Colleen Thompson Receives 2021 Founder’s Award from Alliance of International Aromatherapists
Colleen Thompson, RA, MIFPA, Founder of Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, was named the winner of the 2021 Founder’s Award by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA). AIA is dedicated to the education of aromatherapists, healthcare professionals and the public in all aspects of aromatherapy.
The Founder’s Award is “presented to an AIA member who demonstrates the attributes of a founder; one who forges the organization into a greater level of achievement through professional excellence.”
This prestigious award reflects Colleen’s dedication to maintaining the gold standard for aromatherapy education.
To further quote the Alliance of International Aromatherapists:
This year’s recipient has demonstrated the attributes of a founder by engaging in leadership activities, exemplifies the vision and mission of the AIA, exhibits high ethical standards, and promotes responsible use of essential oils, engages in recruiting new members, and serves as an exceptional ambassador to the members of the AIA and the public by upholding AIA’s values and principles.⠀
[Colleen] has worked in the field of Aromatherapy since 1995 and has been a Registered Aromatherapist since 1997. She has founded a school in which her mission is to maintain its gold-standard in aromatherapy education and to move the industry forward by training highly qualified aromatherapists to master and represent the profession. Something that carries over in her work with the AIA. Her students describe her as thoughtful, patient, supportive, and reassuring. Her colleagues note that she has integrity, is trustworthy and fair, and has a heart of gold. We couldn’t agree more!⠀
She has served AIA since 2015, when our president reached out to her and asked to step up and fill a much-needed void on our board of directors. With the confidence of our membership, she has remained on our board as an elected officer ever since serving as AIA Secretary and as a Director. She brought a dynamic international perspective to the board with the benefit of helping us think beyond our borders.⠀
She always participated in board deliberations with creativity, grace, and with a sound and practical approach. She kept the board on track with her excellent organizational skills and has always been lovely to work with.
Colleen shares, “I was very honoured to receive the Founder’s Award. I know each of the founders personally and hold each of them in such high esteem. The founders of the AIA had a vision and built a strong foundation based upon community, excellence, and stringent educational requirements in the field of aromatherapy. To be considered worthy of this award by the five founders of the AIA was truly a privilege that I will always hold close to my heart.”
At Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, Colleen Thompson, RA has created a vibrant, connected, and thriving student body with a successful professional track record.
Learn more about Colleen Thompson, RA, MIFPA.
About Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies
Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies offers 300- and 630-hour professional aromatherapy certification programs that help you grow a successful, fulfilling career by specializing and creating your market niche. Professional Level Certification prepares graduates to become aromatherapy consultants, launch product lines or retail businesses, or provide services as an adjunct to existing holistic health specializations. Master Level Certification and electives are ideal for certified aromatherapists seeking higher education or a path to clinical aromatherapy practice.
All Essence of Thyme programs focus on aromatherapy product development and advanced formulation, evidence-based research, spa and business management, international industry regulatory guidelines, and sustainability and conservation of essential oil and carrier oil-bearing plants.
Our comprehensive, evidence-based programs meet or exceed the criteria set forth by 5 international professional aromatherapy associations. Learn more about our aromatherapy certification programs.
