must pursue a profession in the healing arts. After beginning her career as a licensed massage therapist in 2005, she completed training in Structural Energetic Therapy and Emotional Energy Release Therapy from Don McCann, MA, LMT. She has also studied Blossoming Heart Aromatic Kinesiology with Robbi Zeck, ND, and CranioSomatic Therapy with Dallas Hancock, DC. Nyssa completed her Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from the University of South Florida in 2010.
In her practice, Nyssa uses aromatherapy both medicinally and psychotherapeutically. Though her client base is diverse in conditions and abilities, she has found a surprising specialty in working with clients with traumatic brain injuries. This summer, she is helping to launch the first-ever Aromatherapy Practitioner Training Program as an expanded supplement to the long-standing course offerings at the Atlantic Institute. She is passionate about continuing Sylla’s intellectual legacy and helping to bring the aromatherapy community together.
Nyssa is the Founder and Director of Upward Spiral Center, a unique home for healing and transformation in Tampa, FL. Nyssa created Upward Spiral Essentials, a line of essential oils and signature blends that are top-quality but affordably priced, and she made them available to her local community to learn about and experience firsthand. She also offers a specialized approach to bodywork and healing that incorporates all aspects of her knowledge—to create the most effective therapy for each client’s unique needs—called Upward Spiral Therapy. She knows that making the world a better place means helping others start an upward spiral of healing and transformation in their lives, to become more of who they really are.