The Airmid Ambassador program is designed to bring together protectors of threatened medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), mammals, fungi and seaweed species used in aromatherapy, herbalism, perfumery, and cosmetics from around the world.
Because these species exist in numerous countries, and predominantly essential and carrier oils are being utilized worldwide, it is imperative that we have well-connected advocates working on the ground to help preserve these species and to promote their use among Indigenous communities.
Nayla Holgado
Argentina
Nayla Holgado integrates psychosocial theory, psychoaromatherapy and family
constellations to support processes of emotional integration and integrative mental health. As founder and director of Cuyen Escuela de Aromaterapia Evolutiva in Argentina…
Nayla Holgado - Argentina
Nayla Holgado integrates psychosocial theory, psychoaromatherapy and family constellations to support processes of emotional integration and integrative mental health. As founder and director of Cuyen Escuela de Aromaterapia Evolutiva in Argentina, she designs and facilitates transformative learning spaces for personal and professional development, fostering a deep connection between inner processes, aromatic plants wisdom and therapeutic practice, rooted in a profound respect for nature.
With an international career spanning education, clinical settings and holistic training, Nayla serves as a faculty member in programs across Latin America and Europe, and has participated in international aromatherapy congresses. She is a member of the Asociación de Psicólogos Sociales Clínicos de Argentina (APSCA). Her work bridges science, intuition and systemic approaches, offering a sensitive yet grounded perspective on healing processes in connection with the natural world. She lives and works in Buenos Aires, where she continues expanding a growing network of psychoaromatherapists.
Nayla Holgado - Argentina
Con una trayectoria internacional que abarca la educación, ámbitos clínicos y formaciones holísticas, Nayla se desempeña como docente en programas en Latinoamérica y Europa, y ha participado en congresos internacionales de aromaterapia. Es miembro de la Asociación de Psicólogos Sociales Clínicos de Argentina (APSCA). Su trabajo integra ciencia, intuición y abordajes sistémicos, ofreciendo una mirada sensible y a la vez sólida sobre los procesos de sanación en conexión con la naturaleza. Vive y trabaja en Buenos Aires, donde continua expandiendo una red creciente de psicoaromaterapeutas.
Nada Saric
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nada Saric is a distiller, an enfleurage master, and a producer of organic food, herbs and medicinal and aromatic herbs. Besides usual country life and duties of a mother, Nada enjoys her connection to local herbs and medicinal and aromatic plants – so much so, that she considers the study of them her deepest passion…
Nada Saric - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Her family project ‘DaBio’ is located near Blidinje Nature Park in an old farmhouse where people can escape from busy city life and reconnect with Nature. Its unique position in the forest, next to a marked bike track offers a chance to feel Nature through planting, processing and the extraction of herbs. DaBio also allows for experiences creating a delicious meal or amazing tea with locally grown herbs and medicinal and aromatic plants, and also experiencing breathtaking essential oils. The project also is conducive to education about local and endemic plant species including the 250 + endemic plant species in Blidinje Nature Park.
She is founder of The Narcissus Festival, which grew from her long love for the beautiful flower narcissus (‘Narcissus poeticus’). The main goal of this festival is to inform people what great wealth of flora can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that people should be more active in the recognition, preservation and usage of the herbs they have around them.
When not in bloom, Nada experiences the poetic beauty and scent of the narcissus flower captured through enfleurage. Her unique fragrances have been showcased internationally, and she loves giving workshops on natural perfumery and to create products with herbs and medicinal and aromatic plants she has grown.
Nada will be working with Airmid Institute to expand her work on bringing awareness of herbs and medicinal and aromatic plants in her country, and to support the healing of Nature through connecting people to them through hands-on projects, and education anchored in cultivation, perfumery, distillation, and the ‘poetry’ of floral beauty.
Elizângela Rúbia Ramos Pinto
Brazil
Elizângela Rúbia is a mother and nature lover whose bond with the Earth was cultivated alongside her grandparents, José and Pedra. The joy she felt observing nature taught her that nature is where we find balance and clarity during life’s challenges….
Elizângela Rúbia Ramos Pinto - Brazil
As a Multilingual Integrative Therapist, she bridges modern science with ancestral wisdom through Clinical Aromatherapy, Tibetan medicine, and Tupi-Guarani ethnobotany. Her mission is to help individuals inhabit the planet from their authentic selves, listening to their heart’s intuition. This dedication extends to her work in Palliative Care with Aromatherapy, providing comfort and dignity during life’s transitions.
Guided by the motto ‘Know to Love, Love to Care,’ Elizângela advocates for the ethical and sustainable use of medicinal plants. As a trilingual professional, she is inspired to use her language skills to connect Latin America’s rich ethnobotanical knowledge with the world through Airmid Institute programs. By supporting Airmid’s junior programs, she dreams of providing youth with the same transformative experiences in nature she had as a child, ensuring the next generation values, protects, and finds comfort and balance within our beautiful planet.
Elizângela Rúbia Ramos Pinto - Brasil
Elizângela Rúbia é mãe e amante da natureza, cuja ligação com a Terra foi cultivada ao lado de seus avós, José e Pedra. A alegria que sentia ao observar a natureza a ensinou que é na natureza onde encontramos equilíbrio e clareza durante os desafios da vida.
Como terapeuta integrativa multilíngue, ela une a ciência moderna à sabedoria ancestral por meio da aromaterapia clínica, da medicina tibetana e da etnobotânica tupi-guarani. Sua missão é ajudar as pessoas a habitarem o planeta a partir de sua autenticidade, ouvindo a intuição de seus corações. Essa dedicação se estende ao seu trabalho em cuidados paliativos com aromaterapia, proporcionando conforto e dignidade durante as transições da vida.
Guiada pelo lema “Conhecer para amar, amar para cuidar”, Elizângela defende o uso ético e sustentável de plantas medicinais. Como profissional trilíngue, ela se inspira em usar suas habilidades linguísticas para conectar o rico conhecimento etnobotânico da América Latina com o mundo por meio dos programas do Instituto Airmid. Ao apoiar os programas para jovens do Airmid, ela sonha em proporcionar aos jovens as mesmas experiências transformadoras na natureza que ela teve como criança, garantir que a próxima geração valorize, proteja e encontre conforto e equilíbrio em nosso belo planeta.
Claudia Codriansky
Chile
I am Claudia Codriansky, a clinical and holistic aromatherapist, educator, and founder of Aromavioleta, an international online school dedicated to a conscious and sustainable practice of aromatherapy. My work is deeply rooted in the landscapes of Chile, where my relationship with plants began as both a scientific inquiry and a lived, sensory experience.
Claudia Codriansky - Chile
I am Claudia Codriansky, a clinical and holistic aromatherapist, educator, and founder of Aromavioleta, an international online school dedicated to a conscious and sustainable practice of aromatherapy. My work is deeply rooted in the landscapes of Chile, where my relationship with plants began as both a scientific inquiry and a lived, sensory experience. Over the years, I have been devoted to weaving together modern research with ancestral plant wisdom, holding both as essential ways of understanding the complexity of aromatic plants and their therapeutic potential. Through my teaching, I have accompanied a global community of students, encouraging a more attentive, ethical, and reciprocal relationship with the plant world, integrating both the science and subtlety of aromatic plants. I am especially committed to the study and protection of native aromatic species across Latin America, recognizing their ecological, cultural, and medicinal value. As Airmid Ambassador for Chile, I seek to contribute to a more conscious field; where education, conservation, and respect for biodiversity become a shared responsibility and a path toward regeneration.
