Bill Hershey is the founder of Life Stream Business Services, supporting integrative clinics with strategy, accounting and bookkeeping. He has taught business with CAAM, NAMA, Kerala Ayurveda Academy and other reputable organizations. Living a quiet life in the forest and practicing a spiritual lifestyle brings him joy.

Seva Van Why is a passionate and perpetual student of Ayurveda and higher learning for 25 years. She runs a successful Ayurvedic Lifestyle consulting practice involving Ayurvedic Body Therapies as her special niche. Van Why is a former midwife, holistic educator, Ayurvedic Body Therapy instructor, and author, and has held staff positions at The Chopra Center, Optimum Health Institute, California College of Ayurveda, and is currently the Director of Continuing Education and Certification with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA).

Highlighted Speaker: Dr. John Douillard’s Legacy of Ayurveda in the USA

with John Douillard, DC, CAP, LifeSpa

Join us to honor and recognize internationally renowned Ayurvedic Practitioner Dr. John Douillard as he shares his journey in Ayurveda and highlights his accomplishments in advancing the field of Ayurveda and the Ayurveda profession in the United States.

John Douillard, DC, CAP is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, which is one of the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness online resources on the web and is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world. Douillard is the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of 7 health books including his bestsellers Body, Mind and Sport, Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet, and the host of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast. He directs LifeSpa Ayurvedic Clinic, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the Year in Boulder, CO.

Featured Presentation: The future of Ayurveda - Trends, opportunities and Challenges in the 21st Century

with Kevin Casey, Co-Founder & CEO, Banyan Botanicals

Join us for an amazing feature presentation with Kevin Casey as he shares with us his insights into the growing trends for Ayurvedic herbal sustainability.

Kevin Casey, a co-founder of Banyan Botanicals, has dedicated his life to supporting others in achieving and maintaining health and well-being through Ayurveda. Banyan Botanicals, a certified B-Corp, has an enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, better business practices, providing sustainably sourced, fairly traded and certified organic herbs and products, along with information that educates and inspires consumers to create a healthier lifestyle by cultivating greater self-awareness. Casey studied with Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute and worked for several years in the school's herbal pharmacy. Casey co-founded Banyan Farm, a certified organic farm in Williams, OR, which grows a wide variety of medicinal herbs and offers the Living Ayurveda Internship, a work-exchange program that provides education on regenerative agriculture practices, bio-regional Ayurveda and basic Ayurvedic principles for healthy living. He studied business and philosophy at University of San Diego. Casey is an avid surfer who also enjoys hiking, mountain biking and spending time with his wife and two daughters at their home base in OR. 

Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy: Synergistic Pathways to Optimal Health

with Nishita Shah E-RYT500, YACEP, CIAYT, CAP, The Ayurvedic Institute, SoHum

General Session | Allied Sciences Discover the profound connection between Ayurveda and Yoga as they converge in a harmonious approach to holistic well-being. Uncover the transformative potential of Ayurvedic principles and Yoga practices, including pranayama (breathwork), to promote comprehensive wellness, sustainability, and the seamless integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Nishita Shah’s first foray into Ayurveda and Yoga began at a young age. Raised in a traditional Indian household, she was always trying to find a balance and connection between Eastern and Western cultures. She deepened her curiosity for these traditional Vedic sciences and she studied under Vasant Lad, MASc at The Ayurvedic Institute completing her formal studies in Ayurveda and Yoga. Shah is passionate about sharing these sciences, and is excited to continue this at SoHum, both as an instructor with our various programming and supporting clients with their Panchakarma. She also currently teaches at The Ayurvedic Institute as the lead yoga instructor, supports the yoga training programs at Asheville Yoga Center, and sees Ayurvedic clients with AyurPrana. If you don’t find her with clients or teaching, you’ll find her outside hiking or in her kitchen–cooking and baking for those she loves.

Shailinder Sodhi was born in Himachal Pradesh, India. His interest in plants gradually turned into a passion and in 1985, he received his BAMS degree from Dayanand Ayurvedic College. He then enrolled at Bastyr University in Washington where he received his ND degree in Naturopathic Medicine in 1993.

Sustainable Practices: Ayurveda and Environmental Stewardship

with Suniti Ramanujam, Pure Mitti

General Session | Sustainable Wellness — Learn about the intrinsic connection between Ayurveda and environmental stewardship, and how adopting sustainable practices can contribute to personal wellbeing and global impact while preserving our natural environment.

