Nurturing Relationships

Andrea Greer is the founder of Nurturing Relationships and a nationally awarded social worker in New Zealand, recognised for innovative practice in 2023 and excellence in research in 2018. She holds a Master’s in Social Work with distinction, endorsed in mental health practice. In 2015, Andrea’s Trauma Responsive Care Model, developed through her master’s thesis, was adopted nationally as the therapeutic model of practice in all Oranga Tamariki residential group homes. Her work blends research, heart, and hands-on experience to support system-wide change for children and families impacted by trauma. Andrea is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and EMDR-trained clinician with over 18 years of experience working with children, youth, and families. Her approach is playful, creative, and grounded in strengths-based, trauma-informed care. Whether in practice, training, or resource development, Andrea is passionate about supporting healing and resilience. She lives in rural Southland, New Zealand, and continues to share her work through speaking engagements, supervision, consultation & individual and group therapy.