Jennifer Andrashko

Jennifer Andrashko is an Associate Professor in the Social Work department at the College of Allied Health and Nursing, Minnesota State University, Mankato. With over 15 years of social work practice experience, she combines clinical work, administrative leadership, and interdisciplinary research to address systemic barriers in mental health and social welfare.

• Education:
  • Master of Social Work (University of Minnesota)
  • Bachelor of Arts in French and Global Studies (University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire)

Research Focus: Jennifer investigates mental health service access for young adults in the child welfare system using the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NDACAN), alongside population-based health outcomes in marginalized communities through community-based participatory research frameworks. Her work emphasizes trauma-informed care, immigrant youth support, and social policy implications.

Scientific Recognition:

• Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship at Konopka Institute (University of Minnesota)
• Buckman Fellowship of Philanthropy (University of Minnesota)

Professional Experience: She developed a primary integrated behavioral health care program at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), serving as both clinician and administrator. Previous work includes trauma-focused interventions in southern France with low-income Muslim immigrant adolescents, and advocacy for families experiencing homelessness and incarcerated parents.