2025 Summer Staff

Biography

Aaron hails from Sacramento, CA and is finishing the first year of his MDiv at Holy Cross in Boston. He loves Boston, but is ready to replace the snow and textbooks with sunny days on Glyfa Beach and ferry rides to visit some of his favorite saints. While away from his studies, Aaron loves to cook with friends, practice Byzantine chant, and go thrift shopping. Aaron is ready for another BEST summer of his life after falling in love with Ionian Village at IV next in 2021 and as summer staff in 2024.

Biography

Alex is a 22-year-old graduate from the University of Central Florida. He is a full-time music producer and DJ. When he is not working on music, he enjoys golfing, volunteering at the food pantry, and spending time with friends… at Flanigans. Alex has 7+ years of counseling/youth summer camp work experience and can’t wait for this summer.

Biography

Alexander is a Michigan State grad who now works in software, where he turns caffeine and keyboard clicks into code. When he’s not debugging systems, he’s probably biking down a trail, editing his latest video, or diving for a disc in Ultimate like it’s the Olympics (which it sadly isn’t, and don’t get him started on that injustice). He brings energy, laughs, and just the right amount of sunscreen to any adventure, especially one under the Greek sun. He’s always ready to jump in, help out, and make the most of every moment.

Biography

Anastasia first experienced the magic of IV as a camper in 2022, and she’s beyond excited to be returning as a counselor! Camp is her home away from home, and every summer she eats, sleeps, and breathes everything that makes it special. You can usually find her making a friendship bracelet, rallying up kefi, or laughing way too hard at inside jokes that started on day one. Her mission for this summer? To make sure everyone has an unforgettable, spiritually enriching, joy-filled time at IV! She can’t wait to meet everyone and have the best summer ever at heaven on earth.

Biography

Athena is so excited to return to IV this summer! Orginally from San Diego, she graduated last year from UC Davis with a degree in Human Physiology and will be attending PA school in the fall. Athena played club lacrosse in college and enjoys sitting down with a good book and greek dancing! She can't wait to meet everyone and share her faith during the best summer ever!!!

Biography

Austin would consider himself an interesting guy. He loves to make the best out of nothing while always thinking positively in all circumstances. Austin spends a lot of his time working with the Memphis Grizzlies, but when he has free time, he loves to golf and spend time with his friends. Austin is very excited to be at Ionian Village this year, and he can not wait to meet all of you.

Biography

Basil is from Houston, TX, and currently, he is studying for his Masters in Professional Accounting at the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of the classroom, he loves to play basketball, lacrosse, golf, and video games. He also loves to go on fishing and road tripping adventures with his friends. Some fun facts: His favorite movie is Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back, and his go-to karaoke song is No One by Alicia Keys. Basil is absolutely pumped for this summer and can't wait to meet everyone!

Biography

Caroline is from Satellite Beach, Florida but she currently resides in Durham, New Hampshire where she studies Political Science and International Affairs at the University of New Hampshire. She attended IV in 2022 as a camper and after meeting some of her best friends she has spent the past two summers at Camp Good Shepard Virginia serving as a counselor! When she is not Greek Dancing or making a Frappè she is thinking about all the exciting memories coming up this summer at Ionian Village! She cannot wait to meet everyone and greek dance the summer away!

Biography

Chloe a born and raised Jersey girl, who is sooooo excited to be back at IV this summer after having been a camper in 2013 and attending IV Next in 2018. When she’s not teaching middle schoolers, you’ll find her on the boat with family & friends, baking, reading, listening to Taylor Swift, or planning her next Disney trip! To Chloe, Ionian Village is the place where we see our faith come to life, all while meeting lifelong friends and making forever memories. At camp, Chloe will always have glitter in her hair, and you can find her dancing, singing, and putting kefi in everything she does – so get ready for the best summer of your lives, IV2025!!

Biography

Constantine is from Holy Trinity in Dallas, TX and is super excited to be on staff this Summer, as it will be his first time at Ionian Village! He has spent the last couple of years on staff at Camp St. Paul, as well as having been a camper there and at Camp Emmanuel for many years. He is currently a senior at The University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor's and Masters in Sports Management, and has also served on the executive board for the local OCF chapter at his school. He looks forward to bringing his camp staff experience and love for the church, as well as his energy, his love for all things sports, his Texan pride to camp this summer. He cannot wait to help out and be able to make this Summer the greatest Summer of his and everyone at camp's lives!

