Our Team

Dimitra Kalantoni

Founder - CEO

Dimitra S. Kalantoni is a senior business executive with 28 years of experience in communications, business development, culture, tourism, and event management, across both the private and non-profit sectors. Since 2018, she has been the Founder and President of the NGO Exelixi Zois, an innovative organization focused on child protection, particularly supporting young people aging out of the child welfare system upon reaching adulthood.
Under her strategic and operational leadership, Exelixi Zois has supported more than 300 beneficiaries, provided housing to over 50 young people, and delivered more than 42,000 hours of psychosocial empowerment and educational programs. The organization has managed a budget of €3 million and employed up to 60 staff members annually.
It has secured public funding from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, as well as support from leading institutions and companies such as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Unipharma, Eurobank, SAP, HEDNO, PPC, DoValue, The Hellenic Initiative, IKEA, Kaizen Foundation, Globe One, AstraZeneca, Motor Oil, and others.
She has organized conferences, forums, and public dialogues focused on child protection, mental health, and ESG policies, including the annual ACT FOR THE FUTURE conference and a mental health symposium for children and adolescents co-organized with EPAPSY.
She has participated as a speaker at conferences such as TEDxAthens, the Delphi Economic Forum, and the ESG Universe Forum. In 2024, she was recognized as one of ICAP CRIF’s Leading Women in Business, and in 2025 she was nominated for the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize.
She holds an Executive MBA from ALBA Graduate Business School and a Diploma in Hotel Management from MODUL Vienna. She is fluent in English and German.

Aristeidis Lorentzos

Psychologist – Career Guidance Counselor (M.Sc.)

Aristeidis Lorentzos is Psychologist with postgraduate studies in Counseling and Career Guidance. Deeply committed to the value of contribution and with a strong sense of social responsibility, he works at “EXELIXI ZOIS” (Evolution of Life), as Scientific Project Manager, actively supporting young beneficiaries in their transition toward independence and social inclusion.
His professional journey is defined by extensive experience across the fields of education, health, and social protection in both public and private sectors. He currently serves at the Career Office of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, providing career counseling to students and graduates, while he has previously worked as an Academic Fellow–Psychologist at the Adolescent Health Unit of the 2nd Pediatric University Clinic of “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital.
At the core of his work lies the psychosocial empowerment of adolescents and young adults, whom he supports as a psychologist during key transitional life stages—from adolescence to adulthood, and from the educational system to the world of work and social participation. He is particularly dedicated to supporting young people from vulnerable, precarious, or marginalized backgrounds, aiming to foster real opportunities for personal development, autonomy, and a life lived with dignity. Through his counseling interventions, he promotes self-awareness, psychological resilience, and the ability to make meaningful life and career decisions.
He has a broad and multifaceted research background, reflected in publications in academic journals (e.g., Review of Counseling and Guidance, New Education), authorship of book chapters in scientific volumes (e.g., Career Management and Skills Development in the Contemporary Educational and Work Environment – Challenges of the 21st Century, Grigoris Publications), and presentations at scientific conferences (e.g., Panhellenic Conference of Psychological Research, Panhellenic Conference on Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology). His research interests focus on the interplay between psychological resilience, educational choices, and social inequality.
In 2025, he received a Special Scientific Award for his contribution to the field of Career Guidance from the University of Athens.
In parallel, he seeks to bridge scientific knowledge with the wider public through interviews and outreach presentations. Notably, he frequently appears on the YouTube channel “The School of Body Language in Public Speaking,” discussing topics related to personal and professional development and mental resilience (e.g., “The Power of Hope in Our Decisions”, “Let’s Talk About Failure… Differently!”).

Panagiotis Kasselakis

Psychologist

Panagiotis is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the University of Crete, with a postgraduate specialization (M.Sc.) in Stress Management and Health Promotion at the Medical School of the University of Athens. He specializes in Schema Therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, the assessment of children with learning disabilities, and has worked and collaborated with organizations that provide support to children and adolescents. He has attended and continues to attend workshops, conferences and seminars on Mental Health issues and the correlation of Psychology with physical illness. His basic belief is that the way someone defines themselves affects the way they think and behave, while the value they attribute to themselves is transmitted to third parties and shapes their human relationships.
At EKSELIKSI ZOIS, he works as a Psychologist in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units.”

