RESEARCH TEAM
Τhe interdisciplinary research team is composed by experienced academicians, researchers and clinicians who are involved in various programs that promote the mental health of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children.
Professor of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Danai Papadatou is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Nursing Dept. of the School of Health Sciences, at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She obtained a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Geneva, Switzerland (1973-1978) and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, USA (1978-1983). She subsequently worked in pediatric oncology at the Children’s Hospital “A & P Kyriakou”, before pursuing an academic career.
Her clinical experience, research interests, and publications focus on issues related to childhood and family bereavement, community trauma, pediatric palliative care, and the psychological effects of caring for dying and bereaved people upon professionals who support them. Over the past years she has been the scientific coordinator of several projects on the training and clinical supervision of field workers who support unaccompanied refugee and migrant children and has published along with colleagues, guidelines for good practice.
She is the co-founder and president of “Merimna”, a Greek non-governmental association for the care of children and families facing illness and death, which operates two childhood and family bereavement counseling services, one pediatric palliative home care service, and offers specialized training on issues related to Merimna’s expertise. She is also an active member of European and international organizations specializing in palliative and bereavement care, and has received several awards for her teaching, research, publications and community service for children, families and communities experiencing significant life losses.
Professor of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Danai Papadatou is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Nursing Dept. of the School of Health Sciences, at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She obtained a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Geneva, Switzerland (1973-1978) and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, USA (1978-1983). She subsequently worked in pediatric oncology at the Children’s Hospital “A & P Kyriakou”, before pursuing an academic career.
Her clinical experience, research interests, and publications focus on issues related to childhood and family bereavement, community trauma, pediatric palliative care, and the psychological effects of caring for dying and bereaved people upon professionals who support them. Over the past years she has been the scientific coordinator of several projects on the training and clinical supervision of field workers who support unaccompanied refugee and migrant children and has published along with colleagues, guidelines for good practice.
She is the co-founder and president of “Merimna”, a Greek non-governmental association for the care of children and families facing illness and death, which operates two childhood and family bereavement counseling services, one pediatric palliative home care service, and offers specialized training on issues related to Merimna’s expertise. She is also an active member of European and international organizations specializing in palliative and bereavement care, and has received several awards for her teaching, research, publications and community service for children, families and communities experiencing significant life losses.
Legal expert in Conflict Management, Tutor Counsellor at the Hellenic Open University
Eugenia Vathakou holds a Degree in Law (Democritus University of Thrace, GR), an MA and a PhD in International Conflict Analysis (University of Kent at Canterbury, UK). Since 2017 she has been teaching at the Hellenic Open University and since 2012 at the Department of Political Science and IR, University of Peloponnese.
Since 2016 she has trained on conflict and violence management more than 200 field workers at different accommodation structures for unaccompanied refugee children across Greece. The training was part of a capacity-building intervention implemented by MERIMNA in cooperation with UNICEF.
Over the last 9 years she has trained more than 500 staff of small-medium size Greek NGOs on needs assessment and project planning (using the logical framework as a key tool for planning).
From 2004 to 2010 she worked in different countries (e.g. Νοrthern Macedonia, Kosovo, Egypt, Uganda, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan), planning and managing development and peacebuilding projects funded by the EU, UNDP, UNICEF, Hellenic Aid.
Her research interests focus on creative conflict transformation and include the relationship between migration and development, participatory planning for local development and civil society capacity building.
She is fluent in English, Turkish and French.
Legal expert in Conflict Management, Tutor Counsellor at the Hellenic Open University
Eugenia Vathakou holds a Degree in Law (Democritus University of Thrace, GR), an MA and a PhD in International Conflict Analysis (University of Kent at Canterbury, UK). Since 2017 she has been teaching at the Hellenic Open University and since 2012 at the Department of Political Science and IR, University of Peloponnese.
Since 2016 she has trained on conflict and violence management more than 200 field workers at different accommodation structures for unaccompanied refugee children across Greece. The training was part of a capacity-building intervention implemented by MERIMNA in cooperation with UNICEF.
Over the last 9 years she has trained more than 500 staff of small-medium size Greek NGOs on needs assessment and project planning (using the logical framework as a key tool for planning).