Claudia Codriansky - Chile
Soy Claudia Codriansky, aromaterapeuta clínica y holística, educadora y fundadora de Aromavioleta, una escuela internacional en línea dedicada a una práctica consciente y sostenible de la aromaterapia. Mi trabajo está profundamente arraigado en los paisajes de Chile, donde mi relación con las plantas comenzó como una indagación científica y una experiencia sensorial vivida. A lo largo de los años, me he dedicado a integrar la investigación moderna con la sabiduría ancestral sobre las plantas, considerando ambas como esenciales para comprender la complejidad de las plantas aromáticas y su potencial terapéutico. A través de mi enseñanza, he acompañado a una comunidad global de estudiantes, fomentando una relación más atenta, ética y recíproca con el mundo vegetal, integrando tanto la ciencia como la sutileza de las plantas aromáticas. Estoy especialmente comprometida con el estudio y la protección de las especies aromáticas nativas de Latinoamérica, reconociendo su valor ecológico, cultural y medicinal. Como Embajadora de Airmid para Chile, busco contribuir a un campo más consciente, donde la educación, la conservación y el respeto por la biodiversidad se conviertan en una responsabilidad compartida y un camino hacia la regeneración.
Slobodanka Poštić
Croatia
Slobodanka is a nature admirer, teacher, aromatherapy and natural perfumery educator, and author of books and manuals in these fields. Her biggest passion is natural perfumery, which she has been teaching since 2005. As an educator, she enjoys witnessing curiosity, enhthusiasm and creativity of her students, as well…
Slobodanka Poštić
Slobodanka is a nature admirer, teacher, aromatherapy and natural perfumery educator, and author of books and manuals in these fields.
Her biggest passion is natural perfumery, which she has been teaching since 2005. As an educator, she enjoys witnessing curiosity, enhthusiasm and creativity of her students, as well the impact that the process of creating and wearing natural perfumes has on their wellbeing.
Committed to the protection of threatened essential and oil-bearing plants herself, she also teaches her students to behave environmentally responsible and sustainable.
She authored the book Fragrant Signatures, Manual for Creating Natural Perfumes, (www.fragrant-signatures.eu) designed for all interested do-it-yourselfers out there.
Slobodanka also manages a resourceful website about aromatherapy, natural perfumery and olfactory experiences (www.aromaterapija.info).
Slobodanka Poštić
Slobodanka je edukatorica aromaterapije i prirodne parfimeristike sa sjedištem u Hrvatskoj, te autorica knjiga i priručnika iz tih područja: Aromaterapija – Čarolija eteričnih ulja (na hrvatskom),1994., te A kao aromaterapija, 2005., 2009. i Mirisni kalendar 2008. (na hrvatskom i slovenskom). Aromaterapija i prirodna parfimeristika su njena druga karijera od 1990-ih. Provela je dugi niz godina u kreiranju i provođenju obrazovnih programa za aromaterapeute.
Njena najveća strast je prirodna parfimeristika, koju podučava od 2005. Kao predavačica uživa promatrati znatiželju, entuzijazam i kreativnost svojih učenica/ka, te utjecaj koji to ima na njihovu dobrobit. Posvećena je zaštiti ugroženih biljaka koje su sirovine za eterična i biljna ulja, pa svoje učenice/ke podučava da se ponašaju ekološki odgovorno i održivo.
Trenutno dovršava priručnik (Mirisni potpisi – priručnik o kreiranju prirodnih parfema, na hrvatskom i engleskom) namijenjen svim zainteresiranim uradi-sam entuzijastima.
Slobodanka također uređuje informativnu web stranicu o aromaterapiji, prirodnoj parfimeristici i olfaktornim iskustvima (www.aromaterapija.info).
Raghda Abdelmaksoud
Egypt
Raghda Abdelmaksoud is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and an expert with 23 years of experience in global business development and supply chain in the medicinal herbs, flavors – fragrance and essential oils industries. In 1997 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Arts from Cairo University…
Raghda Abdelmaksoud - Egypt
Raghda Abdelmaksoud is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and an expert with 23 years of experience in global business development and supply chain in the medicinal herbs, flavors – fragrance and essential oils industries.
In 1997 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Arts from Cairo University in Egypt , In addition to Project Management from Cambridge.
Raghda’ s journey started in Egypt in 1998 when she joined one of the leading growers and distillers in Egypt, where she combined her love for languages and history with her passion for nature and adventures.
Raghda worked in supply chain, business development and sustainable sourcing she traveled to 21 countries with the most outstanding medicinal plants growing regions.
In 2013 Raghda and her family moved to their second home in USA, leading a global Joint venture project for essential oils.
In 2015 Raghda became a Clinical Certified Aromatherapist and loved every minute of this journey, she is working clinically with Holistic doctors in the USA.
In 2016 she founded Ebers Aromatherapy and Consulting – a women owned business dedicated to essential oils ethical sourcing, business development, logistics and warehousing services.
In 2018 Raghda started teaching aromatherapy globally and became the NAHA International director for Egypt and the International relationship chair. Raghda started arranging educational study tours to Egypt for aromatherapists and plant lovers to visit farms, distillers and learn about aromatherapy and herbal medicine in a real-life experience.
In 2020 she launched Ebers school of Aromatherapy an online and in-person NAHA approved school offering Aromatherapy holistic education programs and workshops.
Raghda is studying Herbal Medicine, Natural perfumery & Ethnobotany and ancient Egyptian medicine.
Her mission is to develop aromatherapy globally and particularly in the middle east, as well as developing women-owned small businesses and research Raghda believes that Plants are a universal language that connects us all, they are the agents of nature for our healing journey and a living example of hope.
Raghda Abdelmaksoud - Egypt
رغدة عبد المقصود هي أخصائية علاجيه معتمده للتشافى بالزيوت العطريه بخبرة 23 سنه في تطوير الأعمال التجارية العالمية بقطاعات الأعشاب الطبية والزيوت العطرية .
في عام 1997 تخرجت بدرجه ليسانس في الأدب الإنجليزي والفنون من جامعة القاهرة في مصر ، بالإضافة إلى إدارة المشاريع من جامعه كامبريدج.
بدأت رحلة رغدة في مصر عام 1998 عندما انضمت إلى فريدال أحد أبرز منتجى الزيوت العطريه و النباتات الطبيه بمصر، حيث جمعت بين حبها للغات والتاريخ وشغفها بالطبيعة والمغامرات.
عملت رغدة في مجال تطوير الأعمال و سافرت إلى 21 دولة من أبرز الدول المنتجه النباتات الطبية و العطريه .
فى عام 2013 انتقلت رغدة وعائلتها إلى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكي و قامت بقياده مشروعا عالميا مشتركا للزيوت العطريه
في عام 2015 أصبحت رغدة أخصائية علاجيه معتمده للتشافى بالزيوت العطريه
فى عام 2016 قامت بتاسيس & Consulting Ebers Aromatherapy شركة متخصصة لتوزيع الزيوت العطريه و والخدمات اللوجستية والتخزين و التوزيع.
في عام 2018 بدأت فى تدريس علم الأرماثيرابى على مستوى العالم وأصبحت المديرة الدولية ل NAHA مدير العلاقات الدوليه بالمنظمه وبدأت رغدة في ترتيب رحلات دراسية تعليمية إلى مصر للزيوت العطريه ومحبي النباتات لزيارة المزارع ووحدات التقطير والتعرف على االزيوت العطريه و النباتات الطبيه على أرض الواقع.
في عام 2020 أفتتحت مدرسه school of Aromatherapy Ebers مدرسة تقدم برامج تعليميه شامله وورش عمل للأروماثيرابى و الزيوت العطريه و تقوم بالتدريس فى الولايات المتحده و مصر.
و تقوم رغدة بدراسه طب الأعشاب والعطور الطبيعية والنباتات العرقية و الطب المصرى القديم.
وتتمثل مهمتها في تطويرعلم الأروماثيرابي على الصعيد العالمي وخاصة في الشرق الأوسط، فضلا عن تطوير الأعمال التجارية الصغيرة المملوكة للنساء .
