Professionals from various scientific fields combine their extensive experience to form a dynamic interdisciplinary team. This team is driven by the belief that any deviations during the developmental phase, from childhood to adulthood, stem from a variety of factors of biopsychosocial etiology, and therefore, require an appropriate approach.
Our People
Panagiotis Voutyrakos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Melpomeni Peppa
Endocrinologist
Eva Kogiannaki
Legal Professional
Myrsini Pykni
Mental Health Counselor – Vocational Guidance Counselor
Maria Papaevaggelou
Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist
Fotis Panagiotounis
Doctor of Sport Psychology
Sophia Konstantellia
Social Worker
Michalis Papantonopoulos
Psychologist
Angelos Gavalas – Kogiannakis
Sociologist – Psychologist
Georgia Giolanta Troumpouki
Development Coordinator & Researcher
Nena Dimopoulou
Lawyer
Panagiotis Voutyrakos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Melpomeni Peppa
Endocrinologist
Eva Kogiannaki
Legal Professional
Myrsini Pykni
Mental Health Counselor – Vocational Guidance Counselor
Maria Papaevaggelou
Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist
Fotis Panagiotounis
Doctor of Sport Psychology
Sophia Konstantellia
Social Worker
Michalis Papantonopoulos
Psychologist
Angelos Gavalas – Kogiannakis
Sociologist – Psychologist
Georgia Giolanta Troumpouki
Development Coordinator & Researcher
Nena Dimopoulou
Lawyer
Angelos Gavalas – Kogiannakis
Sociologist – Psychologist
Aggelos is a graduate of the Department of Sociology at the University of Crete and the Department of Psychology at Hellenic American University of the Hellenic American Union. His extensive networking in the psychosocial field began with an internship during his first degree at the Adolescent/Youth Unit “Atrapos” of the Organization Against Drugs (OKANA) in Athens. During his second degree, he completed an internship in the Child And Adolescent Psychiatry Department of the General Hospital of Attica “Sismanoglio – Amalia Fleming”.
In parallel, he has worked as an academic advisor supporting adults with psychosocial and learning difficulties. He has also engaged in volunteer work with the NGO “PLOES” (Psychosocial Studies Company) and NGO “EPAPSY” (Regional Development and Mental Health Company), focusing on community interventions for adolescents and young people from socially an psychologically challenging backgrounds.
He is a founding member of the BGO “Thallo” and currently works in the Human Resources Department of the construction company AKTOR Group of Companies. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, watching movies and reading books.
Panagiotis Voutyrakos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Panagiotis Voutyrakos is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Director of the Piraeus Mental Health Structure of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research, and the Scientific Director of the “Ostria” Boarding House for adults with autism, located in Piraeus.
He is a member of the Scientific Team for the Assessment of Juvenile Offenders, established by the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office of Athens in Accordance with Law 4689/2020, Vice President of the Social Enterprise of the Municipality of Piraeus (KODEP), and a member of the Regional Administration of Mental Health Sectors (Pe.Di.To.Ps.Y) of the 2nd Health Region of Piraeus (YPE).
He has previously served as Vice President of the Piraeus Juvenile Protection Society (2016-2019), a Board Member of the Hellenic Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (1995-199 and 2017-2021), President of the Hellenic Scientific Society for Autism Spectrum Disorders (2015-2019), and a member of the Special Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Social Solidarity for the revision of the Unified Disability Assessment Table (2016-2021).
Sophia Konstantellia
Social Worker
Sofia Konstantellia is a social worker specialized in Child Protection, with extensive experience in institutional care, foster care, and adoption.
She has worked at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, supporting vulnerable families and children, as well as people with disabilities. She served as President of the Social Welfare Center of the Attica Region (2016–2019), overseeing the operation of nine residential care institutions and the implementation of national foster care and adoption programs. She actively participated in the reform of the relevant legal framework (Law 4538/2018) and the development of the National Deinstitutionalization Plan. She has been a member of the Child Protection Committee and the National Council for Social Welfare (E.S.AN.Y.), consistently supporting initiatives for Children’s Rights, outreach, and collaboration with Civil Society. She taught at the School of Social Work at the University of West Attica and has been a trainer in national and European programs. She also served as President of the Child Welfare Association and as a board member in organizations such as the Infant Center “MITERA” and the National Center for Social Solidarity (E.K.K.A). Her articles have been published in the press and in books.