From 2004 to 2010 she worked in different countries (e.g. Νοrthern Macedonia, Kosovo, Egypt, Uganda, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan), planning and managing development and peacebuilding projects funded by the EU, UNDP, UNICEF, Hellenic Aid.
Her research interests focus on creative conflict transformation and include the relationship between migration and development, participatory planning for local development and civil society capacity building.
She is fluent in English, Turkish and French.
Sociologist, Criminologist Head of Research Dept., KETHEA
Gerasimos Papanastasatos has studied Social Sciences at the University of Macerata in Italy and specialized in criminology at Panteion University of Athens where he has concluded his post Graduate Studies and his Ph.D. dissertation.
Since 1992 is the Head of the Research Dept “KETHEA”, (Therapy Centre for Dependent Individuals). He is experienced in the field of addiction research and life-long training programmes. He is specialised in evaluating applied treatment and prevention programmes and life long learning training programmes for professionals.
Since 2008 he is visitor lecturer at Frederick University of Cyprus, at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and at the University of West Attica. He has several publications in Greek and international journals in the field of assessment and evaluation of Addiction Treatment Programs. He is member of many scientific conference committees as well as editorial boards of scientific journals.
Since 2013 he is Senior Advisor to the National Drug Coordinator and the National Committee on Drug Policy, as well as official representative of Greece at international bodies for the negotiation of global drug policy. During the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union, he was appointed Vice-Chair of the Horizontal Drug Group of the Council of the European Union. He is an alternate member of the Board of EMCDDA, representative of Greece in the Bureau and member of the permanent Greek delegation of the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe, representative of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Horizontal Drug Group of the Council of the European Union.
Sociologist, Criminologist Head of Research Dept., KETHEA
Gerasimos Papanastasatos has studied Social Sciences at the University of Macerata in Italy and specialized in criminology at Panteion University of Athens where he has concluded his post Graduate Studies and his Ph.D. dissertation.
Since 1992 is the Head of the Research Dept “KETHEA”, (Therapy Centre for Dependent Individuals). He is experienced in the field of addiction research and life-long training programmes. He is specialised in evaluating applied treatment and prevention programmes and life long learning training programmes for professionals.
Since 2008 he is visitor lecturer at Frederick University of Cyprus, at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and at the University of West Attica. He has several publications in Greek and international journals in the field of assessment and evaluation of Addiction Treatment Programs. He is member of many scientific conference committees as well as editorial boards of scientific journals.
Since 2013 he is Senior Advisor to the National Drug Coordinator and the National Committee on Drug Policy, as well as official representative of Greece at international bodies for the negotiation of global drug policy. During the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union, he was appointed Vice-Chair of the Horizontal Drug Group of the Council of the European Union. He is an alternate member of the Board of EMCDDA, representative of Greece in the Bureau and member of the permanent Greek delegation of the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe, representative of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Horizontal Drug Group of the Council of the European Union.
Professor of Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Department, International Hellenic University
Thalia Bellali is a Professor of Mental Health Nursing at the Nursing Department of the International Hellenic University. She holds two Bachelor degrees in Nursing and in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has obtained her Master’s Degree and PhD from the same University specializing in mental health. She has attended several postgraduate continuing education seminars and training programs in mental health and health management, and has been trained in cognitive psychotherapy, systemic psychotherapy, and family and child therapy. She has also extensive clinical experience as a nurse, given that she has worked in a General Hospital.
Thalia Bellali has an extensive experience in qualitative research methodologies (grounded theory, phenomenology, content analysis) and adaptation of measurement tools and scales to Greek populations. She has several research publications in Greek and international scientific journals, and has published chapters in books and collective volumes which focus mostly on mental health issues in children and adolescents. She is knowledgeable of the health and social services system in Greece, and has contributed to the development of guidelines in Primary Health Care. Moreover, she has been member of a research team which explored the inequalities of access to health care services among immigrants living in Greece. She is a member of several mental health associations, the Association for Greek Nurses, the Health Services Management Association, the Pediatric Palliative Care Association, the Association for the Study of Communication and Attitude in the Healthcare Services, etc.
