“As an ECE educator of 20 years, I am consistently in awe of the depth to which Andrea understands the inner workings of a child's mind and the best ways to explain concepts to individual students. As a classroom teacher, I have grown so much just from watching Andrea work, listening to her interact with students, and using her as a sounding board and mentor when i feel there is no where else to turn. As a human, I just know deep down that the lessons, coping mechanisms and techniques she teaches is setting our next generation up for success. Most importantly, i love seeing Andrea help students figure out who they are and how they can share their energy with the world.”

Graham Carson, Early Childhood Educator, Rainbow Community School, Asheville, NC

“I'm thankful for you♡. Your work with Austie today must've meant a lot to him because he came home talking about relationships and how to be there for each other. Even if you "break up" your heart can go back together and you can love them again♡. And he LOVED his lunch date. He also seemed so happy and light this evening♡. You definitely filled his heart today♡ “

Amber Williams, Parent and JCC Early Childhood Education Director, Asheville, NC

“I have worked with many occupational therapists. Your clients show the fastest and most profound growth. They have become the most resilient, adaptable and social members of our class. I now see the whole child and better understand how to address their struggles and challenges. My teaching is forever altered from having you in our classroom.”

Frances Perdices, Early Childhood Educator, San Francisco, CA.

Thank you so much for last night's NHA training. I'm really blown away! I was very moved and so completely inspired by your presentation. I was looking through my notes this morning and was like, OK, today's day one. I'm gonna start implementing the Nurtured Heart Approach®… and oh my God, it works! It works. It really works. I was trying to match energy level and bring the intensity where it needed to be in a moment. And it was so simple. I was so excited to have less protesting in OT sessions this morning. And, with this basic knowledge, I was able to look around the classroom and notice all these ineffective things that the teachers are doing because, like you said, that's what we've been conditioned to do in our society. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! I really mean that and I really appreciate you bringing NHA to the Family OT. I look forward to seeing how the Nurtured Heart Approach® unfolds in my OT practice. I'm totally here for it!

Christine Beavers, COTA, The Family OT, Asheville, NC

I’m really glad we attended the training! It’s so rare that we get focused time to really think and talk about HOW we’re parenting. Taking the time to strategize more—and learn from someone else—really helped us to see where our engagement with our kids needed some tweaking.

It’s only been a few days, but I already feel more energized—and less frustrated—in my interactions with my kids. I’ve seen a few instances where their response to me has noticeably improved. And my daughter said to me last night, “I feel like you’ve been happier with us lately.” Obviously, she doesn’t realize that this is a result of me learning to intentionally energize our positive interactions rather than our negative interactions. 

So again, it’s only been a few days, but I’m grateful for the results so far.

Thanks Andrea! :)

Tim Courtois, Parent and Mental Health Therapist, Asheville, NC

"It is inspiring for me to see a person engaging in a profession that is their true "calling" in life. I work with many therapists at the rehabilitation hospital;  Andrea's level of professionalism, knowledge and compassion is extraordinary. Thank you for being a wonderful advocate for my sister.“

Stephanie Felsinger, Guardian and Cheerleader for Joy and Independence in Life.