Menka Tsantefski

Menka Tsantefski serves as an Associate Professor at the Centre for Children and Young People, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University. A seasoned social worker with over 15 years of direct practice in child protection and family welfare, she brings 15 years of academic experience bridging gaps between adult-focused and child-focused services to address complex family needs.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD, The University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), University of Melbourne
• Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Arts, University of New England
• Graduate Certificate in University Teaching, University of Melbourne

Dr. Tsantefski's research centers on the intersection of domestic and family violence, problematic substance use, mental health, and child protection. She pioneered evidence-based interventions including equine-assisted therapy for children affected by parental substance abuse and advanced child-aware practices in adult services. Her cross-sectoral approach fosters collaboration between AOD, child welfare, and DFV sectors, influencing national policy and practice.

She has supervised students on domestic violence, chronic childhood illness impacts, and parental substance abuse effects. With 13+ years of consultancy at Odyssey House Victoria, she currently develops programs addressing child sexual abuse in AOD settings and serves on the Editorial Board of Child Care in Practice.