Spyros Fanariotis

Psychologist - Psychodrama Practitioner

Spiros Fanariotis studied psychology at the University of Athens. At the same time, he worked as a visual artist at the Golden Sphere study center. During his studies, he attended a training seminar on art therapy, with an emphasis on the visual arts, at the University of the Aegean. The required internship for his degree was carried out at the Center for Psychodramatic Meetings of Athens. After graduation, he trained in psychodrama at the Psychodrama Institut für Europa in Berlin. Based in Athens, he completed the Therapeutic Treatment of Addictions program at 18 Ano. During his mandatory internship in the clay group of the Reintegration department, he attended a series of 18 Ano seminars focused on art in mental health structures. Additionally, he has received certification from the Transcare Project e-learning and from the experiential seminars of the Hellenic Network of Women of Europe.

At EXELIXI ZOIS, he coordinates psychosocial empowerment seminars through the arts.

Panayiotis Constantakis

Human Resources & Financial Operations Manager

Panayiotis Constantakis holds a BA in Economics from the University of East Anglia (UK) and has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Computing. He has previously worked both as a private-sector employee and a small business owner in various fields, gaining practical experience in providing services to individuals and businesses. Within our collaboration, he contributes to the organizational and administrative processes that support the goals of the organization, placing particular emphasis on clear communication, organizational consistency, and a practical approach to problem-solving. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Periklis Karatzaferis

Psychologist

Periklis Karatzaferis is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a final-year student in the Master’s Program “Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
He is a Scientific Associate at the Department of Children and Adolescents of the Institute of Mental Health for Children and Adults – P. Sakellaropoulos (IPSYPE), and also collaborates with the Children and Adolescents Reception Department of Social Services in Athens.
In the past, he has worked in organizations that support vulnerable social groups, such as the Association for the Development of Community Mental Health Services for Children and Adults “Panakeia” and the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, as well as at the Adolescent Psychosocial Rehabilitation Hostel of the Regional Development and Mental Health Association (EPAPSY).
At EXELIXI ZOIS, he works as a psychologist in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units.”

Chara Kargiotaki

Social Worker

Chara Kargiotaki is a Social Worker-Trainee Systemic Psychotherapist, holding a Master’s degree in “Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Psychiatry” from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has extensive experience in social care and psychosocial support, focusing on child protection, refugee and migrant integration, and community empowerment.
Since September 2025, she has been working as a Social Worker at Exelixi Zois as a Social Worker in the “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units.”
Since January 2024, she worked as a Social Worker at the ActionAid Hellas Community Center in Athens, supporting individuals and families facing social exclusion or poverty. Previously, she served at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in the “FUTURA” Semi-Independent Living Unit for Unaccompanied Minors, providing psychosocial support and daily care to youth aged 16–18. She has also collaborated with organizations such as SolidarityNow, Medical Intervention (Medin), and E.K.Po.S.P.O. NOSTOS, contributing to programs for unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers, and vulnerable families.
Furthermore, she has participated as a volunteer research associate in the “Global Child and Adolescent Mental Health Study” conducted by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Turku (Finland). She is currently attending the 4-year Postgraduate Training in Systemic Family and Couple Therapy at the University Research Institute of Mental Health (EPIPSY) “Kostas Stefanis.”
Her professional philosophy focuses on the holistic support of individuals, combining psychosocial interventions, access to educational opportunities, and community engagement. She believes in empowerment, equality and social cohesion, considering these principles fundamental to effective social work.

Katerina Mitsopoulou

Social Worker

Katerina F. Mitsopoulou is a social worker specializing in Aging and Chronic Disease Management (Hellenic Open University). She has worked in social welfare, education, and support organizations for vulnerable groups, including the Panhellenic Association of Adapted Activities “ALMA” and the Hellenic Red Cross.
With an active interest in empowering people with disabilities and providing psychosocial support to children, families, and adults, she participates in European programs and training seminars focused on social inclusion, special education, and mental health.
Currently, she works as a social worker at the Non-Profit Organization “Exelixi Zois” (Evolution of Life) in the program “Semi-Independent Living in Apartments for Individuals Aged Fifteen and Above Residing in Child Protection and Care Units.” Through her dedicated and sensitive approach, she contributes to the promotion of social cohesion and the quality of life of the program’s beneficiaries.

