As parents, we all yearn for that magical village to help raise our children. But in today's fast-paced world, finding and nurturing those connections can feel overwhelming. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome Mandy Arioto, president and CEO of MomCo, to the Prep Table for a heartfelt conversation about building community, embracing imperfection, and rediscovering the joy in motherhood.

Mandy's journey from young mom to leader of a global movement supporting millions of mothers is truly inspiring. She shares candidly about her early struggles balancing work, family, and personal growth - experiences that will resonate deeply with many of us.

We explore how MomCo (formerly MOPS) has evolved to meet the changing needs of modern moms, creating spaces for authentic connection and growth in over 100 countries. Mandy offers practical wisdom on:

• Why true belonging often feels inconvenient (but is so worth it)
• Practical ways to cultivate meaningful friendships as a busy mom
• The power of small gestures in creating community

• Balancing screen time with real-world experiences
• Empowering tweens and teens to use social media wisely
• Surrounding our children with positive influences beyond the family

• Why striving for perfection actually hurts us (and our kids)
• Finding ways to inject more fun into family life
• How our "invisible" work as moms shapes the future

This conversation left me feeling uplifted and re-energized about the profound impact we have as mothers. Mandy's blend of humor, vulnerability, and practical advice is exactly the encouragement many of us need right now.

So pour yourself a cup of coffee (or wine - no judgment here!), settle in, and join us for a dose of motherhood realness. You'll leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired to build the village your family deserves.

Follow Mandy Here! https://www.instagram.com/mandyarioto/

Look more about MomCo Here! https://www.instagram.com/themomco_/

Purchase her book Here!

As parents, we want nothing more than to see our children thrive in school. We dream of them coming home with stories of new friends, exciting projects, and teachers who inspire them. But what happens your child starts to dread going to school, when their grades begin to slip, or when they become withdrawn and unhappy?

In this inaugural episode of the Prep Table podcast, I'm opening up about a deeply personal experience that shaped my passion for helping kids and families find their perfect educational fit. It's a story of isolation, bullying, and ultimately, triumph - one that I've kept close to my heart for over 15 years.

In future episodes, we’ll explore:

• What it means to belong—and how to create that for your child
• How to build your parenting village with confidence
• Tools for supporting emotional resilience, confidence, and executive functioning
• Practical advice on navigating school transitions and family decisions
• Academic and family resources that match your child’s unique path
  
  

Whether you're choosing a preschool, supporting a high schooler, or preparing a teen for college, this is your place to feel grounded, informed, and encouraged.

Because when children—and their parents—feel like they belong, everything changes.

Whether you're a parent, student, or educator, you belong here at the Prep Table. Let's work together to ensure every child feels seen, celebrated, and safe in their educational journey.