Julia Falkenstein
Germany
Julia lives and works as a clinical aromatherapist, alternative practitioner and health consultant in her hometown of Berlin, where she found her love for nature as a child along the forests and banks of the river Havel region. Julia’s focus is therefore on sustainable work with regional…
Julia Falkenstein - English
Julia began her journey as an aromatherapist in France and Belgium in the 2000s and has since studied and practiced aromatherapy for over 15 years. In her home country of Germany, she completed her studies in clinical aromatherapy at the IFPA-accredited Primavera Academy. She has completed numerous courses and studied with leading aromatherapists. In addition to aromatherapy, she studied holistic medicine and became a certified naturopath in 2020. She holds certifications in various disciplines related to essential oils and is an active member of IFPA, Airmid Institute, Forum Essenzia and Aroma Forum International.
Julia has overseen the aromatherapy department in a naturopathic practice in Berlin since 2022. Her focus there is on the holistic, yet aromatherapeutic treatment of environmental and stress-related chronic diseases, the immune system and intestinal health. Julia has been organizing the regional aromatherapy working group in Berlin since 2018 and organizes thematic lectures, workshops, training courses and events. Since 2023 she has been Executive Administrator of the ICAN International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.
Julia Falkenstein - Deutsche
Julia lebt und arbeitet als klinische Aromatherapeutin, Heilpraktikerin und Gesundheitsberaterin in ihrer Heimatstadt Berlin, wo sie bereits als Kind entlang der Wälder und Ufer der Havelregion ihre Liebe zur Natur gefunden hat. Julias Fokus liegt daher auf der nachhaltigen Arbeit mit regionalen und lokalen Materialien und Lieferanten und der Verbreitung von Informationen zu den Themen Ressourcenschonung, Achtsamkeit und Nachhaltigkeit.
Julia begann ihre Reise als Aromatherapeutin in den 2000er Jahren in Frankreich und Belgien und hat seitdem über 15 Jahre lang Aromatherapie studiert und praktiziert. In ihrem Heimatland Deutschland schloss sie ihr Studium der klinischen Aromatherapie an der IFPA-akkreditierten Primavera Academy ab. Sie hat zahlreiche Kurse abgeschlossen und bei führenden Aromatherapeuten studiert. Zusätzlich zur Aromatherapie studierte sie ganzheitliche Medizin und wurde 2020 zertifizierte Heilpraktikerin. Sie verfügt über Zertifizierungen in verschiedenen Disziplinen im Zusammenhang mit ätherischen Ölen und ist aktives Mitglied von IFPA, Airmid Institute, Forum Essenzia und Aroma Forum International.
Seit 2022 leitet Julia den Bereich Aromatherapie in einer Naturheilpraxis in Berlin. Ihr Fokus liegt dort auf der ganzheitlichen, aber dennoch aromatherapeutischen Behandlung umwelt- und stressbedingter chronischer Erkrankungen, des Immunsystems und der Darmgesundheit. Julia organisiert seit 2018 den regionalen Arbeitskreis Aromatherapie des Fachverbandes Aroma-Forum-International in Berlin und organisiert Vorträge, Workshops, Schulungen und Veranstaltungen rund um das Thema Aromatherapie. Seit 2023 ist sie Executive Administrator des ICAN International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.
Anna Papazoglou
Greece
Anna is a certified aromatherapist and a member of ICAN, AIA and IFPA. She self -identifies as a lifelong student and is advancing her studies through the Certified Master’s Program in Aromatherapy, offered by EOTCHS, while also attending masterclasses and seminars which offer continuing education credits…
Anna Papazoglou - English
She is a staunch supporter of safe use of essential oils, moderation in dosing and prioritizing the use of locally sourced essential oils derived from non -threatened plant species.
She believes we are connected to endemic plants we’ve known all our lives and therefore using them in aromatherapy is like asking an old friend to help us out.
Through Airmid Institute she aims to bring awareness to the fact that nature has provided what we need, so long as we respect this gift and ensure its sustainability.
Anna Papazoglou - Ελληνικά
Υποστηρίζει με πάθος την ασφαλή χρήση των αιθερίων ελαίων, την σύνεση στην δοσολογία και την προτεραιοποίηση της χρήσης μη απειλούμενων ενδημικών ειδών.
Πιστεύει πως είμαστε συνδεδεμένοι με τα φυτά που γνωρίζουμε όλη μας ζωή και άρα το να τα χρησιμοποιούμε είναι σαν να ζητάμε την βοήθεια ενός παιδικού φίλου.
Μέσα από το Airmid Institute σκοπεύει να αναδείξει το ότι η φύση μας παρέχει όλα όσα χρειαζόμαστε στο μέτρο που σεβόμαστε αυτό το δώρο και εξασφαλίζουμε την βιωσιμότητα του.
Eliane Zimmermann
Ireland
Eliane was born in Santiago de Chile, at which time her German parents worked at and for the German embassy. When she was about three years old they moved to Algeria, and at seven they started a gorgeous life in Curitiba, South of Brazil. She spent her high school years in Bonn, German’s former capital, where Eliane began…
Eliane Zimmermann - Ireland
Eliane was born in Santiago de Chile, at which time her German parents worked at and for the German embassy. When she was about three years old they moved to Algeria, and at seven they started a gorgeous life in Curitiba, South of Brazil. She spent her high school years in Bonn, German’s former capital, where Eliane began to read Romanistics. She then went to Mainz, a lovely little town near Frankfurt, studied graphic design and graduated as a designer. During those years her dad worked at the United Nations as deputy “ambassador” (Minister Plenipotentiary) for Germany.
After she graduated she worked in some publishing houses and advertising agencies in Frankfurt, but felt that’s not the business-world which suited her. So she made a change and Eliane graduated in aromatherapy at the Shirley Price College (SPICA) in 1990 and went through naturopath training in Germany. She has authored 10 books, of which her reference book became one of the 3-4 “bibles” of German clinical aromatherapy (7th edition in 2022). She used to frequently travel to German language countries Austria, Switzerland and Germany to teach this fascinating subject, and she also gave guided garden/nature walks in the subtropical gardens and parks in the Southwest of Ireland which showcase many aromatic plants from Chile, Patagonia, Japan, Australia and Tasmania.
Eliane and her family made their home in the very rural southwest of Ireland over two decades ago. It is there that she will be carrying out her work as Ambassador in collaboration with Airmid Institute on the identification of native medicinal plants potentially under threat of habitat degradation, spreading awareness of habitat destruction of primary forest, and building global campaigns to help preserve natural ecosystems.
To learn more about Eliane, please visit:
https://aromapraxis.de/autorin/
Fusako Takada
Japan
Fusako Takada is a certified clinical aromatherapist and an Aromatic Sentinel in Japan. Palliative care and grief care hold a very special place in her heart. She regularly volunteers at a local cancer center, bringing solace to patients and their families in the palliative care ward through the use of scent…
Fusako Takada - Japan
For the last couple of years, Fusako has been keenly exploring “scent treasures” in her country. Drawing on a decade of experience in sourcing and procurement, she brings her expertise to the exploration of Japanese distillers, seeking to build relationships rooted in respect and trust. Guided by a deep commitment to ethics and the sustainability of aromatic plants, she approaches each encounter with curiosity and care, honoring both the wisdom of the distillers and the life of the local plants. Through this mindful and values-driven journey, she aspires to contribute her insights and skills to the Airmid Institute, supporting its mission of responsible stewardship and the preservation of plant heritage.
