Don Stevenson, PA-C | Founder of The Dad Optimization Project

Don is a licensed Physician Associate, retired Army officer, and combat veteran with over two decades of service and leadership in high-performance medical and military environments. Before becoming a PA, Don served as a Sergeant First Class and later transitioned into officer roles, deploying multiple times to Kuwait, Kosovo, Hungary, and Afghanistan. His final duty station was as a cadre instructor at the Academy of Health Sciences—where he helped train the next generation of Army medical leaders.

After retiring from the military, Don faced the same challenges many high performers encounter: burnout, weight gain, and a loss of personal direction. Through disciplined lifestyle changes, he dropped over 50 pounds, rebuilt his energy, and reignited his purpose—becoming not only a wellness expert, but a living example of sustainable transformation.

Today, Don blends clinical expertise, military-tested leadership, and real-world wellness strategies to coach high-performing dads, professionals, and anyone ready to optimize their life. As a single father of two daughters—one graduating college and one in high school—Don knows what it means to lead by example, balance responsibility, and pursue growth at every stage.

His mission is simple: to help others unlock their strength, energy, and purpose—because life is too short to live stuck, and too important not to lead with your best self.