Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Aggelis Ilias is a Pathologist who runs a private practice in Neo Iraklio. He holds a Medical Degree from the University of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, and has experience in managing dyslipidemias, infections, and arterial hypertension. He possesses extensive professional experience, having worked as a Pathologist in departments of major hospitals such as Hygeia Hospital and Konstantopouleio - General Hospital of Nea Ionia. Additionally, he is a member of the European Resuscitation Council, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, and the Athens Medical Association. Through his specialization in pathology at the 1st Pathology Clinic of Konstantopouleio General Hospital of Nea Ionia, the doctor is capable of treating a wide range of conditions in his specially equipped facility.

Trikoili Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Neo Irakleio, offering psychotherapeutic support and psychological assessment services. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment in which adults, adolescents, and children can experience understanding, trust, and care. She is a graduate of Panteion University, with postgraduate training in School Psychology from Unic. Her psychotherapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trainee member of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies / EABCT), which is enriched—depending on the needs of the client—with elements from other approaches. She has experience in the psychotherapeutic process, psychological and psychometric assessment, implementation of individualized interventions, parental counseling, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private sector, managing therapeutic cases using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, as a school psychologist at KEDASY, as a psychologist at the Aeromedical Center, and at a Center for Special Therapies.

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.

Kritsini Olga is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She is a graduate of the University of Crete and contributes articles to various scientific websites on topics of nutrition and wellness. She has extensive experience in a Dietetic Unit and an Endocrinology Clinic in Athens. Additionally, she has participated in and attended numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Xantzaridis Petros is a Military Dietitian - Nutritionist, founder and Director of the Clinical Diet dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi. He was admitted to the Veterinary Medicine Department of the Military School of Officers Corps (SSAS) in Thessaloniki and was commissioned as an Officer of the Hellenic Army in 1996, having been honored with scholarships and commendations from the State Scholarships Foundation (I.K.Y.). In 2000, he was admitted to the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics of the School of Food Technology & Nutrition at ATEI Thessaloniki and graduated in 2003, again receiving scholarships from I.K.Y. In 2009, he was selected by the Health Directorate of the General Staff of the Army as a recipient of an honorary educational scholarship in the field of Dietetics. The prestigious New York University in the United States selected him among numerous candidates from around the world and accepted him into the Graduate Program of Clinical Nutrition, from which he graduated in 2010 with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, receiving favorable reviews from leading international Nutrition professors. Since 2005, he has served for several years as Director of the Dietetic Department of the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens. His daily management of clinical cases at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, his extensive experience, and the breadth of his studies allow him to have a comprehensive understanding of the food chain, nutritional risks, and their proper management both preventively and in clinical settings. Finally, upon requests from Harokopio University of Athens and the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete, he has undertaken the training of many final-year students as part of their practical training.

Η Ζωή Μαυρίδου είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας και Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Με πάθος για την επιστημονική ακρίβεια και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, δημιούργησε το Κέντρο «Διατροφή Ζωής», με στόχο να παρέχει προσωποποιημένη καθοδήγηση βασισμένη στις ανάγκες και τις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Πιστεύοντας στην αξία της δια βίου μάθησης, έχει εξειδικευτεί περαιτέρω σε σημαντικά πεδία της διατροφής όπως:

• Διατροφή στην κύηση, το θηλασμό και τη γονιμότητα, μέσω προγράμματος του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
• Διατροφικές διαταραχές (βουλιμία, ψυχογενής ανορεξία, συναισθηματική υπερφαγία) με εξειδίκευση επίσης από το ΕΚΠΑ.
• Health Coaching, ολοκληρώνοντας σχετική εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ώστε να ενισχύσει τη βιωσιμότητα των διατροφικών αλλαγών στην καθημερινή ζωή των συμβουλευόμενων.
• Εκπαίδευση στο πρόγραμμα “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, από το Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ), που επικεντρώνεται στη σχέση με το φαγητό και τη βελτίωση της διατροφικής συμπεριφοράς χωρίς περιοριστικές δίαιτες.

Έχει επίσης ενεργή παρουσία σε εκπαιδευτικά και επιστημονικά δρώμενα, όπως:

• Παρακολούθηση συνεδριών, ημερίδων και ιατρικών συμποσίων που αφορούν την παχυσαρκία, τις τροφικές αλλεργίες, τις ΙΦΝΕ, την οστεοπόρωση και άλλα συναφή θέματα.
• Είχε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis για εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις σε σχολεία με θέμα τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση παιδιών.
• Πραγματοποίηση πολλών ομιλιών σε παιδικές και εφηβικές αθλητικές ομάδες.

Παράλληλα, εμπλουτίζει συνεχώς τις γνώσεις της μέσω της παρακολούθησης μαθημάτων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης Κλινικής Διατροφής και Μεταβολισμού (ESPEN LLL) και του World Obesity Organization (SCOPE), για την απόκτηση της πιστοποίησης “Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education”.

Με γνώμονα ότι «η διατροφή δεν είναι ίδια για όλους», η Ζωή Μαυρίδου εργάζεται με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ατόμου, προσφέροντας ουσιαστική, εφαρμόσιμη καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη. Όραμά της είναι η βελτίωση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και η ουσιαστική αλλαγή τρόπου ζωής, μέσα από επιστημονική γνώση, ενσυναίσθηση και ρεαλισμό.