Suniti Ramanujam, founder of Pure Mitti, a BIPOC-owned, sustainable brand dedicated to guiding our community towards 100% toxin-free living through Ayurveda. As a former National Geographic executive and Isha Yoga practitioner, she’s committed to providing natural daily living products, merging ancient wisdom with modern wellness, and fostering a passion for sustainable living.

Achieving our Collective Vision: A Roundtable Conversation with our Stakeholders

with Hilary Garivaltis, AP, Ayurvedic Health Education Services, LLC, NAMACB Certification Board; Madison Madden, AD, NAMA Board Member; Lisa Cavallaro, PsyD, C-IAYT, AAC & Alyssa Wostrel, MBA, Executive Director, IAYT

General Session | Discussion Panel

Hilary Garivaltis is the principal founder of Ayurvedic Health Education Services, LLC, which offers educational and training programs in Ayurveda throughout the United States and Canada. Garivaltis is the founder and former dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, and has more than 16 years of experience in teaching Ayurvedic daily living tools and Ayurvedic therapy techniques. She’s served on the National Ayurvedic Medical Association board since 2006 and is active in advancing Ayurvedic medicine through initiatives throughout the United States.

Madison MAdden, AD is a clinical practitioner of Ayurveda who specializes in Ayurvedic body therapies. She is also a yoga practitioner, certified massage therapist, birth doula, sustainability activist, and author of the best-selling book, Mind Body Food.

Madison serves on the Board of Directors of NAMA, member of the State Association Subcommittee of NAMA, and is guest faculty at Madhya Way Ayurveda School of Ayurveda. She lives and practices in Golden, Colorado.

Lisa Cavallaro, PsyD, C-IAYT is the Executive Director of the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC). She is a licensed psychologist and holds a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Lisa specializes in health psychology and behavioral medicine and is the former program director of a multidisciplinary wellness program within a regional medical center. In addition to her 25 years of private practice, she has taught masters and doctoral graduate courses in psychology and facilitated many educational and support groups.

She previously served as an accreditation specialist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Dr. Cavallaro is also credentialed as a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) through the International Association of Yoga Therapists and is a faculty member at the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy.

Alyssa Wostrel came to IAYT with decades of management and leadership positions in sales, marketing, and medical education—notably executive director positions at national nonprofit organizations mission-focused on advancing integrative healthcare initiatives. She is also classically trained in homeopathy. Over and over again she is witness to the gift of transformation that yoga therapy offers herself and others. Based in Venice, Calif., Alyssa loves hiking, bird watching, ocean swimming, and myriad travel adventures with friends and family.

Heather Burkart, a Chicago native, loves to cultivate culinary and medicinal herbs in her home garden in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, and presenter at this year's Midwest Women's Herbal Conference. She is the founder of Her Well Being Ayurveda & Yoga. Her speciality is family and women’s wellness.

Nina Raymond is a botanist with over a decade of experience in plant identification, flora surveys, plant community classification and mapping, and ecological restoration. She is also a licensed massage therapist and has studied both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Nina’s current focus is on local edible and medicinal plants.

Ayurveda in Digital Health: Leveraging Technology for Ayurvedic Practices

with Trisha Swift, DNP, MS-MAVIM, MSN, RN, Mula Integrative Health & Wellness

Practicum | Business & Technology — Discover how the integration of technology is revolutionizing Ayurvedic practices, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, to provide personalized, efficient, and easily accessible holistic healthcare solutions.

Trisha Swift is an Advanced Practice Nurse and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare industry experience across payers, providers, and technology. She is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and holds a Master’s degree in Maharishi Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine. Dr. Swift specializes in using plants as medicine through food, spices, herbals, oils, and aromas. Her approach is personalized to each person’s needs with a focus on balancing the connections between the gut, mind, and body. Dr. Swift also serves as a strategic healthcare advisor, helping clients design, build, and execute tech-enabled clinical programs. Her specific focus areas are clinical technology strategy, care management, health equity, social care, brain health, food-tech, preventative medicine, and population health.

Carlie Irvin trained in Ayurveda and is the Co-Founder and CEO of Shoona, an Alternative Healthcare EHR and Mobile App. With a passion for Ayurveda she is working to expand the market. Carlie has studied at MMI and is currently enrolled at the Ayurvedic Institute to deepen her Vedic Knowledge.

Vrinda Devani’s dedication to empowering women towards vibrant health and living shines through in her practice as a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and as an Ayurvedic Practitioner. After studying under Vasant Lad, Vrinda followed this passion to Nepal, where she studied Ayurvedic women’s health with Dr. Sarita Shrestha. Devani believes in unfolding the human body’s potential through a blend of complementary and allopathic medicine, and so her approach to healing is always extraordinarily well-rounded and compassionate.  She serves as faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute, as the medical director of SoHum Mountain Healing. 

