COLLEEN THOMPSON
of Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies
DAY 3
18/2/24
Colleen has always been drawn to aromas and many of her memories are linked to how a person smelled. Her dad never left the house without his splash of Old Spice and to this day the scent can take her back to her childhood. She lived near the forest as a child and continues to live near the forest as an adult. She regularly walks in the forest and the fresh aroma of conifer trees always calms and grounds her. She was forest bathing before she knew it was a thing!
Colleen worked in the financial industry for 26 years, while working toward her Marketing, Business, Adult Education diplomas and certificates from various colleges and the University of British Columbia Executive Program. Her last position, which she held for a number of years, was Training Manager for a large financial institution.
Colleen left the financial industry in 1996 to become a Certified Aromatherapist and subsequently owned and operated three aromatherapy stores and a holistic spa from 1996 – 2007. She made many of the products sold for both retail and wholesale. Concurrently from 2006 – 2012 Colleen taught aromatherapy at a local massage therapy college and was the Spa Program coordinator.
From 1996 – 2012 Colleen was actively involved in teaching aromatherapy programs and workshops throughout British Columbia, Canada. In 2012, she completed the development of the Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies Aromatherapy Certification Program and since 2012 has provided recognized aromatherapy education for hundreds of students worldwide.
Over the last 27 years, Colleen has been a mentor for many aromatherapy students and certified aromatherapists around the globe. She is an advocate for evidence-based education, inclusivity, and collaboration within the aromatherapy community.
Colleen has been actively involved in professional aromatherapy associations in the USA and Canada for 20+ years. Currently she is a Director, Education Chair and member of the Clinical Committee for the AIA and is the Past President of the Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy.
In addition, to holding a diploma in Adult Education, as well as Business and Marketing, Colleen holds titles as a Registered Aromatherapist (RA®), Essential Oil Therapist (EOT®), Professional Aromatherapist (AIA and NAHA), Lymphatic Drainage Massage Practitioner, Indian Head Massage Practitioner, and is a Certified Reflexologist.
Colleen believes in life-long learning and interprofessional collaboration with others both within the aromatherapy community and with other holistic practitioners and medical professionals. She has been married to her husband for 52 years and is the proud mother of a son and a daughter and doting grandmother to five beautiful grandchildren.
Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies
