April 17, 2026
National Ayurvedic Medical Association Welcomes Back Hilary Garivaltis as Interim Executive Director
The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) announces the return of Hilary Garivaltis as Interim Executive Director, marking a renewed chapter of leadership, alignment, and legitimization for the Ayurvedic profession in the United States.
A leader in the modern development of Ayurveda in the U.S., Garivaltis has played a pivotal role over the past 21 years in advancing key initiatives across education, professional standards, and community building. Her leadership has helped shape the infrastructure and national presence of Ayurveda, supporting practitioners, educators, and institutions across the country.
Over the past 21 years, Garivaltis has been instrumental in advancing key milestones in the professionalization of Ayurveda in the United States. Under her leadership, NAMA established formal education standards through its Standards Committee, supported the creation of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board in 2017 to provide national certification exams, and helped launch the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Accreditation Commission in 2018, which became an independent 501(c)(3) organization in 2021. These efforts have contributed to a stronger foundation for education, credentialing, and professional development across the field.
Her return reflects a meaningful reconnection to NAMA’s roots while positioning the organization for its next phase of impact in an expanding integrative health landscape.
“The NAMA Board is excited to welcome Hilary back as we strengthen our foundation and build toward the future of the profession. Hilary’s deep experience, long-standing relationships, and unwavering commitment to the mission, vision and purpose of NAMA make her uniquely positioned to guide NAMA at this important time,” said NAMA President Rucha Kelkar.
“As a former NAMA President and longtime Board Member, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of Hilary’s leadership on the growth and cohesion of the Ayurvedic field in the United States,” said Heather Grzych. “Her return represents an important moment of reconnection — bringing together experience, vision, and people as NAMA steps into its next phase.”
During this period, NAMA will focus on strengthening its operational foundation while evaluating key strategic priorities for the profession, including professional development, collaboration across the field, and expanded national awareness of Ayurvedic medicine.
“I am honored to return to NAMA and to serve this passionate and dedicated community,” said Garivaltis. “There is tremendous opportunity ahead to reconnect the field, support emerging leaders, and expand the reach and impact of Ayurveda in meaningful ways.”
NAMA invites organizations, institutions, and supporters who share this vision to participate in this next phase of growth through sponsorship, partnership, and philanthropic support.
About NAMA
The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) is the oldest and largest national professional organization for Ayurveda in the United States. NAMA’s mission is to advance Ayurvedic medicine in the U.S. through professional development, evidence-based approach, community outreach and collaborative partnerships.
For media and partnership inquiries, please contact:
Hilary Garivaltis
hilary@ayurvedanama.org
866-407-8362