高田房子
高田房子（Fusako Takada）は、日本を拠点とする認定クリニカル・アロマセラピストであり、アロマティック・センチネルです。緩和ケアとグリーフケアは、彼女にとって特別な意味を持つ大切な分野です。地域のがんセンターで定期的にボランティアとして活動し、香りを用いて緩和ケア病棟の患者さんやそのご家族に安らぎを届けています。近年は、東京バプテスト教会にてグリーフケアのサポートグループを立ち上げ、多様な背景を持つ人々を支えています。彼女は、これらのケアの領域を神聖なものと捉え、香りには人に深い慰めをもたらす独自で力強い作用があると信じています。
ここ数年、房子は日本各地に息づく「香りの宝物」の探求にも力を注いできました。約10年にわたる調達およびサプライチェーン分野での経験を活かし、日本の蒸留家たちと向き合い、敬意と信頼に基づいた関係づくりを大切にしています。芳香植物の倫理的な利用と持続可能性への強い信念に導かれ、一つひとつの出会いを丁寧に、そして好奇心をもって重ねながら、蒸留家の知恵と地域に根ざした植物の生命の双方を尊重しています。この思慮深く価値観に根ざした歩みを通して、彼女は自身の知見と経験をAirmid Instituteに還元し、責任あるスチュワードシップと植物遺産の保全という使命を支えていきたいと願っています。
Fionah Njeri
Kenya
Fionah Njeri is a herbalist, linguist, and social researcher from Kenya, working at the intersection of medicinal plants, language, and traditional ecological knowledge. Her work focuses on exploring, testing, and documenting medicinal and aromatic plants from Africa through field research, wild harvesting, product creation…
Fionah Njeri - English
As a linguist, she pays close attention to plant names across different languages, recognizing that language carries memory, use, and deep relationships between people and the land. She carefully preserves plant names, their uses, cultural narratives, and social contexts, understanding that the loss of language often leads to the loss of plant knowledge.
Currently, she works with women’s groups, grassroots communities, and small-scale farmers to revitalize traditional plant wisdom, promote sustainable stewardship of natural resources, and support communities in reconnecting with plants as living relatives rather than merely commercial commodities. Her work is grounded in principles of respect, ecological restoration, and the continuity of cultural heritage.
Fionah Njeri - Kiswahili
Jina langu ni Fionah Njeri, mtaalamu wa mimea tiba (herbalist), mwanaisimu, na mtafiti wa kijamii kutoka Kenya anayefanya kazi katika makutano ya mimea ya tiba, lugha, na maarifa ya jadi ya ikolojia. Kazi yangu inalenga kuchunguza, kujaribu, na kurekodi mimea ya tiba na harufu kutoka Afrika kupitia utafiti wa mashambani, uvunaji wa asili, uundaji wa bidhaa, na ubadilishanaji wa maarifa kati ya vizazi kwa kushirikiana na wazee, waganga wa jadi, na jamii za wenyeji.
Kama mwanaisimu, ninazingatia kwa makini majina ya mimea katika lugha mbalimbali, nikitambua kuwa lugha hubeba kumbukumbu, matumizi, na uhusiano wa kina kati ya binadamu na ardhi. Ninahifadhi kwa uangalifu majina ya mimea, matumizi yake, simulizi za kitamaduni, na muktadha wake wa kijamii, nikitambua kuwa kupotea kwa lugha mara nyingi husababisha kupotea kwa maarifa ya mimea.
Kwa sasa, nafanya kazi na vikundi vya wanawake, jamii za mashinani, na wakulima wadogo ili kufufua hekima ya jadi ya mimea, kukuza usimamizi endelevu wa rasilimali za asili, na kusaidia jamii kuunganika tena na mimea kama ndugu wa maisha, si bidhaa za kibiashara tu. Kazi yangu imejengwa juu ya misingi ya heshima, urejeshaji wa mazingira, na mwendelezo wa urithi wa kitamaduni.
Dr. Nicole Boukhalil
Lebanon
Dr. Boukhalil is a Pharmacist and a Clinical Aromatherapist. She earned her doctorate in Pharmacy from Saint-Joseph University in Beirut (Lebanon) and her Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy diploma from the School of Pharmacy of Aix-Marseille (France). She underwent postgraduate studies in scientific aromatherapy…
Dr. Nicole Boukhalil - Lebanon
Dr Nicole is a pioneer in introducing aromatherapy teaching, training and practice in Lebanon. She runs her own pharmacy in Beirut, and is a clinical aromatherapist wellness consultant who is committed to raising awareness about the benefits of aromatherapy among the healthcare professionals and the general public.
Dr Nicole believes that Nature is a great healer. Much wisdom is gained by working with Nature‘s treasures. She believes that plants, flowers and trees are to be handled with respect and care, so we can preserve nature for the future generations. Spending time in Nature and staying fit are important for Dr Nicole, this is why she is also a marathon runner and an avid mountain hiker.
Dr. Nicole Boukhalil - Lebanon
الدكتورة بو خليل صيدلاني و متخصصة بالعلاج بالزيوت العطرية أو اروماثيرابي. حصلت على شهادة دكتوراه في الصيدلة من جامعة القديس يوسف في بيروت و على دبلوم العلاج بالنباتات والعلاج بالزيوت العطرية من كلية الصيدلة في إيكس مرسيليا ، في فرنسا. تخصصت في العلاج بالزيوت العطرية العلمية ، بما في ذلك دورات متقدمة في العلاج بالزيوت العطرية السريرية (كلينيكال اروماثيرابي) في باريس (فرنسا) ولندن (المملكة المتحدة).
(MPH) الدكتورة بو خليل حاصلة على درجة الماجستير في الصحة العامة
وهي متخصصة في الرعاية التجميلية الجلدية الطبيعية (فرنسا)
تعتبر الدكتورة نيكول رائدة في تقديم تعليم العلاج بالزيوت العطرية والتدريب والممارسة في لبنان في هذا المجال. هي استشارية العلاج بالزيوت العطرية السريرية. تلتزم الدكتورة نيكول برفع مستوى الوعي حول فوائد العلاج بالزيوت العطرية بين المتخصصين في المجال الطبي وعامة الناس. تلقي محاضرات وورش عمل في جميع أنحاء لبنان.
تدير الدكتورة بو خليل صيدليتها الخاصة في بيروت. تصنع خلطات علاجية شخصية ، مصممة خصيصًا لاحتياجات مرضاها وتقدم المشورة بشأن النباتات والمنتجات العشبية والعناية الطبيعية بالبشرة.
تؤمن الدكتورة نيكول أن الطبيعة معالج رائع وأنه يتم اكتساب الكثير من الحكمة من خلال العمل مع الكنوز المدهشة التي تقدمها لنا الطبيعة. كما تؤمن أن التعامل مع النباتات والزهور والأشجار يجب أن يتم باحترام ورعاية من اجل الحفاظ عليها للأجيال القادمة.
تهوى الدكتورة نيكول رياضة الركض والمشي أو الهايك بالجبال والطبيعة.
Marika Fleri
Malta
Marika Fleri has been practicing aromatherapy for the past 20 years in Malta focusing mainly on education, promoting safe use of oils through various media including TV, newspapers, magazines, workshops and social media. She has been working in oncology and palliative care for the past five years. Marika is the…
Marika Fleri - Malta
Marika Fleri has been practicing aromatherapy for the past 20 years in Malta focusing mainly on education, promoting safe use of oils through various media including TV, newspapers, magazines, workshops and social media. She has been working in oncology and palliative care for the past five years. Marika is the Coordinator of The National Cancer Platform which brings together all Maltese non-government organizations working in the field of cancer and she mans a ‘one-stop shop’ concept office at Malta’s oncology hospital.
She is also the clinical aromatherapist in residence at the hospital working with other health care professionals to offer an integrative and holistic approach to treatment.
Marika is a VTCT Tutor, Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer. She runs AromaHub Malta together with Lorraine Spiteri.
She is the founder of The Azure Butterfly Project, a group of professional complementary therapists who are voluntarily offering their services where it is most needed and where otherwise it would be very difficult for people to have access to therapists.
