Montessori Mindset: A Conversation with Coach Tony

In this episode of Montessori Mindset, Melissa Rohan, founder of Waterfront Academy in Washington, D.C., sits down with Coach Tony, gym director of The Little Gym on Capitol Hill. Together, they explore the role of movement in child development, the importance of community spaces, and how parents can support their children’s growth with joy and confidence.

Coach Tony’s Journey

Coach Tony’s path to The Little Gym began with his passion for professional parkour, which he started in high school. His background in acrobatics, tumbling, and flipping led him to stunt work in movies, advertisements, and commercials. Eventually, he transitioned into coaching parkour and discovered The Little Gym — a place where non-competitive gymnastics aligned perfectly with his love of movement and teaching.

The Little Gym and the Capitol Hill Community

Opened in 2020, The Little Gym quickly became a beloved part of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. With few opportunities for gymnastics or parkour in Washington, D.C., families often had to travel to Maryland or Virginia. Coach Tony, who grew up in the area and attended local schools, saw the need for a space where children could explore movement close to home. Before joining The Little Gym, he coached parkour at Llo Taylor Elementary and offered private lessons, building strong ties with the community he now serves.

Impact on Children

The Little Gym provides more than physical activity — it offers children a place to build confidence, resilience, and joy. Coach Tony has witnessed remarkable transformations, such as a quiet four-year-old who returned years later as one of the most advanced gymnastics students. These stories highlight how movement can unlock potential and nurture self-expression.

The Benefits of Movement

Coach Tony emphasizes that movement is essential for children’s development:

• Physical growth & confidence: Testing limits in a safe environment builds strength and self-assurance.

• Risk play: Learning to assess risks through physical challenges prepares children for independence in adulthood.

• Growth mindset: Overcoming fear in movement translates into resilience in other areas of life.

• Emotional well-being: Movement releases endorphins, the “happy hormones,” helping children manage stress and find joy.

  
  

Trends in Engagement

While some children arrive hesitant, preferring screens or tablets, Coach Tony and his staff use encouragement and creativity to spark interest. By referencing popular culture — a favorite movie or song — they make the gym feel familiar and fun, helping children transition into active participation.

Advice for Parents

Coach Tony’s message to parents is clear: be present and engaged. Whether asking questions, trying a skill alongside your child, or simply moving together, active involvement strengthens bonds and supports learning. He reminds parents to embrace their “inner child” and join in the fun, rather than stepping aside with a phone. Screen time, he notes, isn’t inherently harmful — as long as children receive consistent, positive messages from multiple sources.

Connect with The Little Gym

Families interested in joining can reach The Little Gym in several ways:

• Email: TLG on Capitol Hill DC at TheLittleGym.com (best method, as phone lines are often busy).

• In-person: The gym has an open-door policy during operating hours.

• Programs: Classes begin as early as four months old, with offerings that include birthday parties and day-off camps. The gym is open seven days a week, except major holidays, with Coach Tony on-site five days weekly.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This conversation with Coach Tony reminds us that movement is more than exercise — it is a pathway to confidence, resilience, and joy. Through The Little Gym, children in Capitol Hill are discovering their strength, their voice, and their ability to grow in community.