Diamantopoulos Aristeidis Aris is a graduate physician of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and obtained his professional license in 2015. He was a trainee in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Nea Ionia - Patision from 2016 to 2018, and from 2018 to 2023 he specialized in "Endocrinology – Diabetes – Metabolism" at the Endocrinology Department – Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," which has also been certified as a National and European Reference Center for "Pituitary - Adrenal - Thyroid Cancer." Concurrently, since 2021, he has been pursuing a PhD at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As an endocrinologist – diabetologist, he has contributed to numerous publications in reputable Greek and international medical journals. He has also received awards at conferences, including the "Young ESE Investigator Award 2022" from the European Society of Endocrinology. In addition to clinical and research studies, he has participated in multiple conferences in Greece and abroad, presenting lectures, oral communications, and posters. In his private practice, he manages cases spanning the entire spectrum of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, with the primary concern being the benefit of the patient.

Dr. Xarikleia Xristakou is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Vrilissia. She completed her studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She began her clinical and research career in the Endocrinology Department of the First Internal Medicine Clinic at Laiko Hospital in Athens and at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of the Ευγενίδειο Therapeutic Institute, with a special interest in disorders of female reproduction and metabolism. She was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014. Subsequently, she specialized at the First University Pediatric Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children’s Hospital, focusing on Pediatric Endocrinology. She continued and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the First Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine Clinic of Laiko Hospital. She is the author of scientific articles in reputable Greek and international journals and has contributed to the authorship of Greek and international scientific textbooks on Endocrinology. Additionally, she has participated as a speaker at Greek and international conferences. Since January 2022, she has been an academic fellow at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she has been involved in clinical and teaching activities. Furthermore, as a member of the interdisciplinary team at the Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Diseases at the University of Athens at Laiko Hospital, she actively participates in Medical Board meetings, where interesting patient cases are discussed with the aim of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with neuroendocrine diseases. She also serves as an instructor in the postgraduate program "Endocrine Neoplasms".

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

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.

Maria Mpergele is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private offices in Nea Ionia and in the center of Athens. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Thessaly and, as part of her continuous professional development, she has attended and continues to attend numerous postgraduate scientific seminars and conferences related to her specialty. She has extensive experience in managing clinical cases (such as Diabetes Mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, gut health) and also treats adolescent cases. In the past, she served as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at a Nutrition and Aesthetics Center and completed her internship in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the Korgialeneio-Benakio General Hospital (Red Cross). Currently, in addition to her private practice, she collaborates with a Nursery School providing nutritional services as well as with a Wellness and Care Center.

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

Grivea Ifigeneia - Nourish Lab is a clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi, Attica. She is a graduate of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. She holds certified training in genomic nutrition from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she has received training from the Hellenic Nutrition Society in pediatric nutrition. She has attended numerous nutrition conferences both in-person and virtually. She has many years of experience in chronic, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, having served as the scientific director of the nutrition department in a private clinic in Attica. Since 2025, she has been a regular member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists.

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.

Iliopoulos Dimitrios MD, PhD is a Specialist Internist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the University of Crete. He has specialized training in diabetology and serves as a scientific collaborator at the diabetology center of the 2nd University Clinic at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocratio". He is also an associate internist at the "Mitera" Hospital. His primary goal is a patient-friendly approach, thorough clinical examination, and timely diagnosis and management of medical issues. In a simple and explanatory manner, the patient will fully understand their condition, receive updates on the latest medical data, and have any questions addressed. The practice manages a wide range of conditions, including infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol). Preventive screening is also performed, including clinical examination and prescription of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, the physician also provides health certificates for sports and work, as well as medical reports for use in the KEPA committees.

Kalaitzi Myrto is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filothei. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as from the Department of Philosophy, Education, and Psychology with a specialization in Psychology at the same university. Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies in "Applied Clinical Psychology" at UCLAN University in England and underwent psychodynamic training in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults at DIKEPSY. She has worked as a Psychologist at KEDASY, in primary schools of the Chalandri municipality, and in a special secondary education school. Additionally, she has been employed at the Psychosocial Unit of the Samos Reception and Identification Center (KYT) of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and at a center for therapy of children and adolescents. She possesses extensive experience with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults) and vulnerable populations. Finally, she has participated in numerous educational and scientific seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Pinelopi Katsiveli is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in cases of endocrine hypertension, adrenal, and pituitary diseases. She completed her residency in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and the Pathology Department of the General Hospital of Patision. Furthermore, during her career, she served as an Attending Physician in the Endocrinology Department at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital and attended the Endocrinopathies - Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinic at the Endocrinology Department of the University General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." She currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Clinical Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Department at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital Center. In her practice, she manages cases of both classical endocrinology and diabetology. Additionally, she has published original research articles in international medical journals, presented oral and written abstracts at Greek and international conferences, and has extensive research experience.

Iliopoulos Dimitrios MD, PhD is a Specialist in Internal Medicine - Diabetology with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the University of Crete. He has specialized training in diabetology and serves as a scientific collaborator at the diabetes center of the 2nd University Clinic at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration." He is also an internal medicine collaborator at the "Mitera" Hospital. His primary goal is a patient-friendly approach, thorough clinical examination, and timely diagnosis and management of medical issues. In a simple and explanatory manner, patients fully understand their condition, are informed about the latest medical data, and have any questions addressed. The practice manages a wide range of conditions such as infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol). Preventive screening is also conducted, including clinical examinations and the prescription of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, the physician provides health certificates for sports and work, as well as medical reports for submission to KEPA committees.