Our team

Kosmas Livanos began his involvement in the field of addiction recovery in 1996 as a trainee addiction counselor at the WCS center in Western England. He completed the program and worked as an addiction counselor, later becoming the clinical director of the unit for two years.

He then pursued a Master’s degree at Imperial College London, specializing in the creation of policies and interventions in the field of addiction recovery. For a year, he served as a lecturer at Imperial College London and also worked at Wandsworth Prison in London and on the RAPT program (Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust).

Afterward, he returned to Greece, where he founded the Research Center for Human Behaviors in 2001. The center was the first private institution in Greece to operate in the field of addiction recovery.

Today, he is a representative and advisor for C4 and PTACC (https://ptaccollaborative.org/), offering solutions and creating policies on social welfare and mental health issues for contemporary problems such as juvenile violence, domestic violence, substance addiction, and other issues that afflict society on a daily basis.

Vicky Rappa has worked in the healthcare sector for over 20 years and has a total of 26 years of experience in administrative positions at major companies and private hospitals in the country.

She worked at the Research Center for Human Behaviors from its establishment in April 2001, initially as the Secretariat of the Directorate, then as the Responsible for Financial Management. She also contributed to the Fundraising and Public Relations department of the Organization.

She holds a diploma in “Economics and Business Administration” and has worked for a total of 26 years as an Administrative Executive in the private sector. She also holds a degree from the Hellenic Open University in “Studies in Greek Culture” and has excellent knowledge of English and French.

The companies she has worked for include: (Express Service, Aspis Pronia, Systas Consulting Firm for Public Works, Facemed Private Clinic – Gynecology Clinic, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Athens Medical Center – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of GAIA Maternity, HHG Group – Health Spot (Primary Healthcare of the Hospitals Ygeia, Mitera, Metropolitan).

Kostis Alexandropoulos has been working in the field of addiction recovery for over a decade, specifically at KEAS. Initially, he was responsible for the first point of contact with individuals seeking help (screening). Later, he worked as a Junior Counselor and then as a Senior Counselor, joining the therapeutic team of the intensive closed program. From 2017 to the present, he works as a counselor and leader of the therapeutic team in the open therapeutic program at KEAS.

Throughout these years, his responsibilities have included coordinating group therapy, conducting individual sessions, developing personalized therapeutic plans, leading relapse prevention seminars, teaching skills, managing stress and anger, introducing clients to the philosophy of the 12-step program, psychoeducational sessions, motivational sessions, and family counseling.

Despoina Kolympiri is a licensed psychologist (license number: 1022534 / 17-10-2022). She graduated from the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and completed her studies in the Master’s program in “Counselling” with a focus on “Counseling Psychology” at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has worked therapeutically with both adults and adolescents.

At the undergraduate level, she completed her internship at the Day Center of the NGO “Iasis” and the Community Psychiatric Care at Home, where she later volunteered for one year. She participated in coordinating activities focused on cognitive strengthening, promoting psychosocial skills, and creative expression for the beneficiaries of the center.

At the postgraduate level, she completed her internship in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the Erasmus+ program. Specifically, she worked in the Special Education Department of Escola Secundária Maria Amália Vaz de Carvalho High School, providing support to blind students, students with reduced vision, mobility and/or hearing impairments, cognitive deficits, and learning difficulties.

Additionally, she completed an internship at KETHEA EXELIXIS, specifically in the Special Immediate Access Center, which is a harm reduction and immediate access program for active substance users.

She has engaged in research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with her latest research focusing on women’s perspectives on addiction, oriented both toward women who use substances and toward caregivers of individuals with addiction. As part of her continuous education and awareness in the field of addiction, she has attended the program “Approaching the Individual and Family with Addiction Problems – Trauma-Informed Forensic Psychiatry” at the University of Western Attica. She is currently undertaking advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy through the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling.

