2025 CAAM Conference Speakers
Conference Speakers
Dr. Marc Halpern, D.C., MAS
Dr. Marc Halpern is the founder of the California College of Ayurveda, the oldest college for the study of Ayurvedic Medicine in the United States. He is also the co-founder of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine.
His contributions to the field of Ayurveda have earned him awards in both the United States and India. Dr. Halpern has been featured in film and television and his YouTube videos have received more than 1 million views.
Dr. Halpern has written five ayurvedic textbooks plus the popular book, Healing Your Life; Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda. His newest textbook released in 2023 is Classical Yoga Therapy with more than 1000 references to the classical yoga texts. Dr. Halpern is also the creator of the #1 best-selling meditation recording: Yoga Nidra and Self-Healing.
John Douillard, DC, CAP
Dr. John Douillard is a globally acclaimed expert in Ayurveda, natural health, nutrition, and sports medicine. With 40 years of experience, he has helped over 100,000 patients as the director of LifeSpa, a pioneering wellness center and the leading Ayurvedic health resource online.
Dr. John is a celebrated educator, host of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, and the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He has authored seven bestselling health books, including Eat Wheatand The 3-Season Diet, offering practical insights that bridge ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science.
Through LifeSpa.com, Dr. John shares thousands of free educational resources, publishing articles weekly to empower individuals worldwide. With 500,000+ followers and readers, his work continues to inspire a global audience to embrace Ayurveda and natural health for optimal living.
Tanuja Nesari, MD (Ayu), PhD
Dr. Tanuja Nesari brings over three decades of expertise in academia, administration, and research, significantly advancing Ayurveda's global prominence. As Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) from 2018 to 2024, they elevated AIIA to a center of excellence, earning A++ NAAC and NABH accreditations and ISO 9001:2015 certification. They established satellite centers across India, including at Goa, Supreme Court of India, and LBSNAA, and transformed AIIA into a dedicated COVID-19 healthcare center. They facilitated 80+ MoUs (17 international), led >50 collaborative clinical research projects with global partners, and supervised 78 postgraduate and Ph.D. scholars. With 200+ indexed publications and 21 books in multiple languages, their contributions span both education and practice. Recipient of the “Ayurveda Ratna” award (ITS-APPG, UK), [Name] currently serves in key roles, including WHO Task Force and NITI Aayog initiatives, furthering integrative healthcare and traditional medicine globally.
Dr. Jay Apte, BAMS, MS (Pharmacology)
Dr. Jay Apte is one of the most experienced Ayurvedic practitioners in the United States, with over 40 years of practice in Texas and California. She earned her B.A.M.S. degree from the University of Pune, India, and an M.S. in Pharmacology from the University of North Texas.
Renowned for her well-rounded expertise, Dr. Apte has not only built a successful clinical practice but also established Ayurvedic schools in both states, nurturing countless students. She has also ventured into Ayurvedic entrepreneurship through her food business, “Ayurfoods.” Currently, she offers seminars and hosts a radio show to educate the public on Ayurvedic principles and lifestyles.
Dr. Apte is passionate about expanding the reach of Ayurveda and plans to offer online seminars aimed at guiding practitioners to build successful practices. Her lifelong commitment to Ayurveda continues to inspire and contribute to the growing demand for skilled practitioners in the field.
Dr. Neesheet Parikh, DO
Dr. Neesheet Parikh is a family and sports medicine physician with over 17 years of experience. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University and completed a family medicine residency at Downey Regional Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in sports medicine at San Diego Sports Medicine & Family Health Center.
Dr. Parikh is the Chief Medical Officer and Head Team Physician for USA Cricket, providing care to athletes from Olympians to professionals in the NFL, NBA, and X-Games. As a clinical faculty member at Yale School of Medicine and Georgetown University, he shares his expertise with future medical professionals.
Founder and CEO of ParikhHealth in Sunnyvale, California, he specializes in health promotion and disease prevention, integrating osteopathic manipulative medicine into his practice. Beyond medicine, Dr. Parikh enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and four children.
Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya, , MPH, MD, PhD
Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya is a distinguished MD physician-scientist and writer, practicing integrative medicine in New York. She serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and is an active member of two committees at the NIH/NCI, where she collaborates on research linking Ayurveda and cancer.
Dr. Bhattacharya earned a mid-career PhD in ancient Ayurvedic chemistry from Banaras Hindu University and holds advanced degrees in neuroscience, pharmacology, public health, and medicine. Her extensive training includes family medicine, preventive medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, yoga, and herbal medicine.