Professor of Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Department, International Hellenic University
Thalia Bellali is a Professor of Mental Health Nursing at the Nursing Department of the International Hellenic University. She holds two Bachelor degrees in Nursing and in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has obtained her Master’s Degree and PhD from the same University specializing in mental health. She has attended several postgraduate continuing education seminars and training programs in mental health and health management, and has been trained in cognitive psychotherapy, systemic psychotherapy, and family and child therapy. She has also extensive clinical experience as a nurse, given that she has worked in a General Hospital.
Thalia Bellali has an extensive experience in qualitative research methodologies (grounded theory, phenomenology, content analysis) and adaptation of measurement tools and scales to Greek populations. She has several research publications in Greek and international scientific journals, and has published chapters in books and collective volumes which focus mostly on mental health issues in children and adolescents. She is knowledgeable of the health and social services system in Greece, and has contributed to the development of guidelines in Primary Health Care. Moreover, she has been member of a research team which explored the inequalities of access to health care services among immigrants living in Greece. She is a member of several mental health associations, the Association for Greek Nurses, the Health Services Management Association, the Pediatric Palliative Care Association, the Association for the Study of Communication and Attitude in the Healthcare Services, etc.
Assistant Professor of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Ioanna Giannopoulou studied at the Medical School of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (1977-1983) and completed her post-graduate studies, as a Scholar of the Greek State Scholarship Foundation, at the Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm), from where she was awarded the Master of Medical Science in Psychiatry in 1987. She completed her training in Psychiatry (MRCPsych, 1991) and the Higher Rotational Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CCST, 1995) at The Maudsley and at The Bethlem Royal Hospitals. She conducted her doctoral research, which was funded by the Mental Health Foundation (UK) and was awarded a Ph.D from the University of London, King's College, Institute of Psychiatry.
She worked as an NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Athens (CMHC of Peristeri, 1997-2017). In 2017 she was elected Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and conducts her clinical work at the University General Hospital “Attikon”.
She has clinical expertise and research interest in trauma, psychological impact of disasters on children and adolescents, ADHD, forensic and liaison child psychiatry. She is a Member of various professional associations and a Vice-President of the Hellenic Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2019-2021).
Assistant Professor of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Ioanna Giannopoulou studied at the Medical School of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (1977-1983) and completed her post-graduate studies, as a Scholar of the Greek State Scholarship Foundation, at the Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm), from where she was awarded the Master of Medical Science in Psychiatry in 1987. She completed her training in Psychiatry (MRCPsych, 1991) and the Higher Rotational Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CCST, 1995) at The Maudsley and at The Bethlem Royal Hospitals. She conducted her doctoral research, which was funded by the Mental Health Foundation (UK) and was awarded a Ph.D from the University of London, King's College, Institute of Psychiatry.
She worked as an NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Athens (CMHC of Peristeri, 1997-2017). In 2017 she was elected Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and conducts her clinical work at the University General Hospital “Attikon”.
She has clinical expertise and research interest in trauma, psychological impact of disasters on children and adolescents, ADHD, forensic and liaison child psychiatry. She is a Member of various professional associations and a Vice-President of the Hellenic Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2019-2021).
Criminologist, Secretary in Public Prosecutor Office in Thessaloniki, Tutor Counsellor at the Hellenic Open University
Anna Kasapoglou studied Political Sciences at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and did a Master degree (MSc) in Criminology and Criminal Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. During her postgraduate studies, she volunteered her services at the criminal justice system and became involved in teaching members of the correctional system. She obtained a PhD from the Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Social Administration and Political Sciences, and on the effects of imprisonment on prisoners who committed economic and financial crimes.
She has collaborated with ARSIS, an NGO supporting young people, and individuals with co-dependency issues and has been acting as a scientific associate and project coordinator of projects concerning the psychosocial support of unaccompanied refugee adolescents which were provided by “Merimna – Society for the Care of Children ad Families Facing Illness and Death” which were funded by UNICEF. She has also coordinated a literature project at Diavata prison and a poetry group for individuals released from prison.
She currently conducts research on the effects of literature on individuals involved in detoxification programs, is an active member of a research group that explores the experience of custody and social re-integration of sex offenders, and teaches “Crime Policy” at the Hellenic Open University.