Panagiotis Kalligas is a psychologist, a graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Athens, with a Master’s in School Psychology, and training in systemic epistemology and systemic thinking at the Athens Center for the Study of Man (AKMA) from 2007 to 2012. During this period, he trained in Group Therapy and case analysis under the supervision of Psychiatrist and Family Therapist, Dr. Dimitris Sakkas.

In his 25-year professional career, he worked at the Research Center for Human Behaviors as a Psychologist – Addiction Counselor, Senior Counselor, and Coordinator of the therapeutic team and program. His responsibilities included individual patient sessions, coordinating and organizing the daily schedule of the therapeutic team, and providing on-call crisis management from 2001 to 2011.

Since 2012, he has worked at the “Diadromi” Center (Therapeutic Center for Addiction Treatment) as a Psychologist – Addiction Counselor, responsible for case assessments and overseeing the post-therapy program. He was also the coordinator of parent groups. Since 2016, he has held a responsible position in the Hellenic Parliament.

Aggeliki Tigka is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the fields of mental health, counseling, addiction treatment, and psychosocial support, having developed a meaningful and multifaceted professional career both in Greece and abroad. She has a strong academic background and long-standing clinical experience, with a primary focus on supporting individuals facing mental health difficulties, addictions, emotional challenges, and issues related to personal and family functioning.

She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of East London and went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology at the University of York. At the same time, she trained in Counseling, Group Psychotherapy, as well as Family Therapy and Substance Addiction treatment through specialized programs at OKANA (Organization Against Drugs). In addition, she completed postgraduate studies in Adolescent Health and Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on the developmental and psychosocial needs of adolescence.

Her professional path is characterized by significant experience in therapeutic, social, and clinical settings. She has worked in mental health and social care services in the United Kingdom, providing support to children, adolescents, homeless populations, individuals with learning disabilities, as well as people facing addiction or mental health challenges. In this context, she collaborated with services of the UK National Health Service (NHS), actively participating in therapeutic interventions for substance and alcohol addiction.

In Greece, she has worked in both private and public mental health and addiction treatment structures, taking on therapeutic, counseling, and senior scientific roles. For more than ten years, she served as a Psychologist–Therapist in an OKANA addiction treatment unit, supporting clients and their families through individual and group interventions, while she currently continues her work in the Prevention Applications Department of the organization. Her experience also includes collaboration with mental health facilities, residential care units, educational programs, and scientific teams, aiming at a holistic approach to each individual’s needs.

Alongside her therapeutic work, she has been actively involved in the education and supervision of emerging mental health professionals. She has taught in postgraduate programs related to addiction interventions and strategies for motivating individuals to seek help, and has also acted as a supervisor for psychology students during their practical training. Her continuous education and specialization in motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, adolescent health, comorbidity, and family therapy form a core part of her professional identity.

Her therapeutic approach is based on building a relationship of trust, acceptance, and meaningful communication with the individual. She believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and in each person’s capacity to redefine their life, strengthen their personal resilience, and move toward a more functional and balanced daily life.

Panagiotis Skoulas is a sociologist specializing in addiction treatment and psychosocial support services. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of the Aegean and a Master’s Degree in Research on Social Development and Local Cohesion. His postgraduate research focused on social representations of psychoactive substance use.

Since 2012, he has been working in the field of addiction treatment as a member of the therapeutic and scientific staff in major Greek organizations, including OKANA, KETHEA and EOPAE. His work includes psychosocial assessment, counseling, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and support of active substance users, as well as coordination with treatment and support services.

He has also contributed to counseling and prevention activities through voluntary work at the KETHEA Counseling Center in Mytilene, supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and participating in community awareness initiatives.

In addition to his clinical work, he has collaborated with the Laboratory of Leisure, Youth and Sport at the University of the Aegean on research and educational projects related to youth, prevention and social inclusion. He holds a Certificate of Pedagogical Competence from ASPAITE.

His professional training includes specialized programs in addiction counseling (KETHEA – University of California, San Diego), Solution Focused Brief Therapy in Drug Addiction (BRIEF), and further training in dual diagnosis, post-traumatic stress, and outreach approaches to substance users. He has also completed professional development programs through the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government on human resource management in health services and prevention of violence against women.