She is a senior Fulbright Scholar in medical sciences, a Fulbright Specialist in global public health, and the recipient of the American Medical Association's Leadership Award. Featured in the Discovery Channel documentary Healers: Journey into Ayurveda, she is also the author of the national bestseller Everyday Ayurveda by Penguin Random House.
Dr. Bhattacharya continues to inspire through her pioneering contributions to integrative medicine and Ayurveda.
Dr. Abhijit Jinde, BAMS, MD (Ayu)
Dr. Abhijit Jinde is a renowned Indian Ayurveda physician specializing in musculoskeletal issues, cancer care, and lifestyle disorders. He serves as the Director and Chief Physician at Sukhayu Ayurveda Clinic and as Chief Consultant and Strategic Advisor at Deham Nature Cure Wellness in Pune. Over the past two decades, Dr. Jinde has contributed to the development of an integrative cancer hospital in South Korea, blending Ayurveda with conventional therapies to provide holistic care.
Dr. Jinde has mentored and taught generations of Ayurveda students both in India and abroad, sharing his expertise and advancing the global reach of Ayurvedic medicine. His work in treating musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, has brought relief to countless patients. He holds a B.A.M.S from the University of Pune, an MD (Ayurveda) from Utkal University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research and Data Management from Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.
Dr. Antonio Īśvara Morandi, MD
Antonio Īśvara Morandi is an internationally renowned physician, neurologist, and vaidya specializing in Ayurveda and Panchakarma. Co-Founder and Co-Director of Ayurvedic Point in Milan, he also serves as President of the Scientific Society for Ayurvedic Medicine Italy (SSIMA). Dr. Morandi is an advisor to Ayurvedic agencies and the World Health Organization (WHO), contributing to working groups on benchmarks for practice, training, and terminology in Ayurveda, as well as AI applications in traditional medicine under the AI4Health Project.
In addition to receiving the title of Āyurveda Acharya in 2003, Dr. Morandi was honored with the prestigious IASTAM ZANDU Award for Research in Ayurveda in 2017. A dedicated educator, he teaches "Introduction to Ayurveda" at the Faculty of Medicine at the State University of Milan.
As a prolific author and active member of editorial committees for scientific journals, Dr. Morandi continues to shape Ayurveda’s integration into global healthcare and research initiatives.
Dr. Prashant Suru , BAMS, MD (Ayu)
Dr. Prashant Suru brings 38 years of expertise in Ayurveda, specializing in the treatment of chronic diseases and the nuanced application of Ayurvedic diagnosis and therapies. He is the primary representative carrying forward the legacy of Vaidyaraj A.W. Datashastri, renowned for his groundbreaking work on Panchabhautik Chikitsa—a unique approach based on the five-element theory—which earned Datashastri the prestigious Brihar-Trayi Ratna award from the Government of India. Dr. Suru serves as the Dean at Pune University and is dedicated to spreading the teachings of this lineage worldwide. He frequently lectures across continents and collaborates with Stanford University practitioners on the Ayurvedic approach to cancer care. With a distinguished career focused on integrating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare, Dr. Suru continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of Ayurveda and its relevance in addressing chronic and complex health conditions.
Carmen Tosto
Carmen Durgā Tosto is an international teacher of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Marma Therapy with extensive expertise in integrating traditional practices into clinical and medical settings. She is the Co-Director and Co-Founder of Ayurvedic Point in Milan, Italy, and serves as the director of its Treatment Department. A certified Yoga Teacher (Sūrya Chandra Marga Institute), Ayurvedic Therapist (Joytinat International College of Ayurveda), and expert in Marma Point Therapy (Vaidya Atreya Smith), she also trained as a Panchakarma Therapist at Ashtavaidyan Thaikat Mooss’ Ayurvedic Institute in Thrissur, India.
In 2003, Carmen received the title of “Āyurveda Acharya” and developed the PMT© - Prāna Marma Therapy Method and AYT© - Ayurveda Yoga Therapy Method. She is an author of publications on Ayurveda and Yoga, and she teaches "Introduction to Ayurveda" at the Faculty of Medicine, State University of Milan. Her work continues to bridge Ayurveda and Yoga with modern healthcare.
