Meet This Year's Staff

Konstantine has been involved with Ionian Village since 1997. Since finishing seminary in 2003, he has worked as the pastoral assistant for the Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont, CA and with administering the Ionian Village program. As long as Ionian Village continues to provide life changing expereinces to participants, Konst will continue to help with clipboards, dream of the ideal Greek Word of the Day, and actually meet people at the Chapel.

Favorite Quote: "When I'm done with camp, you won't be able to find me."

Alex thought he had the best summer of his life in 2010 when he went to Ionian Village. He was proved wrong again and again as a Staff member in 2015, '16, and as the Program Director in 2018. He is looking foward to another great summer with a brand new family! Here are a few hot takes from Alex: listening to books is far better than reading them, Olive green is the best color out there, Hulu > Netflix. His New years resolution was "Cook or starve," and he is doing better than expected. He is especially excited to neither cook nor starve this summer under the care of Kyria Sofia. Finally, Alex is hoping maybe this summer will be the one where he can achieve a tan that lasts through the winter. 

Favorite Quote: "REAL RECOGNIZE REAL!!!"

Alex is so excited to be working as logistics coordinator for Ionian Village this year. Alex grew up in the great Norfolk County of Massachusetts but since then has taken his talents to the stupendous Durham, New Hampshire where he studies Finance at the University of New Hampshire. The Granite state is nothing new to Alex, for the past 12 years Alex has spent his summers in the Tooky as a part of the Metropolis of Boston Camp community, as both a camper and a staff member. In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors and playing basketball with his friends. Alex first went to Ionian Village as a camper in 2016 before coming back as a part of the IV Next program in 2018 and hopes that IV 2019 will be the best summer there yet. 

Favorite Quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

Demi is so passionate about Ionian Village that she decided to make it her full-time job! Through her many roles at Ionian Village, she has been able to see, from every point of view, just how life transforming this Christ-centered ministry can be. While Demi enjoys endless amounts of tzatziki and a Grecian tan, you can now find Demi working behind the scenes in NYC office. She is your go-to for any questions you have throughout the summer! Demi enjoys her frappes sweet, her music country, her summers long, and most importantly the Yankees in the playoffs. Meet her at JFK!! 

Favorite Quote: “Be the best version of yourself in anything that you do. You don’t have to live anybody else’s story.” - Stephen Curry

Marissa is no stranger to Ionian Villlage and the impact this ministry has on campers! After participating as a camper in 2013 and returning as a Staff member in 2016, Marissa is beyond thrilled to be returning as part of the admin team this year as the Director of Support and Outreach. Marissa completed her Masters in Social Work at St. Louis University, and is currently working in Chicago as a school social worker. Over this past year Marissa has worked hard to develop a program to support staff and campers and is excited to combine her two passions: helping others and Ionian Village! Marissa is looking forward to swimming on Glyfa beach, eating Kyria Sophia’s pastitsio and becoming a familiar face to all staff and campers this summer!! 

Favorite Quote: “Recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others” - Shep Hyken 

Standing in at 180lb (in part to Kyria Sofia and his Yiayia's cooking) Niko has an extreme love of camp, and an even bigger love of sharing his faith. You don't know him yet but he can assure you he will do everything in his power to make sure your summer at Ionian Village is the best experience of your life. Niko is ecstatic to be your boys director and wants to let you know how special our home really is, countless campers have been through our program and came out with a renewed love of Christ and appreciation for the beauty of Greece.

Favorite Quote: "If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark that is all you will ever see." - Uncle Iroh

Spiro is extremely excited to be coming back to Ionian Village this summer for his fourth consecutive #bestsummerofhislife. His passion and obsession for the camp, faith, and Kyria Sophia’s meatless pastitsio have him exceptionally eager now more than ever for the sweet coast of Glyfa. When not dreaming of IV’s Olympic sized swimming pool, you can most likely find Spiro at physical therapy (screaming in pain), shoe shopping (online and at the outlets), or in the gym trying to lose weight in preparation for all of the food he’ll be inhaling in Greece. Although he’s not excited to give up bell ringing duties from last summer, Spiro is ready to work and ready for IV2019!

