Our team.
Three women created The Self Retreat: Dena, Sue and Dani.
The founders.
Dena K.
Co-founder and creator · The teachers and healers
Dena is the co-founder and creator of The Self Retreat. A performer whose career spans dance, theatre, television and music, she trained at the Australian Ballet School and New York’s Broadway Dance Center, played Abigail Armstrong in Dance Academy, and as the DJ Dena Amy has played Coachella and Splendour in the Grass.
After navigating her own profound journey with mental health, she created The Self Retreat, grounded in self-trust, nervous system care and emotional connection, and personally curated its faculty from the healing that supported her most. She is studying psychotherapy and counselling, and founded Twerk After Werk, a dance class that helps women reconnect with their bodies, confidence and joy.
Sue G.
Co-founder · Mindset and coaching
A productivity and mindset coach and speaker for over 15 years, trained as a Tony Robbins Results coach, Sue has helped individuals and teams shift their thinking, reclaim focus and step into their most powerful selves. For more than five years she was the national productivity and mindset consultant for Kikki-K.
At The Self Retreat she leads the mindset, manifesting and goal-setting sessions, guiding guests through breakthroughs, realignment and practical goal-setting, with tools that help people think better, not just work harder. She’s the one you’ll do most of your correspondence with.
Danielle W.
Co-founder · Your weekend, looked after
Dani is a creative force with a deep passion for helping people reconnect with themselves in simple, practical and meaningful ways. As the co-creator of Life Bloom, a journal designed to guide people toward living with purpose, clarity and joy, she brings a refreshing, down-to-earth approach to personal growth.
Throughout the retreat, Dani is your go-to for anything and everything, there to make sure you have the most comfortable stay possible. When she’s not journalling or facilitating, you’ll find her in her veggie patch, throwing pottery, or exploring the world with her partner.
The amazing faculty.
Dena has been helped by many of these incredible people on her own journey, and that’s why she hand-picked every one of them for you.
Yoga and Pilates with Daniella
Daniella W. · Movement coach and trainer
With over ten years in the fitness industry, Daniella has taught Pilates and Reformer Pilates for six years and has recently embraced yoga as a true calling, where movement and meditation come together. A Theta Healing practitioner for eight years, she offers a nurturing space where strength meets stillness, and every practice becomes an invitation to reconnect, transform and shine.
Breathwork with Nicole
Nicole S. · Breathwork and somatic facilitator
Founder of Soul Reset, and a breathwork and embodied dance facilitator. With many years in mental health services, and her own past with addiction and severe anxiety, Nicole knows the depths you travel to release fear and old patterns. Through breathwork, somatic energy release, trauma releasing and expressive movement, she guides you to your edges and holds space for you there.
Reiki and sound healing with Angela
Angela D. · Butterfly Wisdom Holistic Healing
Angela is a passionate and experienced holistic practitioner with over 20 years in the wellness field. As a Reiki Master, Theta Healer, Holistic Counsellor, Yoga Teacher and Sound Healer, she offers a gentle, intuitive approach to supporting wellbeing. Integrating Reiki, restorative yoga, mindfulness, sound healing and nervous system regulation practices, she creates nurturing spaces for deep rest, relaxation and reconnection, empowering people to slow down, find inner balance and come home to their true nature.
Facilitating with Carly
Carly D. · Facilitator
A lifelong performer turned educator, Carly has been dancing since she was five, and now teaches drama and dance. A natural connector, deeply tuned into others’ needs and generous with her friendship, she makes everyone feel seen, safe and valued.
Massage and facials with Stacey
Stacey H. · Massage therapist
With over 15 years of experience in massage therapy, Stacey brings a wealth of knowledge and a personalised approach to every treatment. With a background in sports therapy and deep tissue massage, she blends therapeutic techniques with relaxation to help release tension and restore balance. Through massage and rejuvenating facials, Stacey creates a calming experience where guests can unwind, recharge and leave feeling refreshed and restored.
Massage and energy healing with Kellie
Kellie H. · Massage, Reiki and intuitive healing
With over 22 years of experience in therapeutic massage and bodywork, Kellie brings a deeply intuitive and holistic approach to healing. As an energy rebalancer, Reiki practitioner and intuitive healer, she supports the body, mind and spirit in returning to harmony and flow. Rooted in the practices of meditation, yoga and Qigong, her sessions are guided by presence, breath and intuitive touch. She loves creating sacred space for people to come home to themselves, where the nervous system can unwind, the energy body can expand, and a sense of lightness and freedom can emerge.
Food by Green Grazing
Green Grazing · By The Green Bowl, Mount Martha
Green Grazing is the catering arm of The Green Bowl, nourishing you one bowl at a time. They serve whole foods to nourish the whole person, mind, body and spirit: vibrant, colourful, 100% plant-based menus of high-vibration, quality ingredients. Each menu is designed with care for the guests, the space and the retreat, using seasonal produce, local where possible, made in-house and fresh for the table, with every dietary need and allergy handled with real attention.
Choose yourSELF.
Tell us a little about you, and Sue will call you to talk it through: the dates, the rooms, the payment plans, and anything you’re unsure about.