Health professionals for Obesity in Alimos

Antoniou Stauroula is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Alimos. She holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of Patras, specializing in Endocrinology - Diabetology. She has worked as a Scientific Collaborator - Endocrinologist at the Gynecological Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." During her endocrinology training, she completed two years of internal medicine where she acquired experience in managing not only internal medicine cases but also nephrology cases; additionally, during her four-year endocrinology training, she gained experience in Pediatric Endocrinology. She provides high-level services for the evaluation, management, and regulation of all endocrine disorders, including pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus and obesity, gestational diabetes, menstrual disorders, as well as osteoporosis. Concurrently, she offers specialized services for the management of male infertility and erectile dysfunction. With absolute confidentiality and a scientific approach, the physician places great emphasis on thoroughly informing the patient about the condition and the proposed treatment, providing psychological and emotional support.

Maria Mpotsari is a Psychologist specializing in school psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, children, and adolescents, and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She has completed undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Université de Strasbourg and is continuing her studies in School Psychology at the University of Patras. Concurrently, she has trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling, and has attended numerous specialized seminars and training programs (WISC-V, Play Therapy, Parent Counseling, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, etc.). She has experience in psychological assessment (including administration of the WISC-V), psychotherapeutic support for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent counseling. She has worked in clinical and educational settings, such as the Support and Family Center, the "Together for the Child" program, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling. Her focus is on a holistic approach to mental health, utilizing modern therapeutic methods and creative tools such as psychoeducation through play and the development of personalized materials (e.g., emotion cards, worksheets). She is particularly sensitive to issues related to neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum, and school difficulties.

Triantafyllidou Sofia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Social Psychology from the University of Crete. She has received specialized training in a range of psychotherapeutic approaches, including Clinical Psychotherapy using Hypnotherapy (certified by GHSC), EMDR, as well as Music Therapy employing the Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) and Music Imagery (MI) methods. Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Educational Psychology at the University of Nicosia. Her professional experience includes extensive work as a psychologist in private practice, as well as in psychosocial support structures for students at higher education institutions such as the University of West Attica and the former Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens. She taught Psychology courses for several years at tertiary institutions and vocational training centers (IEK), and has been a member of the Collaborating Educational Staff at the Hellenic Open University since 2013. She has provided psychological support to vulnerable social groups, including individuals with visual impairments and detainees at the Korydallos Judicial Prison Second Chance School, and has served as a Parent Counselor in schools in the Attica region. Her scientific and teaching activities are further supported by research work conducted at the Universities of Crete and Athens.

Η Πήλιου Χρύσα (Harmonylife) είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεύτρια, Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και συγγραφέας του βιβλίου αυτοβελτίωσης "Βάλε χρώμα στις πληγές σου" με εξειδίκευση στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική, καθώς και στην Κλινική Ύπνωση, το Breathwork και το Mindfulness. Είναι τακτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής (Ε.Ε.Σ) και διαθέτει 15ετή εμπειρία στον τομέα του HR, σε ρόλους διαχείρισης ανθρώπινου δυναμικού στον τραπεζικό κλάδο. Παράλληλα, συγγράφει βιβλία που αξιοποιούνται θεραπευτικά σε ομάδες αυτογνωσίας και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Η ειδικός είναι κάτοχος Higher National Diploma – HND στη Ψυχολογία από το University of Wales. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία (Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική, Ψυχοδυναμική και Συστημική προσέγγιση) και στην Κλινική Ύπνωση στο Πειραϊκό Ινστιτούτο Συνθετικής Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας (αναγνωρισμένο από το BACP). Είναι πιστοποιημένη στο Breathwork Level 1 (GPBA Certification Training, 262 ώρες) και στο Mindfulness & Meditation Therapy & Coach (International Association of Coaches, Therapists & Mentors). Έχει επίσης εκπαιδευτεί σε ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και εναλλακτικές θεραπείες. Η ειδικός είναι ιδιοκτήτρια του Harmonylife.gr, ενός φιλόξενου και σύγχρονου κέντρου αυτογνωσίας και ψυχικής υγείας στον Άλιμο. Εκεί, μαζί με μια ομάδα έμπειρων συνεργατών και ειδικών ψυχικής υγείας, όπως ο Ψυχολόγος Ζαχαριάς Λουκάς-Ίαν, δημιουργεί εξατομικευμένα πλάνα θεραπείας που καλύπτουν σφαιρικά τις ανάγκες κάθε ατόμου. Στο Harmonylife πραγματοποιούνται συνεδρίες για ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια, καθώς και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Παράλληλα, προσφέρονται ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης, βιωματικά σεμινάρια αυτογνωσίας-αυτοβελτίωσης, κλινική ύπνωση και υπνοθεραπεία. Για όσους προτιμούν εναλλακτικούς τρόπους θεραπείας, το Harmonylife φιλοξενεί ομάδες χαλάρωσης και ψυχικής ενδυνάμωσης, με πρακτικές όπως διαλογισμό, sound healing, breathwork και άλλες ολιστικές προσεγγίσεις. Εφαρμόζονται επίσης διαλογισμοί Mindfulness Meditation και τεχνικές Positive Psychology Coaching σε ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες, καθώς και σεμινάρια και προγράμματα για διάφορους οργανισμούς. Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση της βασίζεται σε ένα ολιστικό μοντέλο, που συνδυάζει τη συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία με σύγχρονες εναλλακτικές μεθόδους. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει εξατομικευμένες λύσεις για κάθε άνθρωπο, αντιμετωπίζοντας πολλαπλά ζητήματα σε όλα τα επίπεδα: νου, συναίσθημα, σώμα και πνεύμα. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι η συνεργασία και η ομαδική εργασία μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε πιο μακροπρόθεσμα και ουσιαστικά αποτελέσματα, με την ποικιλία ειδικοτήτων να ενισχύει την ολιστική προσέγγιση και να προσφέρει στον κάθε άνθρωπο μια ολοκληρωτική εμπειρία εξέλιξης και αυτογνωσίας. Η ίδια θεωρεί τη δια βίου μάθηση υποχρέωση αλλά και χαρά, φροντίζοντας να ενημερώνεται διαρκώς για τις εξελίξεις της επιστήμης της, συμμετέχοντας σε εκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και σεμινάρια. Τέλος, το Harmonylife συνεργάζεται με εταιρείες για την ψυχική ενδυνάμωση των εργαζομένων (HR), αναπτύσσοντας προγράμματα που ενισχύουν την ευεξία και την παραγωγικότητα, συμβάλλοντας έτσι σε ένα πιο ισορροπημένο και υγιές εργασιακό περιβάλλον.