“Favorite Quote: I realized that we all worry about ourselves too much and that only he who leaves everything to the will of God can feel truly joyous, light and peaceful.” - Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica 

Born in Michigan and New York living, Thania is now a second year graduate student in the Program of Vocal Performance concentrating in classical voice at NYU. She went to IV as a camper in 2013 and served on Staff in 2017 and 2018. This year, as the Girl’s Director, she wants you to know that, “you’ve got a friend in [her],” and she is ready to, “get down to business to defeat…[the Greek heat].” She’s packing up, “the bare necessities,” (i.e. a greek flag, karoten, and yes, a tutu) to prepare for the best summer of your life! She is excited to hear, “the bells of [the Chapel]” and, “paint with all the colors of [IV].” She is ready for you to experience, “a whole new world,” while visiting monasteries and islands. And all that stress? She’s ready to, “let it go.” She’s willing to, “go the distance,” to make sure you are, “right where [you] belong.” *Disclaimer: She’s a big Disney music fan if you couldn’t tell from all the song lyrics in her bio.*

Favorite Quote: “Working on it.” - Alexander Kuvshinoff

Alexa grew up in the Bay Area surrounded by a crazy, ultra-supportive, big fat Greek community from day one. Yes, she begrudgingly attended Greek School, but also participated in church basketball, Greek dance, and Sunday school, while simultaneity running cross country and track through high school. She then went to Gonzaga University in Washington where she studied Psychology, interning with disabled youth along the way. As of May 2019, she will officially be a college grad! What’s next? Well, work in the therapy space until she goes to graduate school, but before official adulthood begins she’s off to Ionian Village to be your counselor! In her spare time, Alexa likes to draw, workout, and dream about rescuing all the dogs in the world.

Favorite Quote: “If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” - Maya Angelou

Going back to IV is something Andoni has always wanted to do since he was a camper in 2015. Although he is sad he’ll be leaving behind all the Georgia’s peaches, Andoni is excited to replace them with Kyria Sophia’s loukoumades. Before his full time job in the fall, Andoni is hoping to bring what he’s learned from his many hours of watching Impractical Jokers to the cabin and flextivities. Andoni hopes to grow along side his campers in their faith and orthodoxy. Andoni hopes to leave his campers saying "it was the best Summer of my life! Like for real... I'm not kidding."

Favorite Quote: "It was the best Summer of my life! Like for real... I'm not kidding." - Andoni as a camper in 2015

Andrew was a camper at Ionian Village the summer of 2016 where he had the most life-changing expereince. Andrew currently attends Cleveland State University pursuing a degree in Communication Management. In his free time, Andrew enjoys going to concerts and traveling. This summer he plans to lead the campers to a kefi-fueled IV Olympic gold for a repeat victory! 

Favorite Quote: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated." - Oscar Wilde 

Anna is currently a middle school teacher who recently graduated with her masters degree in Education! She comes from Boston where she grew up going to and serving the Metropolis of Boston Camp before she finally got it together and applied to Ionian Village for the best summer of her life!!!!!! If you ever want to have a conversation about practically anything, Anna is your girl, especially when it comes to Harry Potter, Star Wars, traveling, and books. Like shooting some hoops? Perfect, so does Anna. Anna is so excited to dance her heart out this summer (someone please teach her the pentozali), bond with her cabin, and be mind-blown by the beauty of the Orthodox Church and Faith.

Favorite Quote: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” - George Eliot

Anthony is from Salt Lake City and is finishing his degree in International Studies at the University of Utah. He loves all things sports, especially basketball and football. Anthony likes to stay active. Hiking, rock climbing, and camping are some of his favorite activities.  Anthony loves to travel and spent last fall semester living in Brussels working at the European Parliament. He is looking forward to a great summer at Ionian Village and can’t wait for camp to start.

