Join us for our Annual MONA Littles Egg Hunt at Oak Grove Park (4012 17th Street North, Arlington, VA 22207), Sunday March 29th
We’ll meet near the entrance off of 17th Street. MONA Littles will provide eggs and treats to hide.
We also welcome donations to hide/share. If you are able, please drop the items off at 1201 N Taylor Street the week beforehand. You can place it on the porch or hang it on the gate. Items the day of the event are welcome too.
Volunteers to help hide eggs at the beginning are needed. Please plan to arrive by 10:00 to help hide the eggs.
This year the hunt will be held in two waves. Children 3-5 will go at 10:30 and children 1-2 at 11:00. We will also need volunteers to help hide eggs between the waves and probably for some crowd control.
The hunt is specifically for children ages 1-5. Older children are welcome to help hide candy/eggs. more info...
Come hang out with other new and expecting moms and dads monthly on Saturday morning from 10:30am onwards. In April (Saturday the 4th), we are gathering at Lubber Run Park. There is free parking available there for up to 4 hours.
Rain alternative: Ballston Quarter Market
Updates to these events will be shared to the New and Expecting Moms listserv.
Join MONA for happy hour at the newly renovated American Legion Post 139! This hidden gem in Clarendon has been beautifully refreshed and is the perfect spot to sip, socialize, and connect with fellow MONA members. We'd love to see you - and your first drink is on us! We kindly ask you to RSVP so we can track headcount. more info...
Another fun morning with Mr. Jon and his entertaining musical performance. We will also have Brightside Blend with us again, selling their amazing coffee drinks!
As always, this event is open to all and free to attend! MONA family socials are a fun and easy way to meet up with other MONA members and their kids. It is also a great way to introduce friends and family to MONA. Partners, grandparents, and friends are all welcome. more info...
Join us for a casual MONA Playground Meetup to connect with both new and longtime members of our community! Bring your kids to run, climb, and play while parents have a chance to relax, chat, and get to know one another.
This is a great opportunity to welcome new members, reconnect with familiar faces, and build friendships within the MONA community. We hope you’ll join us for a fun and easygoing afternoon at the playground! more info...
Location: 818 N Quincy Street, Suite A, Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 703.217.6492
Parking/Access: There is a metered street parking, a public parking garage across the street, and the Ballston Quarter Parking garage is also available. The studio is a 10 minute walk from either Virginia Square or Ballston metro stops.
The Workout: Our efficient and effective barre3 Signature workout combines strength, cardio, and mindfulness. You’ll experience a balanced workout guided by an expert instructor, providing modifications every step of the way for you to feel successful and empowered. The class will be 45 minutes and all props will be provided. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before class ready to move in comfortable clothing with a refillable water bottle. You may workout either bare foot or wear sticky socks. After class, you will be treated to some light refreshments and the opportunity to shop the retail/class package selections at a discount. more info...
Join the Careers & Networking (formerly Working Moms) subgroup for co-working time at Central Library every other Thursday!
For moms currently out of work, looking to transition to a new role, or who simply want to some accountability buddies while working remotely, we will meet every other week starting on Thursday, January 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00pm. We have a room booked at Central Library for each session (first session is in Little Falls room) and is open to Mona members looking for a quiet space to apply for jobs or work along with some friendly co-working and accountability buddies.
Drop by if you can, even if only for a few minutes. Hope to see some of you there! Reach out with any questions! more info...
But the 6-week checkup is not a strength test. It’s not a pelvic floor assessment. And it’s not a personalized return-to-exercise plan.
For many women, safe, intentional movement can begin sooner than you think. For others, 6 weeks is far too early for impact. The key isn’t a date on the calendar — it’s understanding what your body needs and how to progress strategically.
Join us for this free virtual workshop on Thursday, April 16, at 7:00 PM to learn what current evidence actually says about postpartum recovery and return to exercise.
In this practical, evidence-informed session, you’ll learn:
-What’s happening to your core and pelvic floor after birth
-Why the 6-week rule is often misunderstood
-What movement can safely begin earlier than you think
-How to progress from early recovery to strength training and impact
-How to interpret leakage, heaviness, or pain
-When to modify, when to move forward, and when to seek individualized support
This workshop is hosted by Carrie Pagliano Physical Therapy, an Arlington, VA-based practice specializing in advanced pelvic floor and orthopedic care for active women and moms who want to return to running, lifting, and sport without leaks or pain.