Dr. Mahesh Sabade, BAMS, MD (Ayu)
Dr. Mahesh Sabade is a distinguished Ayurveda consultant with over 23 years of experience as a practitioner, author, and educator. He holds BAMS and MD degrees in Medicine-Panchakarma from the University of Pune. Based in Pune, he operates a successful Ayurveda clinic and has served as an Honorary Consultant at the SPP Pune University Health Centre for 14 years.
Dr. Sabade has contributed to Ayurveda internationally, mentoring companies in Ayurveda-based product development and presenting papers in countries such as Brazil, the USA, Israel, and Europe. He is the co-author of "Ahaar: The Scientific Diet" and has published numerous research papers and case reports.
As a guest faculty member at Vedika Global in California, he helped design and teach Ayurveda courses. Honored with awards like the Dharam Hinduja Scholarship, International Educators Award (USA), and Ayurveda Bharati, Dr. Sabade continues to advance Ayurveda through practice and education worldwide.
Myra Lewin, AP, AYT
Myra Lewin is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Ayurveda Yoga Therapist with over 30 years of experience. After overcoming rheumatoid arthritis through the practices of Yoga and Ayurveda, she dedicated her life to sharing this transformative wisdom. Myra trained with esteemed teachers, including Pattabhi Jois in India, Betty Eiler, Richard Freeman, and Sandra Kozak, deepening her knowledge of these ancient traditions.
In 1999, she founded Hale Pule School of Ayurveda & Yoga, a globally recognized institution offering Ayurveda Health Counselor certification and holistic training programs. Myra is the author of several acclaimed books, including Freedom in Your Relationship with Food and Simple Ayurvedic Recipes, and she hosts two podcasts on holistic healing.
Currently based in Bali, Indonesia, Myra continues to guide individuals toward balanced living through online mentoring and training. Her work embodies the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga, offering accessible tools for health, simplicity, and integrity.
Dr. Meena Makhijani, MD
Dr. Meena Makhijani is a Geriatric, Family and Integrative Medicine Physician and an Ayurveda Practitioner. She has dedicated her career to blending the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern medical practices. A recognized thought leader in Integrative Medicine, she has authored textbook chapters and shares her expertise publicly addressing chronic illnesses, stress management, and age-related health challenges through evidence-based, holistic approaches. She serves as Guest Faculty at Loyola Marymount University and Maharishi International University
Vaidya Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, BAMS LAc CMT PhD
Vaidya Anupama Kizhakkeveettil is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, Professor, researcher, and Program Director of Ayurvedic Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences. Her contributions to the field of complementary and alternative medicine include extensive travel to propagate Ayurveda worldwide, numerous research presentations at national and international conferences, and publications in various peer-reviewed research journals. She also serves on the board of directors of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), and the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC).
Dr. JV Hebbar, BAMS, MD (Ayu), PGDPSM
Dr. Janardhana V. Hebbar is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician with a B.A.M.S., an MD in Ayurveda, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharma Sales Management. Based in Moodbidri, Karnataka, he provides Ayurvedic consultations while staying updated on international guidelines for Ayurvedic products and pharmaceuticals.
An accomplished author, Dr. Hebbar has written five books on Ayurveda and co-authored two textbooks on Ayurvedic mineralogy, contributing significantly to the field's academic and practical knowledge. With prior roles as Deputy Product Manager at AVN Ayurveda Formulations and Associate Professor at Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College, he brings a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and education.
His personal health journey, supported by his mother, ignited his passion for Ayurveda as a healing science. Dr. Hebbar’s commitment to bridging traditional wisdom with modern advancements continues to inspire practitioners and patients alike.
Dr. Yashashree Mannur, BAMS
Yashashree (Yash) Mannur is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician and the director of Shubham Ayurveda Clinic and School in Fremont, California. She holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from the University of Pune, India, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sanskrit from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, reflecting her deep classical training in Ayurveda.
With over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and teaching, Vaidya Mannur is a faculty member at the Mount Madonna College of Ayurveda, where she mentors future practitioners. Her work at Shubham Ayurveda focuses on integrating traditional Ayurvedic therapies with personalized care to address various health conditions, promote preventive wellness, and adapt Ayurveda to modern challenges.
Known for her compassionate approach and dedication to community education, Vaidya Mannur regularly shares insights on Ayurvedic practices, such as managing health in extreme climates. She continues to inspire individuals to embrace Ayurveda as a transformative path to holistic well-being.
