Discover Emphasys

E: athos@emphasyscentre.com

Athos Charalambides is the founder and director of Emphasys Centre. He has studied in the UK where he has obtained a BSc in Computer Science and an MSc in User Interface Design. He has worked for several years as a software developer both in the UK and Cyprus earning valuable work experience within the labour market. Equipped with determination and vision to offer high quality targeted services in the field of education and training, together with his passion for teaching and learning, he has set up the Emphasys Education and ICT Training Centre. Based on the idea that ‘education is our passport to the future’ he managed to create a highly successful educational centre that caters for the needs of learners living in the digitalised economy. His restless spirit has led him to extend his expertise into the area of research, innovation and experimentation. His passion for quality, professionalism and development made him set up the Emphasys Research Centre with the scope to expand the activities of the organization at the EU level. Through the development, implementation and coordination of EU research projects that contribute towards meeting the targets of the ET2020 Strategy and the Digital Agenda for Europe, he opened new routes for trans-national collaborations with various organisations across Europe. In the last years he has seen the Emphasys Centre grow into a well-established organization in the European level, member of the European Digital Learning Network (DLEARN) and a leading organization into the promotion of the Grand Coalition of Digital Jobs. The eagerness to keep up to date with technology and with the recommendations of the European Commission has led him to set up the Robotics Unit that promotes STEAM skills and coding competences. Based on his great experience in management and coordination, Athos is currently supervising a great number of Erasmus+ projects in all sectors, while being involved in the production of custom-made tools and implementation of courses and programmes.

E: nicholas@emphasyscentre.com

Nicholas Moudouros is the Head of Training and Development Department as well as the Head of the Robotics Unit. He is an ICT specialist and an educationalist with advanced studies (MSc) in Computer Science and Data Communication Systems in the UK. He has joined the ‘Emphasys Centre’ team more than 10 years ago when he started his journey into the world of teaching. He has been fascinated by the impact that a ‘teacher’ can have on the lives of his students and since then he makes every effort to motivate them and trigger their interest into the field of STEM and Robotics. Nicholas has been involved in the design, implementation and assessment of various professional development courses, as well as tools / applications and has gained great experience working with learners of various ages and abilities. He has successfully managed and implemented numerous EU projects in KA1 and KA2 in the School, Adult and VET Sectors. His current interests lie within the field of robotics, internet of things devices (e.g. Raspberry Pi, Echo Dot) and blockchain decentralized applications. Nicholas is a technology enthusiast and believes in a world where technology, robotics and science-based education can bring humanity to a better tomorrow.
Apart from teaching, Nicholas is currently involved in the implementation of Erasmus+ projects while taking a leading role in the quality assurance of products and materials being developed within the organisation.

E: demetra@emphasyscentre.com

Demetra Orthodoxou is a logistic minded professional with advanced studies (MSc) in Operations Research and Logistics from Wageningen University (Netherlands) and a BSc degree from Liverpool University in Computer Science. Her advanced communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills, together with her determination and adaptability to work and live in different environments supported her extremely well during her studies. Demetra strongly believes that ‘computing’ is not just a field of sciences, but a ‘way of thinking out of the box’. She is a great supporter of the benefits that computational logic and algorithms can provide to students’ overall learning. She has a particular interest for further research in the fields of education, training, youth and sport that stem from her broad studies in different European educational systems. During the last years Demetra has gained valuable experience working with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, both in formal and non-formal settings with a variety of learners of all ages. Based on this, she has developed an urge and passion to work with young people aiming to motivate and open up new routes in their career and orientation. Being sensitive on social and environmental aspects of our lives, Demetra has taken an active role in setting up volunteering activities within her community. She is currently a Project Coordinator in numerous Erasmus+ projects in all sectors with a specific focus on topics related to digital literacy, social entrepreneurship, career guidance and employability skills. She has been involved in the development, implementation and assessment of both training programmes, on-line tools and platforms. Demetra is also engaged in the quality assurance process of products and procedures.

E: chrystalla@emphasyscentre.com

Chrystalla Thrasyvoulou is an IT professional (MSc) in Information Systems and (BSc) in Business Information Technology from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. She joined the Emphasys team equipped with passion and enthusiasm to explore the power of IT through various channels such as social media, e-business and e-commerce. Chrystalla combined her passion for IT with her hidden creative talents which are now linked with website, graphic, image and video editing. She is a highly organised person with strong communication, management and coordination skills. She believes that strong communication, collaboration and commitment are essential ingredients for success. She sets high standards and works hard to achieve them.
She is currently working as a Project Manager and Research Officer in many EU projects, taking the responsibility of the management and implementation, as well as the development and assessment of various tools, e-learning courses and products. She is also the leader of the dissemination strategy of the of European research projects and has created a strong network of associate partners for the promotion and visibility of the projects’ results and products.

