Susanna McDonald
CEO/Head Trainer
I graduated from Princeton University, started my career at Goldman Sachs, and was a fashion model in NYC. I know what it's like to push for excellence, but pay the price. For me, the cost was a cluttered mind, an unhealthy body, and a weak connection to my spirit.
My wellness journey began in 2018 with a vinyasa yoga teacher training that opened me up to spirituality and holistic wellness. I ended up shaving my head, going on a 10-day silent meditation retreat, and flying to Ubud, Bali, a self-healing mecca, for two months.
My next 5 years consisted of teaching for yoga studios and gyms, privately training clients, and continuing my own wellness education in yoga, nutrition, and strength. I founded my women's wellness company, Train With Susanna, in 2020 to make starting a wellness journey easier for stressed-out, overworked, endlessly driven women.
I love the personal aspect of personal training, and I feel grateful to have a front row seat to my clients' lives. It's important to me to show up for clients in a manner that's personal, professional, holistic, fun, and next level.
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Education
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology: Gender & Sexuality Studies: Princeton University
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Masters of Business Administration: Entrepreneurship; Marketing: Simon Business School
Certifications
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200 HR Vinyasa Yoga: Yoga to the People
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100 HR Traditional Hot Yoga: Hot on Yoga
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50HR Yin Yoga: Carlos Romero Livin' Inspired
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Pre-Post Natal: Anjali Yoga
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Personal Trainer: National Academy of Sports Medicine
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Level1 Nutrition Coach: Precision Nutrition
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Animal Flow Level 1
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CPR & AED
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In Progress: Women's Fitness Specialization: National Academy of Sports Medicine
Luke LaPointe
Rowing/Ergometer Specialist
Luke began rowing in high school in 2004. He competed for four years at Division III, Ithaca College, where he was a four-time NCAA competitor, leading the team to four consecutive 4th place finishes nationally. He was named CRCA All-American (First Team), NIRC All-Conference Team, ECAC Steward's All-Academic Team, and a CRCA National Scholar-Athlete. Outside of collegiate competition, he rowed and raced with the Pennsylvania Athletic Club, based out of Philadelphia.
Luke has 6 years of collegiate coaching experience (Div 3, Div 1) and two years' club coaching experience. He has taught people from as young as 11 and as seasoned as 70 how to row. He is passionate about rowing as a lifelong activity and a proponent of the many transferable life lessons the sport has to offer. His coaching philosophy is rooted in meeting clients where they are now and collaboratively creating a path forward for them to achieve both their fitness and broader lifestyle goals.
Education
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Bachelor of Arts: English: Ithaca College
Certifications
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USRowing Level 2 Coach
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Yogabody Certified Breath Coach
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Safesport
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CPR, AED, & First Aid
Winston (Winnie)
Mascot/Joy-Bringer
Winston is a beloved Leo. His frequent naps remind us to rest, and his love of ball-ie reminds us to follow our passions. You can count on him to breathe loudly into the microphone when Susanna is teaching.
Certifications
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Advanced Cuddling 2.0
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Ball Pursuit and Retrieval
Follow us on Instagram @trainwithsusanna for weekly inspiration and tips for your wellness journey. We'll talk yoga, strength, nutrition, and mindset. Winston, aka best puppy ever, likes to join us there. Plus, I share a bit about my life, like the music and travel I'm into.