He is currently undertaking advanced training in Systemic Psychotherapy through the five-year program of the Family Therapy Unit at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica.

Alongside his professional work, he is also active in the arts as a musician and songwriter.

Varvara Spanopoulou graduated from the department of Sociology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has attended educational seminars related to mental health including Psychopathology and basic diagnostic categories, Schizophrenia and Psychoses, as well as the Social Caregiver – Health Caregiver Certificate Program. She also has knowledge of first aid and BLS/AED.

Maria Ioannidou is a nurse, graduate of the Technical University of Athens, with licence to practice the profession (24723/21-11-2008).

She has 17 years previous work experience in:

– Outpatient clinics, emergency department and pathology and hematology clinic, in Medical Centre of Psychico (2009-2016).

– General Manager of nurses in Medical Centre of Psychico (2016-2021).

– Shift Manager and later Director of Nursing Service, in psychiatric clinic GALINI (2021-2025).

She has attended several seminars, among which: emotional intelligence, management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and immediate life support (ILS).

Martha Stathatou is a nursing assistant, a graduate of the D.I.E.K. Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, and holds a professional license (1334/ 27-02-2019). She has attended First Aid and Cardiology Emergency seminars and has volunteered with E.P.O.M.E.A. (Voluntary Special Missions Group), participating in training exercises with KOMAK as well as humanitarian missions, such as in Serbia in 2013.

Professional experience in the healthcare field:

• Responsible for patient care in Mental Health Facilities (LIFE CARE, IOLI, CIVILA, OMORFI NEFELI, RIAL HOUSE).
• Nurse/Recipient at the diagnostic center, Health Spot polyclinic.
• Nurse in the Anesthesiology department at the Evgenidio Therapeutic Center.
• Exclusive Nursing & Homecare Nursing.
• Administrative support at Dr. Vasilios Souropoulos’ office.

Aggeliki Argyri is a graduate of the Department of Nursing at the University of Ioannina (license number (AP 676883), with strong knowledge of First Aid and emergency patient care. She has experience in assessing and responding to patients’ needs while delivering safe, effective, and high-quality nursing care with professionalism and compassion.

She completed her clinical internship at the University Hospital of Ioannina during 2019–2020, gaining valuable clinical experience and developing a solid foundation in nursing practice.

Her professional career began in 2024 at the Galini Psychiatric Center in Kifisia, where she worked as a Nurse for one year. Her responsibilities included patient care, feeding assistance, patient hygiene and repositioning, monitoring hospitalized patients, and performing blood sample collection (phlebotomy).

She then joined Euroclinic Athens in Ampelokipoi, Athens, where she worked as a Nurse from 2025 to 2026. Her duties included managing nursing shifts, wound care and dressing changes, blood sample collection, administration of chemotherapy treatments, and participation in blood transfusion procedures, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality patient care.

She is currently employed at Rewind Substance Rehabilitation Center, where she provides nursing care and support to individuals undergoing addiction treatment and recovery programs, contributing significantly to their rehabilitation and overall well-being.

Aggeliki Argyri is recognized for her professionalism, responsibility, empathy, teamwork, and ability to perform effectively in demanding healthcare environments. She remains committed to delivering patient-centered care and maintaining the highest standards of nursing practice.

Amalia Loufi is a graduate of the Public Institute of Vocational Training (D.I.E.K.) of Acharnes, specializing in General Nursing Assistant (Specialty Code: 27-00-10-1). She successfully completed both the theoretical and laboratory training, as well as the mandatory practical training, graduating on 30-09-2019.

Since 2019, she has gained professional experience in patient care and support within clinical and hospital environments, providing daily nursing care, monitoring vital signs, assisting patients during hospitalization, and collaborating with medical and nursing staff for the effective management of cases. She has experience in both general nursing care and psychiatric/addiction rehabilitation environments, demonstrating responsibility, consistency, and respect for each patient’s needs.