Biography

Demetrios is excited for his first summer as Ionian Village staff! A Chicagoan at heart and a Hoosier by law, Demetrios lives in Munster, Indiana, and has worked the past three years at Chicago's Greek Orthodox Metropolis camp, Fanari Camp, where served as both a five-week counselor and as the male staff director. He attends the parishes of Holy Apostles in Westchester, Illinois, and St. George in Schererville, Indiana. In May, Demetrios graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA, majoring in psychology and Greco-Roman civilization (even studying abroad a semester in Athens), and will start graduate school in the fall to become a clinical psychologist. A fan of Star Wars, superheroes, Greek pop music, and his alma mater—Go Irish!—Demetrios cannot wait to grow in faith alongside the IV community.

Biography

Elyssa is ecstatic to join the Ionian Village staff this summer! She is #JustakidfromAkron, a proud alumni of The™️ Ohio State University, and is currently pursuing her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Akron. Outside of working as a middle school English teacher, she coaches high school soccer, GOYA basketball, and teaches Sunday School. Elyssa has spent the past four years serving on staff at Camp Nazareth with the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, where she has had the privilege of seeing her campers, co-staff, and herself grow in their faith. Although Elyssa never attended Ionian Village as a camper, she can not wait to experience IV for the first time alongside her campers!!!

Biography

Fr. Elias Stevens is a southern guy to the core! He was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Auburn University where he played football his Freshman year (War Eagle!) After a 20 year career in the family restaurant, Father could no longer resist the calling to the priesthood. Father Elias was ordained to the Priesthood in May 2008. He served at the Alabama parishes of Birmingham, Mobile, and was recently assigned as the Proistaminos in Huntsville. Fr. Elias has been on several OCMC mission trips to Guatemala to the Hogar Rafael Ayau, served as Co-Director of the Winter Youth Rally for the Metropolis of Atlanta, and was a counselor at St. Stephen’s Camp during seminary.

Fr. Elias enjoys the outdoors, southern fried chicken, and Auburn Football! Fr. Elias and Presbytera Kasandra cannot wait to experience all Ionian Village has to offer!

Biography

Frances is a recent graduate from Butler University with a BA in Psychology (go dawgs)! Her home parish is St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis, MO, and growing up, she spent every summer at Fanari Summer Camp! After going on IV Next in 2022, she is so excited to return to IV as a staff member and to help guide new campers as they experience IV for the first time ! She loves music, reading, and spending time with her friends and family (especially when good food and dancing are involved)!

Biography

Jacob is a recent graduate from Miami University located in the beautiful countryside of southwestern Ohio. Jacob embodies what it means to be an Ohioan as a self-proclaimed outdoorsmen and slightly over zealous sports fan. He's just a kid from Akron that strives to make this the greatest summer at #IonianVIllage2025!

Biography

It is a dream come true for Jamie Karras to return to Ionian Village this summer! She spent an unforgettable summer as a camper at IV in 2018, and is ecstatic to be a counselor this summer and create more magical and long-lasting memories with and for others. She is from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and spent years as a camper and counselor at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. When she’s not dreaming of IV, you can find her tackling a jigsaw puzzle, cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, jamming out to her favorite music, or exploring new places. Lately, she’s been on a serious mission to master the art of Tavli—future champion in the making! Bring on IV 2025!

Biography

Kiki Gormanos is a bubbly, empathic, and outgoing friend. She was born in Texas, raised in Georgia, educated in South Carolina, resides in Seattle, and is spending her summer at the best place on earth! Kiki was a camper when she was going into college in 2018, and her time at IV shaped her into the woman she is today. As an event planner in the hospitality industry, Kiki loves to cultivate fun and lasting experiences for everyone she gets to meet. Having spent a majority of her life visiting the beautiful country of Greece, Kiki is thrilled to return to the Ioanian sea and to lead her campers through the best summer of their lives!

Biography

Lia is thrilled to be at camp this summer! While originally from Texas, she can’t wait to be back on Glyfa Beach which also feels like home! Lia loves sushi, photography, and frappe metrio me gala. At camp you can find her dancing on the lifeguard stand, constantly refilling her water bottle, having impromptu photoshoots, and helping campers find the best rest stop snacks. Lia is so excited to meet you and have the best summer!

