Under a Tree understands wellness.
We merge the art of design with the science of business to ensure your wellness business inspires, performs to its full potential, and is best in class.
OUR STORY
Under a Tree was born of a desire to deliver world-class wellness experiences that are personal, transformational, and profitable. When a small team of all-women experts was forged by our founder 19 years ago, this type of experience was rare. Every one of our senior consultants come from previous careers as operators in renowned properties. This hands-on knowledge of our industry and our keen awareness of global trends has positioned us to deliver stand-out solutions of impact and modern-day relevance.
Our Founder
AMY McDONALD, PRINCIPAL & CEO
Amy McDonald is a luminary in the spa and hospitality industries, boasting 35 years of invaluable experience. Revered as an innovator in transformative health and wellness programming, Amy's expertise lies in seamlessly merging the pinnacle of resort hospitality with urban healthcare, crafting integrated models that redefine wellness paradigms.
With an illustrious career managing esteemed properties, such as the iconic Miraval destination spa in Arizona, Amy's passion for authentic wellness experiences led her to establish Under a Tree Consulting. For the past 19 years, she has spearheaded groundbreaking projects, collaborating with seasoned industry experts to guide clients through Business Definition, Feasibility, and Concept and Design Development. Her visionary approach ensures projects are not only viable and profitable but also at the forefront of industry trends.
Amy's influence extends globally, with clients spanning Europe, Peru, Croatia, Mexico, and Canada, predominantly comprising real estate companies and individuals committed to preventive health and regenerative development. As a sought-after speaker, she shares insights on the bottom-line impact of wellness programming, emphasizing its role in driving significant ROI for wellness communities and mixed-use hospitality projects.
Beyond her consultancy work, Amy's dedication to advancing the field of wellness is evident through her roles within the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). As former Chair of the Hot Springs Initiative, Co-Chair of Dying Well, and member of the Wellness Real Estate Initiative, she actively shapes industry discourse and initiatives.
A proud Canadian with a global perspective, Amy has called Mexico, Morrocco, Greece home, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and wellness practices. She now resides in the United States. Her unwavering commitment to fostering holistic well-being continues to inspire transformative change in the industry and beyond.
Our Team
WE’RE AN ALL-STAR, ALL-WOMEN TEAM
In addition to our appreciation of — and dedication to — the health and wellness industry, we’re moms, financial experts, legal experts, writers, massage therapists, hot springs experts, social media gurus, herbalists, mountain bikers, world travelers, MFA’s, MBA’s, and nature enthusiasts! Multi-tasking is second nature to us, and we strive to provide authenticity in everything we do. Each and every one of us is passionate about delivering innovative, unique, profitable wellness experiences to our clients. Our 125+ years of combined experience within the industry makes us an invaluable source of knowledge to support your wellness venture.
OUR Strategic Partners
Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic | ASAP
Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic, Founder & CEO, A SustainAble Production ("ASAP"), LLC
Jennifer is the Founder & CEO of A SustainAble Production (ASAP), a woman owned, full-service global Sustainability, Wellness, and Resiliency Consulting firm. ASAP is recognized globally for bringing sustainability & wellness to the built environment, organizations, and communities at scale. Jennifer is an expert in IWBI’s WELL Building Standard. As was one of the first WELL APs in the world, Jennifer has worked with more than 4,500 WELL projects globally in various phases and Pilots. Jennifer and ASAP’s experience with WELL is unparalleled in the world, resulting in Jennifer being named IWBI’s inaugural global WELL AP of the Year in 2019. In 2022, ASAP was one of the first companies to achieve IWBI’s WELL EP designation and was awarded the inaugural WELL EP of the Year award. Jennifer has extensive experience with the USGBC’s various LEED rating systems, Arc, Tri-Generation, Net Zero, Net Positive, and Carbon Neutral projects. Jennifer was named the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women Making a Difference Rising Star winner in 2014 and a Women In Sustainability Leadership Award winner in 2019 for her leadership and innovation.
Helen Foster | Foster Strategy
Helen Foster, Principal, Foster Strategy
Helen created Foster Strategy in 2008 and serves as the firm’s principal and chief consultant. Previously co-manager of the Boomer+ Consumer division of the multi-national marketing firm J. Walter Thompson, Helen’s approach to development is rooted in consumer insights and branding expertise. With 20+ years of real estate experience, she provides concept, marketing and operations guidance to clients across the U.S., many regarded as “best in class” in their industry sectors. Based in New Orleans, Helen has been a speaker, judge, advisor and editorial contributor for industry organizations, including the Urban Land Institute, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, National Association of Homebuilders, and the National Multifamily Housing Conference. She is in the leadership of ULI’s Lifestyle Residential Development Council (LRDC 55+) and has been named among 50+ Builder’s Top 50 Executives. Helen is a member of the Board of Directors for the nation’s most progressive continuing care retirement community, Willow Valley, which is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
INC Architecture & Design
INC Architecture & Design
INC is an open-source, multi-disciplinary, architecture and design studio, with experience in a wide range of project types from big to small that specializes in the integration of the design disciplines. We approach a chair, a room, and a superstructure all equally. We posit that good ideas can come from anywhere and unlock the creative process to inspiration from our collaborators and the world outside our studio. A tripartite leadership structure guides our projects from conception to completion and balances the three essential elements of successful design: joy, utility and craft. At INC to lead is to listen and thus each project is a unique portrait imbued with the aspirations of our clientele, be they an individual or a segment of the population. Based in New York, INC works globally and takes a global view by implementing environmental best practices naturally.
Bradford Wellness & Spa
Bradford Wellness & Spa
Bradford Wellness is an industry-leading hydrothermal specialist. Their work has been used to create unique and world-renowned hydrothermal spaces globally for the past 30 years. Bradford’s proven expertise in conceptual design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation has pushed their company to be an industry leader in the spa and wellness industry. With a multi-faceted global client portfolio, a wide range of capabilities, and an exceptional vision for hydrothermal spaces, Bradford Wellness creates memorable and profitable experiences.
Michelle Roland | Roland Retail
Michelle Roland, Founder & CEO, Roland Retail, LLC
Michelle has over 15 years’ experience in luxury retail markets. Her expertise includes product development, procurement, sales, merchandising, budgeting, forecasting, management and training. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to work in high-pressure situations, moving quickly to analyze retail opportunities to increase business revenue and create and implement successful strategies through thorough, effective training for renowned luxury brands, including Auberge, Four Seasons, and Waldorf Astoria. In 2006, she launched her own global merchandising and buying company that is a trusted and sought-after resource in Golf, Hospitality, Resort, Swimwear, Spa and Gift retail domains.
Chef Cary Neff
Chef Cary Neff
Cary is devoted to cuisine that is both satisfying and healthful. Chef Neff revolutionized healthy cooking with the introduction of Conscious Cuisine®. A quest to utilize food as medicine to demonstrate wellness through conscious efforts to select, prepare and enjoy nutrient dense foods that excite the senses with satisfying flavors and immune boosting goodness. Re-inventing America's dinner plate by using properly portioned animal proteins as a tasty compliment to provide unparalleled flavor and balanced nutrition. His New York Times best-selling cookbook, Conscious Cuisine, reflects this “savoring the moment” philosophy with recipes that are delicious, elegant, and easy to prepare.