Favorite Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

As a former IV camper from 2014, Bella is ready to bring the hype to IV 2019! She is a lover of: overalls and tie dye, ABBA, watermelon, orange juice, crocs, and all things Michigan! In her free time she can be found performing carpool karaoke, playing tennis for Aquinas College, dancing, playing guitar or practicing her accents. Bella loves to spend her summers working at Tippy Cow Ice Cream, but knows IV is the place to be this year! Camp life is definitely the life for her. 

Favorite Quote: “Such a beautiful place, to be with friends.” - Dobby (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1)

Being involved in youth ministry has been one of the great joys of Christiana’s life! For many years she has served on staff as a counselor and lifeguard at summer camps across the west coast such as Camp Agape NW, All Saints Camp, and camp at the St. Nicholas Ranch. Christiana is a recent nursing school graduate and a University of Washington husky, go dawgs! This summer you may find Christiana dancing the ikariotiko at the white party, chanting the service of the Paraklesis in the chapel, or searching for the perfect pagoto (ice cream) on travel days. Christiana is beyond excited to travel from her hometown of Seattle, WA to Glyfa beach to share her love and passion of our beautiful Orthodox Christian faith and Greek culture with her campers this summer!

Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path stright." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Spotted: Corina Bourantas is going to join you in having the BEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE! Here are just a few intriguing things about one of your fantastic counselors :)

C: Captivating kefi

O: Optimistic in every way

R: Reliable when you are feeling down

I: Incredible dancer

N: Never loses her smile

A: Adventurous with you and the Lord this summer

IV19 LETS GO!! 

Favorite Quote: “I eat cake because it’s someone’s birthday somewhere.”

Costas is a rising Senior Accounting major and Slavic Studies minor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Flagship Campus of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, rated number one in dining by the Princeton Review. You can often find Costas in a group fitness course trying way harder then he should be or trying to catch a legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Go. Costas is a firm believer that olive oil alone can solve 30% of all bodily ailments (data pending) and an increase in olive oil in everyone’s diets may just be the solution to world peace (limited data available but he’s working on it). With a brand new pair of silly pants to wear this summer, Costas can’t wait to show you how excited he is to see you at IV!

Favorite Quote: "Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you." - Unknown

Constantine (AKA Dino) is a fun loving, funny, and caring person who lives by the saying “For the kids” (FTK)!  Born and raised in the boogie down Bronx, Dino spends a lot of time in his second home Zoodohos Peghe, where he coaches basketball and helps the family ministry that ZP has instilled in him since his JOY days. As a motivational speaker for kids of all ages, Dino ensures that kids always have a GREAT time at his seminars while also learning skills they can use throughout their lives. On his spare time, Dino loves to read self help books, go to the gym, play basketball, play his guitar, sing, dance, and let loose with his friends.  This is Dino’s first time going to IV EVER and he’s ready to give these campers the best summer of their lives!  BELIEVE THE HYPE! 

Favorite Quote: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucius

Eleni is graduating from Ithaca College this May, where she is studying Television Production. She’s spent the last four years working for places like Nickelodeon, the Washington Capitals, and Bravo, but is now ready for the best summer of her life at Ionian Village! Eleni’s friends describe her as the loudest person in the room, and the person to go to if you’re looking for a laugh. She can’t wait to help campers drop their cool card at camp, while also getting a solid one-piece tan. She is extremely passionate about hummus and Kris Jenner. 

Favorite Quote: “I talk a lot, so I’ve learned to just tune myself out.” - Kelly Kapoor

Emily is starting her senior year at Ithaca College where she majors in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She is SO excited to be on staff this summer! Emily can’t wait to meet the campers and help guide them through their spiritual journey at IV. Her favorite things include but are not limited to: Spongebob references, theme nights, ice cream, singing, anti-jokes, the color yellow, Africa by Toto, and obviously Kyria Sophia’s cooking. 