Madeleine Wellhuner
The Netherlands
Madeleine Wellhuner is founder, CEO and Senior Educator of Kicozo, a global Knowledge Institute for Integrative & Complementary (Nursing) Care. Madeleine is a former RN, Clinical Aromatherapist, Aromatherapy Educator, Massage Therapist and AquaCare Specialist….
Madeleine Wellhuner - English
Madeleine Wellhuner is founder, CEO and Senior Educator of Kicozo, a global Knowledge Institute for Integrative & Complementary (Nursing) Care.
Madeleine is a former RN, Clinical Aromatherapist, Aromatherapy Educator, Massage Therapist and AquaCare Specialist.
She also owns AromaCare Nurse (The Netherlands), where specialised aromacare products are developed made for hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and home care. AromaCare Nurse uses only certified organic raw materials and sustainably sourced.
Madeleine is a highly respected expert and world-renowned educator in Clinical Aromatherapy (AromaCare), AquaCare and other complementary therapies, specialised in the care for the frailest patients and elderly, in oncology, in palliative and end of life care. Madeleine is a member and advisor to the Dutch Nurses Society and Palliactief (NL), of the American Holistic Nurse Association, AIA (board member), NAHA (approved educator), and other professional organisations.
She is also a Fellow of ICAN, the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.
Madeleine is the author of many papers and these highly acclaimed books:
- “Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care” (2015)
- “CO2 Extracts in Aromatherapy, 50+ Extracts for Clinical Applications” (2018)
- “Clinical AromaCare – Aromatherapy in Health Care & Practice” (2023)
Madeleine is also the author of Dutch National Guidelines on Aromacare and Aquacare in Palliative and Cancer care (2023).
Madeleine teaches at Kicozo’s campus in The Netherlands where she heads a team of tutors. Kicozo is accredited by the Dutch Board of Nursing Quality. She is a guest teacher for some of the best schools for Aromatherapy and Integrative Medicine & Nursing in the world. She travels the world and offers online programs, safe and science based (continuing) education, to train nurses and health care professionals in clinical aromatherapy (AromaCare), and other clinical complementary (nursing) techniques to enhance quality of life for patients and their loved ones.
Madeleine is passionate about actively raising and promoting awareness of our fragile Mother Earth in her teachings and product development. She is the contributor to and translator of Airmid’s Biannual List in Dutch from 2026.
She hopes to contribute to Airmid’s global mission by advising the public and professionals on purchasing plant oils and extracts from sustainable sources, with the smallest ecological footprint possible. She strives to show that less is more, and to balance the need for clinically used evidence based medicinal and aromatic plants for our health and wellbeing, with the needs of our amazing earth.
Madeleine Wellhuner - Nederlands
Madeleine Wellhuner is oprichter, CEO en Senior Educator van Kicozo, een wereldwijd kennisinstituut voor integratieve en complementaire (verpleegkundige) zorg.
Madeleine is voormalig geregistreerd verpleegkundige (RN), klinisch aromatherapeut, aromatherapie-docent, massagetherapeut en AquaCare-specialist.
Zij is tevens eigenaar van AromaCare Nurse (Nederland), waar gespecialiseerde aromazorgproducten worden ontwikkeld voor ziekenhuizen, verpleeghuizen, hospices en de thuiszorg. AromaCare Nurse werkt uitsluitend met gecertificeerde biologische grondstoffen en duurzaam verkregen ingrediënten.
Madeleine is een hoog gewaardeerd expert en internationaal gerenommeerd docent op het gebied van klinische aromatherapie (AromaCare), AquaCare en andere complementaire therapieën. Zij is gespecialiseerd in de zorg voor de meest kwetsbare patiënten en ouderen, met bijzondere aandacht voor oncologie, palliatieve zorg en zorg in de laatste levensfase. Zij is lid en adviseur van de Nederlandse Vereniging voor Verpleegkundigen en Palliactief (NL), de American Holistic Nurse Association, AIA (bestuurslid), NAHA (erkend docent) en andere professionele organisaties. Daarnaast is zij Fellow van ICAN, het International Clinical Aromatherapy Network.
Madeleine is auteur van vele artikelen en de volgende veelgeprezen boeken:
Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care (2015)
CO₂ Extracts in Aromatherapy, 50+ Extracts for Clinical Applications (2018)
Clinical AromaCare – Aromatherapy in Health Care & Practice (2023)
Daarnaast is zij auteur van de Nederlandse landelijke richtlijnen voor AromaCare en AquaCare in de palliatieve zorg en oncologische zorg (2023).
Madeleine geeft les op de Kicozo-campus in Nederland, waar zij leiding geeft aan een team van docenten. Kicozo is geaccrediteerd door het Nederlandse Verpleegkundig Kwaliteitsregister. Daarnaast is zij gastdocent bij enkele van de beste opleidingen voor aromatherapie en integratieve geneeskunde en verpleegkunde wereldwijd. Zij reist internationaal en verzorgt ook online programma’s en veilige, wetenschappelijk onderbouwde (na)scholingen voor verpleegkundigen en zorgprofessionals, met als doel de kwaliteit van leven van patiënten en hun naasten te verbeteren.
Madeleine zet zich met passie in voor het actief vergroten van het bewustzijn rondom de kwetsbaarheid van onze Moeder Aarde, zowel in haar onderwijs als in productontwikkeling. Vanaf 2026 is zij tevens bijdrager en vertaler van Airmid’s tweejaarlijkse lijst in het Nederlands.
Zij hoopt bij te dragen aan Airmid’s wereldwijde missie door zowel het brede publiek als professionals te adviseren over de aankoop van plantaardige oliën en extracten uit duurzame bronnen, met een zo klein mogelijke ecologische voetafdruk. Daarbij streeft zij ernaar te laten zien dat minder vaak meer is, en zoekt zij voortdurend naar een evenwicht tussen de klinische toepassing van evidence-based medicinale en aromatische planten voor onze gezondheid en het welzijn van onze bijzondere aarde.
Dr. Miguel Antonio Puescas Chully
Peru
Miguel Antonio Puescas Chully, born on May 1, 1964, in Bellavista de La Unión, Sechura Province, Piura, Peru, is a distinguished Engineer. He resides in Cerro Blanco, San Juan de la Virgen District, Tumbes Province. Miguel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Sciences from the National University of the Peruvian Amazon….
Dr. Miguel Antonio Puescas Chully - Peru
His extensive career focuses on sustainable forest management, particularly in the dry forests of northern Peru. Dr. Puescas Chully has led numerous reforestation projects, emphasizing the sustainable use of the palo santo tree (Bursera graveolens). His work includes the development of the Sustainable Forestry Development Model (MDFS), integrating socio-economic activities such as livestock farming, beekeeping, and ecotourism with environmental conservation efforts.
Dr. Puescas Chully is also a renowned university professor at the National University of Tumbes, where he serves as a researcher and academic leader. He has participated in various national and international conferences and has held significant positions in regional environmental management, including Regional Manager of Natural Resources and Environmental Management in Tumbes.
Passionate about community development, Dr. Puescas Chully collaborates with local rural populations to promote sustainable forestry practices. His work is deeply inspired by his commitment to biodiversity preservation and sustainable development.
He expresses his gratitude for the continuous support of his parents, who reside in Bellavista de La Unión, and honors the memory of his brother José del Carmen, who passed away due to COVID-19 in 2020. Dr. Puescas Chully’s dedication to his field and community continues to drive his efforts toward sustainability and environmental conservation.
Dr. Miguel Antonio Puescas Chully - Peru
Su extensa carrera se centra en el manejo forestal sostenible, particularmente en los bosques secos del norte del Perú. El Dr. Puescas Chully ha liderado numerosos proyectos de reforestación, haciendo hincapié en el uso sostenible del árbol de palo santo (Bursera graveolens). Su trabajo incluye el desarrollo del Modelo de Desarrollo Forestal Sostenible (MDFS), integrando actividades socioeconómicas como la ganadería, la apicultura y el ecoturismo con los esfuerzos de conservación del medio ambiente.
