Meet your 2022-2023 CFA board of directors!
Maria Fiordalisi, President
Maria Fiordalisi has been certified in aromatherapy since 2017. She offers an array of alternative holistic therapies including reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy massage, culinary nutrition consultations, and holistic health and wellness coaching. She also formulates custom aromatherapy health and wellness products. Maria founded Helianthus Holistic Arts in 2020, a multidisciplinary school teaching aromatherapy certification courses and general health and wellness workshops.
Danielle Sade, Vice-President
Danielle Sade is the founder of Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy and the author of Aromatherapy Beauty Guide. With over 30 years of international experience teaching, practising and studying plant-based medicine and aromatherapy, Danielle has developed a unique and effective approach to understanding and teaching the study of aromatherapy. Along with her teaching, Danielle has served as president of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists three times and has been actively involved in the development of the CFA's educational standards.
Crystal Fares, Secretary-Treasurer
Crystal Fares received her aromatherapy certification in 2019 and became a Certified Aromatherapy Health Professional in 2020. She comes to the board with experience in disability management, having been a case manager managing complex disability claims for five years, as well as experience in data analytics and program management. She is versed in human rights and labour law, and she is in the final stages of completing her Bachelor of Science majoring in human science. Crystal currently practices in Brampton, Ontario, and is the founder of The Universal Garden of Wellness.
Kelly Stanhope, Education Director
Kelly Stanhope is following her passion for wholistic healing and natural medicines through her business Stanhope Solutions – Balancing Body, Mind, and Spirit. She supports women in their self-care and healing with aromatherapy, energy healing and spiritual connection. She is passionate about helping her clients make the connection to spirit and creation as part of their individual healing process. Kelly recently completed Reiki Level 3 training to complement her current skill set and is working to incorporate it into her practice.
Shannon Bachorick, Communications Director
Shannon completed her certification in aromatherapy in 2017. After experiencing the life-altering effects of stress and anxiety on the body, she has taken a particular interest in working with women who live with or are at risk of developing autoimmune disorders. She offers aromatherapy consultations, custom and retail aromatherapy products made with essential oils and other aromatics, aromatherapy education, and bath and body product formulation recommendations for her two- and four-legged clientele.
Rebeca Ledersnaider, Events Director
Originally from Colombia, Rebeca moved to Mexico and became an occupational therapist in 1984. Rebeca holds aromatherapy certifications in the from Aromahead Institute and the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy. She also studied advanced clinical aromatherapy with Rhiannon Lewis in France. In 2004, she founded Shaktili Aromatherapy and later Aromacademia to promote aromatherapy education in Mexico and Latin America, establishing the first Spanish-speaking school recognized by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists. She has also developed aromatherapy programs at many private schools and universities in Mexico City. In 2018, she received a master’s degree in dermopharmacy and cosmetic formulation from the International University of La Rioja in Spain. Parallel to her teaching, she offers volunteer services to the elderly and Alzheimer’s patients and is building a network to support Mexican producers of aromatic plants and essential oils.
Chris Carrothers, Special Projects Director
Chris has been guiding clients and students along their pathway to natural wellness, for over 20 years. As a former Preventive Dental Assistant, she went from head to toe, expanding her holistic health knowledge by becoming a certified reflexologist in 1996. She established her company, Steps to Health, in 1998 to provide people with natural, holistic health and wellness. Education and training have been part of her practice right from the start. Soon after Chris attained a diploma in adult education in 2002, Steps to Health became a recognized school with the CFA, NAHA and RRCO. Since becoming a professional member of the CFA in 2000, Chris has served as chair of the education committee, sits on the current board of directors, and continues to have an active role in curriculum and standards of education for CFA programs.
Cindy Giguere, Membership Director
Cindy is a retired a registered nurse, and was always interested in natural and holistic healing modalities. She completed her aromatherapy course in 2010 from Living Essentials and was able to use aromatherapy in the work place by offering aromatherapy massages. She has trained as a Bowen therapist and is looking forward to offering both modalities in 2023.