Favorite Quote: "I’m allergic to sushi. Every time I eat more than 80 pieces, I throw up." - Andy Dwyer

George is from Beaver, Pennsylvania and currently lives in Philadelphia. He is expected to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania this May, where he played Sprint Football for four years. Upon returning from Ionian Village, George plans to start a full time job while preparing for law school applications. George has been on staff at Camp Nazareth Summer Camp for the Metropolis of Pittsburgh and was a camper at Ionian Village in 2012. In his free time, George enjoys hanging out with friends, watching baseball, and is a huge Star Wars nerd. He can’t wait to meet you all in the a few months for the best summer of your lives!

Favorite Quote: “I’m just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe.” - Jango Fett, Star Wars

This is Jonathan, or as most of his Greek Orthodox friends call him, JJ (short for Jonathan Junior).  Though currently a junior at University of Colorado, JJ has a strong passion to see and visit different places in the world which is why he is  studying abroad in Barcelona this semester. JJ has been attending camps, basketball tournaments, and other religious events since he can remember—this will be his 11th summer of being active in a church camp. He loves to laugh, have a good time, and to always seize the day. Being enthusiastic is a huge part of JJ’s character. 

Favorite Quote: “A journey is measured in friends rather than miles.” - Tim Cahill

Kristina Hewitt is a current student at Texas Tech University and will be graduating May of 2019. After graduation, she plans on becoming an elementary school teacher in Houston, Texas. When Kristina isn’t going to concerts or traveling, she loves hanging out with friends and making people laugh. She is so excited to be a part of Ionian Village and can’t wait to give campers a fun summer that they will never forget!

Favorite Quote: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” - Proverbs 31:25

Liz is ecstatic to be returning to Ionian Village after an amazing summer in 2015! Graduating in December from James Madison University, used to long nights and thrilling days in the hospital as a nursing student, Liz is ready to bring that energy to Glyfa Beach. When not in scrubs, you can find her on a run, eating french fries, or spending time with friends and family. Liz is most excited to meet all of the campers and staff and have the best summer together! 

Favorite Quote: “To love another person is to see them as God intended them to be.” -Fyodor Dostoevsky 

Madeline is a graduating senior from THE Ohio State University, where she majored in finance. After years of nannying and winning multiple superlatives as the “mom friend,” she can’t wait to meet her campers. Growing up as a swimmer and a runner, Madeline loves being outside almost as much as she loves to dance. She is looking forward to spending the summer serving at Ionian Village and helping the campers grow in their faith.

Favorite Quote: "If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." - Jim Valvano

Maria is a rising senior at Villanova University studying Business Analytics and Digital Marketing. She is an energetic and goofy individual that is unapologetically herself. Ever since Maria went to IV in 2016, she has dreamt about going back to this life changing place. Maria spent this past fall studying and traveling around Europe, yet the only place she truly felt at home was Ionian Village.

Favorite Quote: “Everything happens for a reason.” - My Yiayia

Marina is a coffee-obsessed, camp-enthusiast! She is a native of Chicago and grew up attending Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester, IL. Marina is a senior at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!!) and is pursuing a major in Media Advertising with a specialization in Graphic Design, and a double minor in Psychology and Spanish. She is actively involved in the IU chapter of OCF,  campus philanthropy events and the Indiana University Dance Marathon as a member of the Morale Committee. You could say Marina "lives for the summer".  For the last 8 years, there has not been a summer that didn't include participating in a camp or youth ministry program. Marina is beyond thrilled to be back at Ionian Village for another transformative summer and share her zest for life and love of the Orthodox faith with the IV 2019 campers! 

Favorite Quote: “I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good." - Roald Dahl

Marina’s hometown is Roseville, CA but she’s currently studying in Boulder, CO. She can’t live without her coffee and her favorite color is pink. If she were an animal, she’d most definitely choose to be a flamingo. She’s always up for an adventure and CAN NOT wait to not only show her campers our beautiful country, but the beauty of the Christian faith.