Biography

Luke Henkel is currently in his final year at William and Mary where he will graduate with a Masters in Business Analytics. He spends most of his free time running for the Tribe on the Cross Country and Track teams, so rest assured that he will be prepared to race any challengers in Ancient Olympia. In his free time, Luke loves to spend time outside and is always open to new movie suggestions (see quote below). Luke is from Virginia Beach, Virginia and has attended Camp Good Shepherd for as long as he can remember. He’s stoked to bring that experience to Greece and make this summer the best one ever!

Biography

Maria is beyond excited to be a part of IV25, the Best Summer Ever! Coming from Boca Raton, FL, she grew up at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church and recently graduated in December from the University of Florida, go gators! This fall, she will begin her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida. Maria has spent the last three summers on staff at St. Stephen’s Camp, where she fell in love with bringing faith, fun, and endless energy to campers, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Outside of camp, she loves Greek dancing, going to the beach, spending time with friends, shopping, and watching Argentina play soccer!

Biography

Meet Marina—23 years old and a former staff member who can’t wait for another unforgettable summer at IV! She’s all about faith, family, and meaningful connections, and she brings that same energy and LOADS of kefi everywhere she goes. Marina is from the north suburbs of Chicago and attends St. George in Lincoln Park, where she’s always in the mix—whether it’s helping at day camps, diving into scripture, organizing service projects, chatting with any and everyone at coffee hour, or learning how to chant. She’s constantly looking for ways to grow in her faith and bring others along for the ride! At camp, you’ll probably find Marina connecting with campers, practicing yoga, in deep conversations about life and theology, or practicing her Greek with the on site staff. She loves being present in every moment, whether it’s a quiet morning prayer or a late-night talk under the stars. For Marina, camp is the one place where we can truly unplug from the world and reconnect—with each other, with our faith, and with Christ at the center of it all. She can’t wait to share this journey with everyone and make this the BEST summer ever!!!

Biography

Matthew grew up attending Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and went to college in Los Angeles studying Film and Television Production. He loves skiing, traveling, and making music. He attended IV back in 2019 in cabin Kerkyra. "To me, Ionian Village was a place to strengthen my faith, grow as a person, and establish strong relationships with like-minded individuals from all over the country.”

Biography

"Mina is super excited to return to IV as a counselor this summer! She is going into her senior year at Arizona State University and when she’s not in school, she’s either working as a barista, at a concert/listening to music, traveling, or hanging out with friends! Growing up at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Arizona, Mina has participated in many church activities (GOYA, Greek Dance, etc) and has been going to camps like All Saints Camp AZ and Ionian Village her whole life. Camp is one of Mina’s favorite experiences as she was able to make lifelong friendships, create amazing memories, and grow in her Orthodox faith and she can’t wait to do the same this summer at IV!"

Biography

Nicoletta has learned from the best, growing up as the youngest of five siblings with two amazing parents who taught her the value of faith and community. A proud University of Michigan graduate and gymnastics National Champion, she created the blueprint for women to succeed in college athletics. After a fulfilling summer at IV, she’s headed to Physician Assistant school in Colorado, where she will continue to combine her love for medicine with her passion for helping others. Nicoletta thrives in a team atmosphere, loves inspiring those around her, and leads by example. You can always find her shopping, eating sour candy, falling asleep during movies, or belting Gracie Abrams with her brother. She’s excited to bring her outgoing personality and mentorship to camp, making it the most memorable summer yet—just like the unforgettable experiences she had as a camper herself!

Biography

Olivia Hunt finds joy in life’s little moments and cherishes time spent with family and friends. She has a deep appreciation for new experiences and loves traveling, not just to explore new places but also to meet new people and learn from different perspectives. Excited by opportunities to connect with others, she values meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Olivia is pursuing a career working with children, a path that brings her fulfillment and allows her to make a positive impact. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for learning drive her to embrace every adventure—whether close to home or across the world—with an open heart and a desire to grow.