El Dr. Puescas Chully es también un reconocido profesor universitario de la Universidad Nacional de Tumbes, donde se desempeña como investigador y líder académico. Ha participado en diversos congresos nacionales e internacionales y ha ocupado importantes cargos en la gestión ambiental regional, entre ellos el de Gerente Regional de Recursos Naturales y Gestión Ambiental en Tumbes.
Apasionado por el desarrollo comunitario, el Dr. Puescas Chully colabora con las poblaciones rurales locales para promover prácticas forestales sostenibles. Su trabajo está profundamente inspirado en su compromiso con la preservación de la biodiversidad y el desarrollo sostenible.
Expresa su agradecimiento por el continuo apoyo de sus padres, quienes residen en Bellavista de La Unión, y honra la memoria de su hermano José del Carmen, quien falleció a causa del COVID-19 en 2020. La dedicación del Dr. Puescas Chully a su campo y a su comunidad continúa impulsando sus esfuerzos hacia la sostenibilidad y la conservación del medio ambiente.
Jirbie Go, CA
Philippines
Jirbie has been an aromatherapist and a student of aromatherapy since 2019. She is the current Country Representative for the Philippines at Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) and the founder of Alliance of the Philippine Aromatherapists (APA), the first professional organization for aromatherapists…
Jirbie Go, CA - Philippines
Jirbie has been an aromatherapist and a student of aromatherapy since 2019. She is the current Country Representative for the Philippines at Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) and the founder of Alliance of the Philippine Aromatherapists (APA), the first professional organization for aromatherapists in the Philippines, where she advocates accessible education among the Filipino aromatherapy enthusiasts and even to the microproducers. She believes that quality accessible education is one of the key factors to improve and elevate the Philippine aromatherapy industry as a whole.
As one of the pioneering Certified Aromatherapists in the country, Jirbie has been invited to participate in various public speaking engagements about aromatherapy since 2018. She continues to empower and inspire her students to further their studies in aromatherapy through her blog, her Youtube channel, her podcast, and through personal mentoring as she uses her platform to advocate safe and responsible use of essential oils.
Jirbie remains to be a conduit between small scale producers of essential oils and end users in the hopes of uplifting the Philippine aromatherapy industry as she supports these microproducers in their sustainable and regenerative efforts.
Jirbie Go, CA - Philippines
Si Jirbie ay isang aromatherapist at patuloy na estudyante ng aromatherapy mula noong 2019. Siya ang kasalukuyang Representative ng Pilipinas sa Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) at ang nagtatag ng Alliance of the Philippine Aromatherapists (APA), ang pangunahing propesyonal na organisasyon ng mga aromatherapists sa Pilipinas kung saan ang adbokasiya ng grupo ay magtaguyod ng pag-aaral at pagsasaliksik ng aromatherapy sa Pilipinas. Naniniwala si Jirbie na isa sa susi upang maiangat ang industriya ng aromatherapy sa Pilipinas ay sa pamamagitan ng de-kalidad at abot-kamay na edukasyon hindi lang para sa end-users, pati na rin sa mga nagproproduce nito.
Bilang isa sa naunang Certified Aromatherapists sa Pilipinas, si Jirbie ay nakapagpaunlak ng iba’t ibang mga pampublikong seminars at trainings tungkol sa aromatherapy mula noong 2018. Patuloy siyang nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa kanyang mga mag-aaral na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral sa aromatherapy sa pamamagitan ng kanyang blog, ng kanyang Youtube channel, podcast, at sa pamamagitan ng personal na pagtuturo habang ginagamit niya ang kanyang platform upang itaguyod ang ligtas at responsableng paggamit ng essential oils.
Si Jirbie ay patuloy na nagiging daan upang mabigyan ng plataporma ang mga maliliit na produser ng aromatic plant products patungo sa mga end-users ng aromatherapy. Isa rin sa adhikain ni Jirbie and maitaguyod at maiangat ang industriya ng aromatherapy sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pagsuporta niya sa mga microproducer ng aromatic plant products at siguraduhin ang pagpapatuloy ng kanilang sustainable at regenerative efforts sa pagtatanim nito.
Marju Kivi
Portugal
My name is Marju Kivi, born in Estonia and living in Portugal since 2000. I work as an aromatic distiller and natural perfumer. Observing Nature, its beauty, variety and functionality, so much to admire! Our family moved to Louriçal do Campo in 2010. This sweet village is situated at the South side of Gardunha Mountain…
Marju Kivi - Portugal
My name is Marju Kivi, born in Estonia and living in Portugal since 2000.
I work as an aromatic distiller and natural perfumer.
Observing Nature, its beauty, variety and functionality, so much to admire!
Our family moved to Louriçal do Campo in 2010. This sweet village is situated at the South side of Gardunha Mountain, at the heart of Portugal.
One hot summer morning, Marco and I went out for mountain biking ride. On our way back, there was an intense, sweet, woody aroma in the air. After identification of the plant and its possible extracts, quickly our first ever distillation took place! This was the beginning of Naturalness Essential Oil Distillery. Our flagship product was Rock Rose/Cistus ladanifer essential oil.
In 2020 I joined Airmid Institute as Ambassador for Portugal! I feel honored and motivated to work together with this incredible international team of Airmid Ambassadors!
Learn more about Naturalness Essential Oil Distillery:
Click Here
Marju Kivi - Portugal
Meu nome é Marju Kivi, nascida na Estónia e a viver em Portugal desde 2000.
Sou destiladora de aromáticas e perfumista natural. Admiro a beleza, variedade e funcionalidade na Natureza!
Em 2010 a nossa familia mudou-se para Louriçal do Campo – uma aldeia simpática situada no lado Sul da Serra da Gardunha.
Numa manhã quente de verão da Beira Baixa, o Marco e eu fomos dar um passeio de bicicleta. No caminho de casa, sentimos um aroma no ar. Identificámos a planta e descobrimos os seus possíveis extratos. Decidimos logo avançar com a experiência da destilação. Começámos desta maneira a Destilaria Naturalness, com um produto de raíz: óleo essencial de esteva/Cistus ladanifer.
Em 2020 tornei-me embaixatriz Portuguesa do Instituto Airmid! Sinto-me honrada e motivada para trabalhar com a incrível equipa internacional de embaixadores!
Saiba mais sobre Destilaria Naturalness:
Clique aqui
Biljana Božanić Tanjga
Serbia
Above all, Biljana is a human being inspired by and following the laws of nature, paying attention to signs to better understand how energy flows. Biljana holds a Master of Agricultural Sciences. She was born on March 26, 1979, in Vukovar. She leads a rose breeding company in Serbia. After earning her master’s degree…
Biljana Božanić Tanjga - Serbia
Above all, Biljana is a human being inspired by and following the laws of nature, paying attention to signs to better understand how energy flows.
Biljana holds a Master of Agricultural Sciences. She was born on March 26, 1979, in Vukovar. She leads a rose breeding company in Serbia. After earning her master’s degree, she continued several years of studying and working in the Netherlands, Belgium, and England.
Currently pursuing her PhD, Biljana is deeply involved in every phase of rose breeding, especially focusing on fragrance and bioactive compounds in petals. She combines her extensive practical experience with scientific insights to develop and promote innovative phenotype-genotype combinations. Her passion for using science to refine breeding methods ensures continuous progress, driving the creation of unique, high-quality rose varieties that meet both aesthetic and environmental standards. She is a passionate seeker of beauty. Roses are the supreme art of nature!
No wonder Biljana introduces herself “as a researcher, a woman, a mother and a rose breeder – who improves everything and everyone, wherever she can – starting with herself”.