Favorite Quote: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” – Audrey Hepburn

Matina has attended Ionian Village twice as a camper and is thrilled about returning to her favorite place in the world! She enjoys traveling whenever she gets the opportunity and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. She is most looking forward to meeting her campers and showing them about their faith. Her favorite things to do are carpool karaoke and busting out into random dancing. She also fangirls hard over Harry Styles and Coldplay.  

Favorite Quote: "Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind" - F. Scott Fitzgerald

After having the time of his life at IVXV in 2015, Michael Christy is "absolutely STOKED" to return as a Staff member this summer. Graduating from Miami University of Ohio this May with a Marketing degree, Michael also considers himself a renaissance man after four seasons as the kicker for the Miami Club Football team along with studying abroad in New Zealand for a semester in 2018. Some of his hobbies are kicking back with his four brothers, fishing, traveling the world, all while keeping his poor mother on her toes, as pictured here right before diving with Great Whites in New Zealand. Fear not mothers, Michael is committed to a safe, action-packed summer while helping his campers get in touch with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” - Henry Ford

Nicolia was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She is a Junior at Butler University in Indiana majoring in Health Sciences. Nicolia is currently in a 6-year Physician Assistant program with the hopes of joining the medical world in 2022. Outside of her academic endeavors, Nicolia is actively involved in her sorority, ΚΚΓ (Kappa Kappa Gamma), as the Ritual Chairman. She also enjoys going on adventures with friends as she just returned from a trip to Florence, Italy. Nicolia loves being outdoors, trying new foods, and playing basketball. You can find her either rallying a game of basketball during free time or tanning with a large bottle of extra virgin Greek olive oil on the sandy beaches of Glyfa at camp this summer!

Favorite Quote: “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” - Donovan Bailey

Back to reclaim the Kefi Cup his cabin won in 2015, Peter Kaouris is absolutely pumped to return to the camp he called home a few summers ago! A loud and proud Kefalonitis, Peter was born on Long Island but grew up in small-town Redding, Connecticut, where he found a home at St. Barbara’s parish in Orange. While abroad in Athens, Peter found his passion studying Greek folk music, and plans to continue his studies in ethnomusicology because of it. Peter would like to use the last sentence of his bio to let everyone know that his yiayia makes the best pastitsio and no one can change his mind on that. 

Favorite Quote: “God changes His appearance every second; blessed is the man who can recognize Him in all disguises.” - Nikos Kazantzakis

After being a camper in 2016 Peter Panopoulos knew he wanted to come back as a counselor to Ionian village and give the same life changing experience that his counselors gave to him. Some hobbies of his are watching as well as singing along to Disney movies, and playing intense games of Jenga. Peter also studies mathematics at Saint John’s University and continues to work on his faith and in keeping a Christ centered life. He loves, and continuously works on, being a counselor and can’t wait for the summer! 

Favorite Quote: “Do not fight to expel the darkness from your soul. Open a tiny aperture for light to enter, and the darkness will disappear.” - St. Porphyrios 

Rachael hails from the best pizza and bagel making state, New Jersey! She will be graduating this spring from Montclair State University, with a Hospitality Management degree. Rachael is ecstatic to return home to Ionian Village this summer after attending Spiritual Odyssey (IV Next) in 2017. When Rachael isn’t traveling the world, or working at Walt Disney World, she loves to brunch and spend her free time at the Jersey Shore (the beach, not the show) Rachael has been practicing her Greek dancing and is ready for Kyria Sophia’s master chef food. She is counting down the days to most magical summer of her life with you all!!

Favorite Quote: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” - Walt Disney

Stathi is a graduate of The University of Texas Austin, the best university in the best state in the best... Well you get the picture. He is a big supporter of his Longhorn and Dallas (his hometown!) sports teams, even the Cowboys who continue to break his heart year after year. When he's not working as a software developer in New York City, Stathi enjoys traveling the world, trying out the newest local eateries, or catching up on his backlog of movies and Netflix shows. Stathi was on staff at Ionian Village in ’16 and after a brief stint at Metropolis of Boston Camp can’t wait to return to IV for another unforgettable summer!