E: andrianna@emphasyscentre.com

Andrianna Georgiou is a Master of Architecture graduate from the United Kingdom. Her passion for mixed used media in collaboration with her creative background, have led to a wide range of work experience, including administration and technical support for projects on a global scale, coordination of complex architectural projects, as well as management of digital marketing on various platforms. An organization-oriented individual, Andrianna enjoys working in a varied and challenging environment, able to take on and break up large projects into easily manageable parts. She believes that technological education can offer limitless potential to persons of all ages and backgrounds, and can be a resource for personal as well as professional advancement. Andrianna is a Project Manager and is responsible for the implementation and management of various EU research projects in the VET and Adult Sectors. Her creative background has supported her in the development of various design oriented products and tools. Andrianna has an active role in the promotion and visibility of the organization through various channels, as well as the expansion of its network.

E: stelios@emphasyscentre.com

Stelios Stylianou has completed his Bachelor degree in Criminology at the University of Durham, followed by an MSc in Psychological Studies at the University of Glasgow. After completing his studies, Stelios worked as a Mental Health Recovery Worker in Glasgow supporting adults with severe mental illnesses. During this time, Stelios developed strong links with various organisations while gaining valuable experience on the development of policies and practices related to the provision of care services for people in need. Stelios is a great supporter of volunteering and working with vulnerable groups of people. He believes that education and lifelong learning are the most powerful weapons, in order to achieve an inclusive society for everyone. He has a particular interest for further research around different social issues and is passionate about empowering individuals from various backgrounds to explore their full potential and become active citizens. He is currently working as a Research Officer and is responsible for the implementation and management of Erasmus+ projects in the field of Adult, School and Youth sector.

E: maria@emphasyscentre.com

Maria Ioannou is a graduate in Creative Writing and Human Rights from the University of Kingston in London with postgraduate studies in International Relations at the University of Amsterdam. Having completed her studies, she has worked to drive social change at non-governmental organizations including Transparency International, Justice for a Better World and Ambitious about Autism in the United Kingdom. Throughout her professional background in educational settings for people with special needs, she has developed insight into the many barriers disadvantaged people face in society and a passion to promote social inclusion. She has moreover a strong passion for politics, research and writing, working previously as an EU Project Consultant, providing expertise on EU funding projects and EU Policy.
Maria is a firm believer that a key to achieving social progress and a brighter future for all individuals is to equip them with the practical tools to develop their skills and knowledge. Maria is currently working as a Project Researcher and is responsible for the implementation of projects related to social inclusion, human rights and equality under various programmes and sectors.

E: effi@emphasyscentre.com

Effi Hadjiacovou’s educational background includes a BA in Sociology from the University of the West of England, followed by a Master Degree in Advanced English studies from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Her post graduate studies focused on Multilingualism and the Acquisition of English which enabled her to later explore her passion in teaching English as a second language. She has 5 years of experience in teaching English to young students and adults of various backgrounds and abilities in both Cyprus and Spain. This has allowed her to gain great experience in teaching in different settings and to different target groups which demanded a flexibility and adaptability in methodology and teaching styles. During these years, Effi has developed strong interpersonal, inter-cultural and social skills that have given her the ability to easily function in multicultural environments. She strongly believes that the modernisation and the digital transformation of teaching and learning will increase learners’ motivation and engagement, as well as raise the learning outcomes. Effi works as a Project Researcher and is responsible for the implementation, dissemination and management of School and Adult Projects under the Erasmus+ Programme.

E: panayiota@emphasyscentre.com

Panayiota Sofokleous has a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Applied Languages from the French University of Grenoble-Alps, a Master’s degree in Multilingual Communication-International Relations from the Free University of Brussels, as well as a diploma in Hispanic Studies from the University of Granada (Spain). During her academic studies, Panayiota managed to earn an internship at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union, where she has gained valuable experience of the way the European Institutions function, their portfolio of actions and their field of expertise. She has also developed a wide network of collaborations, building on her cross-cultural communication and diplomacy skills. During her time abroad, Panayiota has developed a wide range of key competences highly useful to operate in multi-cultural settings that need strong teamwork, leadership, management and creative skills. Panayiota speaks fluently apart from Greek, English, French and Spanish. She has taken the role of Project Researcher filled with eagerness to contribute towards meeting the vision of the EU for sustainable development, social innovation and change which will ensure the social inclusion, access and participation of all citizens. She is responsible for the implementation and management of Higher Education, VET and Adult Projects.

