A space created with intention, compassion, and the belief that women rise together.
Our Purpose
The purpose of Proud Mary Rising is to facilitate and encourage women’s wellness through meaningful connection and evidence-based support. In today’s world, authentic connection is essential, as is access to reliable, trustworthy information.
We bridge the gap between endless online scrolling and authentic, transformative engagement. We create spaces where women can gather, share, and grow together, because true growth happens when we show up for each other in real life.
What sets us apart is our commitment to creating environments where women feel seen, heard, and supported exactly as they are, while providing tools and practices grounded in research and lived experience.
The Story Behind Proud Mary Rising
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Childhood & Resilience
From a young age, Jess navigated a complicated home life. Her mother, Mary, lived with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. After her parents' divorce at age 12, frequent moves taught her resilience, adaptability, and observation skills that would later become strengths.
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Finding Her Path
Facing possible HSC failure in Year 12, Jess discovered an alternative pathway into teaching. This opened doors to a decade-long career in education that shaped her understanding of how people thrive when they feel seen and supported.
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Loss, Grief & Healing
At 20, Jess lost her mother, a pivotal moment that deeply changed her understanding of mental health, grief, and resilience. This began her commitment to wellbeing, with over 20 years of therapy, learning, unlearning, and healing that now informs her work.
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A Decade of Teaching
For ten years, Jess taught PDHPE across multiple schools, including two years in the UK. Teaching gave her purpose, structure, community, and the deep understanding that connection is essential for growth.
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AIME & SVA
Roles with AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) and Social Ventures Australia deepened her understanding of connection, belonging, and walking alongside people as they grow.
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Journey to Counsellor
Now studying Counselling, Jess created Proud Mary Rising to combine her lived experience, teaching background, and counselling studies into spaces where women feel supported, informed, and connected, just as she wasn't alone in her story.
Meet Jess
PDHPE Teacher
Counselling Student
Women's Wellness Advocate
Now, at 45, married for twelve years and mum to a beautiful nine-year-old, I see my life through a different lens—one shaped by challenge, growth and quiet resilience.
Many of the moments that once felt heavy or confusing now make sense in hindsight. Growing up with instability, almost failing my HSC, losing my mum, Mary, at just 20, rebuilding myself through years of therapy, and eventually finding purpose in teaching, counselling and community work have all shaped the woman I am today.
At the time, I didn’t realise these experiences were teaching me life’s most valuable lessons—strength, compassion, courage and the power of genuine human connection. Those lessons became the foundation of Proud Mary Rising.
I also know I didn’t get here alone.
Throughout my life, incredible women have walked beside me as friends, mentors, colleagues and family. They have supported me, challenged me, encouraged me and reminded me of who I am when I’ve forgotten. Their wisdom, humour and kindness have profoundly influenced the way I live and the way I lead.
Proud Mary Rising was created to honour that experience.
It is a place where women can step away from the busyness of everyday life, reconnect with themselves and each other, and know they don’t have to navigate life’s seasons alone.
Whether through retreats, workshops, lunches or community events, my hope is that every woman leaves feeling seen, supported and inspired.
Because I truly believe we rise higher when we rise together.
The Proud Mary Rising Experience
A retreat thoughtfully designed to nurture your whole self through evidence-based practices, shared connection, and restorative moments.
Physical Wellbeing
Move in ways that feel good for your body through yoga, gentle stretching, restorative walks, and light, optional tennis.
This is movement focused on connection, not performance.
Mental Wellbeing
Receive support from qualified counsellors and trusted health professionals in a safe, nurturing environment designed for clarity, grounding, and emotional ease.
Spiritual Wellbeing
Experience guided meditation, grounding practices, and moments of quiet reflection that help you come back to yourself and feel more connected to your inner world.
Emotional Wellbeing
Through conversations, shared experiences, and a community of women who understand, you’ll find space to feel held, supported, and gently reminded that you’re not alone.
Intellectual Wellbeing
Engage in insightful sessions led by experienced guest speakers who bring practical tools, evidence-based knowledge, and meaningful perspectives for real-life growth.
Environmental Wellbeing
Immerse yourself in the calming natural surrounds of Flowerdale Estate—open spaces, fresh air, and gentle quiet that help your mind settle and your body breathe again.
You Are Not Alone On Your Journey
Proud Mary Rising was born from a belief in the power of shared stories and supportive community. We provide the space, the evidence-based tools, and the heartfelt connection. You bring your wonderful, authentic self.