A Conversation with the Dowdell Family
Stroll Tortoise Island sits down with Jennifer Dowdell to talk about family, traditions, and life on the Island.
Stroll Tortoise Island: Tell us a little about your family.
Jennifer Dowdell:
My husband is Brian Dowdell, and together we have a blended family. Our children include Ivana, who is 7 years old and attends Holy Name of Jesus; Mia Lynne, who is 2 and not in school yet; and Brian’s older daughters, Krystina, who is 29, and Brianna, who is 27.
My husband is Brian Dowdell, and together we have a blended family. Our children include Ivana, who is 7 years old and attends Holy Name of Jesus; Mia Lynne, who is 2 and not in school yet; and Brian’s older daughters, Krystina, who is 29, and Brianna, who is 27.
“Family is at the center of everything we do.”
Stroll Tortoise Island: Where are you and Brian originally from, and how did you meet?
Jennifer Dowdell:
I am originally from Cartagena, Colombia, and Brian is from Rochester, New York. We met in Miami on the Fourth of July while Brian was visiting his daughter, Krystina. That meeting eventually led us to build a life together here in Florida.
I am originally from Cartagena, Colombia, and Brian is from Rochester, New York. We met in Miami on the Fourth of July while Brian was visiting his daughter, Krystina. That meeting eventually led us to build a life together here in Florida.
Stroll Tortoise Island: How long have you lived in Tortoise Island, and what street do you live on?
Jennifer Dowdell:
We have lived in the neighborhood for six years and currently reside on Loggerhead Island Drive.
We have lived in the neighborhood for six years and currently reside on Loggerhead Island Drive.
Stroll Tortoise Island: Can you share a bit about your professional background?
Jennifer Dowdell:
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with a minor in Accounting, along with expert training in Marketing. Brian attended Stanford University and is a physician specializing in interventional pain management, aesthetics, and stem cell therapies.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with a minor in Accounting, along with expert training in Marketing. Brian attended Stanford University and is a physician specializing in interventional pain management, aesthetics, and stem cell therapies.
We are self-employed and involved in several business ventures, including commercial real estate, a medical spa, a health clinic, a clothing boutique, and Airbnb properties. Brian also serves as a medical director for multiple clinics and works in business development.
Stroll Tortoise Island: We understand TAO Medical Retreat has been part of that journey. Can you tell us about it?
Jennifer Dowdell:
TAO Medical Retreat has been open in Melbourne, Florida, for about a year. It has been rewarding to grow the practice and offer wellness and aesthetic services to the community as part of our broader work in healthcare.
TAO Medical Retreat has been open in Melbourne, Florida, for about a year. It has been rewarding to grow the practice and offer wellness and aesthetic services to the community as part of our broader work in healthcare.
“TAO has become a meaningful extension of how we serve the community.”
Stroll Tortoise Island: What activities do your children enjoy?
Jennifer Dowdell:
Ivana is involved in tennis, piano, choir, and cheer. Mia enjoys going to the park and the pool, playing piano, dancing, and painting.
Ivana is involved in tennis, piano, choir, and cheer. Mia enjoys going to the park and the pool, playing piano, dancing, and painting.
Stroll Tortoise Island: Are there any family traditions that are especially important to you?
Jennifer Dowdell:
We travel to Cartagena, Colombia, several times a year, and our children attend summer camps there. Every December, we host a Novena at our home, which is a traditional Colombian Christmas celebration. We also take an annual family trip with grandparents and siblings and attend the Christmas show at Gaylord Palms in Orlando.
We travel to Cartagena, Colombia, several times a year, and our children attend summer camps there. Every December, we host a Novena at our home, which is a traditional Colombian Christmas celebration. We also take an annual family trip with grandparents and siblings and attend the Christmas show at Gaylord Palms in Orlando.
“Our traditions keep us connected to our culture and to each other.”
Stroll Tortoise Island: How do you like to spend time together as a family?
Jennifer Dowdell:
We enjoy going to the beach, boating, traveling, and attending church together every Sunday. We also make time to gather with friends regularly. Some of our favorite local restaurants include Drifters, Thai Thai, Coa, Villa Palma, Café Around the World, and others. For shopping, we enjoy Fresh Market and Costco.
We enjoy going to the beach, boating, traveling, and attending church together every Sunday. We also make time to gather with friends regularly. Some of our favorite local restaurants include Drifters, Thai Thai, Coa, Villa Palma, Café Around the World, and others. For shopping, we enjoy Fresh Market and Costco.
Stroll Tortoise Island: How are you involved in the broader community?
Jennifer Dowdell:
We participate in many fundraisers. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Brian is involved in business development and serves as medical director for multiple clinics.
We participate in many fundraisers. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Brian is involved in business development and serves as medical director for multiple clinics.
Stroll Tortoise Island: What do you enjoy most about living on Tortoise Island?
Jennifer Dowdell:
The neighborhood is very family-oriented and safe, with activities throughout the year. We appreciate the staff, the sunsets, the rocket launches, and the sense of community among neighbors.
The neighborhood is very family-oriented and safe, with activities throughout the year. We appreciate the staff, the sunsets, the rocket launches, and the sense of community among neighbors.
Stroll Tortoise Island: What would you tell someone new to the neighborhood?
Jennifer Dowdell:
It is the best neighborhood in town, with a great location and beautiful landscaping.
It is the best neighborhood in town, with a great location and beautiful landscaping.
Stroll Tortoise Island: And finally, what does Stroll Tortoise Island mean to you?
Jennifer Dowdell:
It keeps us connected.
It keeps us connected.