Biography

Olivia, hailing from Mobile, Alabama, is no stranger to summers at Ionian Village! Having been a camper in 2010, staff member in 2015 and 2017, and full summer medical staff in 2023, she is ready to embark on her 5th summer at IV co-leading IV Next with her dad, Father Elias! You can always find Liv with a Freddo espresso (glyko- duh!) in hand or trying to determine which Greek island to hop next.

During the IV off-season, you can find Nurse Liv running the Cardiovascular Operating Room at her local hospital and dreaming about meeting YOU at the chapel!

Biography

Serving on this year’s staff, Sophia Warner will graduate from Villanova University in May and already has her bags packed and ready for a Summer in Glyfa. She studied Comprehensive Science and French in school but has also picked up Duolingo Greek lessons in her spare time. Sophia plans on bringing some of her special skills like speed-skipping, breath-holding, break-dancing, memorizing songs after hearing them 5 times or less, and cart-wheeling to the IV staff this year. We could not be more excited to see her in action and we know she is even more excited to meet all of you!

Biography

Paul Pappas, from Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, California, has always embraced the opportunity to share faith and fun with the youth through summer camps. He has worked at the Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch, his parish’s Camp Ravencliff, and All Saints Camp in Arizona. Last summer, he took on his biggest adventure yet—traveling to Greece for the first time to work at Ionian Village. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Paul’s love for nature began in Boy Scouts and grew into passions for surfing, rock climbing, camping, and any new adventure he could find. He also enjoys making Komboskini! For the second summer in a row, he’s excited to share his love for Orthodox faith and Greek culture.

Biography

Resorts aren’t the only all-inclusive--Meet Rosie!! From readily available pep-talks to the best eatery recommendations, this Chicago suburbanite is making her very first IV debut. Rosie approaches everything in life with a pinch of passion and inspiring others in their faith is her forte. She's wrapping up a master's in counseling at Marquette University and is creatively considering her next move. Before IV, she spent her summers working at an Orthodox school-based camp where she nurtured and embraced little learners like no tomorrow!! Rosie is most excited to connect deeply with her cultural roots and make the most of each moment. Know that she's got your back along the way. Cheers!!

Biography

Sophia is a Seattle native who has lived all over—from the West Coast to the Windy City—but no matter where she is, her love for faith, community, and adventure always shines through! As a high school teacher, she brings her energy, leadership, and love for mentoring to Ionian Village, making sure every camper has an unforgettable experience. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find her hiking, painting, crushing a Solidcore workout, or getting lost in a great book. She’s super outgoing, always up for a laugh, and ready to bring her passion for Christ and Greek culture to IV this summer. Get ready for an amazing summer filled with faith and fun!

Biography

Hi y’all, my name is Steph Vagelos, but you may better know me as Elvis or The Grinch from my time on Saint Stephen’s Summer Camp staff (I will always. commit. to a theme)! I did my undergrad at Georgia Tech (Go Jackets), and I’ll be going to medical school at UF this fall (Go Gators)! A fun fact about me is that I ran two half marathons last year, and by “girl math,” that’s basically a full marathon! I’m super pumped for the best summer EVER at IV25!

Biography

Meet Stephanos Chiganos, from the Chicago suburbs and a member of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. He counseled his Metropolis summer camp, Fanari, for five years before returning to IV last year as a staff member. Steph has been part of the IV family since attending as a camper in Session One of 2019, and he’s excited to be back this summer to create new memories.

When asked about his goals for this summer at IV, he said, “Last summer, my cabin won the IV Olympics, and I’m looking to bring another championship home this year.”

Biography

Vasili Nicklow was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up going to St. Mary's. He has attended summer camps as a camper and counselor growing up, and is excited to take his experiences up to the big leagues this summer. Vasili attended IV Next in 2023 and loved it so much that he knew he needed to come back for the whole summer at some point! He also just graduated from the University of Minnesota, and is eager to make so many new memories at IV with the best staff and campers around!

Biography

Yanna is so beyond excited to spend this summer at Ionian Village! Yanna is a senior at UNC Charlotte graduating with degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice on a pre-law track. She grew up at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she was heavily involved in GOYA and Greek dance. In her free time, Yanna enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and family, writing, and shopping. With almost 10 years of both camper and staff experience at St. Stephen's Summer Camp, Yanna cannot wait to join everyone in Greece and make endless memories!