Dr. Sheila Patel, MD
Dr. Sheila Patel, M.D. is a board-certified family physician and expert in integrative medicine, renowned for blending Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga with modern medical practices. Formerly the Chief Medical Officer for Chopra Global, she now serves as Medical Advisor and Lead Educator for Chopra Certifications at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN).
Dr. Patel is passionate about transforming healthcare from a focus on disease management to one centered on creating health and well-being. She practices integrative medicine with Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga as foundational elements, combined with modern medicine in her outpatient family practice.
A strong advocate for a preventive, predictive, personalized, and participatory approach to healing, Dr. Patel strives to optimize human potential and foster societal health. Through her work, she inspires others to embrace holistic practices that not only improve individual health but also contribute to a more balanced and healthier world.
Souvik Dutta, Master Jyotish
Souvik Dutta began his spiritual journey in Kolkata, India, at the age of 4 with yoga and was initiated into spiritual life at 8. Trained in three Jyotish lineages, he has mastered Vedic astrology, tantra, and dharma under the guidance of revered gurus, integrating these teachings into a cohesive spiritual practice.
Souvik is the founder of Ancient Indian Astrology Classes (AIAC) and has lectured at prestigious venues such as Stanford University and Veda MeLA, sharing the depth of Jyotish and Vedic spirituality with diverse audiences. A prolific teacher and writer, he is dedicated to preserving and propagating the wisdom of ancient Indian sciences.
Currently residing in Aurora, IL, with his wife and two children, Souvik continues to inspire students and practitioners worldwide with his profound understanding of Vedic astrology and its applications in modern life.
Nidhi Pandya, M.S, AD
Nidhi Pandya is an Ayurvedic Doctor, celebrated author, and the creator of the revolutionary Inner Climate® Method for holistic wellness. Based in NYC, Nidhi combines deep-rooted Vedic knowledge with a modern approach to empower individuals, particularly women, to heal systemically and live with confidence and freedom.
Raised in India, Nidhi grew up immersed in Ayurveda under the influence of her grandfather, a renowned Ayurvedic healer. Her latest book, "Your Body Already Knows," provides a jargon-free introduction to Ayurveda and offers a 21-day plan to restore mind-body balance.
As an international teacher, coach, and speaker, Nidhi excels in making ancient Ayurvedic principles practical for contemporary living. Her work bridges traditional wisdom with modern health challenges, guiding individuals toward radical transformation. Through her teachings and writings, Nidhi continues to inspire global audiences to embrace Ayurveda as a path to lasting wellness.
Jeannine L. Rashidi, AD
Jeanine Rashidi, a Doctor of Ayurveda and PTSD & Trauma Specialist, transformed her personal experiences with abuse and teenage motherhood into a powerful healing journey. As the founder of 'Goodbye Tension' and author of the best-selling book 'Abundance Beyond Trauma,' she demystified EDHIR® process for mentally and emotionally digesting traumatic experiences. Drawing from her 25-year battle with PTSD, Jeannine guides others to explore, heal, and integrate parts of themselves lost to trauma. Now a grandmother of five, she focuses on generational healing, embodying her belief that healed people heal people. Jeannine is not just a survivor but an igniter of change, helping others navigate physical, mental, and emotional tension for over two decades.
Sumita Vasudeva
Sumita Vasudeva is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and Yoga Master. She designs customized energy-enhancing practices for family and employee well-being. A Stanford Health 4 All Fellow and Founder of Omni Wellness, she coaches to evolve behavior around Omni’s pillars of health: nourish, move, and meditate. In the last 25+ years, Sumita has personalized more than 1000 well-being plans. During the pandemic, she launched an online well-being community that has 500+ members.
Nicola Turner, CAP
Nicola Turner grew up in England with her mothers herbal remedies which she passed to her own children. She received a law degree from Sussex before exploring the world and settling in the US. The conscious journey led her to massage and yoga teacher training years before graduating from Mount Madonna in 2015 as an Ayurveda Practitioner. In 2022, she became a Yoga Therapist specializing in mental health and counseling. She has a busy privateAyurveda Yoga Therapy and Somatic Bodywork Clinic in the Santa Cruz Mountains offering counseling, body treatments and full panchakarma cleansing.
