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: 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: 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.

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: 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: jalil@emphasyscentre.com

Abdul Jalil Yacob completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Mindanao State University, in Marawi City, Philippines, followed by a Master in Information Technology (MIT) at the Philippine Christian University, Manila. 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: mariak@emphasyscentre.com

Maria Kandila has a B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and she is a LL.M. candidate of Public International Law with specialisation in Humanitarian Law in Leiden University, The Netherlands. She has worked as a Legal Researcher in organisations specialised in Human Rights in Africa. Since 2021, she has been working as an EU Project Manager and Grants Writer. During her work, she has been involved as a senior manager and key expert in various projects regarding mostly the modernisation of all education levels in Greece, Europe and Asia, as the national expert in DG REFORM project for the Model EPALs in Greece, as a national expert in CoVE projects and as a Key expert in Capacity Building in Higher Education in Asia. She is specialised in development and management of proposals that promote Gender Equality and Gender Mainstreaming in education and the private sector. Maria is part of the Strategic Planning Department responsible for the networking, promotion and visibility of the organisation at all levels, as well as, the development of proposals under decentralised and centralised calls (Erasmus+, CoVE, Alliances, CREA) and the provision of consultancy services.

E: elina@emphasyscentre.com

Elina Panayides holds a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Cybersecurity, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), from Gannon University in the United States. Elina had the opportunity to intern at various established organisations, such as the Cyprus Police in the departments of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Against Minors. Elina has earned valuable experiences working with, both children and adults, while working alongside police officers, helping in interrogations and conversations with offenders and victims. She has also attended internship programs at the City of Erie, US, supporting the HR teams and at Ernst & Young, CY, following training on Cybersecurity and Money Laundering. Elina, has been an active volunteer, both in Cyprus and the US, involved in various initiatives and campaigns, related to community support, protection of animals and participated in women’s march. Elina is a strong believer of equality, inclusion, and justice, and is eager to contribute to the European Union's values on such topics. She is currently working as an EU Project Researcher, involved in the implementation of projects in various sectors.

E: neil@emphasyscentre.com

Neil Cajulao is a Mobile Flutter Developer with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Ateneo de Davao University. With over five years of professional experience, Neil specializes in front-end and full-stack development, delivering user-friendly and impactful mobile applications. Passionate about continuous learning, Neil is committed to becoming an all-rounder across mobile, web, and desktop development. His interests include UI/UX Design, where he aims to create visually appealing and intuitive applications, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring its transformative potential in technology. Neil is also drawn to Game Engines like Unity and Unreal, with aspirations of venturing into game development. In addition, he is enthusiastic about DevOps, particularly in streamlining development processes and CI/CD pipelines, and Cross-platform Tools like Flutter, ensuring efficient and seamless application development across multiple platforms. Neil is currently a Junior Software Developer, focusing on the development of AI-related technologies.

E: esme@emphasyscentre.com

Esme Garza holds a BA in Spanish and a minor in French, followed by a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA in TESOL) from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in the United States. Esme has earned valuable experience working with both children and adults in all sectors of education (primary to higher), adopting innovative methodologies for TESOL. Throughout her professional career she has been researching language learning, specifically cultural effects on second-language acquisition. Esme has also acquired substantial experience working in the fields of foreign languages adult education (English and Spanish), special education (primary) and project coordination in both the U.S. and Cyprus (including Erasmus+ Key Action 1 projects). In the U.S., specifically, she has worked for the Migrant Education Program (MEP) teaching English and coordinating life skills workshops.
She has also attended various seminars and workshops supporting teachers professional development, as well as students’ well-being, ensuring the access and participation of all children in the school environment regardless of their abilities. Esme is a firm believer in fostering inclusive environments, fairness in cultural diversity and promoting mental, social, and emotional learning in the classroom. Her ambition is to contribute to the European Union’s values on such topics. She is currently working as an EU Project Researcher, involved in the implementation of projects in various sectors.

E: antonis@emphasyscentre.com

Antonis Nicolaides is an Electrical Engineering graduate from the University of Cyprus and he has developed a strong foundation in electrical systems, complemented by hands-on engineering and problem-solving experience aligned with STEM-related methodologies and exploitation of emerging technologies. Antonis has worked as a Project Manager and Facilitator for EU-funded projects, where he has led both Erasmus+ KA1 (Youth Exchanges and Training Courses) and KA2 initiatives across all stages, from proposal development to organisation of mobilities, implementation, coordination, and quality evaluation of projects’ activities and outputs. Antonis has also participated in the European Solidarity Corps programme as a photography and environmental camp leader with SEEDS in Iceland. During this time, he led workshops focused on social and environmental issues, guided and mentored volunteers, and managed camp logistics. As a Young Entrepreneur with the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme at Wheeling2help in Greece, he gained hands-on experience in business development, event organization and strategic planning. He is currently working as a Junior Project Manager, driving the implementation of innovative projects in STEM education, robotics, drone technologies, and virtual reality.

E: andriani@emphasyscentre.com

Andriani Tsili completed her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Ioannina, followed by an MSc in Gender Studies at the University of Cyprus, where she had an active role at the Office of Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity, collaborating with various organisations and gaining significant experience in developing policies and practices related to addressing gender inequalities. Her passion for empowering vulnerable citizens, led her to continue her post-doctoral studies examining media representations of femicides in Greece and Cyprus, as well as youth perceptions of the phenomenon. Andriani has participated in the Short Executive Program on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality organized by Maastricht University and she has also delivered a masterclass and workshop at the University of Maia in Portugal. In her professional career, Andriani has also worked as an Early Childhood Educator in both private and public pre-primary schools in Greece and Cyprus, where she supported migrant students in learning the Greek language. She is currently working as a Junior Project Manager, responsible for the implementation of Erasmus+ projects in the Adult, School, and Youth sectors.

E: theodora@emphasyscentre.com

Dr Theodora Antoniou holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology and Management of Biological Resources from the University of Crete, a Master's Degree in Palaeobiology from the University of Bristol and a PhD in Biodiversity and Ecology from the University of Cyprus. Theodora has worked as a scientist/researcher in various national and European-funded projects that focused on Cypriot biodiversity and its conservation, such as the LIFE23-NAT-IT-LIFE ADAPTS project funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, the CYBIOGEN Project funded by the Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) and the EVOLCYP project, co-funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation and the Republic of Cyprus. Additionally, Theodora has worked for several years as a teaching assistant for university courses, such as Ecology and Zoology, and has thus gained extensive experience in teaching, assessment and supervision of both school practice and field research. She is currently a Junior Project Manager, responsible for the management of centralised and decentralised projects that contribute to the fight against climate change and to raise awareness about various environmental issues.

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.

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.