About the Speaker
Dr. Carrie Pagliano is a double board-certified physical therapist in Orthopaedics and Women’s Health with over 25 years of experience. She is based in Arlington, Virginia, and specializes in helping active women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and return to sport with evidence-based, strength-informed care. Dr. Pagliano is a 23+ year resident of Arlington and a fellow MONA mom of 2. more info...
Join us for a free RTR Pilates class on Saturday, April 18th at 3:00 PM! This 50-minute reformer Pilates class is perfect for beginners, and no prior experience is needed—just bring your energy, curiosity and grip socks!! :) RTR Pilates is dedicated to helping clients of all levels build strength, flexibility, and confidence through mindful movement. Only 15 spots available, so RSVP today!
The day of the event:
- Parking is available onsite
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before class start time
- Bring grip socks (or purchase them in the studio)
Can’t make it to the April 18th free class? No worries!
We’re excited to offer you $20 off our 14-Day Intro Offer! This special promotion includes 14 classes in 14 days for only $79. Email northarlington@rtrpilates.com if you would like to set this up! more info...
Join the Careers & Networking (formerly Working Moms) subgroup for co-working time at Central Library every other Thursday!
For moms currently out of work, looking to transition to a new role, or who simply want to some accountability buddies while working remotely, we will meet every other week starting on Thursday, January 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00pm. We have a room booked at Central Library for each session (first session is in Little Falls room) and is open to Mona members looking for a quiet space to apply for jobs or work along with some friendly co-working and accountability buddies.
Drop by if you can, even if only for a few minutes. Hope to see some of you there! Reach out with any questions! more info...
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable at MONA’s first-ever Family Retreat in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley!
We’ll spend the weekend at Caroline Furnace Retreat Center, a gorgeous property with miles of
wooded trails, a peaceful lake, and plenty of room for kids to run, explore, and play. Moms will be treated
to a special Mother’s Day dinner and s’mores by the fire, and all meals and drinks are included. Adults are only $234 and children over the age of 2 are $199 for the weekend!
Enjoy a relaxing weekend filled with:
Hiking & light trail running
Canoeing on the lake
Outdoor games for all ages
Crafts & creative activities
Time to unwind, unplug, and connect
Celebrate Mother’s Day in nature, with family, fun, and fresh air. We’d love to have you join us!
Where is it?
Our retreat will be held at Caroline Furnace Camp & Retreat Center in Fort Valley, VA. Travel time from Arlington is typically about 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
What are the dates and times?
Check-in: Friday, May 8, any time after 4:00pm
Check-out: Sunday, May 10, by 10:00am
Guests are welcome to enjoy the property until noon on Sunday.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
We will be staying in the Farmhouse on the CF property.
Downstairs:
6 private bedrooms + 4 bathrooms - Only two private rooms left! Plenty of room for kids!
Mix of full-size beds, twins, and bunk beds
Room selection is is based on registration date and preference.
Upstairs:
3 shared bedrooms for older kids
During registration, you will indicate your top three choices for your family.
Floor plans below.
Is food included?
Yes! All meals, snacks, and drinks are covered. Before the retreat, MONA will send a dietary preferences and restrictions questionnaire.
Expect simple, shared meals with plenty of coffee and tea available.
What will we be doing?
Activities will be tailored to the group and ages of kids attending. Options include:
Hiking on ~6 miles of trails
Light trail running (optional)
Canoeing on the lake
Outdoor games (flag football, soccer, sharks & minnows, etc.)
Board games, crafts, and more
There’s lots of space to run, play, and explore!
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes — free Wi-Fi is available.
That said, we encourage everyone to unplug as much as possible.
There is a TV in the farmhouse for movies, but kids will be asked to leave iPads/devices behind.
How will we celebrate Mother’s Day?
MONA loves our moms! We’ll have:
A chance for kids to make special gifts
A Mother’s Day dinner and s’mores on Saturday night
What should we pack?
Bedding and pillows are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own
Toiletries and towels
Layers for cool mornings
Shoes that can get dirty + shoes for trail running/hiking
Extra clothes for kids – they will get messy!
The farmhouse is heated, but nights in the country can be chilly — pack accordingly.
What about parking?
There is ample parking immediately next to the Farmhouse, surrounded by open fields. No need to worry about finding a spot.