Favorite Quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - Ferris Bueller

Before you ask, yes her first name is Stephanie and her last name is Lilly, it’s not some crazy double name just because she’s from the south. Steph is from Marietta, Georgia and a recent graduate from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs) with a degree in psychology. Being at camp was always her favorite part of the summer growing up, whether it was her GOYA days at St. Stephen’s or her time at Ionian Village back in 2015, the year of IVXV. Once graduating high school Steph couldn’t leave her love of camp behind and has spent the last few summers serving on staff for St. Stephen’s, the Metropolis of Boston Camp, and Camp Kesem UGA. Now this summer, it’s time to move on to the ultimate camp experience: Ionian Village Staff. 

Steph loves meeting new people and is so looking forward to getting to know the IV campers! If you want to be her friend here are some topics of conversation she could talk about for days: Parks and Rec, Hamilton, Harry Potter, or anything to do with superhero’s. 

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes you gotta work a little so you can ball a lot.” - Tom Haverford 

Christos, affectionately known as Stos, is returning to Ionian Village staff for 2019. The offseason has come for the NBA, making it time for Stos to head back to the special gluten-free meals Kyria Sophia accommodates him with and his favorite place on campus, the world famous IV pool. As a proud New Jersian, he’ll be hard to miss as he fist pumps his way through the dance floor. Stos also looks forward to returning to IV for the beauty of Greece, but mostly for a shared Orthodox pilgrimage with the staff and campers. 
 

Favorite Quote: “We ready!? Are we reeeeeaaaaaaadyyyyyyyyy!? … … … …  I guess not.” - Ja Rule

Before becoming a Priest, Fr. Andrew worked in the Printing Industry as a Mechanical Engineer in the Chicagoland area. He and his beautiful wife Angela have 5 children (Nicholas, Jordan, Theodore, Stefanos, and Markos). Having served in parishes from Texas to New Jersey Fr. Andrew has had a passion for working with GOYA and other youth programs and camp ministries in the GOA. He and his family are beyond excited to spend the summer with you all!

Favorite Quote: “What you are is your gift from God. What you do with that gift, is your gift to God.” – Leo Buscaglia

Father Chrysostomos has been the Proistamenos at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Manhattan, New York since December 2013. Having grown up on the west coast as a priest kid, Father Chrysostomos counseled at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Camp Emmanuel, and danced at FDF. Upon ordination to the Deaconate in January 2011, he served under His Eminence Metropolitan Barnabas in Thessaloniki before returning to New York in September 2012 to work for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in the Office of the Chancellor. In light of all this, Father Chrysostomos continues to be active in youth ministry as clergy for Camp Saint Paul, the D.A.D. Youth Committee and the D.A.D. Parathosi Greek Dance Festival. Having been a counselor at IV in 2008 and as clergy in 2016, Father Chrysostomos is very humbled to have the opportunity to serve on staff for 2019.

Favorite Quote: “There is no half-singing in the shower, you’re either a rock star or an opera diva.” - Josh Groban

Father Paul has had a unique journey to becoming a Greek Orthodox priest. He grew up in Ohio, married to a fellow Ohioan and was ordained in Ohio in 1990. Now both he and his wife are serving as Greek Orthodox missionaries half way round the globe in New Zealand! Truth is important to Father Paul, the kind of truth revealed by the Spirit to the heart. It transmits the "beauty that will save the world!" This summer he plans to look for it in everyone at camp, and hopes you look for it in him as well.

Favorite Quote: "Beauty will save the world."- The Idiot

Father Vasile Tudora was not always Father Vasile: before he responded to his call for priesthood he used to be a physician. This is why he is still interested in scientific trends, especially in the medical field, only now he regards them from a Christian perspective. Fr. Vasile serves St. John the Baptist’s parish in Euless, Texas. He is married with Prebytera Mirela and together they have 5 children: Maria, Luca, Matei, Tatiana and Elena. Father Vasile likes photography, dabbles in Byzantine chant, and enjoys ultra-endurance cycling. Of course he also loves preaching about all the life lessons he learned from riding a bike. Other than that he is quite normal. 

