Meet The Women Of Wilderness Within
Laura Jayne
Founder
Guide on Canoe Journeys, Forest Immersions and Red Earth Women's Immersions
Facilitator of Medicine Drum Making Workshops
Laura Jayne created Wilderness Within as a space to share her unique vision, medicine and mission with the world and is now proud to be working with a small team of women with shared values, vision and passions.
Laura is wilderness guide, ceremonialist and protector of the women's mysteries. She is a warm, kindhearted and grass roots woman of the Earth. Laura worked in outdoor education for 10 years, providing her with the skills and knowledge to deliver many nature based programs. She has also worked with Red Earth Organization for the past few years where she has travelled to various remote homelands around Australia, working with many first nations Australians, spending time on country, hearing stories and learning from them. Laura is very passionate about bringing greater respect of indigenous wisdom into her life and all offerings with Wilderness Within.
Laura discovered women's circles in her early 20s, a feeling of remembering was sparked and a passion to learn more which has led her on an extensive journey of reclaiming her rites of passage, connecting with her body and studying with the School of Shamanic Womancraft for 2.5 years. During her studies with the school she crafted her first medicine drum which awakened something deep within her and led her to complete an apprenticeship in Drum Making with her teacher Sarah Bird Miller, which is now a gift she loves to share.
Laura lives in a small off grid home on 6 acres outside of Castlemaine in Central Victoria with her beloved husband and dog Daisy. She enjoys walking in the bush, reading and cooking nourishing meals for her loved ones.
You can hear a bit more about Laura's journey on the Womancraft podcast:
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Jess Magner
Guide on Canoe Journeys
Jess Magner first volunteered on a canoe journey with Wilderness Within in 2024, she jumped in to colead a journey with Annie when Laura was unwell and created the most nourishing and supportive space, the women all adored her, and she has been a very special part of our little team ever since! Jess lives down on the surf coast, she studied outdoor leadership and works as an outdoor guide in various locations. She has developed a deep connection to the Bocara river guiding many canoe journeys there over the years. She weaves in her love of nature, supporting women, song, joy and connection into something beauty-full. Jess has a vibrant smile, warm presence and brightness that uplifts, and the way she embodies sisterhood creates the space for encouraging women to shine their own bright light!
Jenna Harris
Guide on Takayana/Tarkine
Forest Immersions
Jenna first connected with Wilderness Within when she came on a Takayna forest immersion as a participant in 2024. On this immersion she offered to share something special with us, a gift to the group of women. She took us deep into the forest to meet "Grandmother Mytrle", an ancient Beech myrtle tree, here she shared a song that had been recorded by the energy waves of the tree, guided us in a very special mediation while her beautiful Mother Tam played crystal singing bowls. Wow!!! What a huge gift that was, we were all so deeply moved and nourished. During the rest of our immersion Jenna shared stories of her time working with the Bob Brown Foundation, fighting to protect Takayana, she has so many incredible stories. So by the end of the immersion, we asked her if she would pretty please guide with us, she said yes and we are so grateful to have her as part of our team! Jenna has spent a lot of deep time in Takayna and shares her connection and love of the forest with generosity. Jenna lectures in outdoor leadership with Vic Uni and is a very experienced and knowledgeable guide. Jenna has a huge heart and cares so deeply for the land and humans she spends time with, she will be sure to inspire you and make you feel warm and welcome!
Annie Hughes
Guide on Canoe Journeys
and Forest Immersions
Annie Hughes volunteered on a canoe journey after reaching out to Laura at the end of 2022. From their very first conversation Laura felt deep resonance with Annie and on the journey that Annie volunteered it became very clear that Annie would make an amazing guide on future journeys with her passion for journeying gently through nature, her knowledge of the outdoors and her desire for supporting women to feel safe in nature and in community. Annie has studied outdoor leadership and worked within outdoor education for the past few years. She has also been a part of women's circles and conscious communities for a number of years and has a yearning to continue deepening into these spaces. Annie has a love of exploring, enjoys rock climbing, live music and she is often found up high climbing trees. Annie is a strong woman with a soft energy, she makes those around her feel safe and at ease.
Johanna Bodewes
Guide on Red Earth
Women's Immersions
Johanna met Laura through Red Earth Organization when the staffing manager followed his spot on intuition and told us to get in touch with each other, from our first chat on the phone we shared such a similar language, vision and connection. Laura and Johanna have worked together with other members of Red Earth to craft our beautiful Womens Immersions to Culpra Milli and Lake Mungo and to the Top End. Johanna has a very warm presence, she instantly makes you feel safe and comfortable. She is a woman with her roots planted deep in the earth, deeply connected to place and the land she lives in Lower Mangrove, NSW. Johanna has organized many women's group trips to various parts of Australia to build relationships with local First Women's Culture. She has worked for Tjanpi Desert Weavers in the central desert and aims to foster connection with self, community and Country wherever she is. She is a passionate woman, sharing her gifts with her community in so many inspiring ways.
Deslei Wood
Baker of "Mumma Dez's
treats" and base support
Deslei is Lauras Mother and is very worthy of a mention here. Every canoe journey or forest immersion we run Deslei bakes us a delicious supply of homemade baked sweet treats to take with us which have become known as "Mumma Dez's treats". She says that this is her gift to the women, and it is often a highlight for many. Paddling down the river for 4 days and pulling out a homemade gluten free fruit cake to enjoy for morning tea is pretty awesome! Deslei also offers her support as an emergency contact for us when using satelite communication. We are so grateful for her loving support and encouragement and Laura is especially grateful for all of the nature adventures Deslei (and her father David) took her on as a child which were a part of inpsiring these beautiful offerings!