Ilektra Balatsou

Ilektra Balatsou is a dynamic and multifaceted member of the CLEO research team, combining extensive clinical experience as a nurse with specialized academic background in Public Health and Special Education. She is a PhD Candidate at the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), enhancing her methodological training. She holds two Master of Science (MSc) degrees: one in Applied Public Health (National School of Public Health), focusing on health behaviors and promotion, and one in Special Education, Counseling, and Speech Therapy (University of Athens). She holds a degree in Nursing (Technological Educational Institute of Athens) and a Certification in Pedagogical and Teaching Competence (ASPETE).

Her professional trajectory is characterized by diverse and critical roles. As a School Nurse & School Life Counselor at the Ministry of Education (2020 – present), and specifically within Special Education units (ENEEGYL Athens), she provides specialized care to students with chronic conditions (e.g., Type I Diabetes), oversees the hygiene of the school environment, educates students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on health behaviors, and has served as a School Life Counselor and COVID-19 Management Officer. 

Prior to this, she was a Public Health Researcher at CLEO – Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Outcomes Research (2020 – 2025), where she held a central role in the design, supervision, and implementation of control and prevention programs (especially healthcare-associated infections) and participated in the management of European programs, as well as the writing of scientific articles. Her experience also includes serving as a Cancer Registrar at HCDCP/KEELPNO – National Cancer Registry (2014 – 2015), where she managed the organization and coordination of the registration process for newly diagnosed cancer cases. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Emergency Department Nurse at AEMY – Olympic Village Polyclinic (2008 – 2011), providing nursing care in emergency cases and outpatient clinics. 

Regarding her scientific contribution, her work has been presented at international and Greek conferences, with a strong emphasis on the vital role of school nursing and healthcare for vulnerable populations.