She describes herself as, first and foremost, a researcher of everything beautiful in life, who refines herself through her various roles. Inspired by The Little Prince, she takes time for herself and her roses. Enjoy the beautiful, fragrant notes of roses with all your senses, and feel the joy and gratitude.
Her aim is to spread roses and fragrances all over the world!
You can learn more about Biljana’s work here: www.pheenogenoroses.com
Biljana Božanić Tanjga - Serbia
Pre svega, ljudsko biće koje je inspirisano Zakonima Prirode, i prati znakove Prirode kako bi bolje razumela kako se Energija pOKreće.
Biljanino službeno obrazovanje je Magistar poljoprivrednih nauka, rođena je 26. marta 1979. godine u Vukovaru. Vodi kompaniju za uzgoj i oplemenjivaje ruža u Srbiji. Kada je magistrirala, nastavila je višegodišnje školovanje i rad u Holandiji, Belgiji i Engleskoj.
Trenutno na doktorskim studijama, Biljana je duboko uključena u svaku fazu oplemenjivanja ruža, posebno mirisna i bioaktivna jedinjenja u laticama. Ona spaja svoje veliko praktično iskustvo sa naučnim uvidima kako bi razvila i promovisala inovativne kombinacije fenotip-genotip. Njena strast da koristi nauku za usavršavanje metoda uzgoja i oplemnjivanja osigurava kontinuirani napredak, podstičući stvaranje jedinstvenih, visokokvalitetnih sorti ruža koje ispunjavaju i estetske i ekološke standarde.
Biljana je strastveni tragalac za lepotom. Ruže su remek delo prirode!!!
Nije ni čudo što se Biljana predstavlja „kao istraživač, žena, majka i oplemenjivač ruža – koja unapređuje sve i svakoga, gde god može – počev od sebe“.
Za sebe kaže da je pre svega istraživač svega lepog u života, koja prvo oplemenjuje sebe, a to čini kroz sve svoje različite uloge u životu. Inspirisana Malim princom, odvaja vreme za sebe i ruže. Uživa svim svojim čulima u prelepim mirisnim notama ruža i oseća Radost i Zahvalnost.
Njen cilj je da širi Mirisne Ruže širom sveta !!!
Više o njenom radu možete pogledati na www.pheenogenoroses.com
Dr. Sandi Nye
South Africa
Sandi is a registered Naturopath and Clinical Aromatherapist in South Africa with extensive qualifications in conventional, natural, holistic, and energetic medicine. Her four-decade career spans clinical practice, life sciences, teaching, writing, editing, community service, natural product research, development…
Dr. Sandi Nye - South Africa
A dedicated activist and advocate, since the 1990s, Sandi played a pivotal role in the successful statutory recognition and regulation of professional aromatherapy and other allied health professions in South Africa. She served multiple terms on the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, representing aromatherapy and naturopathy in various roles. These days, she prefers working behind the scenes, nurturing and empowering the next generation to carry the aromatic torch forward. She has been an ICAN Fellow since 2021, and an Honorary Life Member of several professional associations.
On a personal level, Sandi treasures her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loves animals, cooking, reading, gardening, crafting, and soap-making, a hobby and a business she has embraced for 60 years. As part of her philosophical and spiritual practise, she is deeply committed and actively engaged in various philanthropic activities. Sandi believes practising love and kindness is the cornerstone of conscious existence.
Passionate about nature, conservation, and sustainability, she is particularly committed to preserving indigenous medicinal and aromatic plants of the Cape Floral Kingdom. As Airmid Ambassador for South Africa she aims to focus particularly on projects that educate future generations about the preservation of indigenous medicinal and aromatic plants of the rich fynbos biome in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Dr. Sandi Nye
Sandi is ‘n geregistreerde Naturopaat en Kliniese Aromaterapeut in Suid-Afrika met uitgebreide kwalifikasies in konvensionele, natuurlike, holistiese en energetiese medisyne. Haar veertigjarige loopbaan strek oor kliniese praktyk, lewenswetenskappe, onderrig, skryf, redigering, gemeenskapsdiens, navorsing oor natuurlike produkte, ontwikkeling, formulering en vervaardiging. Sy beoefen reeds 40 jaar lank integrerende medisyne saam met haar man, Dr. David Nye.
As ‘n toegewyde aktivis en voorstander het Sandi sedert die 1990’s ‘n deurslaggewende rol gespeel in die suksesvolle wettige erkenning en regulering van professionele aromaterapie en ander geallieerde gesondheidsberoepe in Suid-Afrika. Sy het verskeie termyne op die Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa gedien, waar sy aromaterapie en naturopatie in verskeie hoedanighede verteenwoordig het. Deesdae verkies sy om agter die skerms te werk, en die volgende generasie te koester en bemagtig om die aromatiese fakkel vorentoe te dra. Sy is sedert 2021 ‘n ICAN-genoot en ‘n Erelewenslid van verskeie professionele verenigings.
Op ‘n persoonlike vlak koester Sandi haar rol as vrou, ma, ouma en vriendin. Sy is lief vir diere, kook, lees, tuinmaak, handwerk en seepmaak – ‘n stokperdjie én besigheid wat sy reeds vir 60 jaar beoefen. As deel van haar filosofiese en spirituele praktyk, is sy diep toegewyd en aktief betrokke by verskeie filantropiese aktiwiteite. Sy glo dat die beoefening van liefde en vriendelikheid die hoeksteen van bewuste bestaan is.
Sandi het ‘n passie en liefde vir die natuur en fynbos, veral vir die bewaring en volhoubaarheid van die kosbare endemiese aromatiese plante wat in die unieke bioom, bekend as die Kaapse Blomme Koninkryk, voorkom. As Airmid-Ambassadeur vir Suid-Afrika is haar doelwit om veral op projekte te fokus wat toekomstige geslagte opvoed oor die bewaring van inheemse medisinale en aromatiese plante van die ryk fynbos-bioom in die Wes-Kaap van Suid-Afrika.
Sílvia Jiménez Català & Kurt Michael Arruda
Spain
Silvia and Kurt are a couple and co-founders of Savia Íbera, a small family business dedicated to aromatic and medicinal plants and production of essential oils and hydrolats. Sílvia Jiménez Català was born in Barcelona and comes from a Catalan and Aragonese family (from Northern Spain). She has felt a strong connection…
Sílvia Jiménez Català & Kurt Michael Arruda - Spain
Silvia and Kurt are a couple and co-founders of Savia Íbera, a small family business dedicated to aromatic and medicinal plants and production of essential oils and hydrolats.
Sílvia Jiménez Català was born in Barcelona and comes from a Catalan and Aragonese family (from Northern Spain). She has felt a strong connection with the natural world since a very young age, especially with forests and medicinal wild plants, as she inherited this passion and knowledge from her grandparents and great-grandmother.
When she grew up she graduated in Biology at the University of Barcelona and since then she has not stopped studying and experimenting, learning every day a little bit more about the plant world and its extracts from a holistic and integrative point of view.
She has worked both in plant research projects (University of the Azores in Portugal and at the Centre for Agri-Food Research and Technology of Aragon, Spain) and in LIFE conservation projects led by the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA, a Portuguese NGO partner of Birdlife International).
She also has extensive experience on Environmental Education. She loves working with children and accompanying them on this exciting journey towards caring for the environment.
Kurt Michael Arruda, born in Canada, is native of the island of São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, although he has been living in Spain for several years. He shares the same passion for Nature, both terrestrial and aquatic worlds, as he used to spend his days surrounded by green mountains and the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean from a very young age. He has a real fascination for ecological systems and believes tenaciously that they are the true inspiration for sustainable living and production. After realizing that as a society we are “out of sync” with the living systems to which we belong, he began his personal quest to live in a more harmonious way, eventually finding what he was looking for, Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture. As well as considering himself an eternal autodidact, he obtained the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC), Queensland (Australia) and a grade of specialization in Ecological Agriculture in Aragon, Spain.
