Meet-a-Mom Monday: Colleen Tola Dopkin | Ocean County Moms

Meet Colleen Tola Dopkin

 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town? 
I grew up in Hamilton Square, NJ and lived there until college. I moved to Manahawkin in 2011.
Child(ren) and Age(s)? 
I have two amazing sons: Jamison (8) and Lukas (5).
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you.
I was very skeptical about Reiki and did not believe it would help me. My background is in science. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and my Master’s Degree in Public Health. Thankfully, I tried it anyway and my experience was undeniably amazing.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood? 
I am so blessed with love and support from my family. My parents and sister have always been right there to help whenever I need them. My husband has also taught me so much about parenting by viewing the world in the complete opposite way!
Favorite things to do with your kids? 
At this moment, my favorite thing to do with my kids is snuggle, because I know it won’t last forever! I really love to do anything they get excited about and light up when doing. For my son Jamison, it is going fishing. For my son Lukas, it is playing with legos, inflatables, or animatronics.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share! 
I recently opened The Reiki and Wellness Center of Manahawkin. I started practicing Reiki in 2012 and founded Free Spirit Reiki and Wellness in 2014 after becoming a Reiki Master. I decided to take this next step to open a center not only to continue to see Reiki clients, but also to host a variety of events (meditation, crystal bowl, yoga, qigong) with other practitioners. There is also a store component with crystals, mala beads, candles, etc. to support people on their personal wellness journeys.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have met many amazing people since moving to Manahawkin. The first is my husband, Jamie, who believed in me and my vision of creating this space for healing. I have also learned so much from our local yoga studio friends. I love to work with other practitioners, especially Cristin Stackles of Mayura Heart Wellness, who is a huge part of the heart of The Reiki and Wellness Center of Manahawkin. Working together and building a healthy community is the goal of all of the practitioners and vendors who you will find here.
What is your favorite restaurant in Ocean County?
Definitely Kaya’s Kitchen in Belmar and Living on the Veg.
What is your favorite activity to do with your child(ren) in Ocean County?
My boys love fantasy island and going to the carnivals each summer!
What are your Mom Goals? 
My Mom Goals are to continue to grow with my boys. Since starting to meditate with them a couple years ago and practice breathing techniques, they remind me at times to come back to my breath too! They truly are my greatest teachers.

The Reiki and Wellness Center of Manahawkin:

[email protected]

 

 

Join The Ocean County Moms Network Community

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in-and-around The Ocean County NJ Moms Network community with local events, community highlights, and exclusive deals.