Dr. Ioannis Virlos is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He graduated from the Medical School of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining his medical degree in 1990. In 2000, he earned a Master’s degree in Surgical Sciences (MSc in Surgical Sciences) as well as a Diploma from Imperial College London (Diploma Imperial College), United Kingdom. In 2009, he was awarded a Doctorate (Medical Doctorate) from the University of Manchester, UK.He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd.) since 1998 and of the Intercollegiate Board in Surgery of the United Kingdom (FRCS (Gen Surg)) since 2008. Since 2011, he has been a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in the field of Colorectal Surgery (FEBS (Coloproctology)).Dr Ioannis Virlos is a specialized colorectal and bariatric surgeon, also trained in minimally invasive surgery — both laparoscopic and robotic. He has received training not only in Greece but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium.After completing his military service in 1992, he trained in General Surgery in hospitals in Athens and the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1999, obtaining his specialty title in General Surgery in 1999. From 2002 to 2012, he served as a surgical consultant in hospitals in the UK, Australia, Belgium, and Greece. Specifically, he worked at the following hospitals in the UK: North Middlesex, Arrowe Park, Derriford, Torbay, Exeter, Cheltenham, and North Bristol, as well as at Sir Charles Gairdner University Hospital in Perth, Australia, and Sotiria Hospital in Athens (as Senior Consultant).During the same period, he received advanced training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, UK, and Heilighart Ziekenhuis in Roeselare, Belgium.From 2012 to 2021, he worked as a Consultant Surgeon at the following hospitals in the UK: Ealing Hospital, Homerton University Hospital, John Radcliffe & Churchill Hospitals in Oxford, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. He returned to Greece in 2021.Since 2023, Mr. Virlos has been the Director of Surgery at Metropolitan General Hospital in Athens. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology. Finally, for the period 2025–2028, he will represent Greece at the European Society of Coloproctology.

Xiotelis Ignatios is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli while also conducting remote counseling sessions. He graduated from the University of Greenwich with comprehensive studies in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and has completed an Integrated Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition at the Agricultural University of Athens. Combining his studies, he possesses a strong scientific background in both the biochemistry and physiology of nutrition as well as applied clinical practice. He has professional experience as a Dietitian - Nutritionist, providing personalized nutrition programs and comprehensive dietary support based on the individual needs and medical history of each person. He specializes in pediatric and adolescent nutrition, nutritional management of diabetes mellitus, clinical dietetics, nutritional counseling, obesity management, and metabolism regulation. Additionally, he works with nutrition and exercise, supporting individuals seeking to improve their body composition and overall health through a scientifically grounded approach. His goal is to develop realistic and sustainable dietary habits tailored to each person’s lifestyle, emphasizing nutritional education, prevention, and the long-term maintenance of results.

