Verndora West
BA (Social Work), LLB, LLM, PGDip (Theology), GradDip
Lecturer, School of Social Work, IHM
BIO
Ms West is an experienced social work professional with over two decades of service across Australia and New Zealand in child protection, family violence prevention, forensic mental health, and Indigenous engagement. She is recognised for her compassionate leadership, evidence-based practice, and enduring commitment to human rights, social equity, and community wellbeing. Her practice integrates trauma-informed and culturally responsive frameworks, focused on empowering families and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and communities.
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
| Position | Institution | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | Institute of Health and Management, Australia | Not specified |
| Unit Coordinator – Foundational Interpersonal Skills and Communications for Health and Social Services | Institute of Health and Management, Australia | Not specified |
| Lecturer – Skills for Professional Social Work Practices | Institute of Health and Management, Australia | Not specified |
| Tutor – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | Institute of Health and Management, Australia | Not specified |
| Tutor – Transcultural Health | Institute of Health and Management, Australia | Not specified |
QUALIFICATIONS
-
Professional Legal StudiesIPLS, New Zealand (2022)
-
He Poupou Huia Te ReoTe Wānanga o Raukawa, New Zealand (2022)
-
Master of Laws (Honours) – Maori, Pacific, and Indigenous Peoples’ LawUniversity of Waikato, New Zealand (2021–2022)
-
Postgraduate Degree in TheologyLaidlaw College, New Zealand (2021–2022)
-
Bachelor of LawsUniversity of Waikato, New Zealand (2017–2020)
-
Cultural Bound Syndrome Assessor for Children and Young AdultsIndigenous Psychological Services, Australia (2012)
-
Certificate in Business ManagementTe Wānanga o Aotearoa, New Zealand (2010)
-
Bachelor of Arts / Social WorkLa Trobe University, Victoria, Australia (2000–2004)