Riley Mandel is the youngest daughter of comedian Howie Mandel. Born in 1992, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2018 and works as a physical therapist and holistic health coach. She married software engineer Cameron Ehrlich in 2019 and welcomed their first child in January 2024.
Riley Mandel grew up in Los Angeles surrounded by cameras and comedy. Her father, Howie Mandel, built a career making millions laugh on America’s Got Talent and Deal or No Deal. Yet she chose examination rooms over entertainment studios.
She graduated from Chapman University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in May 2018. She received an academic excellence award. Today, she helps people recover from injuries and build sustainable wellness habits. Her story shows what happens when you follow your own path—even when your last name opens different doors.
Riley Mandel’s Education and Career
Riley attended Chapman University’s Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, California. She completed her undergraduate degree in health sciences in 2014. She continued for four more years to earn her DPT.
The program was demanding. Physical therapy students at Chapman complete extensive anatomy coursework, hundreds of clinical hours, and master evidence-based treatment protocols. Riley graduated in 2018 with honors.
She now works as both a physical therapist and a holistic health coach, treating patients recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, and working to improve athletic performance. Her approach extends beyond traditional physical therapy—she addresses sleep quality, stress management, and nutritional factors that affect recovery.
Her Instagram account serves her practice. She posts workout demonstrations, explains movement mistakes, and shares evidence-based wellness tips. The content focuses on education rather than promotion. She’s helping people understand their bodies better.
Family Background: Growing Up Mandel
Riley was born in 1992, the youngest of three children. Her father, Howie Mandel, is a Canadian-born comedian and television host known for his high-energy performances and openness about mental health. He’s been the face of Deal or No Deal and a longtime judge on America’s Got Talent.
Her mother, Terry Mandel, has been married to Howie since 1980. Terry stayed largely out of the spotlight, focusing on creating stability for their children. This balance between public fame and private family life shaped how Riley approached her own career.
Her siblings took different paths. Jackelyn “Jackie” Shultz, born in 1984, works in the entertainment industry and co-hosts the podcast “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” with her father. Alex Mandel, born in 1989, followed entertainment too—he creates content on YouTube and Instagram, building an audience of over 150,000 followers.
Riley stands apart. She’s the only Mandel child who chose healthcare over Hollywood.
Riley Mandel’s Marriage to Cameron Ehrlich
Cameron Ehrlich proposed to Riley on February 27, 2016, at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Riley shared the news on Instagram, calling it the best day of her life.
Cameron works as a principal software engineer. He studied computer science at UC Berkeley and has built his career in tech. Before his current role at EngineStart, he worked at companies including Cie Digital Labs and Fair.com.
The couple married on June 29, 2019, with Riley’s brother Alex officiating the ceremony. Howie shared wedding photos on social media, writing that he teared up every time he watched his “baby girl” get married. The outdoor ceremony reportedly featured an unusual guest—a sloth attended the celebration.
Becoming a Mother in 2024
In January 2024, Riley gave birth to a daughter. Howie announced the news on Instagram with a photo of his new granddaughter, writing simply: “My new beautiful baby granddaughter.”
The baby made Howie a grandfather for the third time. Jackie’s children, Abbey and Axel, were already bringing him joy. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Howie said being a grandfather brings him more joy than being a father. He called his grandchildren “the joy of my life.”
Riley maintains privacy around her daughter. She shares selective moments on social media while keeping her family life largely separate from public view.
The Mandel Family’s Influence
Howie Mandel has been vocal about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. He uses his platform to reduce stigma around mental health issues. His honesty about these challenges created an environment where his children understood the importance of emotional wellness.
This openness may have influenced Riley’s career choice. While she didn’t pursue clinical psychology (as some sources incorrectly report), her work in physical therapy and holistic health coaching shows a commitment to helping others achieve wellness.
Terry Mandel’s steady presence balanced Howie’s public persona. She encouraged each child to follow their individual interests without pressure to enter entertainment. Jackie pursued education before joining her father’s podcast. Alex found his niche in content creation. Riley discovered her calling in healthcare.
Riley’s Professional Philosophy
Riley’s approach combines traditional physical therapy with holistic wellness coaching. She doesn’t just treat injuries—she helps clients build sustainable fitness routines and healthier lifestyles.
Her Instagram content reflects this philosophy. She posts three-step routines for regaining workout motivation: lay out exercise gear the night before, add two movement targets to your weekly plan, and note them on your calendar. Simple strategies that remove excuses.
She addresses sleep quality, stress management, and nutritional habits alongside physical treatment. This integrated approach recognizes that bodies heal better when all aspects of health are addressed.
Her practice operates quietly. She doesn’t seek media attention or leverage her famous last name. Her clients find her through her work, not her family connections.
Why Riley Chose Privacy Over Publicity
Most celebrity children face pressure to enter entertainment. Some embrace it, others resist it. Riley chose a third path—she built a career where her surname didn’t matter.
Physical therapists succeed through clinical skills, not name recognition. Patients care about treatment outcomes, not family trees. Riley’s degree and expertise speak louder than her last name.
She maintains a minimal social media presence compared to her siblings. Her Instagram focuses on wellness education, with occasional family photos. She controls her narrative. She appears when she wants to, not because publicists schedule it.
This privacy extends to her personal life. Details about her daily routine, friendships, and parenting remain largely unknown. She shares what serves her professional mission—helping others achieve better health.
Correcting Common Misconceptions
Several online sources incorrectly identify Riley as a clinical psychologist. This is false. Riley earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University in 2018. She works as a physical therapist and holistic health coach.
The confusion may stem from assumptions about her father’s mental health advocacy. While Howie speaks openly about OCD and anxiety, Riley chose physical therapy—not psychology—as her profession.
Another misconception: some sources claim she stays completely out of public view. Not accurate. She maintains a professional Instagram presence where she shares wellness content. She appears in family photos and attended public events like her Chapman graduation. She simply chooses when and how to appear publicly.
What Riley Mandel’s Story Teaches Us
Riley proves that growing up with privilege doesn’t require you to take the easy path. She spent years in demanding academic programs when she could have pursued easier opportunities through family connections.
She shows that success takes many forms. Her sister found fulfillment in entertainment and podcasting. Her brother built an online following. Riley found purpose in patient care and wellness education. All three paths are valid.
Her commitment to privacy in an oversharing era stands out. She understood early that personal boundaries matter. She built a career where merit outweighs fame.
Current Life in 2025
As of 2025, Riley continues her physical therapy practice while navigating new motherhood. She and Cameron welcomed their daughter in January 2024, adding to the growing Mandel family.
She’s now 32 or 33 years old. She balances her professional work with family life in Los Angeles. Details about her current practice location and client base remain private—exactly as she prefers.
The Mandel family remains close. Howie frequently posts about his grandchildren. Jackie continues podcasting with her father. Alex creates content online. Riley works with patients. Different careers, shared values.
FAQs
What does Riley Mandel do for a living?
Riley works as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and holistic health coach. She treats patients recovering from injuries and helps clients build sustainable wellness habits.
Is Riley Mandel a clinical psychologist?
No. Multiple sources incorrectly report this. Riley earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2018, not a doctorate in clinical psychology.
When did Riley Mandel get married?
Riley married Cameron Ehrlich on June 29, 2019. Her brother Alex officiated the ceremony.
Does Riley Mandel have children?
Yes. Riley gave birth to a daughter in January 2024. This made Howie Mandel a grandfather for the third time.
How old is Riley Mandel?
Riley was born in 1992, making her 32 or 33 years old in 2025.
What did Riley Mandel study?
She earned a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from Chapman University in 2014, then continued to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2018.