Health professionals for Diet and nutrition in Papagou

Panagiotakopoulou Xristina is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Papagou, where she provides individual sessions for adults, couples, and families. She studied Psychology at the Open University of the United Kingdom and subsequently specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy at SKEPSYS (Systemic Center for Training and Psychotherapy). Additionally, she has been trained in the Systemic Appreciative Approach, which is a method for exploring people's strengths, abilities, and resources. She has also received training in psychological support for children, adolescents, families, and communities in bereavement. She possesses notable experience as well as voluntary contributions, having collaborated voluntarily with SYNYPARXI to provide counseling support services. She voluntarily cooperates with the Municipal Polyclinics of Papagou - Cholargos to provide counseling support services and organizes and coordinates adult education groups aimed at their empowerment. Finally, she publishes monthly articles on relevant topics in the magazine Asfalistiki Agora.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Kiousi Katerina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains private practices in Paiania and Cholargos. She holds a degree in Nutrition Science from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and a postgraduate degree in Education and Public Health Promotion from King’s College London. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Basic Clinical Practice and Health Investigation from seminars attended at the International Academy of Health Investigation, Brookwood. She has gained significant professional experience and currently serves as the scientific director of the dietetics center at Voulioukaleio Clinic in Aigaleo and as an External Associate of boarding schools. In her private practices, she provides comprehensive nutrition programs tailored to individual needs. Finally, she has attended numerous industry conferences and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Florou Athina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in the Zografou area. She graduated from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens in 2022, successfully completing her undergraduate studies. During her internship at the 251 General Airforce Hospital, she gained valuable knowledge and experience in nutrition support, designing personalized diet plans, nutritional counseling, and assessing patients' nutritional status. She continued her studies at University College London (UCL), where she obtained a master's degree in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition with distinction. As part of her postgraduate education, she worked at St Ann’s Hospital/Eating Disorder Service, making a significant contribution to the rehabilitation of patients with eating disorders. Athina is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists (PSDΔD), the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), and the Association for Nutrition (AfN) in the UK. She has experience in managing clinical cases through collaboration with physicians of various specialties in both hospital and private settings. She applies individualized nutritional interventions based on scientific evidence, aiming for the holistic support of health.

As part of her active involvement in international scientific networks, she participates as a member of the Working Group of the European project HEALTH UP! of EFAD (European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians), contributing to the scientifically substantiated evaluation and updating of the Guide on Eating Disorders, aiming to enhance dietetic care practice at the European level.

Elena Papathanasopoulou MSW, Dip Psych (Hons) is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology in the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the University of Ioannina and subsequently at the Open University in the UK (Diploma in Psychology). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in the USA at the Smith College School for Social Work (Massachusetts) with a Fulbright scholarship. Upon returning to Greece, she continued her training at the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. She has worked as a therapist in psychotherapeutic centers in the USA and Athens. She possesses extensive teaching experience (in psychodynamic counseling seminars for mental health professionals and at the Technological Educational Institute of Patras). She has also worked in parent training schools and on various research projects. She has numerous presentations at conferences and educational and continuing education programs abroad and in Greece, as well as publications in scientific journals in Greece. She is a member of the British Psychological Society, the Hellenic Association of Social Workers, and the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. In her private practice, she treats a wide range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, self-awareness, generalized anxiety disorder, interpersonal difficulties, mood disorders, using psychodynamic psychotherapy and counseling as her primary therapeutic modalities.

Garzonis Spyros is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital for Chest Diseases of Athens "Sotiria". Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," where he remained as a collaborator for over 10 years. He holds official specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. He has a particular interest and involvement in diabetes technology and insulin pumps. He has participated as a volunteer physician in a Doctors Without Borders - Greece mission in Zambia and in programs within Greece. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Diabetological Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the Hellenic Society for the Study of Diabetic Foot Disorders, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, and Doctors Without Borders - Greece.

Welcome.

As the founder and lead physician of a private practice, my goal is to provide comprehensive medical care that combines rigorous scientific evidence with a patient-centered approach.

Education & Specialization: I am a member of the Swiss Medical Association and a graduate of Medicine with a Master of Science (MSc) in Social-Preventive Medicine and Quality in Healthcare from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. My clinical experience is multidimensional, having served in critical departments such as Internal Medicine, High Dependency Units (HDU), COVID-19 wards, and Emergency Departments (ER). Additionally, I hold International Certifications in Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) from the National Health Care Provider Solutions (NHCPS) in the USA.

