Advisory Board Members

Kia ora, my name is Andrea Greer. I was born in Singapore and came to New Zealand about 16 years ago. The moment I stepped into Invercargill, i felt a deep connection with the people and the city and now call Southland my home. I am the owner and founder of Nurturing Relationships, a Registered Social Worker and a certified Synergetic Play Therapist. 

I have a passion for supporting children and whānau in our community, especially those who have experienced trauma, grief and loss. I also love working with individuals from different cultures. What I love about my work is bringing hope to people going through a challenging time and celebrating the unique strengths they have.

 

Hello, Im Dona Francis. Im from India. Currently residing in Invercargill and working in Health sector. I wish to reach out to our fellow migrants in the community and share their experiences here in New Zealand and help in anyway possible. This trust is a great platform to it. Looking forward to an awesome experience ahead.

 

Hello, I am Alejandra Hurtado and I am from Colombia.I am currently studying a degree, bachelor of commerce 2nd year and Working as an administrative assistant in HWR. 

Hi my name is Te Kowhai Cain. I am 38years of age with six amazing young sons. I am married to Ash Cain who is a senior Pastor at Elim Church.I am Moari.
My place of birth was whangarei. I moved here to invercargill 4years ago with my husband and our children.
My husband is from invercargill. I belong to three tribes here in Aotearoa. One tribe from whangarei… from my papa side ( father). One tribe from Taranaki from my mama side (mum) And the other from the southland from my mums side also. I love our culture and the way God shows us the beauty of our people and the land that he had created this great place of Aotearoa. NZ

We are truly blessed!

Carthika is a Sri Lankan Tamil who has called Dunedin Otepoti home for the past 25 years. She is affiliated with the Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council, is a Director for Arasan Trust, serves on the committee for Dunedin Tamil Society (DTS), has previously served as Vice-President of DTS, is a school board of trustee and is passionate about showcasing cultural diversity in Aotearoa. Carthika has helped organize many community events through her affiliations. Professionally, Carthika has a PhD in Neuroscience and used to work for a cancer research company (Pacific Edge Ltd), helping to bring a bladder cancer diagnostic tool to market. Carthika currently works as a Business Development Manager at the University of Otago where she assists researchers with securing research funding.

Krunal Patel is a result focused professional with nearly 11 years of experience in senior managerial roles across diverse organisations. He has vast experience in driving recruitment and coaching teams to deliver targeted results. 

He is the managing director and career consultant at Kiyana Global. 

Ankita Patel is currently working as a Healthcare Assistant and has a vast experience in the medical field. 

Hi, my name is Swetlana Rajshree Patel and I am Gore based mother of a 9 yr old boy. . Currently working as an Activity co-ordinator and a diversional therapist at a Rest home. My achievements and credentials are in the bottom most. At present, also pursuing my academic Psychology major Post-grad in Education in Counselling and  Guidance from Massey University distance.However, working in health-care and well-being industry for more than a decade by now. With my work, proven myself about the potential, enthusiasm and for the social wellness. I have my genuine desire for versatile style of working and always full of energy. Art & creativity is my love and fitness is my passion. I do heena as well as my side hustle and a great interest in it. It would be the best of my interest to join SMWTO and utilise all of my spectrums for the social uplift.

Achievements are as follows:

  • In Physiotherapy
  • Master in Applied Health Sciences Wellness and Rehabilitation
  • Certificate in Appropriate Diet Therapy
  • Diploma in Life Coaching
  • Certificate in ultimate Counselling Training and support services
  • Certificate in Therapeutic Art and implications (Art Therapy)
  • First-aid by St.Johns Level 2
  • First-aid by Southland Hospital Level 1
  • First-aid care for children and training