Heidi MacAlpine
Heidi MacAlpine is a seasoned holistic healthcare provider and the founder of Align OT PLLC, bringing over 35 years of clinical experience to her practice. As an occupational therapist, she provides individualized wellness and clinical services across the lifespan, integrating virtual programming to extend her reach beyond state licensure limits. Her approach emphasizes nervous system regulation, health promotion, and whole-family wellness, blending Eastern and Western techniques such as yoga therapy, Reiki, and movement-based interventions.
Throughout her career, Heidi has worked extensively with pediatric populations, spanning early intervention, schools, assisted living, and nonprofit programs. She also serves as an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor at healthcare institutions on Long Island, mentoring students and collaborating with nonprofit partners like STRIVE LI and Monday’s Cancer Care. Her work reflects a commitment to empowering caregivers, often focusing on mothers, to foster healthier families and communities.
Heidi holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a focus on health promotion from Boston University, a Master’s in K–5 teaching from Dowling College, and an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy and Science from Quinnipiac University. She is actively involved with professional and community organizations, including the New York Occupational Therapy Association (NYOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and Brave Healers Productions, underscoring her dedication to advancing both her profession and the broader community.
• Occupational Therapist
• Yoga Therapist
• Reiki Master
• Sound Therapist
• Early Intervention Certification
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Women's Fitness Specialization
• Pre-postnatal Coach
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Boston University- Doctorate
• Dowling College- Master's
• Quinnipiac University
• NYOTA (New York Occupational Therapy Association)
• AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association)
• Brave Healers Productions
• STRIVE (Long Island)
• Monday's Cancer Care
• Brave Healers Productions
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of personal experience and dedicated practice. Caring for my parents through cancer, navigating motherhood, and managing my own health challenges have all shaped my perspective, while over three decades in pediatric occupational therapy have honed my skills. I focus on continuous learning, trusting my intuition, and being fully present with each client, meeting them exactly where they are.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to prioritize self-care so they can fully support others, focus on connection and collaboration, and always meet people where they are without letting a diagnosis define them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now include adapting to virtual delivery and emerging technologies, navigating state licensure limitations while expanding wellness services globally, and advocating for broader insurance recognition of preventive and wellness programs.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are community, compassion, creativity, and connection. I prioritize health and self-care while helping others recognize that they are more than their diagnoses, fostering a shared energy that uplifts and expands everyone around us. I believe in creating and sharing positive energy, building connections that empower both individuals and the collective.