Criminologist, Secretary in Public Prosecutor Office in Thessaloniki, Tutor Counsellor at the Hellenic Open University
Anna Kasapoglou studied Political Sciences at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and did a Master degree (MSc) in Criminology and Criminal Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. During her postgraduate studies, she volunteered her services at the criminal justice system and became involved in teaching members of the correctional system. She obtained a PhD from the Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Social Administration and Political Sciences, and on the effects of imprisonment on prisoners who committed economic and financial crimes.
She has collaborated with ARSIS, an NGO supporting young people, and individuals with co-dependency issues and has been acting as a scientific associate and project coordinator of projects concerning the psychosocial support of unaccompanied refugee adolescents which were provided by “Merimna – Society for the Care of Children ad Families Facing Illness and Death” which were funded by UNICEF. She has also coordinated a literature project at Diavata prison and a poetry group for individuals released from prison.
She currently conducts research on the effects of literature on individuals involved in detoxification programs, is an active member of a research group that explores the experience of custody and social re-integration of sex offenders, and teaches “Crime Policy” at the Hellenic Open University.
Director of the Bereavement Counseling Center for Children and Families - Thessaloniki, “Merimna”, Society for the Care of Children and Families in Illness and Death
Constantia (Dina) Tselepi completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology at the Moscow State University "Lomonosov" (1988-1993). She has also obtained specialized training in Systemic Family Therapy and Counseling, at the Systemic Institute of Thessaloniki (S.I.TH.) and in Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents. Moreover, she was trained in bereavement support for children and adolescents, and has been specialized in the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (E.M.D.R.) intervention, used with traumatized adults and children.
She has extensive clinical experience, given that she has been the Director of the Service for People with Disabilities at the Municipality of Sykies, Thessaloniki (1999-2003) and member of the Specialist Educational Staff, ‘’KEDDY’’ - Psycho-diagnostic and Counseling Center for students, families and school communities at Trikala (2003-2013).
She concurrently participated as a member of “Merimna’s” psychosocial team by providing psychological support to students, parents, and educators at the community of Farkadona, following the fatal road traffic accident at Maliakos (2004-2007), and to 120 schools affected by the Peloponnese wildfire disaster 2007-2009).
Since 2013, she is the Director of the Bereavement Counseling Center for Children and Families in Thessaloniki, operated by “Merimna”, the nonprofit organization for the care of children and families in illness and death. Over the past 5 years she has assumed a leading role in the training and clinical supervision of field workers who support unaccompanied refugee children.
Director of the Bereavement Counseling Center for Children and Families - Thessaloniki, “Merimna”, Society for the Care of Children and Families in Illness and Death
Constantia (Dina) Tselepi completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology at the Moscow State University "Lomonosov" (1988-1993). She has also obtained specialized training in Systemic Family Therapy and Counseling, at the Systemic Institute of Thessaloniki (S.I.TH.) and in Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents. Moreover, she was trained in bereavement support for children and adolescents, and has been specialized in the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (E.M.D.R.) intervention, used with traumatized adults and children.
She has extensive clinical experience, given that she has been the Director of the Service for People with Disabilities at the Municipality of Sykies, Thessaloniki (1999-2003) and member of the Specialist Educational Staff, ‘’KEDDY’’ - Psycho-diagnostic and Counseling Center for students, families and school communities at Trikala (2003-2013).
She concurrently participated as a member of “Merimna’s” psychosocial team by providing psychological support to students, parents, and educators at the community of Farkadona, following the fatal road traffic accident at Maliakos (2004-2007), and to 120 schools affected by the Peloponnese wildfire disaster 2007-2009).
Since 2013, she is the Director of the Bereavement Counseling Center for Children and Families in Thessaloniki, operated by “Merimna”, the nonprofit organization for the care of children and families in illness and death. Over the past 5 years she has assumed a leading role in the training and clinical supervision of field workers who support unaccompanied refugee children.
UASC-4-PSYCH is funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the “First Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects to support Faculty members and Researchers and the procurement of high-cost research equipment grant” (Project Number: 16340).