Personal profile

Research interests

Passionate about addressing challenges faced by individuals with vision impairment, my focus in clinical psychology centres on combating ableist stigma and changing perceptions. Engaging in participatory research, I currently collaborate with young people living with vision impairment to co-create a unique tool for navigating critical life transitions. My interdisciplinary background is evident in diverse research contributions, from exploring sensory (use of smell and taste) utilization in the vision impaired, investigating repetitive behaviours in children with autism and/or vision impairment, to researching informal learning and development of the healthcare professionals under macro-turbulence. Methodologically, I mainly employ qualitative approaches as well as participatory research.

Teaching interests

After several years of teaching at the University of Birmingham (Business School, School of Education) and the University College London (Institute of Education), where I covered subjects related to disability in the workplace, vision impairment and marketing, as well as personal and professional development, and qualitative research in psychology, my current primary focus is on research.

Other responsibilities

With almost two decades of experience in disability support and educational psychology in Greece, including roles in private practice, public special schools, and leadership as headteacher at the Special Pre-Primary School for the Blind in Athens, my journey expanded to international contributions as an educational psychologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK. This diverse background, synthesizing humanities, intervention, and rehabilitation, has propelled me into academia, where I am excited to apply my practical insights to benefit the academic community and upcoming professionals.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Education/Academic qualification

Bachelor of Music, Psychology (Orff method) & Classical Piano , National Conservatoire of Athens

Bachelor of Education, Childhood & Early Childhood Education , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Master of Arts, Social Discriminations & Human Rights – Disability, Special & Inclusive Education , University College London

Doctor of Educational Psychology, “Disability, attitudes and stigma in Greek society”: exploring the perceptions of caregivers and professionals regarding the repetitive behaviour of children with vision impairment and children on the autism spectrum (a comparative study), University of Birmingham

External positions

Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), British Psychological Society

Academic Tutor, University of Birmingham

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), University of Birmingham

External Examiner, University of East London

Editor, University of Oxford

Keywords

  • BF Psychology
  • Disability
  • Vision Impairment
  • Ableism
  • Social Stigma
  • Qualitative Research
  • Participatory Design

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