Introducing
Dr. Kelly Ablard
The Thing About Rosewood
There are at least four essential oils commonly referred to as ‘rosewood’, but they are sourced from four unique trees. One of the four trees is globally recognized as Endangered, is CITES-protected, and happens to be the source of one of the most sought after and traded essential oils on the global market today. As a consumer, supplier, or retailer, understanding the conservation status, CITES-status, taxonomic, geographic, and chemical differences among these four essential oil-bearing plants, is critical. This knowledge translates to the beginning steps needed for protection of this pronounced aromatic threatened species, and its preservation as an important herbal and spiritual medicine in Amazonian Shipibo-Conibo communities.
Kelly Ablard, PhD, RA®, EOT®, MIFPA holds a Doctorate in Biology, an MSc in Conservation, and is a certified Conservation Aromatherapist™. As Founder and CEO of the California-based NGO Airmid Institute, she is dedicated to the global education, research, and sustainability of medicinal and non-medicinal aromatic plants, and their traditional uses in Indigenous communities. Kelly’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and she has presented for multiple international professional aromatherapy associations. She received the BCAOA Achievement of Excellence Award and was highlighted as outstanding alumna bySimon Fraser University as CEO of Airmid Institute.
Kelly is also Co-owner and Co-principal of Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, which is internationally recognized for their high-quality online aromatherapy certification diploma programs. When not protecting MAPs or teaching about them, she spends her time in Nature, or in a float tank!
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Biology, Simon Fraser University, Canada, 2013
- Certified Essential Oil Therapist, West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy, Canada 2009
- Master of Science (MSc) Conservation, Oxford Brookes University, UK 2006
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) Zoology, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, USA, 2004