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ACHS Holistic Health Scholarship Recipient Says ‘Follow Your Heart’

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LindaToomey

I had a chance to sit down with ACHS Adult Skills Education Program Scholarship recipient Linda Toomey last month to talk about her passion for holistic health and what receiving this scholarship means to her…a virtual sit down that is 🙂 Read more about this inspiring woman’s commitment to following her heart and passion for her work in our Q&A here:

Q: Tell me why you chose ACHS for your accredited holistic health degree.

A: Initially, I was seeking an aromatherapy chemistry course to fulfill continuing education requirements for the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC). Once I found the AROMA 305 Aromatherapy Chemistry course at ACHS, I discovered all that ACHS has to offer, including the Associate of Applied Science degree in Complementary Alternative Medicine. It’s like finding a gold mine.

Q: What do you like most about your Associate of Applied Science in CAM program?

A: The ability to pull together all of my years of training and experience under one roof. From here, there is the ability to continue to grow and build towards a degree. The ACHS courses are of excellent quality.

Q: What do you enjoy most about studying online with ACHS?

A: First of all, I appreciate the flexibility of scheduling my lessons and homework into my life’s schedule. The ACHS courses are always available to me online, even when I am traveling out of town. I also enjoy meeting fellow students from all over the country and beyond. The camaraderie among fellow students is not only supportive, but it is also a source of learning from someone else’s point of view and experiences.

Q: Do you have any tips for success for prospective students that are thinking about getting started?

A: Follow your heart. Being passionate with what you are doing will enable you to make the necessary sacrifices to take that first step and beyond. After taking the first step, it is amazing how the doors begin to open for you.

Q: Linda, what advice do you have for current students that may be struggling in their studies?

A: Anything of ‘value’ in this life is worth fighting for. As Winston Churchill once said, “Never, never, never give up.”

Q: How does this scholarship help you achieve your goals?

A: This scholarship is supportive financially and enables me to continue my studies at ACHS so that I can be excellent in all that I do.


We are so excited to see Linda achieving her goals of a recognized, accredited degree in the field she is so passionate about – aromatherapy! ACHS offers the ACHS Adult Skills Education Program scholarship in partnership with Imagine America. Click here to learn more or contact ACHS Admissions at (800) 487-8839. 

Tracey Abell, ACHS President

Tracey Abell, ACHS President

Tracey grew up in Portland, Oregon, where her grandmother, a nurse, professor, and organizational management expert with a background in holistic healing, introduced her to holistic health at a young age. Inspired by her grandmother’s dedication to healthcare and education, Tracey began her own education journey in the field of massage by attending the East West College of Healing Arts, where she developed a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of body systems and how wellness can have an impact on quality of life. This experience reinforced her interest in pursuing a career where she could help others. In 2002, Tracey joined the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), where she gained expertise in admissions, academic operations, accreditation, compliance, and strategic growth. As an adult learner herself, earning her BS in Business Management from Western Governors University and an MS in Education with a specialization in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University, Tracey understands firsthand the needs of post-traditional students. She is committed to ensuring ACHS meets students where they are, providing flexible, high-quality education that helps them achieve their goals. As President and CEO of ACHS, Tracey leads with a focus on academic excellence, innovation, and student success. She works with teams to expand opportunities for students and graduates, ensuring that ACHS remains a leader in accredited integrative health education. Her expertise spans higher education accreditation and compliance, program development, and strategic institutional leadership. She also has extensive experience navigating multi-state finance, HR, and academic regulations. Tracey is active in the distance education community, engaging in advocacy to enhance the recognition and value of online learning. Since 2014, she has served as a Business Standards and Title IV evaluator for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and currently serves as a DEAC Commissioner and member of the DEAC Board of Directors. “I am inspired by our students and graduates and the work they are doing to transform healthcare and promote wellness in their community using the ACHS integrative health and wellness education. I'm also proud of our staff and faculty who live our mission through their dedication and passion for making a difference in the world and helping students make their dreams a reality. Education is about so much more than gaining knowledge. At ACHS, education is about community, innovation, and empowering others to embrace wellness as a lifestyle. It is an honor to lead an institution with a mission to make the world a more sustainable and healthier place for all.”

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