Mary Beth’s Story

Mary Beth’s  involvement with Iona began with  a simple desire to see her mother-in-law, Susan, thrive. After moving to Washington, DC to live with her son, Susan found joy in the vibrant community fostered by Iona. It wasn’t long before Mary Beth and her husband noticed a remarkable transformation in Susan—a blossoming of her personality, drawn out by the music, socialization, and engaging environment at Iona’s Wellness & Arts Center. Mary Beth explains, “Iona creates an inviting space that makes Susan feel welcome. The stimulating environment sparks her sense of humor and allows her natural social intelligence to shine.”

Curious about the magic behind Iona’s success, Mary Beth couldn’t help but ask, “What’s the secret sauce?” What she discovered was a testament to the power of community and inclusivity. “I see a lot of people — participants and staff — asking themselves, ‘How can I support this community,’” Mary Beth shares. At Iona, she experiences a palpable sense of egalitarianism between staff, participants, and volunteers.

Inspired by this spirit of generosity, Mary Beth felt grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Iona community. Offering to teach Pilates classes at the Wellness & Arts Center was her way of enhancing the well-being of the participants and fostering deeper connections with those whom Susan interacts with daily. Starting in July 2023, Mary Beth eagerly took on the role of Pilates instructor, leading classes twice a week.

For Mary Beth, teaching Pilates at Iona has been a source of fulfillment and a meaningful extension of her life’s work. Witnessing the dedication and hard work of the participants fills her with a profound sense of respect and inspiration. “I’m honored that people participate regularly and work as hard as they do.” Even if they can’t recall the name of an exercise, the muscle memory of the movements from her Pilates classes remains ingrained in their bodies—a testament to the impact she’s making, one session at a time. “It’s really heartwarming and gratifying,” says Mary Beth.

Through her teaching, Mary Beth feels blessed to be part of such a supportive and nurturing community. The connections she forges, and the moments of shared accomplishment are a constant reminder of the power of the Iona family. Teaching at Iona isn’t just about Pilates; it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Reflecting on her own family’s experience with Iona, Mary Beth says, “Iona is our MVP, our most valuable player, because it not only gives us peace of mind during the day, but it creates a sense of community — a place to belong. Iona has changed our family life dramatically and I honestly can’t imagine our lives without the teamwork we have with Iona.”