She completed 960 hours of practical training in her specialty at City Clinic in Exarchia, from 01-01-2018 to 31-07-2018, in a plastic surgery and general clinic environment, gaining experience in patient care and support of nursing procedures.

During 2020–2021, she worked at REA Hospital in the sterilization department, the COVID department, and the microbiology department, performing blood sampling procedures and supporting the smooth operation of the departments.

From 2021 to 2024, she worked at Galini Neuropsychiatric Clinic as a floor nurse, with experience in caring for and monitoring patients in psychiatric and addiction rehabilitation settings.

In addition, she has attended conferences and educational seminars in the field of healthcare and crisis management, including:

The 19th Psychosocial Care Conference of the Hellenic Army, titled: “Mental Health Services in the Armed Forces: Capabilities and Prospects in the Prevention and Management of Critical Psychological Situations,” held under the auspices of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association at the War Museum Amphitheater in Athens, on December 11, 2015.

The 13th Panhellenic Medical Conference of the Naval Hospitals of Athens, which took place on February 19–20, 2018, at the amphitheater of NIMTS Hospital in Athens.

Seminars and training programs related to First Aid, CPR, fire protection, and emergency incident management.

Melitini Bekiri is a Nursing and Midwifery Assistant and a graduate of SAEK SVIE. She has attended educational programs and seminars in ADHD awareness, human relationship management and health promotion, and holds certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

She has been professionally active in the healthcare field since 2022.

Professional experience in the healthcare sector:

• Nursing Assistant at REA Maternity Hospital.
• Nursing Assistant at Metropolitan General Hospital.
• Administrative and nursing support at the Plastic Surgery Practice of Aris Stetodimas.

-Born in Athens, Greece.
-Studied Medicine and graduated with distinction from La Sapienza University.
-Specialized in Psychiatry.
-Worked as a psychiatrist at U.G.H.N and P.H.A. hospitals. (University General Hospital
οf Nikaia and Psychiatric Hospital of Attica).
-Served for 24 years as Scientific Director of the Psychiatric Clinic “Panagia i Grigorousa”.

He is a member of:

-The Athens Medical Association.
-The Hellenic Psychiatric Association.
-The Psychoanalytic Society “Freudian Praxis”.
-The American Psychiatric Association (APA).
-(2001–2010) The European Federation of Psychoanalysis and the Strasbourg Psychoanalytic School – FEDEPSY (Groupement des Études Psychanalytiques).
-Member and former President of ELEPSY (Hellenic Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology).
-Has participated as a speaker at scientific conferences and is the author of articles published in scientific journals.
-A particular field of interest, with more than 30 years of experience, has been addiction syndrome, dual-diagnosis patients, and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders.

Aikaterini Trikkalinou is an Attending Internist – Diabetologist at Metropolitan Hospital and the Diabetology Department of the Healthspot Diagnostic Center.

She completed her specialization in Pathology at the 1st IKA Hospital “Pentele” in the B’ Pathology Clinic. She has been a private pathologist since 2005, and from 2014 to the present, she has been a scientific collaborator at the Diabetic Center of G.N.P. “Tzaneio”.

She also completed a six-month internship at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the 1st IKA Hospital B’ Pathology Clinic. As part of her specialization, she undertook a three-month internship in cardiology, ICU, and diabetes, as follows: she trained at the Diabetic Center and the Obesity Outpatient Clinic of the Laiko Hospital, at the Intensive Care Unit of the Hellenic Red Cross Hospital under Director K. Mandragos, and in cardiology at the 1st IKA Hospital “Pentele” Cardiological Clinic. She also trained in the ultrasonography of large vessels.

Additionally, she is a doctoral candidate at the University of Athens. Over the past 25 years, she has attended numerous educational seminars and participated in workshops and conferences as a speaker, chairperson, or author.

Her writing experience includes publications in Greek and foreign scientific journals.