What We Do
Helping driven individuals reclaim strength and confidence through compassion and aligned action–because what’s at stake is too important to ignore.
Personalized Coaching for Sustainable Health
Are you tired of confusing nutrition advice and fitness plans that don’t stick? You’re not alone. At Simplify Wellness, I help you cut through the noise and build real, lasting habits that support your goals — without restrictive diets or exhausting workouts.
Expertise You Can Trust
As a Certified Nutrition Coach (NCI CNC), NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), and experienced Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), I craft safe, effective, and personalized programs for body composition, post-injury exercise, and strength/confidence building.
Sustainable, Not Extreme
No crash diets or endless cardio. I focus on building habits that fit your life — not the other way around. From learning how to fuel your body properly to building strength with a personalized training plan, I'll guide you every step of the way. Your journey to better health starts with small, manageable changes that add up to big results.
Support Beyond the Scale
We’ll celebrate non-scale victories like increased energy, improved strength, and better sleep. Plus, you’ll have the accountability and encouragement to stay consistent — because progress is about more than just a number. Together, we'll redefine what success means to you.
About Me
Hi, I’m Heather McDonald, founder of Simplify Wellness.
I know what it feels like to be told, “this is as good as it gets.”
As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NCI Certified Nutrition Coach, and experienced Physical Therapist Assistant, I’ve spent years helping people rebuild strength, confidence, and capacity. But even with that professional background, I found myself flat on my stomach on the floor, unable to stand up after a snowboarding injury that turned my world upside down.
By the time it happened, I had already been working in outpatient rehab for years. I knew what standard care looked like—and I also knew it had limits. Traditional physical therapy helped me function, but it didn’t help me return to the life I loved. I needed more than rehab—I needed a plan to rebuild from the ground up.
That’s exactly what I now help others do.
This is not rehab.
I step in after rehab ends—or when someone’s been told they’re “cleared,” but they still feel limited, unsure, or afraid to trust their body again. I provide the progressive strength training, guidance, and support that helps people go from “good enough” to fully capable.
But strength alone isn’t enough.
We also focus on nutrition, daily habits, sleep, stress, and recovery—the behind-the-scenes factors that drive real, lasting change. Because building a resilient body requires more than just workouts—it requires a lifestyle that supports it.
Whether you're returning from injury, managing chronic pain, or just trying to feel better and move with confidence again, I’m here to guide you with a personalized, sustainable approach.
This isn’t about chasing perfection or quick fixes.
It’s about building a life you don’t have to recover from.
Services
We'll start with a Wellness Strategy Call to discuss your goals, challenges, and lifestyle. This call is an opportunity for us to determine if we're a good match to work together. From there, we'll decide which plan will best suit your needs.
1:1 Nutrition Coaching
- Personalized macro guidance & habit-based nutrition strategies
- Learn how to fuel your body without restrictive dieting
- Support for improving digestion, energy, and long-term wellness
- Weekly check-ins & accountability
1:1 Personal Training
- Strength training tailored to your goals & fitness level
- Return-to-sport programming for active individuals post-injury
- Sustainable, functional training to improve mobility & resilience
Wellness Coaching & Habit Building
- Simple strategies to integrate movement, hydration, sleep, & stress management
- Build a lifestyle that supports long-term health—without the overwhelm
What to Expect
I help busy people build self-care habits through simplified fitness and nutrition so they can create sustainable results and feel better for life.
Why choose Simplify Wellness over other health coaches?
At Simplify Wellness, we go beyond quick fixes and one-size-fits-all plans. You’ll get personalized guidance rooted in real-life experience, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of habit change—so you can build lasting self-care routines, improve your relationship with food and movement, and finally feel in control of your health.
Movement Expertise
As a PTA specializing in return-to-sport training, I understand how to prepare the body and help reduce the risk of injury, support mobility, and build functional strength.
Holistic Coaching
Your program won’t just focus on workouts. I’ll help you navigate nutrition, sleep, stress management, and recovery — because all of it matters.
Personalized Guidance
You’ll receive a plan that’s tailored to your unique goals, abilities, and lifestyle. No copy-and-paste programs here.
Accountability and Encouragement
I’ll be by your side every step of the way, helping you stay motivated and make adjustments when needed.
Testimonials
Let our clients speak for themselves!
