Ellen’s background is in Psychology and Education with 15+ years of experience working as a school counsellor, IBDP & undergraduate and graduate lecturer for international institutions in Greece.
Her passion for engaging adolescents and young adults in experiential community projects for positive youth development prompted her to initiate the non-profit organization, EIMAI-Center for Emerging Young Leaders. As director of EIMAI and PeaceJam Greece, Ellen provides programs for youth leadership development by bringing together university mentors and vulnerable youth with Nobel Peace Laureates to empower their self-concept and purpose in self, school, society and transition to adulthood. Ellen has served on the executive board of Habitat for Humanity, Greater Athens and the Greek Adlerian Psychological Association, where she has been trained as an Adlerian therapist. Her service- learning work with youth has been awarded by the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas schools, the Nobel Peace Laureate initiative- Billion Acts of Peace, the Loukoumi-Make a Difference Foundation and best practices in character education by Character.Org.
As a scholar practitioner, Ellen has supported research projects at the Rees Centre, Department of Education and others on trauma- informed practices in UK schools.
Ellen’s research interests include: participatory action research, adolescent purpose, student voice, youth trauma, transition to adulthood, and trauma-informed and restorative educational practices with youth in social care and unaccompanied refugee minors.
Ellen has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, a Master’s of Education—Special Emphasis School Counseling from University of La Verne, California and Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis.
Supervisors
Dr Ian Thompson and Dr Neil Harrison (former)
