Meet Nicole Smith Levay! Nicole grew up in Monmouth County, and traveled the world before settling back down here with her husband and adorable son, Freddie! As an Energy Healer and owner of Power Within Healing, Nicole specializes in helping women recover from trauma, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Learn more in our interview below about Nicole’s life here with her family, and some of her incredibly important mom goals!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up in Monmouth County! My twenties and early thirties were spent in Northern NJ and on the West Coast. After my husband and I decided it was time to start a family, we moved back here from Oakland, California two years ago. “All roads lead home!”
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Freddie, he’s 10 (going on 11) months old.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I think in general I’m pretty surprising because I have always liked to march to the beat of my own drum!
One thing though would be I’ve had the privilege to travel across this country and internationally for school, work, and pleasure a lot— I’ve spent time on five continents actually.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
I’m very blessed with a good support system. It’s true that it “takes a village”. During a pandemic, that takes on a whole different meaning when you can’t physically be with your village. I’d like to shout out my husband, Bill, and my best friend from high school, Deirdra.
Bill is a Super Dad and really took on more responsibility than I thought could even be possible during this crisis, so that I could have some semblance of normalcy returning to my entrepreneurial life like I had originally planned.
I have been friends with Deirdra for over twenty years. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, she was available to me 24/7 for whatever I needed — listening, advice, or validation.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
My favorite thing to do with my son is cuddle him before a nap, or make him belly laugh (which happens quite frequently). The essentials of happy baby time!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I’m an energy healer who integrates somatic therapy, meditation and breathwork. I specialize in helping women recover from trauma, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. My private practice is called the Power Within Healing, and all my offerings are currently virtual.
I know first hand that mamas find it hard to make themselves the priority. The tools and modalities I use are easily accessible and very efficient. My clients experience increased self-love, confidence, improved health, and stress relief. If you are looking to move past energetic blocks in order to heal yourself and be in service to others, I can help! You can find out more and read testimonials at thepowerwithinhealing.com. Or follow me on IG @power_within_healing
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I like how the community helps families get creative and connected. I really love seeing the internet bring together people with unique but similar interests!
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
Siam Smiles or Gingaku in Matawan.
What is your favorite activity to do with your child(ren) in Monmouth County?
Freddie’s still young for a lot of the children’s activities in the area! But I imagine it’s going to be hiking in the parks and going to the beach, because those are the highlights of Monmouth County for me. When he’s old enough to experience some of the arts in the area, I look forward to introducing him to my talented music, acting, and dance-teacher friends too. Also envisioning fun mommy-and-me yoga sessions with our family friends soon.
What are your Mom Goals?
Happiness and health on all levels! Daily loving connection with my son, and also remembering my other priorities too. As my own boss setting my own hours, I have to be proactive in creating structure so I can request the support I need in advance. Once I have that clarity, plus a few hours a week for fitness and self-care — all is well in my world!
Visit Nicole’s website here to learn more about Power Within Healing!