Georgia Giolanta Troumpouki
Development Coordinator & Researcher
Georgia Yolanda Troumpouki is a graduate of the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. As a Researcher, Mentor, and Academic Advisor at the Laboratory of Turkish and Eurasian Studies, she specializes in Middle Eastern countries and human rights. She has experience in funding proposals and project management with a social impact.
She has worked with children and adolescents facing psychosocial difficulties or from minority backgrounds, participating as an Educator in community and cultural workshops and implementing activities at festivals. She is actively engaged in psychosocial intervention, integration, child protection, and active citizenship through volunteer and educational initiatives. Her dream is to be able to directly support individuals with vulnerabilities and psychosocial challenges through her work.
Nena Dimopoulou
Lawyer
Nena Dimopoulou is a graduate of the Law School of the University of Athens and holds two postgraduate degrees: one in «Criminal Law and Addictions» (a joint program by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTH, KETHEA, and the University of Nicosia), and another in «Economic Criminal Law» (AUTH and Democritus University of Thrace – DUTH). She lives in Athens and practices active litigation.
As part of her undergraduate studies, she completed a volunteer internship at the Juvenile Probation Service of the Athens Juvenile Court. During her postgraduate studies, following field visits, observation, and volunteer work at KETHEA EN DRASI, she conducted qualitative research involving therapists and judges. The study focused on the practical application of Law 4139/2013, which advocates the special treatment of dependent users of psychoactive substances, and it has been published in the digital archive of the Central Library of AUTH.
Her second research project focuses on organized crime and the evidentiary exclusions in criminal trials.
Peppa Melpomeni
Endocrinologist
She graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) in 1988. She completed her training in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at “Polyclinic” and “Evangelismos” hospitals, respectively. She served for five years as a Scientific Associate at the First Pediatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and received her PhD with “Excellent” from the Medical School of NKUA.
For three years (2000-2003), she pursued postdoctoral training at the “Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, Department of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY, USA.”
In 2004, she was appointed as a Consultant B’ and in 2006 as a Lecturer in Endocrinology at the Second Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, University General Hospital “ATTIKON,” where she gradually advanced through all academic ranks to become Professor of Endocrinology at the Medical School of NKUA. She is the Head of the Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases.
Additionally, since 2016, she has been working at the Third University Clinic, General Chest Diseases Hospital “SOTIRIA.” She is the coordinator of the ERASMUS+/CIVIS committee, academically responsible for five European Universities, participating in their Governing Board, and is also a member of Scientific Companies.
Beyond her administrative, clinical, and teaching duties, her research activities cover the entire spectrum of endocrinology, with particular emphasis on obesity, diabetes mellitus, the study of endocrine diseases during the transition period, and endocrine oncology. She serves as an editorial board consultant for international scientific journals, has authored chapters in undergraduate and postgraduate textbooks, and has published 123 papers in international scientific journals (H-index 40, i10-Hindex 75, Citations 9990).
She participates as a lecturer in 13 postgraduate study programs and 3 elective undergraduate courses, as well as in educational workshops and conferences.
Eva Kogiannaki
Legal Professional
Eva Kogiannaki is a graduate of the Law School of the University of Athens and the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE). She holds a license to practice law and is a certified adult educator.
As a legal officer and juvenile probation officer, she served in the Juvenile Probation Service of Athens, where she held a supervisory position.
She has many years of experience providing counseling—both psychosocial and legal—to adolescents with deviant behavior, particularly those involved with the criminal justice system or at risk of victimization.
She has been a board member of scientific organizations and networks dedicated to the prevention and management of juvenile delinquency and victimization (e.g., the Society for the Protection of Minors – EPAA; the Central Scientific Council for the Prevention and Management of Juvenile Victimization and Delinquency of the Ministry of Justice – KESATHEA). She is also a member of the Hellenic Society for Adolescent Medicine (H.S.A.M.) and has served on legislative committees of the Ministry of Justice focused on these issues.
She has presented at numerous conferences on topics such as juvenile delinquency and victimization, domestic violence, and addictive behaviors. She has also worked as an adult educator in related training programs (e.g., Hellenic Society of Child Psychiatry, National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government EKDDA, Medical School postgraduate programs, etc.).
