ABOUT MTM

Who we were. Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga was founded in 2008 by Dr. Megan Brown (Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor for Rehabilitation) and Sara VanderGoot (Attorney, Certified Massage Therapist, Birth Doula, e-RYT 500, e-PRYT).

Before opening Mind the Mat, in our private practices, we observed many our clients coming to us with similar needs: relief for neck and shoulder tension, low back and hip pain, a desire for increased flexibility, mobility, and stability. We were both searching for connection, community, and an opportunity to broaden the impact of our work with clients.

We began with the concept of hiring movement specialists and providing space for them to do what they do best. Over the years we have hired and developed hundreds of skilled and experienced Pilates, yoga and Barre instructors. Many of our instructors are also physical therapists, massage therapists, nurses, doctors, nutritionists, doulas, and more. Together with them, we have carefully crafted a curriculum of Pilates, Yoga & Barre classes to address the needs of clients of all kinds and in all stages of life. Clients who are pregnant, have just birthed, are injured, limited, new to a practice, or looking for an advanced practice and an extra challenge, can all find an expert led class at Mind the Mat.

Who we are now. We would never have guessed more than fifteen years ago that the Mind the Mat community would shape us as much or more as we have shaped it. We are surrounded by an incredible management team and cohort of instructors. We are honored to have trained and learned alongside hundreds of new Pilates, yoga and Barre instructors, many of whom teach in our studios. We are rooted in joyful communities of clients in Alexandria and Arlington. We are connected to amazing people in non-profits, associations, small businesses and corporations that have enriched our experience beyond the walls of Mind the Mat. When times have gotten rough, like during the pandemic, we fought for the survival of Mind the Mat, because we could not imagine giving up on our people. It turns out our people didn’t give up on us either, and we today we are thriving beyond what we ever could have imagined. We truly are stronger together.

Thank you for being part of this adventure!

Our Values & Priorities

  • We strive for diversity & inclusion by...

    Hiring staff members from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and empowering their voices and perspectives in MTM spaces

    Granting teacher training scholarships for BIPOC students

    Providing race, diversity and inclusion trainings for our leadership team and teachers in training

    Partnering with organizations that support at risk communities

    Virginia Hospital Center: labor support volunteer program

    Move2Learn: a non-profit that brings tools and programs into Alexandria Public School classrooms to encourage movement throughout the day to prime kids’ brains so they feel and learn their best

  • We value accessibility by...

    Developing customized programs for people at all stages of life and mobility needs

    Hiring instructors who are highly trained and experienced

    Training teachers to provide individualized support for clients in a group environment

    Partnering with and knowledge of exceptional local wellness providers who complement MTM’s offerings

    Check out MTM’s:

    • Expertly crafted Drop-in Classes

    • Specialized Progressive Series

    • In-depth Workshops

    • FitClinic an app with virtual classes for pregnancy and after baby

    • Virtual On Demand Library


  • Personal & Professional Growth by...

    Offering in-depth Pilates, yoga & Barre teacher trainings, apprenticeships and continuing education

    Organizing local and international retreats for students to travel and learn

    Inviting inquiry, curiosity, and critical thinking within our community for life-long learning

    Hiring business and team building coaches to consistently challenge and grow our systems and communications

    Acknowledging that we are all teachers, students

    • Dr. Megan Brown is an adjunct faculty member at Marymount University Program in Physical Therapy.

    • Sara VanderGoot trains birth assistants for the volunteer program at Virginia Hospital Center.

  • We uplift each other through genuine connection, joy and accountability by...

    Empowering a solution oriented mindset in our staff and clients

    Encouraging humor and laughter in our classes

    Striving to be present and attentive in our interactions

    Prioritizing honesty in relationships and facilitating caring and candid dialogues within our community

    Yearly events that foster fun:

    • Well Ray Festival: yearly community street festival established by Mind the Mat in 2014. Now managed by the Del Ray Business Association.

    • MTM Community Parties


  • MTM sustains long term partnerships with other community building institutions such as:

    • American Physical Therapy Association

    • Virginia Hospital Center

    • Marymount University

    • Del Ray Business Association

    • George Mason University

    • Lululemon

    • Athleta

    • Move2Learn

    • Simply Shenandoah

    • Alexandria Stylebook

    • Scout Guide