"I have been working weekly with Heather for the past 6 months to make healthy and realistic lifestyle changes. She has dedicated the time in supporting and teaching me how to understand what my body needs in order to thrive while being mindful of my physical and emotional well being. She has been patient, knowledgeable and has been able to answer any question in a quick and efficient manner. Heather has inspired me to prioritize my wellness in a way that feels balanced and achievable, without the stress of making extreme, unsustainable changes, all while having fun. She has helped me understand that there is no expected timeline and that progress is never linear, but every step forward is a step toward your goals."
Nicole O.
Client
“Heather has been helping me on my wellness journey for over a year now. With Heather's guidance I have learned how to focus on fueling my body, which has always been a challenge for me. She has introduced me to small workouts and strength training exercises which have also changed my life. We have also focused on relaxation techniques and better sleep behaviors, since I struggle with winding down at night. The amount of motivation and support that Heather gives me weekly, and usually daily, is amazing. The recipes, meal prep ideas, relaxation techniques, apps and links that she sends to help guide me have helped me immensely. With Heather's guidance and unconditional support I am learning that I don't have to do things "perfectly". My relationship with food and my body is the healthiest it has been in years. Over this past year of working with Heather and utilizing her multifaceted approach to wellness, I can now say that my goal is to become a healthier, stronger person for myself. The help that I have gotten and continue to get from Heather is immeasurable and I would highly recommend Simplify Wellness Coaching for anyone who wants to begin their own wellness journey!”
Becky S.
Client
“The greatest challenge for me in coming to Heather for coaching was to get back to practices I had long forgotten. I had been rushing through meals often not tasting them just to get to dessert. I was still so hungry I would then proceed to overeat because I rushed and didn't take time to be satisfied. She also reminded me to sit a bit with my feelings, determine if I wanted to eat more for purely emotional reasons. Big challenge! and continues to be, but being aware is slowing me down. Undistracted eating is still my biggest challenge but I understand feeling full is really tied to this. Heather had a remarkable ability to adapt to my past history of distorted eating. Some things didn't work so she shifted strategy to something that did. I feel a wonderful change in my ability to first breathe, then see, feel, taste food and appreciate it and even make dishes I like rather than my usual of making things that should be healthy for me exclusively. Heather has walked the walk and has the latest nutritional information as well. I am lucky to have found her.”
Sally W.
Client
I’m 65 years old, and for a long time, I felt like my body was slowly giving out on me—especially the entire right side. I had trouble keeping up with my granddaughter, and every time we went to the playground, I’d have to sit and watch while she played. It broke my heart. I felt weaker and more discouraged with each passing week. Then I started working with Heather—and everything started to change. She didn’t just throw me into a one-size-fits-all workout. She really listened to me. She saw me not as a list of physical limitations, but as a whole person who wanted to feel strong again. Every session felt thoughtful and encouraging, and never once did I feel judged or pushed too far. I just felt supported. Three months later, I can honestly say I feel stronger, more confident, and more capable than I have in years. I can now take my granddaughter to the playground and actually get on the equipment with her. I can play, climb, and laugh with her all day—and keep up! That’s something I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do again. On top of that, I’m sleeping better at night and falling asleep in my chair a lot less during the day. My energy is back, and so is a sense of joy I didn’t even realize I’d lost. Working with Heather has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made for myself. I’m so grateful I found her.
Luanne M.
Client
Core Values
These fundamental principles guide everything we do at Simplify Wellness, ensuring you receive the highest quality coaching experience.
Compassion
We approach every client with genuine care and understanding, recognizing that your journey is unique and deserves respect. No judgment, just support.
Empowerment
I believe you are more capable than you think. My role is to help you discover that strength — not by taking over, but by giving you the tools, guidance, and support to take ownership of your wellness journey. It’s about building confidence, autonomy, and the belief that change is possible.
Integrity
I lead with honesty and alignment. I coach what I believe in, follow through on my word, and always prioritize what’s in your best interest — not just for now, but for the long run. You can count on me to be consistent, transparent, and rooted in purpose.
Authenticity
I show up as a real person, not a perfect one — and I invite you to do the same. Vulnerability, truth, and lived experience are part of what make this process work. Here, you’re safe to be yourself, and you’ll be guided by someone who’s walking the walk right alongside you.
Curious About Working Together?
Whether you're ready to dive in or just exploring your options, I'd love to hear from you! Fill out the form below to ask a question, book a Wellness Strategy Call, or learn more about how I can support your goals.
Let's find the right path forward — together.
In person sessions are available at 5 Albany Road, Suite 8, West Stockbridge, MA 01266.