Dena Amy Kaplan is a multi-talented performer whose career spans dance, theatre, television, film, and music. Born in South Africa and raised in Australia, she trained at prestigious institutions including the Australian Ballet School and New York’s Broadway Dance Center. She has performed in major theatre productions including Disney’s The Lion King and toured internationally with acclaimed shows, showcasing her versatility as a dancer and performer. She gained international recognition as Abigail Armstrong in the hit series Dance Academy and has appeared in productions such as Flight of the Conchords, Camp, and Dance Academy: The Movie. As a DJ and music producer under the name Dena Amy, she has performed at festivals including Coachella, Splendour in the Grass, and EDC Las Vegas, and collaborated with artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Hayden James. 

After navigating her own profound journey with mental health, Dena developed a deep desire to support others, particularly women in their healing and growth. She created The Self Retreat, a transformative wellness experience grounded in self-trust, nervous system care, and emotional connection. She personally curated the retreat faculty based on the healing modalities that supported her most on her own journey, bringing together trusted practitioners to offer somatic, spiritual, and therapeutic support. She is also studying psychotherapy and counseling to deepen her practice and ability to hold space for others. Alongside this, she founded Twerk After Werk, a dance-based empowerment class designed to help women reconnect with their bodies, confidence, and joy. Through all her work, Dena continues to inspire others by merging artistic expression with emotional well-being.

Sue Glasser is a Productivity & Mindset Coach, speaker, and one of the proud co-creators of The Self Retreat, alongside her inspiring partners Dena and Danielle. Together, they’ve developed something truly unique: immersive corporate retreats that blend strategy, wellness, and mindset to spark meaningful and lasting transformation.

With over 15 years of experience, Sue has helped individuals and teams shift their thinking, reclaim focus, and step into their most powerful selves. Her professional background includes working as a Tony Robbins Results Coach, conducting hundreds of coaching sessions worldwide, and serving as the national productivity and mindset consultant for lifestyle brand Kikki-K for more than five years.

At The Self Retreat, Sue leads the mindset and coaching components, guiding participants through powerful breakthroughs, realignment, and practical goal-setting. Her approach is grounded in simplicity, authenticity, and deep connection — offering tools that help people think better, not just work harder.

In her sessions, teams can expect to: (i) Rewire unhelpful thinking patterns, (ii) communicate with greater clarity and authenticity, (iii) strengthen personal leadership and ownership, and (iv) set goals that are both inspiring and achievable. Together with Dena and Danielle, Sue brings a powerful blend of mindset, movement, creativity, and wellness — all delivered in a stunning, soul-nourishing retreat environment.

For organisations ready to re-energise their teams and spark deeper connection, clarity, and motivation, The Self Retreat offers an experience like no other.

Danielle 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 will be your go-to for anything and everything, there to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible and your every need met!

When she’s not journaling or facilitating, you’ll find her tending to her veggie patch, throwing pottery on the wheel, or exploring the world with her partner.

Meet Eitam and Tammy, your private chefs for the Self Retreat.

At The Self Retreat, Eitam and Tammy bring something unforgettable to the table. As the Chef and Therapist duo, their deep commitment to guest experience means every dish is more than just food, it's an invitation to slow down, connect and feel. They also facilitate their signature food therapy program, guiding guests to explore their senses and emotions through food and memory. Each food memory and story becomes a moment for reflection, grounding and healing. We can't wait to meet you! Hear us on the Life Academy podcast to hear more or follow us on socials. 

Meet Nicole: Founder of Soul Reset. Breathwork and Embodied Dance Facilitator. 

Nicole's mission is to bring women and men into deeper levels of embodiment, guide you to a remembrance of your true self, and activate your divine power and magnetism.

With many years' experience working in Mental Health Services and drawing from her own past experiences with drug and alcohol addictions & severe anxiety, Nicole understands the depths you must travel to break down the security walls, release the fear, conditioning beliefs and behavior patterns, to then reveal your true essence. To accept and love who you see in the mirror and to unwaveringly stand in your innate power.

Her capacity to lead you to your edges and hold space for you in your rawest states, is a testament to her passion for self-discovery and transformation. She will intuitively guide you where you've been afraid of going, with a knowing of what is on the other side - to unlock your truth and expand your consciousness.

Nicole expresses her love for your transformation through the modalities of Breathwork, Somatic energy release work, Trauma releasing, and Expressive movement. "To reconnect to your true self and to effortlessly trust the guidance of your intuition, you are then walking the path of your soul purpose".

Max is a passionate powerhouse of positivity using his love of sound to bring harmony to the world around him.As a facilitator of sacred song and sound for the past 17 years, Max uses a variety of acoustic and electronic instruments to weave sound journeys that invite participants to connect with their bodies, minds, emotions and spirits. From acoustic guitar and singing bowls to handpan and vocals, Max creates a sonic experience people can embody, feel and be moved by. He specializes in leading chanting of mantras and sacred songs from across the world, using the voice as a pathway to personal peace and embodiment. Max is the founder of GoodVibe, a community working to make sound healing, breathwork and embodiment modalities as accessible and commonplace as Yoga and Meditation

On offer in Max's sound session:

Gift yourself a moment of peace through a sound bath featuring Max Jared of GoodVibe. During this sound journey you will be invited to relax through a combination of breathwork and sound wellness practices that will shift energy, regulate your nervous system and leave you feeling whole, harmonious and connected. Enjoy the energizing womb created by the cacophonous resonance of guitar, crystal bowls, djembe, handpan, drums and voice as you float along a river of soft, comforting vibrating sounds. 

With over 8 years in the fitness industry, Sarah brings a deep passion for movement and a wealth of experience to every session. With a background in both dance and sports, she has a lifelong love for all forms of physical expression.

Sarah is the owner of her own Pilates studio, where she helps clients build strength, balance, and awareness through mindful movement. She also coaches at the globally renowned Barry’s Bootcamp, delivering high-energy, performance-based workouts. While Pilates and Barry’s may be polar opposites in style, Sarah finds joy in how both approaches uplift her clients and support their individual goals.

A lover of music, Sarah draws on her dance background to inspire and energize her workouts—creating sessions that are as fun as they are effective. What she loves most about working in fitness is the genuine connections she builds with her clients, and the strong, supportive community she’s been able to nurture over the years.

To Sarah, movement is so much more than just a workout—it’s a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and self-discovery. Her coaching style is supportive, encouraging, and motivating, always aiming to help clients tap into their strengths. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and is known for sprinkling her sessions with silly dad jokes and shared giggles—because fitness should be fun, too.

Bek is our Massage Therapist and Facialist offering an extensive array of treatment styles, options and accommodations to suit the many needs of her clients. Her signature dance-like approach to body & facial work, seamlessly weaving a wide variety of techniques and modalities, offers the perfect blend of grounding relaxation and deep full bodied relief. Her treatments are tailored to your comfort level, all within a thoughtful, conscious space designed to foster a deep sense of connection to your body and presence within the moment.