Dr. Ioannis Zouridakis, MD, MSc, is a General Surgeon and Breast Specialist who has maintained a private practice in Korydallos since 1994 and recently within REA Hospital. He is a Scientific Collaborator and a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He earned his medical degree in 1986 from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” with a doctoral thesis completed during his studies. He specialized in General Surgery at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" and further specialized in Laparoscopic Surgery at the University of Montpellier in France. He attended the European Advanced Level Course in Breast Disease Management for Surgeons in Athens and specialized in the treatment of breast diseases at the 6th Oncology Hospital "G. Gennimatas." Subsequently, he specialized in hernia surgery using dual mesh PHS & Prolene 3D Patch at Umberto I Hospital in Italy and also specialized in Minimally Invasive Operating Techniques in Colorectal Surgery. He has worked in numerous hospitals and clinics and has served for many years as the Director of the Surgical Clinic at Metropolitan Hospital. Currently, he works daily as a Surgeon – Laparoscopist – Breast Specialist (Consultant Surgeon) at the General and Maternity Hospital REA, one of the most modern hospitals in Greece. Finally, he has attended and participated in over 100 medical conferences in Greece and abroad.

Ioanna Papadopoulou is a General Surgeon and maintains private practices in Cholargos and Glyfada. She performs exclusively laparoscopic surgery for benign and malignant conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as all types of abdominal wall hernias. She received her Medical Degree from the “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi in 2012. She completed her rural service at the General Hospital of Messinia – Kyparissia Nursing Unit in 2013–2014. In 2021, she obtained her surgical specialty certification.

During her specialty training, she served at the 417 Army Fund Nursing Institution (N.I.M.T.S), where she specialized in advanced laparoscopic surgery for malignant colon diseases, obesity, reflux, and hernias, as well as thyroid malignancies. Additionally, at the Sismanogleio General Hospital of Athens, she participated in a large volume of colon and thyroid cancer surgeries. Considering that the present of surgery lies in laparoscopic and robotic techniques, she attended advanced laparoscopic seminars organized by ELPEN under the auspices of the Hellenic Surgical Society from 2016 to 2018.

In 2021, she completed further training in Surgical Oncology, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Finally, in 2023, she received additional training in the latest methods for managing complex diaphragmatic hernias and reflux at the Symposium on Innovation in Surgery in Malta.

Elena Petsiou MD, PhD is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a doctoral degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has a medical degree from the University of L’Aquila in Italy. She specialized in Diabetes Mellitus at the University General Hospital "Attikon." Alongside her private practice, she is the Director of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Metropolitan Hospital and has served as Deputy Director at the "Errikos Dynan" Hospital Center. She has also worked as an Internist - Diabetologist at Queens Hospital and Blackpool Teaching Hospital in England, gaining significant experience in arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, with a specialization in diabetes mellitus and obesity. Finally, Dr. Petsiou is a member of the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, and the Athens Medical Association.

Porfyriadi Pandora is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Canterbury Christ Church University. She completed her internship at the General Hospital Asklipieio Voulas, where she gained experience in clinical nutrition, as well as in a private dietetic office in Elliniko. She provides personalized dietary support for nutritional issues and, through nutritional education, imparts the knowledge and skills needed for healthy food choices aimed at sustainable and long-term change.

Daskalakis Aleksandros is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and has been running a private dietetic practice since 2020, following a patient-centered approach aimed at achieving realistic client goals with high success rates. He graduated from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom. He extended his studies by pursuing a postgraduate degree at Bolton University in nutrigenetic analysis and genetic testing. He has worked in a clinical setting (Errikos Dynan Hospital) and has previously served for several years as a Chef and technical consultant for leading food companies in the sector, possessing advanced knowledge of food science. He collaborates with the company iDNA Genomics, focusing on genetic testing and nutrigenomics, responding to clinical cases and, following thorough analysis, providing specialized interventions tailored to the needs of each client. He maintains close collaborative relationships with top athletes in calisthenic gymnastics, Cross Training, and marathon runners, while he himself has completed two marathons and practices calisthenic exercise. He is a shareholder in his own top nutrition software, which is already available on the market for dietitians. He continues to train and develop continuously, keeping up with current advancements to remain informed on nutritional science research.

Kouri Eirini is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, with postgraduate studies at Harokopio University (clinical dietitian). She has a master's degree in eating disorders, obesity, and childhood obesity, as well as a specialization in sports nutrition.

She collaborated for several years with the Academy of P.A.E. Panionios, providing nutritional guidance and has delivered numerous lectures on the Mediterranean Diet in schools in Nea Smyrni.

At her practice, she offers nutritional services for various conditions such as weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, nutrition for athletes, prevention or management of pathological conditions (diabetes mellitus, digestive system diseases), treatment of eating disorders, childhood obesity, as well as nutrition for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Finally, she has attended numerous nutrition conferences and workshops as part of her ongoing professional development and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.