Favorite Quote: “When there is a respect for small things, there will be an even greater respect towards the bigger things. When there is no respect for small things, then neither will there be for the bigger ones. This is how the Fathers maintained Tradition.” - St. Paisios of Mt. Athos 

Fr. Vincent and Presbytera Nadia Minucci are absolutely thrilled and honored to be leading the 2019 IV Next trip. Fr. Vinnie and Pres. Nadia were married in April of 2014 and reside in Framingham, MA, a suburb of Boston. Fr. Vinnie is the Associate Priest at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston, MA and Nadia is an Assistant Professor at the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. Camp holds a very special place in the hearts of both Fr. Vinnie and Pres. Nadia. Fr. Vinnie has served on staff of many Orthodox Summer Camps around the country and Nadia has served at her local parish camp in California. Fr. Vinnie and Pres. Nadia are so excited to be back at Ionian Village. They previously served as trip leaders for Spiritual Odyssey 2015 and the inaugural IV Next in 2018.

Fr. Vinnie is a graduate of Hellenic College with a B.A. in Religious Studies and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology with his Masters of Divinity. Nadia is a graduate of Harvey Mudd College with a B.S. in Mathematical Biology and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a Doctor of Science (ScD) in Epidemiology.

Favorite Quote: "Humility and love, there you have it. This is everything." - St. Paisios of Mount Athos

Carol Bafaloukos is a Nurse Practitioner certified in both women’s health and family.  She is no stranger to the camp scene, as she has been the camp nurse at All Saints Camp in Arizona every summer since 2005.  She loves being with the kids and making sure they stay healthy at camp.  She is thrilled to have been chosen to be medical staff at the Ionian Village. Carol is a semi native Arizonan, making her an avid Arizona State Sun Devil fan.  She also lived in Cleveland, Ohio and Athens Greece before moving to Az.  She is very involved in the Greek Dance Ministry, directing groups for 35+ years and attending FDF as often as possible since 1980. ​ Carol has been married for going on 29 years, has three kids and is happiest when sitting on the beach, eating, spending time with family and dancing!  Dancing herself or watching her kids dance (her own kids and “her dancers”).  ​

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Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelo

Diakonissa Pat is thrilled to be returning to IV for a third time as part of the medical team! She is a family nurse practitioner (with her Ph.D.) who loves working with youth. When she’s not seeing patients, D. Pat practices and teaches traditional byzantine iconography. A Southern California native who now calls Chicago home, her other passions include our Orthodox faith, family time and adventures, everything outdoors, reading/learning new things, and volleyball. She can’t wait to experience IV with you all this summer – it’s going to be amazing!

Favorite Quote: “Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.” - St. John Chrysostom

Kristin is beyond excited about returning to IV this year!!  She can't wait until she is reunited with her IV family, and is super pumped to meet all of the 2019 IV Next participants!  She has been a nurse at the University of Chicago Medicine for just over 18 years. She has also gone on multiple medical missions over the years, including volunteer trips to Honduras and Nicaragua, and has been Head Nurse at a camp for kids affected by IBD in WI for the last 9 years.

Kristin has an amazing husband of 10+ years, and 3 terribly spoiled four-legged furry kiddos that rule their house and lives. When she's not at work or on a volunteer trip, she loves anything that involves being outdoors! She is a big fan of hiking, cycling, running, yoga, gardening, travel, and she love love loves the beach/being on the water...it is her safe place. She also enjoys reading, music, knitting, games/puzzles, and spending quality time with family and friends. 

She cannot put into words how excited she is to return to IV, and for another AMAZING 12 days of culture, learning, and spiritual growth! Counting down the days!! 

"Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one..." - Walter Payton