I am a Kamilaroi Woman, born and raised in Inverell, and now living in Blacktown NSW, on Dharug Country. I have family connections at Nowra on Yuin Country, Kempsey on Dunghutti Country, and in the beautiful Blue Mountains, also on Dharug Country.
My story is not unique, all Women have their stories, and each story is a combination of life events and experiences.
There are many stories like mine, many Women have the same stories, and that has also inspired me to create Women’s Sacred Circles in honour of my grandmother, mother, sister and all the Women who have impacted my life. These Circles and the co-creation of Women’s retreats are places where Women can come together to share knowledge, connect, and grow in strength and wisdom.
I left school at the age of 15 as schooling for me was difficult. As a result, I didn’t learn much and there weren’t many employment opportunities in Inverell. I found out subsequently that I had undiagnosed dyslexia. I was not to know how my cultural background and lack of education would affect my opportunities later in life. Nor did I realise at the time what a profound effect this would have on my personal choices.
Over the course of my career, I’ve struggled with insecurity, not feeling confident, and having low self-esteem in my work roles and personal life.
Because of my social and educational background, I always felt that I would not be at the same standing as my colleagues, and I would be negatively judged. These feelings of insecurity hindered me form taking up other education or employment opportunities which would have advanced my career.
However, I got to a point in my career where, with encouragement from family and work colleagues, I wanted to gain knowledge and learn new skills to assist me in managing the duties of my roles and to make a difference in my life and my community.
My personal and professional development led me to seek more challenging roles and I was employed by NSW Police Force for 14 years as an employment co-ordinator and Manager and now have a similar employment co-ordinator role in Wesfarmers Kmart and Target Group.
In these roles, I excel in communication with stakeholders on both a personal and professional level. I have built positive relationships with community groups and leaders, as well as internal stakeholders and external partners.
I have always felt a natural gravitation towards and connection to the Earth and the universe, operating intuitively and energetically to empower me and the people around me.
I am an empathetic person and relate well to people. I consider connecting and sharing with people to be one of my strengths.
In 2014, I attended an Earth Medicine Australia, Journey of the Female Spirit Retreat, which started my journey into the healing space of Women’s Circles. Since then, I have co-created Women’s Circles and Retreats in my workplaces and the community,
I am a trained Psychodynamic Bodywork practitioner with Earth Medicine Australia and have completed Donna Eden’s Energy Medicine for Beginners Part 1 & 2 “Raising the Vibration of the Planet One Person at Time”
The most inspirational Woman I have known is my Mother, Phyllis Pender, nee Morris, who always encouraged me to stand strong and believe in myself no matter what life’s challenges are thrown at me. My Mother always told me to be “Woman enough to stand on your own two feet”. I am on a journey to fully embrace what she meant.
Women’s Sacred Circles is inspired by, and honours, my Mother’s life, spirit, and presence.
Other interests include:
If you’re interested in joining our gathering or you want to ask questions, don’t hesitate to leave your email below or call Kerrie on +61 422 245 157