Building a Sustainable Ayurvedic Practice

with Bill Hershey, Business Coach & Business Educator, LifeStream Business Services & Karan Chopra, Owner, Sumitra Remedies LLC

General Session | Business & Technology - Unlock the secrets to building a thriving and sustainable Ayurvedic practice in this comprehensive session. Gain invaluable insights into effective marketing techniques, client retention methods, financial management, and ethical considerations. Discover the key ingredients for long-term success in the field of Ayurvedic medicine, ensuring the sustainability and growth of your business.

Bill Hershey is the founder of Life Stream Business Services, supporting integrative clinics with strategy, accounting and bookkeeping. He has taught business with CAAM, NAMA, Kerala Ayurveda Academy and other reputable organizations. Living a quiet life in the forest and practicing a spiritual lifestyle brings him joy.

Cynthia Copple is the author of Know Your Blueprint: The Ayurvedic Secret to Restoring Your Vitality and Passion in 30 Days. She co-founded and is past-President of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (2000) and also co-founded and is former Dean of the Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda (2006).  She is Director of Lotus Holistic Health Institute which she founded in Santa Cruz, CA, in 1982. Copple is on the teaching staff of MMI College of Ayurveda and Meru Institute. She loves to inspire others and enthusiastically shares the effects of food and lifestyle on health and happiness according to Ayurveda.

Hilary Garivaltis, is the principal founder of Ayurvedic Health Education Services LLC, which offers educational and training programs in Ayurveda throughout the United States and Canada. Hilary is the Founder and former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, and has more than 16 years of experience in teaching Ayurvedic daily living tools and Ayurvedic therapy techniques. Hilary has served on the National Ayurvedic Medical Association board since 2006 and is active in advancing Ayurvedic medicine through initiatives throughout the United States.

Virender Sodhi became an Ayurvedic doctor in 1980 and worked as Ayurvedic Medical professor until 1986 before becoming the first Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician in the United States in 1988. He currently practices at the Ayurvedic & Naturopathic Medical Clinic in Bellevue, Washington with a focus in Oncology.

Harpinder Kaur, Ayurvedic Practitioner and co-founder of Komal Herbals, Inc., infuses her profound knowledge of traditional Ayurvedic practices into her role. The company operates a third-party GMP and USDA Organic certified manufacturing facility, specializing in crafting top-tier Ayurveda-inspired wellness products promoting health and vitality.

Meenakshi Gupta, BAMS, MD(Ayu), a Gold Medalist from The National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India, is the Founder-Director of AyurRoots Ayurveda Wellness® and Co-founder of Ciamor skincare in Plano, Texas. She holds an MBA from IGNOU, India, and certifications in Nutrition Science and Child Nutrition from Stanford School of Medicine. Meenakshi is the Brand Ambassador for Unilever's Indulekha, and serves as Vice President of the American Association of Ayurveda Professionals (AAAP). With over five years of teaching experience in India and two decades in the USA, she is a respected authority in Ayurveda.

David McConaghay aka VedaDave is IFS-informed Ayurvedic Doctor Level Certified (NAMA), practicing Vedic Astrologer and Master of Metaphysics. He offers 1:1 consultations and continuing education for wellness professionals seeking to enhance their subtle awareness and expand their clinical skills. David serves on the board of the Colorado Ayurvedic Medical Association.

Michael Mastro is a leading expert in Vastu. His Corporate clients include Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing and Intel. His book The Way of Vastu has won many awards. He presented Vastu on the Doctor Oz Show. Michael was named one of the Top 100 Trailblazers in Ayurveda in the World.

Vandana Baranwal is an Ayurveda physician, educator, speaker, and published author of two Ayurveda books on women’s health. She has founded AyurveDatri LLC- Women Wellness Solutions to spread Ayurveda and advance women's well-being worldwide. She lives in Ohio and is the Founder and President of the Ayurveda Association of Ohio.

Manju Kolli is an Ayurvedic practitioner based out of California. Manju has over 15 years of experience serving as a Clinical Pharmacist. She brings a unique voice to the field with her past career as a clinical pharmacist and her dedication to demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Ayurveda in our times.

Melissa Camacho is NAMA Ayurvedic Doctor Level certified, Licensed Acupuncturist, and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine with over 15 years of clinical experience. She’s a graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute and Ayu Academy. Her clinic Sedona Sol Acupuncture & Ayurveda is thriving in Sedona, AZ.