Jayarajan Kodikannath, BSc., BAMS, AD
Jayarajan Kodikannath is an Ayurvedic Doctor from India, an internationally renowned scholar, author, researcher, and educator with over two decades of clinical experience in India and the U.S. He is the CEO and Academy Director of Kerala Ayurveda USA and President of NAMA. Under his leadership, Kerala Ayurveda USA was awarded “Top Alternative Medicine Company 2023” by Pharma Tech Outlook. His recent research on an herbal composition for managing metabolic syndrome disorders received a U.S. Patent. He is the author of The Parent's Complete Guide to Ayurveda: Principles, Practices, and Recipes for Happy, Healthy Kids (2022). Formerly Chief Medical Officer of Ayurvedagram, a wellness resort in Bangalore, he moved to the U.S. in 2011. “Dr. J,” as his students call him, is a compassionate healer and educator committed to spreading the teachings of Kerala’s Ayurveda. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family.
Dr. Rucha Kelkar, BAMS, PT, DPT
Dr. Rucha Kelkar, BAMS, AYT, PT, DPT is the Founder and Director of Ayurbliss Wellness Center. www.ayurbliss.com. Her clinic is located in San Mateo, CA, USA. Dr. Kelkar is an accomplished clinician, educator, speaker and writer with an experience of over 23 years. Dr Kelkar serves as the Chair of Mount Madonna Institute- College of Ayurveda. She also serves as the Board of Directors on NAMA -National Ayurvedic Medical Association and is the President-Elect of NAMA, starting as President July 2025. She has been a faculty for leading Ayurveda schools and a presenter at multiple National and International Ayurveda Conferences. She conducts various workshops and teaching programs on Ayurveda at her center in San Mateo, CA. With an extensive clinical and teaching experience in Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Yoga and Physical Therapy, she incorporates the rehabilitative knowledge of physical therapy with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga at her clinic.
Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, ND, MD-Ayurveda, BAMS, CYEd
Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, ND, MD-Ayurveda, BAMS, CYEd, is a California Licensed Naturopathic Doctor with 35 years’ experience as an Ayurveda MD, professor, and best-selling author. He is the Founder & Medical Director of Natural Medicine & Ayurveda Clinic & Pancha-Karma Center in San Jose, California, and the Founding Dean of the School of Ayurveda & Natural Medicine at University of Silicon Andhra. He authored the best-seller Intro to Ayurveda and serves on the Editorial Board of Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal.
Dr. Shanbhag has received international awards for excellence in Ayurvedic teaching and practice and was the Founding President of the American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals (2021-22). His MD-Ayurveda research on skin diseases earned the prestigious IIM Gold Medal in 1988. He leads a team of seven experts specializing in Ayurveda and Natural Medicine, achieving high success rates in treating chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and stress disorders.
His clinic features a state-of-the-art Pancha-Karma Center and is highly rated on Yelp and Google. Learn more at www.YogaAyurveda.org.
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda)
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda) is a classically trained Ayurvedic Physician with over 30 years of clinical experience and a gold medalist for his research thesis at Pune University. A best-selling author, motivational speaker, and acclaimed educator, he has traveled worldwide promoting Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, and Natural Medicine. Dr. Suhas has chaired and designed curriculums for leading Ayurvedic institutions, including Mount Madonna College of Ayurveda, Kerala Ayurveda Academy, and Maharishi University. He also serves as an advisor to the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the Chopra Center.
As Director of Ayurvedic Healing, an Integrative Wellness and Pancha Karma Clinic in Santa Cruz, CA, Dr. Suhas specializes in Personalized and Lifestyle Medicine. He has formulated successful herbal products generating multi-million-dollar revenues and is a sought-after guest on popular podcasts, radio, and television shows.
Dr. Suhas is the author of several popular books, including The Hot Belly Diet, Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life, Panchakarma, and The Art & Science of Vedic Counseling.
Yoevita Wrensch, LAc, FABORM
Yoevita Wrensch is a California Board Licensed Acupuncturist, Nationally Certified Acupuncturist, and Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (FABORM). She is the Founder of Light & Joy Acupuncture, where she specializes in family health, chronic pain resolution, and reproductive health for both men and women.
With a deep passion for holistic healing and integrative medicine, Yoevita is dedicated to helping individuals restore balance and vitality through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic bodywork. She has a particular focus on hormonal balance, fertility support, facial rejuvenation, and massage therapies, including Shiatsu, Tui Na, and Chi Nei Tsang.
Yoevita earned her Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree from Five Branches Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Her practice emphasizes comprehensive, patient-centered care, supporting individuals in their journey to optimal health. Learn more at Light & Joy Acupuncture.