Clinical Focus: Respiratory & Urinary Tract Infections, Metabolic Diseases & Obesity:

With extensive experience in treating obesity, I specialize in the management of patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. At our practice, we treat cases of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, as well as urinary tract infections. We also manage patients across the full spectrum of cardiometabolic diseases and Chronic Condition Management, including: Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol Levels), Obesity. We offer personalized treatment plans that target the root of metabolic disorders, based on scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach.

Scientific Work & International Recognition: My commitment to medical science is reflected in my active participation in the international research community:

·       Medical Associations: Member of the Hellenic Medical Association, the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM), and a member of the Swiss Medical Association (MEBEKO).

·       Research Activity: Author of over 60 publications and presentations at top-tier conferences, including the European Congress of Internal Medicine (ECIM).

·       Collaborations: Scientific Collaborator for the international AlliGatOr study (appendectomy outcomes) and Guest Editor for the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research.

Kalliampakos Dimitris is a Military Doctor – Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. Simultaneously, he serves as the Deputy Director at the 4th Internal Medicine Clinic of "HYGEIA" (building 2). He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in Internal Medicine at the University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." Subsequently, he served for several years as an attending physician at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the 401 Military Hospital of Athens while also working for 8 years at the emergency outpatient medical company "SOS IATROI." Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration" and is a regular member of the Hellenic Diabetology Society. He has extensive experience in managing infections, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, rheumatic diseases, chronic systemic diseases, geriatric patients, as well as home-based emergency outpatient care. Finally, preventive medicine is thoroughly practiced in the private clinic, where rapid tests, electronic prescription, electrocardiogram, and spirometry are performed.

Zaxarodimos Nikolaos is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, a doctoral candidate at the Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life of the Agricultural University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a master's degree in "Molecular and Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a research specialization in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Simultaneously, he collaborates with medical clinics, hospitals, and fitness centers, offering personalized nutrition programs and body composition analyses. His professional experience includes salaried practice at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," participation in research projects and scholarships within the framework of the "Research – Create – Innovate" initiatives, and active involvement with publications in international journals and conferences both in Greece and abroad. He also has experience as a lecturer and trainer for students, as well as extensive volunteer work in nutritional education activities. Furthermore, the specialist is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and ACSM Exercise is Medicine Greece. Finally, at his dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi, he provides nutritional guidance for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle strengthening.

Dalakoura Stella is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and a Master's Degree in "Molecular & Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology-Diabetology in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio-Benakeio" E.E.S. During her specialization, she also gained expertise in the management of patients using insulin pumps. In her practice, she handles cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism. She is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the Athens Medical Association, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom. In 2022, she obtained the SCOPE certification from the World Obesity Federation, following a scholarship award from the Hellenic Endocrine Society.

Maurandrea Nota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She works with adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and others. Additionally, she supports parents in strengthening their role. Her approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship in which the patient can safely and confidently understand and connect with themselves. Regarding her education, she is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Crete with postgraduate studies in Addiction Treatment. She is specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and concurrently specializes in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also serves as a Scientific Collaborator in the respective Unit.

Kalatzopoulou Garyfalia Liana MD, MSc is a Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a graduate of the Athens College and holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed a postgraduate program in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," and has extensive experience in the management of obesity, having handled hundreds of cases to date. Dr. Kalatzopoulou is an external associate of Metropolitan General Hospital and serves as the attending Internist at the Outpatient Clinics of the same hospital.

Sofias Aleksandros - Premedicare is an Endocrinologist, a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Following two years of training in the Internal Medicine Department of the 7th IKA Hospital and four years of work at the Aspropyrgos refinery clinic as an on-call physician, he specialized in the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos". There, he actively participated in the Endocrinology Laboratory - Dynamic Testing Unit, the endocrinology clinic, outpatient clinics, and specialized clinics for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, pituitary disorders, diabetic nephropathy, and osteoporosis. He gained significant experience in adrenal gland diseases, pituitary disorders, and thyroid cancer. Additionally, he has taken part in numerous weekly interdisciplinary clinical case discussions and literature updates of the department, coordinated by Director Dr. Stylianos Tsagkarakis. Since then, he has participated in numerous conferences and has served as a reviewing physician for MedNet Greece SA, while continuing to provide high-quality services to his patients.