BIO
Lydia Teatao is a Lecturer in Social Work at the Institute of Health & Management (IHM), Melbourne. She brings more than 15 years of professional and academic experience across New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific communities, with expertise in social work practice, higher education, and community engagement.
Prior to joining IHM, Lydia worked for ten years as a community social worker and later served as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Work at Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand. She holds a Master of Philosophy and has extensive experience teaching and mentoring future social workers while supporting diverse individuals, families, and communities.
Lydia’s expertise includes community development, family wellbeing, family violence prevention, and culturally responsive practice. Her Master of Philosophy research explored how Kiribati migrant women and their children rebuilt their lives after leaving intimate family violence, reflecting her ongoing interest in resilience, cultural identity, migration, and family wellbeing.
As an I-Kiribati academic, Lydia is passionate about promoting culturally safe, inclusive, and socially just practice. She brings international teaching and practice perspectives to the classroom, enriching student learning through real-world examples, cross-cultural knowledge, and comparative approaches to social work education. Lydia is committed to preparing graduates who can work ethically, compassionately, and effectively with diverse individuals, families, and communities in Australia and beyond.
Research Interests:
Culturally responsive social work education and practice
Pacific perspectives in social work
Family violence prevention and recovery
Migration, identity, and community wellbeing
Cultural safety, inclusion, and social justice