Markella Zorba

Social Worker

Markella Zorba is a social worker. She is a graduate of the Department of Social Work at the University of West Attica and has participated in an Erasmus studies program at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. She has also completed a year-long training seminar in Individual and Group Counseling for Parents at the Psychotherapy and Counseling Support Center “Synixiseis.”
She has worked in various settings as a social worker, gaining broad and diverse experience with both adults and children/adolescents. Specifically, she has worked in the fields of mental health, refugee and migration services, education, intercountry adoption, and child protection.
Since September 2025, she has been working as a Social Worker at Exelixi Zois as a Social Worker in the “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units.”
Alongside her work as a social worker, she is also studying theater at the Dilos Drama School.

Vasilina Petropoulou

Caregiver

Vasilina Petropoulou is a senior student of the Department of Social and Educational Policy of the University of the Peloponnese. She has a focus on Social Policy and has completed her Internship at the Chatzigakis Foundation, where she continues to contribute voluntarily. She has taken part in Erasmus programs and participated in an international project in the Netherlands, focused on the question of how cultural exchange can help newcomers integrate into a culturally new environment, within the framework of the Global Citizenship program.
At EXELIXI ZOIS she works as a Caregiver, in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units”, with a strong will to support young adults in the new chapter of their lives.

Anastasia Dimitriou

Caregiver

Anastasia Dimitriou has dedicated her professional and academic path to the care, education, and creative support of children and teenagers. She is a graduate of the Department of Early Childhood Education of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and is continuing her studies in Play Therapy. She has worked in daycare centers, play areas, as well as in integration programs for children with a refugee background, through the organization SolidarityNow. She has also participated in an Erasmus program in Finland, where she expanded her knowledge of innovative, child-centered educational methods.
At EXELIXI ZOIS, she works as a caregiver, in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units” guiding young adults in developing life skills and moving towards independence.

George Goudis

Music Teacher

George Goudis is a graduate of the Athenaeum Conservatory in classical piano, holds an MA in songwriting from ICMP London, and is a doctoral candidate in Ethnomusicology at the University of East London.

Under the pseudonym George Gaudy, he has released albums and EPs in Greece and the United Kingdom and has composed music for the television series “Alter Ego.”

His academic interests include intercultural relations, authenticity, hybridity, and the political implications of popular music.

His articles have been published in culturenow, Athens Voice, and Jumping Fish.

In addition to his successful artistic career, he works as a music teacher, organizes composition and songwriting seminars, and undertakes orchestration, recording, and music production in his studio.

At Exelixi Zois, he has been given the opportunity to work as a music teacher for children from less privileged backgrounds, contributing to inclusivity in artistic education.

Maria Galitsi

Social Worker – Trainee Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist – Coordinator of Semi-Independent Living Unit

Maria Galitsi is a social worker and a relational psychoanalytic psychotherapist in training. She holds a license to practice as a social worker (Reg. No. 3873), has completed specialized training in Special Education and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Skills in Relational Psychotherapy. Also, she studied Communication and Media and worked for several years as a journalist before focusing on social work and psychotherapy.
Her professional path is characterized by her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. She has facilitated psychosocial support groups in fields such as disability and refugee issues, implementing programs that provide space for each person’s voice and needs. Her experience includes supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, assessing the needs of vulnerable populations, supervising case management, as well as fostering positive relationships and managing conflicts in multicultural environments. She has also worked in child protection organizations, aiming to support the smooth social integration of unaccompanied children, either through reunification with their families or via foster care and adoption processes.
She is currently working at Exelixi Zois as South Sector Coordinator in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units.”
Maria continues to pursue further training through seminars on psychoanalysis and group dynamics, maintaining her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. She is a member of the Hellenic Association of Social Workers (SKLE), the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).

Katerina Galanou

Psychologist

Katerina Galanou is a Psychologist, a graduate of the Department of Psychology of Panteion University. She is a certified Systemic Psychotherapist, trained in Systemic – Family Psychotherapy.
She has experience in child protection services and in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
She has also worked therapeutically with children, adolescents and adults, supporting them across a wide range of psychosocial difficulties.
In addition, she has worked in primary education as a substitute psychologist, supporting students and families in their daily school life.

Today, she is working at “Exelixi Zois”, in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units”, supporting young adults coming from child protection structures, on their path towards a more autonomous and safe daily life.

Lydia Tsitiridou

Social Worker – Coordinator of Semi-Independent Living Unit

Lydia Tsitiridou is a social worker with many years of experience in NGOs and expertise in refugee issues, child protection, and abuse. She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of West Attica. In September 2025, she joined the team of Exelixi Zois and is the Central Sector Coordinator in the program “Semi-independent living in apartments for people aged 15 and over who live in Child Protection and Care Units.”