Andreas Koufettas is a qualified Physical Education teacher with a wide range of teaching experience. He is also a Squash player with a specialisation in Squash Coaching. He has an undergraduate and post graduate degree (MSc) from Semmelweis University – Hungary from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport. Andreas is a certified Sports Trainer in Squash (Budai Sportoktato Akademia-Budapest). He has also acquired the Level 1 Coaching Diploma in Austria and Level 2 Coaching Diploma in Hungary from the European Squash Federation.

Andreas has been an active member of the Cyprus National team and through his competitive career he has won many awards and prizes, both in national and international tournaments. In his professional coaching career, he has cooperated with many organizations such as the Cyprus Squash Federation, the Nicosia and Limassol Squash Association, as well as the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. He was also a PE expert on pedagogical methodologies for initial primary school teachers studying at the European University of Cyprus. Since 2011 he is coaching squash as a special scientist at the Sports Department of the University of Cyprus.

Andreas cooperates with Emphasys Centre for the implementation of both EU projects and national/regional activities related to the promotion of well-being, fitness and sports activities for all citizens regardless of their age, gender, background or origin. Agios Dometios Sports Centre is being used as the venue for all activities.

E: david@emphasyscentre.com

David Tsentis is an IT expert with studies at Brunel University London in Computer Systems Engineering and Mechanical Engineering gaining essential skills and competences across a wide spectrum of areas by working on different projects such as Face Recognition using Machine Learning.

He has joined the Emphasys team filled with excitement to explore the world of STEAM education through the use of emerging technologies in teaching and learning while inspiring the younger generation to explore the capabilities of Augmented and Virtual Reality, 3D Design and Printing, game design, as well as Artificial Intelligence. David’s interests to work with technology stems from his aspiration to have an active role in the digital transformation of all aspects of life and to have the capacity to offer his help to other co-citizens ensuring digital inclusion and access.

He is a strong believer of keeping fit and healthy through a well-balanced life, enriched with sports activities. This belief is what helped him reach a professional level as a referee in the Football Association, at Level 5. One of his other achievements in sport is that he has managed to become a dive master.
David has strong leadership, team-working and communication skills that supported him throughout his life to become the president of the Hellenic and Cypriot Society at Brunel university showing a rich and diverse activity in voluntary work to ensure participation of young people in decision-making procedures.

David is a strong minded professional determined to work hard and be focused in order to reach out and maximize his prospects in life as a European citizen.
He is currently an ICT Trainer and a project researcher working with diverse groups of learners supporting them to acquire or upgrade their digital and employability skills.

E: norris@emphasyscentre.com

Norris Vanguardia Abu is a Senior Software Developer with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities in the Philippines. He has a decade of work experience in the IT industry specializing in Unity 3D Engine for game development, mobile app creation, and architectural visualization. He has also worked in the areas of Online Safety and Internet Security as a malware analyst and researcher. Driven by his passion for video game design, he has worked for some of the industry's giants such as Gameloft and Klab Cyscorpion as a Game Programmer, Dev Lead and Senior Unity Developer, and Senior Software Engineer in Unity 3D, gaining valuable experience and insight. Norris is fascinated by the power of coding and how mobile social games impact the world we live in. He is currently working as a Senior Software Developer with a focus on the design and development of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Applications as part of serious games and simulations aiming at the professional development of individuals. Among his interests is the development of Artificial Intelligence in conjunction with Video Game Design and facial and voice recognition in augmented reality applications.

E: andri@emphasyscentre.com

Andri Athanasiou is a financial expert researcher with great experience in the field of accounting and business development. Andri has graduated from Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki Greece from the department of Finance and Law Studies with specialization in finance. She has worked for many years in the private sector as a financial expert, with experience in bookkeeping, accounting and auditing. Her experience at Russell Bedford Isomar CY Ltd has given her the opportunity to gain valuable knoweledge with start-ups and business planning. Andri has an extensive expertise in volunteering activities related to the promotion of health, sports and well-being, as well as of social inclusion for vulnerable groups of people. Andri is involved in the implementation of projects in the adult and VET sectors related to financial literacy, business and entrepreneuriship.

