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.

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 Our Founder

 
 

AMY McDONALD, PRINCIPAL & CEO

Amy McDonald is a 35+ year health and wellness business expert who applies an integrated approach to weaving wellness into a variety of verticals; hotels, resorts, mixed use and residential only real estate, including senior care and retail, hospitals and medical clinics.

A globally recognized and sought after innovator in transformational health and wellness programming, she is the Founder and CEO of Under a Tree and for 19 years, has lead a diverse group of seasoned industry experts on projects in more than 20 different countries.

Amy guides clients through feasibility and business viability into concept development, design and operational execution. Her firm has worked on many award winning national and global brands such as Mii Amo, Shou Sugi Ban, Castle Hot Springs, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,  1 Hotel, Fairmont Hotel and Resorts, Cirque du Soleil, Watermark Retirement Communities, along with ownership groups such as Dart Interest, Oxford Group, Irongate, etc.

She is a frequent guest speaker on the ongoing evolution of wellness, offering best in practice examples of successful business’ and how to be strategic, relevant, build smart and stay award winning.


 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 was a Peer Reviewer for v1.0 of the WELL Standard and continues to contribute to the development of WELL. Jennifer has had the unique experience of being a Consultant to both Delos and IWBI, as well as working with WELL in various phases on over 100 projects around the country and world. Jennifer is currently overseeing the certifications for many firsts in WELL, LEED, and Net Zero Energy. Many of these projects will be seeking Living Building Challenge Petal recognition through the International Living Future Institute. Her extensive experience includes consultation on one of the most “ahead of its time projects” for sustainability and wellness, Step Up On Vine, a LEED for Homes Platinum certified permanent supportive housing project for chronically homeless and mentally ill in Hollywood. Jennifer is a leader within the USGBC-Los Angeles Chapter, the USGBC National Movement, the WELL Movement, and in the fields of green building and wellness in general. 

 

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.

Elmar Nagele | Bradford Wellness & Spa

Elmar Nagele, CEO, Bradford Wellness & Spa

Owner and CEO of Bradford Wellness & Spa, Elmar Nagele has over 30 years of global hydrothermal spa experience. His previous work with Thermarium Baederbau (Austria) is recognized worldwide as the standard for luxury hydrothermal environments. Since 1982, Bradford Products, owned by the Brodeur family, has led the world in the design and fabrication of high quality, custom stainless steel aquatic products. Bradford’s proven expertise in conceptual design, engineering, manufacturing and installation pushed them to the forefront of the pool and spa industry. The collaboration between Elmar and Bradford Products produced Bradford Wellness & Spa, a company with a multi-faceted client portfolio, a wide range of capabilities and an exceptional vision for hydrothermal environments.

 

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.