Health professionals for Breastfeeding in Agia Paraskevi

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.

Sarra Katerina is a Pediatrician and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She completed her studies at the Medical School as well as the Dental School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and her doctoral thesis at the First Pediatric Clinic of the University of Athens, where she also specialized in Pediatrics. Additionally, she works as a Pediatrician at Iaso Children’s Hospital and Leto Maternity Hospital, and previously collaborated with Bristol Children’s Hospital in the United Kingdom. Finally, she has participated in numerous seminars and has extensive professional experience, enabling her to provide specialized solutions to the needs of each patient at her private practice.

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.

Keydiet - Katerina Vamvouka and Associates are based in Chalandri. Katerina Vamvouka is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, graduate of Harokopio University and holder of a postgraduate degree in Public Health and Health Services Administration from the Medical School of the University of Crete. Since 2006, she has maintained a private dietetic office in Chalandri, while in the early years of her career, she served as the scientific head of the dietetic unit at the private hospital "Hygeia" and later at the rehabilitation and recovery center "Filoktitis," gaining extensive experience in predominantly clinical cases with specific nutritional needs. Subsequently, she decided to focus exclusively on managing obesity cases in both adults and children at her private practice, as well as providing counseling and proper guidance for balanced nutrition and exercise, thereby helping many people change their relationship with food and adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. In recent years, she established the Keydiet dietetic unit, where, together with a highly qualified team, she continues to provide dietetic services to an even broader range of cases. Together with her team and always prioritizing the individuality of people and their needs, she personalizes dietary and exercise instructions and strives, through proper guidance, to educate them to adopt a healthier dietary approach that they will maintain over a longer period.

Panagiotopoulou Tzortzina MSc, IBCLC is a Pediatrician - Certified Breastfeeding Consultant IBCLC and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She graduated in 2006 from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (N.K.U.A.) and continued her postgraduate training at the same university, specializing in clinical Pediatrics and Nursing Research, which she completed in 2017. In the same year, she obtained the Pediatric specialty title after specializing at the 1st Pediatric Clinic of the Children's Hospital of Athens "Agia Sofia". Subsequently, she received two certifications in pediatric nutrition through distance learning at Ludwig-Maximilians University (Germany) and Boston University (USA). Since 2021, after successful examinations approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies of the USA (NCCA), she has received the Global IBCLC Certification as a Breastfeeding Consultant, whereby, with her knowledge and experience in breastfeeding-related issues (e.g., breastfeeding difficulties, prematurity, multiple pregnancies), she actively supports mothers in this purpose. Regarding her professional experience, the doctor has worked for 5 years at the Alexandra Health Center as a Registrar B, with experience in managing emergency pediatric cases as well as Covid-19 morbidity cases in children. Additionally, she has worked at the Global Brigades Polyclinic, providing primary healthcare services to socially vulnerable groups. Finally, she has participated in numerous scientific conferences, many of which she has presented scientific papers, and she is a member of the following associations and societies: Medical Association of Athens, Galaxias - Association of Certified Breastfeeding Consultants IBCLC Greece, Breastfeeding Association of Greece - La Leche League Greece, IBFAN Greece - Action Network for Infant and Child Nutrition.

Pediatrician Makris Antonis has maintained a private practice in the Papagou - Cholargos area since 2005 and possesses 20 years of experience in primary and hospital pediatrics. He has been the Head of the Medical Service at the Athens College - Psychiko College since 2007, supervising the work of the healthcare team, which includes two additional physicians and seven nurses, and oversees the health of approximately 4,700 students aged 4 to 18 years at the College. In his private practice, infants, children, and adolescents are monitored from birth until adulthood, with special attention and care that every child deserves, without deviation from the fundamental principles: practicing pediatrics based on scientific evidence, individualized approach, promotion of breastfeeding and healthy nutrition, minimization of medication use and avoidance of unnecessary examinations, close collaboration with parents, and continuous monitoring of scientific developments through active participation in conferences and postgraduate programs. His primary objective is to provide exemplary care in an ideal environment, as the clinic is friendly and appropriately adapted to the needs of young patients to minimize the anxiety associated with visits. The clinic is exceptionally spacious (120 sq.m.) and includes two separate examination rooms (for scheduled and emergency appointments), three distinct waiting areas, and a breastfeeding room. Strict hygiene and prevention protocols are observed in all areas. Comprehensive administrative support ensures the physician’s undistracted focus on his work.

Manou Eirini is a Dietitian – Nutritionist, MSc, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Patima, Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Nutrition and Exercise" from the Department of Dietetics – Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She has been trained in the management of eating disorders and obesity at the National Centre for Eating Disorders in the United Kingdom and the Educational and Treatment Center for Eating Disorders in Greece. She completed her internship at the General Hospital of Athens "Sismanoglio – Amalia Fleming" and began working as a Dietitian in the Nutrition Department of the hospital for 4 years, where she dealt with numerous clinical cases. Additionally, she collaborated for several years with various sports facilities and gyms, providing nutritional support and guidance to many athletes. She has extensive experience in the support of cases with eating disorders, regulation of body weight and metabolism, as well as clinical cases. She provides personalized nutrition services based on the needs and habits of her clients. Her goal is to educate and consequently promote the adoption of new, healthy eating habits by her clients, always placing particular emphasis on psychological support and empowerment through counseling. She has attended numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops related to nutrition, exercise, obesity, and psychological support. Her guiding principle is always nutritional and psychological support as well as a holistic and individualized approach for each person, taking into account their desires and lifestyle. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietetic and Nutrition Association.

Dr. Papadopoulou Maria, MD, MSc, is a Pediatrician who maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras in 2009 and specialized in Pediatrics at the General Hospital of Florina and the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia." She has worked as a General Practitioner in France, in Child Psychiatry and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as a Rural Doctor at the Regional Clinic of Almyropotamos. Additionally, she has served as a Pediatrician - Auxiliary Physician / Registrar B at the Health Center of Chalandri. Meanwhile, the physician is a member of the Athens Medical Association. her practice provides regular pediatric monitoring, vaccinations, emergency care, parental counseling, and offers home visits upon request or when deemed necessary. Finally, with empathy and a focus on providing optimal care to young patients and the healthy development of all children, the pediatrician is pleased to accompany you on the magical journey of parenthood.

Louraki Mara MD, PhD, IBCLC is a Pediatrician, Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She maintains a private practice in Paiania. Concurrently, she works as a scientific associate at the Diabetes Clinic of the 2nd University Pediatric Clinic of the General Children’s Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou" and as a consultant pediatrician at "Euroclinic Children’s Hospital." She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her pediatric specialization took place at the Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou," the General Hospital "Asklipieio Voulas," and the Neonatal Unit of the General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." She has particular expertise in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes mellitus, having worked as a scientific associate in the Endocrinology Department of the Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou" and in the Diabetes Clinics of the 1st and 2nd University Pediatric Clinics (at the Children's Hospitals "Agia Sofia" and "P. & A. Kyriakou," respectively), where she completed her doctoral dissertation. She holds certifications in advanced neonatal and pediatric life support (NLS, APLS) and an international certification as a Breastfeeding Counselor. Additionally, she has been trained in administering the Standardized Screening Test for Autism Spectrum Disorders ("pais"). As part of her continuous professional development, she participates in numerous conferences. She has presented scientific papers at both Greek and international conferences, and her authorship includes publications in Greek and international journals.