E: stavriana@emphasyscentre.com

Stavriana Yiorka has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by a Master’s degree in Neuropsychology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. During her studies she has gained valuable experience in both, the clinical domain which is closely related to diagnostic and individualised treatment plans, as well as the research domain. Stavriana was involved in a large scale research as part of her dissertation focusing on the impact of Covid-19 on a diverse population, with key variables gender, age and nationality. Stavriana has always been a great supporter of community engagement and active citizenship aiming to support people in need.
During her academic life she has been an active promoter of volunteering embracing people with special needs and disabilities. One of the main personal aetiologies that drives her eagerness and enthusiasm for further research and conceptual novelty, is the prevalence rate of mental disorders, that prevent the plurality of our co-citizens to cultivate a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle.
Stavriana’s ultimate aim is to empower young people and to equip them with sufficient knowledge, attitudes, skills and competences to deal with any mental distress. Raising awareness and creating a common understanding for the determinants, consequences and mitigation measures of mental health disorders can prevent stigmatization and ensure inclusion and integration of all people in our society. Stavriana is currently working as a Project Researcher and is responsible for the implementation of youth and HE projects.

E: avgi@emphasyscentre.com

Avgi Procopiou has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at the European University in Cyprus. She also studied in Germany for a year to learn the language and continued her studies in Biology. Her academic background not only included scientific research but also different working experiences within leading scientific institutes both locally and abroad. This gave her the chance to participate in research projects with a focus on marine biodiversity and environmental protection.

Avgi has 5 years of teaching experience in the field of STEAM, where through technical skills and hands-on learning, aimed to encourage students to develop a growth mindset and believe that through effort, innovation and dedication, a person’s abilities can improve, and that even the most difficult challenges have solutions. Furthermore, she participated in various science festivals, seminars, and competitions.

She was involved in different environmental workshops, volunteering, and projects, which all gave her the opportunity to identify and learn from good practices of different NGO’s internationally and locally. Her prime motivator is to promote the need for environmental education and research, equality and public awareness, so that everyone together can achieve sustainable development and combat climate change.

Avgi is a positive and strong-minded individual, with a huge passion for the environment and sustainability. She is currently a Project Researcher at Emphasys Centre and is mainly responsible for Environmental and Sustainability projects in all sectors.

E: jalil@emphasyscentre.com

Abdul Jalil Yacob completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Mindanao State University, in Marawi City, Philippines. He has worked at the National Government of the Philippines in the Science and Technology sector for more than nine (9) years.

During this time, he developed strong skills in exploring and adopting various software engineering tools, platforms, and frameworks. He has served as an Information Technology Officer at the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines, where he gained valuable experience working with the country’s top Scientists. As an IT officer, he was responsible for the development and implementation of the ICT programs and services of the Academy. This included the development and implementation of the three (3) year cycle Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP); formulation and implementation of ICT-related policies; development and implementation of various Information Systems (IS), websites, and mobile application; provision of ICT support and training; as well as management and supervision of the day-to-day operations of the ICT section following the ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Jalil has a particular interest in exploring various technologies and fields in Computer Science such as Software Engineering, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Expert Systems, IoT devices, and Hardware Servicing.

He is currently working as a Software Developer focusing on the design and development of information systems and cross-platform mobile applications.

E: veronica@emphasyscentre.com

Veronica Hadjipanayi has completed her BSc in Psychology, at the University of Bristol-UK, followed by a PhD in Cognitive Psychology in the domain of attention and eye-movements. Apart from the in depth research skills, she gained valuable experience on the different cognitive functions of the human brain and how this influences human behaviour. Veronica has been acknowledged by the Experimental Psychological Society of the UK for her excellent performance and was awarded a research study visit at Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit in the NL, where she worked in the Human Movement Department and participated in experiments looking at the influence of the environment on our body movements. During her academic journey, Veronica worked on various projects focusing at different psychological and cognitive difficulties of children and adults, such as the reading difficulties of young adults with autism. As part of the Mental Health Intergeneration and Transmission programme, Veronica contributed towards reviewing how early-childhood parenting interventions can help reduce internalising problems like anxiety in children. She strongly believes that learning is a lifelong process and that education is the means to change the world, provided that teachers are well-equipped with the latest research findings to respond to the learners’ needs. She is passionate to contribute, both as a researcher and volunteer, towards enriching findings related to mental health and human behaviour, as well as, developmental disorders like autism and different learning difficulties like dyslexia, in order to ensure integration, inclusion and well-being of all people regardless of abilities. Veronica is currently working as a Project Researcher and as a member of the Strategic Planning Unit.

