NUNM Alumni | EllyPop co-founders create herbal freezer pops to support hydration.
Dr. Amanda Watters and Dr. Jackie Kirihara, both alumni of the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), first bonded over their passion for pediatric care.
Years later, that connection would evolve into a business partnership with a mission to turn a clinical challenge into a broader public health solution.
While working together at NUNM Health Centers the two naturopathic physicians frequently observed children struggling with dehydration—particularly during illnesses such as stomach bugs, colds, or sore throats.
After many conversations about the lack of readily available, natural remedies to aid in hydration, they realized they could work together to create one themselves.
Today, as co-founders of EllyPop, an herbal tea-based freezer pop designed to support hydration and wellness in children, Dr. Watters and Dr. Kirihara combine their clinical expertise to promote both healing and education.
Recognizing the wide range of careers a naturopathic education can support, Dr. Watters and Dr. Kirihara reflect on how their clinical training motivated them to improve health outcomes, drive advocacy, and lead innovation.
Inspired by Clinical Practice
Once Dr. Kirihara earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate in Natural Childbirth from NUNM in 2018, she reconnected with Dr. Watters (’15) to complete a preceptorship at a local pediatric clinic.
“We would often see kids come into our practice who were really dehydrated—either because they had been up all night with the stomach bug or they had strep throat and it hurt to swallow anything,” said Dr. Watters, now CEO of EllyPop. “Really, the only thing they were willing to eat, or drink, was popsicles.”
Over time, they noticed a gap in the market: many commercially available electrolyte solutions and frozen hydration aids included artificial ingredients and preservatives.
As naturopathic physicians, their first instinct was to choose the least invasive treatment option. Instead of relying on administering intravenous (IV) hydration to young patients, they sought a different approach—one grounded in the same botanical and nutritional principles they learned at NUNM.
A Shared Foundation in Naturopathic Medicine
To develop their product, Dr. Watters and Dr. Kirihara drew on their education at NUNM, where they studied herbal medicine formulation and whole-person care.
They began experimenting with recipes for alternative hydration aids featuring functional herbs like chamomile, elderberry, marshmallow root, and ginger—blending them with organic juices and mineral-rich sea salts for a natural electrolyte boost.
They consulted with Dr. Amy Bader, a NUNM faculty member and naturopathic physician-turned-entrepreneur, throughout the process, and engaged with community resources, including Portland Community College’s “Getting Your Recipe to Market” workshop and Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center.
Applying the same problem-solving mindset they developed as NUNM students, they began to see each new business challenge through a naturopathic lens.
Staying Connected to their Roots
Although Dr. Watters and Dr. Kirihara have broadened their focus beyond clinical practice, they retain a strong relationship with NUNM. Dr. Watters serves as an adjunct faculty member at the university, mentoring the next generation of natural medicine graduates, and maintains ties with the campus clinic.
When EllyPop made its public debut at New Seasons Market and Market of Choice retail locations across Oregon in July, the co-founders also brought their products to the NUNM Health Centers Medicinary.
“It brings us so much joy to know that this project we’ve put so much time and energy into is going out into the world where families can get it when they need it most,” said Dr. Kirihara, Chief Marketing Officer at EllyPop.
Drawing on their clinical insights, they discovered new opportunities to enhance accessibility and health literacy through their work. They also prioritized sustainability in their operations, reflecting the naturopathic values they embraced at NUNM, including partnerships with like-minded organizations such as Ridwell, an environmentally conscious recycling service.
Career Diversity in Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Watters and Dr. Kirihara emphasize the unique position that naturopathic physicians hold as entrepreneurs who can bring fresh perspectives and added credibility to the natural healthcare industry.
Although Dr. Watters originally envisioned her career focusing solely on clinical practice, after more than a decade in the field, she now recognizes that healing can take many forms. Dr. Kirihara likens EllyPop’s recent launch in the Pacific Northwest retail market to running a marathon. She said what began as a slow, and sometimes frustrating walk, now has them “suddenly sprinting and barely coming up for air”.
Nearly five years into their venture, the co-founders say their original vision still holds true: to see EllyPop available in local pharmacies and health clinics—as a convenient option during illness, or a simple way to support everyday wellness.
After all, getting ahead of health issues before they start is the naturopathic way.
“It’s really inspiring getting to see some of my colleagues who have been out in the field for a little while finding their own paths,” said Dr. Watters. “It’s exciting that this degree gives us the education, relationships through mentorship, and tools we need to then take this training in whatever direction that really speaks to us.”
Written by Ashley Villarreal, NUNM Marketing Content Specialist