Melissa’s talk is about how she founded Ayurveda when she was 28 years old and how it transformed the health of her body and mind. One of her biggest life lessons has been centered around self-worth and abundance. She never dreamed that at 28 years old she would be able to make a living doing something she loves.

Kate O’Donnell is an internationally recognized speaker and educator, as well as the author of four books on Ayurveda lifestyle. As a thought leader in the worlds of yoga, Ayurvedic nutrition, and mindful living, Kate has been educating others in healthy digestion and stress release for decades. She is the founder of The Ayurvedic Living Institute, an online space of community and resources for the Ayurveda lifestyle.

Kate will briefly describe her professional pathway, but mostly focus on the process of writing and publishing. The reason and the way one gets started in the writing process, make a proposal for publishers, and how she remain on center while navigating the world of publishing, PR, and online community building with the goal of expanding Ayurveda in the public space.

Gina Preziosa is vice president of sales for Shankara, an ayurvedic brand of face and body products, Gina has been a speaker in India, Germany and the US on business culture, importance of natural self-care and visualization.

Gina will present the importance of developing, selling and using products made with ayurvedic knowledge that enhance a person's life on multiple levels. She will share how Shankara infuses music and mediation into our products to produce dynamic and life changing results.

Erin Douglas is a corporate social responsibility leader known for driving impactful change within organizations.. Erin's initiatives include creating Banyan’s philanthropic Community Grant Fund,carbon footprint mapping for climate action; as well as guiding the company's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. Douglas is committed to leveraging business as a tool and force for good. She is a NAMA-certified Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor and founder of Learn Grow Lead, a nonprofit supporting orphanages and organic farming in Ghana.

Erin Douglas will focus on three active community sustainability projects at Banyan, how these projects support our environmental commitments, and how these commitments support the health of the planet and people. The three sustainability projects are: sustainable packaging, pollinator research and health at Banyan Farm, and an Indigenous Garden project in Southern Oregon.

Supriya Bhat is a passionate Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner, Yoga Teacher, and creator of Ayurvedic natural skin and hair care products. She is also a member of her local School District Student Wellness Committee and is currently studying at Kerala Ayurveda Academy to become an Ayurvedic Doctor.

Supriya Bhat shares a personal narrative describing the author's lifelong journey with Ayurveda, beginning with her childhood experiences with Ayurvedic remedies and her grandmother's traditional practices. The author was inspired to become an Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher after witnessing the healing power of Ayurveda in her son's life. 

Emily Murphy Kaur, a health education expert and Columbia University alum with a master's in public policy, is the force behind Setu Vermont—an Ayurvedic institute championing authentic Ayurvedic living. Hosting multi-day programs, Setu Vermont has embraced 3,000+ guests, earning rave reviews and 5-star acclaim from over 200+ clients on Google.

Ayurvedic Approach to Neurological Disorders: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Beyond

with Rammohan Rao, PhD, Principal Research Scientist, ApolloHealth, Inc. & Prashanth Acharya BAMS, MS (AYU), PhD, Founder and Medical Director of ARTH Group

General Session | Clinical Outcomes - Explore the profound Ayurvedic management strategies for neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as other related conditions. Learn in-depth Ayurvedic care, including specialized therapies, herbs, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary recommendations, to support optimal neurological health and enhance overall well-being.

Rammohan Ram is a chief Scientist at ApolloHealth, faculty at the California College of Ayurveda and a RYT from Yoga Alliance. Ram’s research focus is on various aspects of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases with emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. Ram is an author of a recently published bestselling book “Good Living Practices”.

Manju Kolli is an Ayurvedic practitioner based out of California. Manju has over 15 years of experience serving as a Clinical Pharmacist. She brings a unique voice to the field with her past career as a clinical pharmacist and her dedication to demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Ayurveda in our times.

Nurturing Tradition, Embracing Innovation: Charting the Future of Ayurveda with Technology and Sustainability

with John Douillard, DC, CAP, LifeSpa; Kevin Casey, Co-Founder & CEO, Banyan Botanicals & Vrinda Devani, MD, FACOG, AP, MAHEC

The NAMA conference panel of Ayurvedic leaders and visionaries will address the challenges of preserving the invaluable heritage of Ayurveda in our rapidly changing world. The panelists will a) explore the intersection of leveraging technology to deepen our understanding of Ayurvedic principles, enhance diagnostics, and personalize treatments, envisioning a future where ancient wisdom and modern technology coexist harmoniously, and b) shed light on viable pathways forward for Ayurvedic practices to integrate environmental consciousness and sustainability, fostering harmony between human health and planetary well-being. As we champion a future where Ayurveda flourishes as a beacon of holistic health, propelled by technological innovation and a steadfast commitment to ecological stewardship, we can continue to create wellness deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and guided by the promise of tomorrow. 

