ACHS Governing Advisory Board
ACHS Governing Board
The following members constitute the current Governing Advisory Board of the American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Geraldine DePaula, MD
Founder and president of Aroma Medica, Dr. DePaula is a respected educator and researcher. She is also a board certified psychiatrist in the state of Pennsylvania. Dr. DePaula completed her undergraduate training at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and completed her graduate studies at SUNY at the Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Mindy Green, AHG, RA
Mindy is an herbalist, esthetician, and aromatherapist. She is currently the clinical aromatherapist for Aveda. She has written extensively on medicinal plants. Mindy is a well-known educator, author and a past director of the Herb Research Foundation. She brings a wealth of experience and industry insight to the Governing Board. Mindy is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild [RH (AHG)] and also a Registered Aromatherapist (RA). Mindy also participated in aromatherapy training at Purdue University in 1996 and 1997.
Shawn Howe, BSN, RN, HbT
As a registered nurse and graduate of the College's Diploma in Homeobotanical Therapy (Dip. HbT.), Ms. Howe runs a natural health clinic in Oregon. She brings a wealth of professional and clinical experience to the Governing Advisory Board. Shawn graduated from Oregon Health & Science University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Shawn is a licensed RN in the state of Oregon.
Dr. Arlene Kestner, PhD
Following graduation from Cottey College (Nevada, MO), Arlene Kestner attended the University of Illinois-Urbana graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She pursued graduate studies in Experimental Psychology at Bradley University [Peoria, IL]. Following two years of employment as a psycho-pharmacologist, Kestner came to Baton Rouge (Louisiana) to completed her graduate education at Louisiana State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with an Experimental Physiological Psychology specialty. Dr. Kestner is a professor emeritus at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has conducted extensive research into the psychological effects of essential oils.
Margaret LaPierre, BS, HHP
Margaret is a holistic practitioner, licensed aesthetician, and aromatherapy educator. She holds a Diploma in Holistic Health Practice (HHP) and Certificate in Aromatherapy (both from the American College of Healthcare Sciences), and a Bachelor of Science in Health, with a concentration in Health and Wellness. She is founder of Skin Therapy of Virginia, a clinic specializing in holistic and clinical skin care treatments. She is past president of the Virginia Herb Association and former co-owner of Maison de Marjan Herbals where she manufactured herbal bath and body products. Margaret is a licensed esthetician in the state of Virginia.