Come join us for musical fun with King Bullfrog! "KING BULLFROG is a kindie rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for kids and grownups actually like." We will also have Brightside Blend with us again, selling their amazing coffee drinks!
As always, this event is open to all and free to attend! MONA member socials are a fun and easy way to meet up with other MONA members and their kids. It is also a great way to introduce friends and family to MONA. Partners, grandparents, and friends are all welcome! more info...
Join the Careers & Networking (formerly Working Moms) subgroup for co-working time at Central Library every other Thursday!
For moms currently out of work, looking to transition to a new role, or who simply want to some accountability buddies while working remotely, we will meet every other week starting on Thursday, January 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00pm. We have a room booked at Central Library for each session (first session is in Little Falls room) and is open to Mona members looking for a quiet space to apply for jobs or work along with some friendly co-working and accountability buddies.
Drop by if you can, even if only for a few minutes. Hope to see some of you there! Reach out with any questions! more info...
Simple Ways to Nourish Your Post-Baby Body with Chinese Medicine & Acupressure: A hands-on workshop with Kate Pope of Alleva Acupuncture
Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 AM
Arlington Mills Community Center, Room 412
909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22204
Birthing a baby places tremendous demands on a mother’s body. In this talk, we’ll explore simple, practical ways to support healing and restore energy during the postpartum year—and beyond—using principles from Chinese Medicine.
You’ll learn easy techniques you can implement at home, including nourishing teas and foods made from common pantry herbs, gentle acupressure points, and small daily practices that help restore energy, support recovery, and care for your body while caring for your baby.
We’ll also briefly touch on how acupuncture can further support postpartum health—including sleep, mood, energy, lactation, and more.
Babies are welcome. Please note that the space will not have a designated play area for older children. If you plan to bring a child who may need entertainment during the talk, we recommend bringing a few quiet activities to help keep them occupied.
About the Presenter
Kate Pope is the owner and acupuncturist at Alleva Acupuncture, a women’s health–focused acupuncture clinic. She has worked in and around the birthing world for over 10 years and is passionate about supporting postpartum healing. Kate believes that how women recover after birth plays an important role not only in the months following delivery, but in women’s long-term health and well-being. To learn more about Kate and her practice, visit www.allevaacu.com.
Logistics: Event is free. Event space as parking garage that is free for the first 4 hours. more info...
AerialCandy will give your children a one-hour intro to aerial silks class, followed by an hour of open gym with aerial silks or aerial hoop at our Merrifield, VA, location.
This is a drop off class, which gives parents two hours kid-free!
Space for up to 12 children (ages 6 to 12 ideal, but older is fine) with 2 instructors. $37 per child (a 14% discount from our one-class rate). Both the parent and the child must sign a waiver before the class.
We hope to see you and your children on Saturday, May 16. Please plan to arrive in enough time to sign the waivers before the 5:00 pm start time.
"Matrescence," a term coined by Dana Raphael, describes the process of a woman's transition into motherhood through birth, surrogacy, or adoption. It is a physical, hormonal, emotional change that spans from pre-conception to postpartum, and beyond. Despite the total transformation occurring in our bodies, relationships, and identities, there is little time available, and few resources offered to mothers to process the emotional experience of this change. This free virtual event, invites participants to do just that.
Join us on Monday, May 18th at 7 PM for a workshop hosted by Serena Anand-Bruttig, a licensed psychologist who supports individuals and couples through the transition to parenthood. During this interactive 75-minute event, Dr. Anand-Bruttig will lead participants through an exploration of:
- The definition and lived experience of matrescence
- The expectations vs. realities of motherhood
- The range of emotional experiences, and when/how to seek help
- Levels of support (emotional, social, practical, professional)
- Building a coping/care plan
You are encouraged to bring a journal, notes app, or open word doc, as we will use reflection prompts in several of these topics. more info...
Join the Careers & Networking (formerly Working Moms) subgroup for co-working time at Central Library every other Thursday!
For moms currently out of work, looking to transition to a new role, or who simply want to some accountability buddies while working remotely, we will meet every other week starting on Thursday, January 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00pm. We have a room booked at Central Library for each session (first session is in Little Falls room) and is open to Mona members looking for a quiet space to apply for jobs or work along with some friendly co-working and accountability buddies.
Drop by if you can, even if only for a few minutes. Hope to see some of you there! Reach out with any questions! more info...