Her published work centers on similar themes, and she has received certified training in areas such as adolescent psychology, addictive behaviors, family dynamics and therapy, child abuse, and juvenile delinquency.
Myrsini Pykni
Mental Health Counselor – Vocational Guidance Counselor
Myrsini Pykni is a Sociologist, Juvenile Probation Officer, Mental Health Counselor, Career and Vocational Guidance Counselor. She serves at the Juvenile Probation Service of Piraeus, providing counseling support to families and adolescents involved with the law or at risk of becoming perpetrators or victims of criminal acts.
Her postgraduate studies focus on Adult Education, Counseling, Career Guidance, and Lifelong Learning. Her training in the Systemic Approach began at the Athenian Center for the Study of Man (A.K.M.A), the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations, and the Family Therapy Unit of the Athens Psychiatric Hospital.
As a certified Trainer of Trainers and Adult Educator, she has collaborated with public and private institutions in professional training and counseling programs. As a Supportive Services Counselor, she has professional experience working with vulnerable groups such as juvenile offenders, prisoners/ex-prisoners, unemployed individuals, cultural minorities, and former substance users / users in recovery.
She is a Scientific Associate at the Laboratory of Counseling Science and Career Guidance at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), a regular member of the Hellenic Society of Systemic Thinking and Family Psychotherapy (E.E.S.SKE.PSO.), and a member of the Hellenic Counseling and Guidance Association (ELE.SYP).
Her scientific interests include issues related to the prevention and management of delinquency, child neglect and abuse, career counseling, and social reintegration.
Michalis Papantonopoulos
Psychologist
Michalis Papantonopoulos is a psychologist and the scientific coordinator of the Day Center for Adolescents and the Psychosocial Intervention Program for Adolescents and Young Adults at “Ploes” (EPsyME).
He is a PhD candidate in Social and Intercultural Psychology at the Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). He has completed training in systemic family psychotherapy and holds additional academic credentials in cultural theory and digital arts.
His professional experience spans intercultural education, adolescent and adult mental health services, welfare structures, and refugee support programs.
He is a founding member of the Open Children’s Library and serves on the Board of Directors of the Social Cooperative Enterprise “Plori” (2nd Sector of Adult Mental Health). His research and clinical interests lie in community-based, cultural, and psychosocial interventions, the intergenerational impact of new media and technologies, and the socio psychological conditions shaping social thought.
Fotis Panagiotounis
Doctor of Sport Psychology
Fotis Panagiotounis works in the Department of Operational Planning & Programming of Development Programs at the National Organization for the Prevention & Treatment of Addictions (NOPTA). He holds a PhD from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Thessaly, with a dissertation titled: “The role of exercise as a complementary therapeutic method for individuals addicted to narcotic substances”.
He is also a PhD candidate at the School of Administrative, Economic & Social Sciences of the University of West Attica, with a dissertation titled: “The impact of organizational silence and organizational cynicism on knowledge management in higher education in Greece”.
ΚHe holds a Master’s degree in “International Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management” from the Department of Business Administration at the University of West Attica, and another Master’s degree in “Education and Culture with a specialization in the Administration and Management of Educational Units” from Harokopio University.
His main research work focuses on exploring the role of sports and exercise as complementary therapeutic tools in prevention and addiction recovery. In this context, he has designed and served as project manager for research and educational programs funded by the European Erasmus+ Sport program.
As a result of his contribution to the field of addictions, he developed the best practice titled “Reintegration through Sport”, which was recognized by the European Union as one of the top promising best practices in the field of mental health for 2024.
Maria Papaevaggelou
Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist
Maria is a graduate of the Psychology Department of London Metropolitan University and has specialized in Person Centered Therapy as well as Systemic Family Therapy. Additionally, she graduated from the University of Piraeus with a degree in Financial and Banking Management and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration (MS Marketing) from New York University.
Her experience in the field of young adults and addiction began with the “Athina” program at Eginitio Hospital in Athens, as well as in the Social Reintegration Unit of OKANA (Organization Against Drugs), where she focused on therapeutic support and interventions for individuals facing addiction issues.
Her ongoing postgraduate training and practical experience have enabled her to gain a deep understanding and sensitivity regarding mental health issues, while her engagement with various approaches allows her to offer personalized and holistic support to her clients.
She is a founding member of the Non-Profit Organization “Thallo” and works in the private sector as a psychologist psychotherapist.