John Douillard, DC, CAP is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, which is one of the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness online resources on the web and is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world. Douillard is the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of 7 health books including his bestsellers Body, Mind and Sport, Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet, and the host of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast. He directs LifeSpa Ayurvedic Clinic, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the Year in Boulder, CO.

Kevin Casey, a co-founder of Banyan Botanicals, has dedicated his life to supporting others in achieving and maintaining health and well-being through Ayurveda. Banyan Botanicals, a certified B-Corp, has an enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, better business practices, providing sustainably sourced, fairly traded and certified organic herbs and products, along with information that educates and inspires consumers to create a healthier lifestyle by cultivating greater self-awareness. Casey studied with Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute and worked for several years in the school's herbal pharmacy. Casey co-founded Banyan Farm, a certified organic farm in Williams, OR, which grows a wide variety of medicinal herbs and offers the Living Ayurveda Internship, a work-exchange program that provides education on regenerative agriculture practices, bio-regional Ayurveda and basic Ayurvedic principles for healthy living. He studied business and philosophy at University of San Diego. Casey is an avid surfer who also enjoys hiking, mountain biking and spending time with his wife and two daughters at their home base in OR.

Vrinda Devani’s dedication to empowering women towards vibrant health and living shines through in her practice as a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and as an Ayurvedic Practitioner. After studying under Vasant Lad, Devani followed this passion to Nepal, where she studied Ayurvedic women’s health with Dr. Sarita Shrestha. Devani believes in unfolding the human body’s potential through a blend of complementary and allopathic medicine, and so her approach to healing is always extraordinarily well-rounded and compassionate.  She serves as faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute, as the medical director of SoHum Mountain Healing.

Panchakarma: Sustaining Health Through Traditional Ayurvedic Detoxification and Rejuvenation Therapies

with John Douillard, DC, CAP, LifeSpa; Dhanada Kulkarni BAMS, LMT, BCIM, CYEd, CCRP, TAMV & Sangeeta Sharma BAMS, MD, PhD Panchakarma, Maharishi International University

Post-Conference Practicum | Panchakarma - Immerse yourself in a transformative 3-hour post conference practicum session focused on Panchakarma, the revered tradition of Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation. Discover how Panchakarma not only nurtures individual well-being but also upholds sustainability by harnessing the power of natural resources and therapies. Gain insights into the holistic principles underlying Panchakarma, empowering you to integrate this ancient practice into your business model while honoring the planet.

John Douillard, DC, CAP is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, which is one of the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness online resources on the web and is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world. Douillard is the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of 7 health books including his bestsellers Body, Mind and Sport, Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet, and the host of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast. He directs LifeSpa Ayurvedic Clinic, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the Year in Boulder, CO.

Dhanada Kulkarni has a Masters in Alternative Medicine, and is an internationally renowned Ayurveda physician and Yoga Therapy Specialist. Kulkarni is board-certified in American Alternative Medicine (AAMA), and in American Integrative Medicine BCIM from (AAIM), as well as being a Pre/Post-natal exercise specialist, AFPA, USA. She has been active in promoting Ayurveda and other ancient Indian Vedic sciences like Vedic Astrology, Vastu (Indian Feng Shui) at various forums in the USA over the last 22 years. Kulkarni has been an international keynote speaker, presenter, and integrated medicine panel expert, panel moderator for many organizations, honored with many international awards such as Patanjali Award for Excellence in Ayurveda, Yogic Research in North America) and university gold medalist at Vedic Astrology & Vastu from Vishwa Vidyalaya Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit, University.

Sangeeta Sharma is an Ayurveda Vaidya, MD, PhD in Panchakarma (Ayurveda), researcher and academician and comes from a rich Vedic cultural background. Practicing Ayurveda since 2007, she specializes in Panchakarma and is certified in Nutrition and Health education and Astro Medicine; she uses a holistic approach by including yoga, Astrology, and meditation in her practice. Sharma co-authored a book on Vamana karma (Therapeutic emesis, 2018). She is passionate about giving back to society, has done work with NGO’s and community development, and has conducted many camps and awareness programs on Ayurveda.