Sílvia Jiménez Català & Kurt Michael Arruda - español
Silvia y Kurt son pareja y co-fundador@ de Savia Íbera, una pequeña empresa familiar de cultivo de plantas aromático-medicinales y producción de aceites esenciales e hidrolatos.
Sílvia Jiménez Català nació en Barcelona y es descendiente de familia catalana y aragonesa (norte de España). Desde muy pequeña siente una estrecha conexión con el mundo natural, en especial, con los bosques y las plantas silvestres medicinales, ya que heredó la pasión y conocimiento de sus abuelos y bisabuela. Al crecer se licenció en Biología en la Universidad de Barcelona y desde entonces no ha dejado de estudiar y experimentar, aprendiendo cada día un poco más sobre el mundo vegetal y sus extractos desde una visión holística e integrativa.
Ha trabajado tanto en proyectos de investigación vegetal (Universidad de las Azores en Portugal y en el Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón en España) como en proyectos de conservación LIFE liderados por la Sociedad Portuguesa para el Estudio de las Aves (SPEA, ONG portuguesa socia de Birdlife International).
También tiene amplia experiencia en Educación Ambiental. Le encanta trabajar con niñ@s y acompañarlos en este emocionante viaje hacia el cuidado del medioambiente.
Kurt Michael Arruda, nacido en Canadá, es nativo de la isla de São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, aunque vive desde hace varios años en España. Comparte la misma pasión hacia la Naturaleza, tanto por lo terrestre como lo acuático, ya que desde muy pequeño solía pasar el día rodeado de las verdes montañas y las aguas profundas del océano Atlántico. Siente auténtica fascinación por los sistemas ecológicos y cree tenazmente que ellos son la auténtica inspiración para vivir y producir de forma sostenible. Después de darse cuenta de que como sociedad estamos “fuera de sintonía” con los sistemas vivos a los que pertenecemos, empezó su búsqueda personal para conseguir vivir de una forma más armoniosa, encontrando al final lo que estaba buscando, la Permacultura y la Agricultura Regenerativa. Además de considerarse un eterno autodidacta obtuvo el Certificado en Diseño en Permacultura (PDC), Queensland (Australia) y la especialización en Agricultura Ecológica en Aragón, España.
Sílvia Jiménez Català & Kurt Michael Arruda - Català
Silvia i Kurt son parella i co-fundadors de Savia Íbera, una petita empresa familiar de cultiu de plantes aromàtiques i medicinals i de producció d’olis essencials i hidrolats.
Sílvia Jiménez Català va néixer a Barcelona i és descendent de família catalana i aragonesa (del nord d’Espanya). Des de molt petita sent una estreta connexió amb el món natural, especialment amb els boscos i les plantes silvestres medicinals, ja que va heretar aquesta passió i coneixement dels seus àvis i besàvia. En créixer es va llicenciar en Biologia a la Universitat de Barcelona i des de llavors no ha deixat d’estudiar i experimentar, aprenent cada dia una mica més sobre el món vegetal i els seus extractes des d’una visió holística i integrativa.
Ha treballat tant en projectes de recerca vegetal (Universitat de les Açores a Portugal i en el Centre de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentària d’Aragó a Espanya) com en projectes de conservació LIFE liderats per la Societat Portuguesa per a l’Estudi de les Aus (SPEA, ONG portuguesa sòcia de Birdlife International).
També té àmplia experiència en Educació Ambiental. Li encanta treballar amb nens/es i acompanyar-los en aquest emocionant viatge cap a la protecció del medi ambient.
Kurt Michael Arruda, nascut al Canadà, és natiu de la illa de São Miguel, illes Açores, Portugal, encara que viu a Espanya des de fa anys. Comparteix la mateixa passió cap a la Naturalesa, tant per les formes terrestres com les aquàtiques, ja que des de molt petit solia passar el dia envoltat per verdes muntanyes i aigües profundes de l’oceà Atlàntic. Sent autèntica fascinació pels sistemes ecològics i creu tenaçment que ells són l’autèntica inspiració per a viure i produir de manera sostenible. Després de donar-se compte de que com a societat sembla que estiguem “fora de sintonia” amb els sistemes vius als quals pertanyem, va començar la seva cerca personal per a aconseguir viure d’una forma més harmoniosa, trobant al final el que estava buscant, la Permacultura i l’Agricultura Regenerativa. A més de considerarse un etern autodidacta va obtenir el Certificat en Disseny en Permacultura (PDC), Queensland (Austràlia) i l’especialització en Agricultura Ecològica a Aragó, Espanya.
Sevil Ağalar Altınel
Türkiye
Sevil Ağalar Altınel graduated from the Pharmaceutical Faculty of İstanbul University in Türkiye and has a MS degree in Health Care and Marketing Administration from University of Long Island New York, USA. She started her pharmaceutical career as a product manager at Hoffman La Roche, a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical…
Sevil Ağalar Altınel - Türkiye
Sevil Ağalar Altınel graduated from the Pharmaceutical Faculty of İstanbul University in Türkiye and has a MS degree in Health Care and Marketing Administration from University of Long Island Newyork, USA.
She started her pharmaceutical career as a product manager at Hoffman La Roche, a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company, continued as an Oncology Busines Unit Manager at Bristol Myers Squibb, an American multinational pharmaceutical company and then at Jansen Cilag, a Belgium based multinational pharmaceutical company.
After leaving the pharmaceutical industry, she opened her own private pharmacy in Bebek, Istanbul. Natural products have been her focus both during her education and her professional life. After a while, she branded her natural formulations, under the name of ‘Nature & Nurture’.
Currently, she is continuing her Phytotherapy master’s education in Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy. She has been working on her thesis about Olea europaea leaf extract. Olea europaea L. is a well-known evergreen , immortal tree, native to the Mediterranean coast.
She has been writing aromaterapy /phytoterapy articles in different pharmaceutical journals and has been giving aromatherapy trainings. She has been working on the board of Aromader Turkish Aromatherapy Association and NGOs.
Sevil Ağalar Altınel - Turkey
Sevil Ağalar Altınel, Türkiye’de İstanbul Üniversitesi Eczacılık Fakültesi’nden mezun olmuştur. Long Island Üniversitesi, Newyork ABD’den Sağlık ve Pazarlama Yönetimi alanında yüksek lisans derecesine sahiptir.
İlaç sanayii kariyerine çok uluslu bir İsviçre ilaç firması olan Hoffman La Roche’da ürün müdürü olarak başlamış, çok uluslu bir Amerikan ilaç firması olan Bristol Myers Squibb’de ve ardından Belçika merkezli çok uluslu bir ilaç firması olan Jansen Cilag’da Onkoloji Bölüm Müdürü olarak devam etmiştir.
İlaç sektöründen ayrıldıktan sonra İstanbul Bebek’te kendi eczanesini açmıştır. Doğal ürünler, hem eğitimi hem de profesyonel hayatı boyunca odak noktası olmuştur. Bir süre sonra doğal formüllerini ‘Nature & Nurture’ adı altında markalaştırmıştır.
Halen İstanbul Üniversitesi Eczacılık Fakültesi Farmakognozi Ana Bilim Dalında Fitoterapi yüksek lisans eğitimine devam etmektedir. Olea europaea yaprağı ekstresi üzerine tez çalışmasını yürütmektedir. Olea europaea L., Akdeniz kıyılarına özgü, yaprak dökmeyen, ölümsüz, mucizevi bir ağaçtır.
Eczacı Sevil Ağalar Altınel, farklı farmasötik dergilerde aromaterapi/fitoterapi makaleleri yazmakta ve aromaterapi eğitimleri vermektedir. Aromader, Türk Aromaterapi Derneği ve bazı STK’ların yönetim kurullarında görev yapmaktadır.
