12/13/2023
Cherisse Gigli BSN RN HNB-BC CCAP RA CRM/T is the NAHA regional director for New Jersey (Northeast).
Cherisse has been chosen as a Director in Action due to her lifelong dedication in advocating for aromatherapy as a “true” healthcare profession and one which can enhance the use of modern medicine.
Cherisse has been interested in holistic energy healing modalities since she was very young with a great interest in astrology, aromatherapy, music, and Reiki. She received her initial nursing training as an RN in 1997. This earned her an Associate in Nursing from Passaic County Community College in Paterson NJ graduating with honors the spring of 1998 as well as an Associate in Psychology. During the course of her nursing education Cherisse became very interested in the use of herbs and essential oils used to reduce stress, focusing on her and fellow nursing classmates to help endure the late night clinical and studying. “Heal the Healer,” was her main concentration on various nursing assignments.
While continuing her nursing career, attaining a BSN at Rutgers, The State University of NJ in 2000, she worked as a Pediatric Crisis Behavioral Health nurse at various hospitals incorporating Complementary Medicine and Progressive Relaxation in the milieu of her therapeutic groups. In February 2002, Cherisse completed Jane Buckle, RN PhD’s course for Certified Clinical Aromatherapist Practitioner for Health Care Professionals. Jane’s course introduced Cherisse to the existing but still much-needed evidence-based aromatherapy research needed, in order for aromatherapy to be a true health profession in United States.
Upon completing Jane Buckle’s course in Harrisburg, PA, Cherisse was introduced to and joined NAHA. This provided an open door to the networking world full of passion for the integrity of true aromatherapy. Cherisse became a Registered Aromatherapist in November 2002 as well as the NAHA New Jersey (Northeast) Director. She hoped this position would serve to help the growth of the aromatic profession on the East Coast running NAHA meetings out of the hospital. During 2003-2005, Cherisse accepted the position to serve on NAHA’s Board as Director Coordinator. Cherisse believed her volunteering efforts to be part of her pioneering goals for enhancing True Aromatherapy as a profession in Complementary Medicine in the USA’s future for healthcare.
Through the years Cherisse has become a Nationally Board Certified Holistic Nurse, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher, Certified Health Rhythms Drum Facilitator and IGA Certified Acupressurist. She has taught Holistic and Psychiatric Nursing from 2008 -2015 lecturing in the classroom as well as in the clinical setting. During her lessons she incorporated aromatherapy and drumming with nursing students as well as patients. Cherisse has over 15 years of experience teaching, speaking and facilitating aromatic drum circles at hospitals, developmental centers and private workshops, including the NY Open Center in Manhattan. She currently has finished Levels 1-3 in Debra Silverman’s Applied Astrology Program and is working on her astrology certification. Cherisse has a great interest in Medical Astrology as well as Aromatherapy in Astrology. She hopes to be able to incorporate both of these Astrological modalities in Chart readings for clients. She is also in the process of writing a children’s fiction novel that promotes the use of astrology, aromatherapy, and integrative energy healing. Cherisse continues to consult and educate on aromatherapy and specializes in intuitive aromatherapy readings with personal blends.
Congratulations to Cherisse Gigli! We are so happy to have her as part of the NAHA team of directors!
