Hydration for Kids: Why Electrolytes Matter More Than You Think

Our Story

In 2017, when working at a pediatric primary care office, Dr. Amanda had the inspiration to start EllyPop after watching numerous sick kids in need of hydration but without natural options. As a naturopathic doctor, she would often recommend that parents make their own popsicles out of herbal tea, but also knew that this was often too high an ask of overwhelmed caretakers who needed immediate options to soothe and support their child’s healing. Finally in 2020 she gathered additional naturopathic doctors who had a shared vision of supporting children and families with natural medicine, and they began their creative journey together. Since that time, we have enjoyed experimenting with a variety of plant and fruit combinations and have landed on 3 freezer-pop formulas that combine organic fruit juices, herbal tea and essential electrolytes. We are grateful for collective wisdom generated and carried forth by the traditional healers, herbalists, and doctors who came before us, and for the teachers, colleagues, and mentors who have helped us bring this project to life.

Amanda Watters

Dr. Amanda is the Chief Executive Officer at EllyPop and first imagined creating natural electrolyte popsicles for kids when working in a pediatric primary care clinic during residency. She saw first hand how quickly children can get dehydrated, and how important it is for parents to have convenient, healthy options to offer their kiddos.

In addition to wanting new options for hydration, she felt inspired to find creative and delicious new ways to enjoy herbal tea. For generations, grandmothers have been preaching the benefits of sipping a cup of ginger tea to calm an upset tummy, or some chamomile tea to wind down at night, and Dr. Amanda has shared many of these same recommendations with her patients over the years. Working in pediatrics however, she knows many children (and their adults!) who are reluctant to sit down with a hot cup of tea, but will enthusiastically enjoy a freezer pop with the same great botanical benefits.

After sitting with the idea for a few years, she shared the vision with her friend and colleague, Dr. Jackie, and together they committed to making this dream a reality – EllyPop was born!

Outside of her work at EllyPop she maintains a small clinical practice, and also teaches in the Pediatrics course at National University of Natural Medicine. Patient, parent, and provider education is one of her favorite parts of being a doctor, where she spends time ensuring that families continue to gain a greater understanding of how to make positive changes in their lives.

Jackie Kirihara

Dr. Jackie is the Chief Marketing Officer at EllyPop™. Her passion for inspiring families to think differently about their approach to children’s health started while working with Dr. Amanda Watters while attending her doctorate program. When Dr. Amanda came to her with the idea of a fun, healthy, and approachable hydrating herbal tea for families, Jackie was instantly drawn to the vision—and brought her entrepreneurial spark along for the ride.

Building and nurturing a brand from the ground up through design, personality and sheer determination is a place where Jackie thrives. With the help of her designer husband and business-savvy Dad, she is well equipped to bring the EllyPop business dreams to reality.

Outside of her work at EllyPop, Jackie serves her community as a naturopathic doctor and midwife at an integrative functional medicine clinic in Portland, OR. She is the proud mom of two EllyPop-loving daughters. Dr. Jackie brings energy, heart, and authenticity to everything she does.

Lilly Ramalingam

Lilly is the Social Media Manager at EllyPop, where she leads all things social—from curating fresh, fun content to building meaningful digital connections with our community. She has a passion for creative storytelling and loves translating EllyPop’s mission into moments that resonate across platforms. With a keen eye for trends, design, and strategy, Lilly brings both heart and intention to every campaign.

Her passion for working with children runs deep, rooted in her experience growing up in a family that runs a Montessori school serving preschool through 8th grade in Minnesota. She has worked closely with students as a teacher’s aide and continues to support the school as its Marketing Manager, helping to shape messaging that shows the magic of childhood and the power of education. She’s especially excited to use her background in education and marketing to amplify EllyPop’s story!

Lilly is currently pursuing her MBA with a focus in Marketing, further developing her skills at the intersection of brand building, innovation, and impact.