E: mariairene@emphasyscentre.com

Maria Irene Phellas graduated from the University of Perugia with an BA in ‘Political Science and International Relations’ and an MA in ‘Sociology and Social Policies Planning’. She is a multi-lingual Italian-Cypriot professional who grew up in Italy in a diverse multi-cultural environment due to her origins, as well as, her field of studies and work experience at the EU level. Maria Irene was awarded a two-year internship at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Brussels followed by a position at the European Desk Office of the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce. She developed, early in her career, the urge to investigate how formal and informal education (provided since childhood) affects civic awareness and activation of all citizens. Her tutoring and mentoring paths have led her to a fast-growing passion about politics, writing and autobiographical narration linked to political participation. She has published a book, in Italian, in May 2021 entitled: ‘Come se fosse oggi’ and she has been part of the editorial staff of the Italian daily online newspaper ‘Eco Internazionale’. Since June 2022 she became a Subject Expert in the ‘Participation Processes and Storytelling’ course, at the Faculty of Political Science University of Perugia. Maria Irene is now a Project Researcher at the Strategic Research Planning Department.

E: andia@emphasyscentre.com

Andia Taliadorou has a Master in Health Psychology & Digital Intervention from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam and a BSc degree in Psychology from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. During her studies she has gained valuable experience in the psychology of behaviour change and the use of innovative digital interventions to promote (mental) health or influence behaviour. Apart from this, she earned essential research competences across a wide spectrum of areas by working on different projects related to organizational psychology, population – development & well-being, e-health solutions and behaviour change. Andia strongly believes that anyone, regardless ethnicity, age, gender or religion should have the right to live in a safe, inclusive environment which helps them to thrive. She is passionate to contribute with her work, both as a researcher and a volunteer, towards enriching findings related to well-being and human behaviour. Prior and after her academic life she has been an active promoter of volunteering by participating for more than 10 years in the Scouts and earning the ‘Democracy Award’. She joined the Emphasys team filled with excitement to accomplish her aim, of empowering vulnerable groups of people with attitude, knowledge, skills and competences in order to promote active ageing, enhance their overall well-being and ensure their inclusivity and civic participation in society. Andia is currently working as a Project Researcher in various Adult, Youth and VET related projects.

E: victoras@emphasyscentre.com

Victoras Pallikaras is an environment and sustainability enthusiast with a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia and an MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from the University of Bristol. He is focused, hardworking, and a team player that adapts easily to new situations and always welcomes new challenges with a creative and ambitious outlook. During his studies, he has gained valuable knowledge regarding environmental and sustainability policies at the global and EU levels as well as the necessary skills to conduct relevant fieldwork.

His passion for fighting the climate crisis through sustainable development, has led to his participation in various UN and EU lead initiatives where he advocated at the local and the EU parliaments for urgent actions on the topic, directed towards climate justice. Additionally, he is an active volunteer in various local and international NGOs, participating in environmental workshops and seminars, tree plantings, helping refugees, and activistic actions.

Furthermore, he continuously seeks further development and experiences such as his Jungle Conservation volunteering experience in the Peruvian Amazon. He is currently working as an EU Project Researcher at Emphasys Centre and is responsible for Environmental and Sustainability projects, where he seeks to further develop his skills and positively impact society and the environment.

Theodoros Antoniou is an ICT expert (Senior Advisor) with Computer Science studies from the University of Manchester. Theodoros is a born-programmer and a creative, project-driven developer with extensive experience in leading development teams. He has years of experience in FinTec, delivering high availability, real time, online trading platforms and client facing applications for banks, stock exchanges and other financial institutions in the UK, Singapore and internationally. He has extensive experience in Front-End development using web standard technologies such as Javascript, HTML5 and CSS, as well as popular frameworks such as React, Angular and others. His experience in working with mobile web applications is also noted, as well as his expertise in providing on-site training to clients and developers. He is currently a consultant offering services on a variety of topics such as Web Development, System Architecture, Digital Transformation and working with clients primarily from the Financial Industry such as Banks, and Brokers and other Financial Institutions.

Panagiota Themistokleous has a Bachelor’s degree in History and Archaeology from the University of Cyprus, and a Master's Degree in Special Education from the European University of Cyprus. She works as a Sign Language Interpreter, providing services, both in the Public Sector (General Schools, School for the Deaf) and in the Private Sector (Conferences, Training Seminars, etc.). Additionally, she participates in several European Programmes, aimed at strengthening and promoting the Cypriot Sign Language, but also in the research around it (e.g. teaching, assessment, digital inclusion etc.). In addition, she works as an Expert in teaching Cypriot Language at the Language Center of the University of Cyprus. Panayiota is an associate of Emphasys Centre and has been involved in various Erasmus+ projects targeting the deaf community with the aim to support the digital inclusion of students, young people and adults through the acquisition of digital skills such as coding and robotics.