About
At IPHA, we envision a world where individuals have the freedom to make informed choices about their health, supported by access to safe, high-quality plant-based remedies. We are committed to protecting consumer access, advocating for science-driven education, supporting rigorous research, and fostering collaboration with experts and organizations in the field. Our goal is to ensure that regulations are guided by scientific evidence, promoting transparency and sustainability in herbal medicine practices.
Meet the Team
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Lora Romney
President
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Dr. Heidi Sykora
Chief Science Officer
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President
Lora is a passionate kratom and plant medicine advocate. She has struggled with Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (constant and severe facial nerve pain) for over 13 years. To control her pain, she resorted to trying over 25 different pharmaceuticals, Botox, blocks, a stimulator implant in her face and even brain surgery to release the nerve. All treatments failed and she was forced into pain management. Due to opioid restrictions, Lora was prescribed an inadequate dose of pain medication.
In search for a natural alternative, she worked for two years as the treasurer of TRUCE (Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education) to try and bring medical cannabis to Utah. In 2018 their efforts were successful, and medical cannabis became legal in Utah. Unfortunately, cannabis was not the answer for Lora. It did not control her pain despite it being extremely helpful for many.
In 2017 Lora was told about kratom from a trusted friend with the same medical condition. Skeptical after failing on so many other medications, she took a chance. That chance changed her life. She found that kratom helped her pain! The best part was that it did not alter her in any way. No foggy head. No high. No bad side effects. Lora was quickly able to transition off opioids and treat her daily pain with kratom.
When the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) was being heard by legislatures in 2019, Lora decided to testify about how this plant supplement had changed her life for the better. She was invited to be present when the KCPA was signed by Governor Herbert. Being involved in this historic event helped launch Lora into the kratom advocacy space.
Now in 2025, Lora’s life is very different than it was in 2011 when the pain started. She has helped hundreds of patients discover how effective kratom can be for controlling pain. Lora is currently serving as the President of International Plant and Herbal Alliance, a Utah 501(c)3, and as the treasurer of Harmonic Winds of Utah where she plays the flute. She has a passion for music, volunteering, and numbers! Professionally, Lora has been a controller for several real estate development companies in Utah over the past 32 years. She graduated from Weber State University in 1992 with a BS in Accounting. Lora is a mother of four tall and very talented adults and is most recently a first-time grandma! She enjoys playing the flute, reading, bowling, camping and walking her dog.
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Chief Science Officer
Dr. Heidi Sykora is a retired Nurse Practitioner and healthcare executive with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing patient-centered care and clinical innovation. Her expertise lies in developing and implementing programs that reduce hospitalization, enhance quality of life, and provide compassionate support to patients and their families.
Throughout her career, Dr. Heidi Sykora has led several impactful initiatives across diverse healthcare settings. She established a comprehensive home-based heart failure program, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively at home. In the manufacturing sector, she spearheaded the creation of a safety team focused on improving workplace health and minimizing injury risks. She developed both inpatient and outpatient wound care programs aimed at optimizing healing outcomes and ensuring seamless continuity of care. Additionally, Dr. Sykora led the opening and management of the region’s only post-acute inpatient and community-based outpatient brain injury program in Milwaukee, providing specialized services for individuals recovering from acute brain injuries.
As an educator, Dr. Sykora has mentored nurses and health professionals in various settings, including serving as an adjunct professor for masters and doctoral students at Concordia University and Herzing University. Her advanced practice board certifications included Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner, and Brain Injury Specialist.
Dr. Sykora’s leadership has been recognized through numerous accolades. She led team efforts that earned the Exemplary Award from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for the Milwaukee Center for Independence First Response Team. As Regional Director of Oncology, she led the multidisciplinary teams to achieve the outstanding designation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Accreditation for Wheaton Franciscan’s multisite oncology program. In 2015, she was honored with the Milwaukee Biz Times Healthcare Hero Award.
Since retiring, Dr. Sykora has remained a passionate advocate for holistic health and wellness, including the use of plant-based medicine. She continues to contribute to the field by writing for nursing textbooks, journals, and blogs, sharing her insights and experiences to educate and inspire others.