ABOUT
NISSIMOU
"NISSIMOU is the realisation of a dream: to create an inclusive environment on the island of Spetses, located 2.5 hours away from Athens. The quality of life offered on the island naturally brings many therapeutic benefits for special needs children who could need routines, small familiar places, low sensory overload, and a general slower pace of life.
No cars, short distances in between places (everything is 5 min away), untouched nature, quiet atmosphere, pedestrian road, a wide range of activities for families and children, a small village mindset and hospitality…"
Hannah Beraud-Hindi
HOW WE STARTED.
The NISSIMOU non profit organisation was created on Spetses, out of an essential and urgent need in Hannah and Karl’s family: giving their daughter, Athina, 7 years old, access to speech therapy and occupational therapy, on the island. Indeed, no therapies were available on Spetses, and both Athina, her family, but also all the other families experiencing the same situation, had no choice but to travel across the sea, reach the mainland and find therapists in the region. Sometimes having to travel all the way to Athens, weekly, or even worse, move away.
Athina's journey with Type 1 Diabetes and communication challenges connected to her Autism, inspired Hannah and Karl to create a virtuous support system. And the beauty of it is that in addition to supporting Athina’s therapeutic needs, it also benefits all local families and children facing the same challenges.
NISSIMOU, which means “my island” in Greek, makes therapies and inclusion a reality for every child on Spetses since November 2024.
TIMELINE.
OUR VISION.
To change the lives of families on the island of Spetses.
OUR MISSION.
To create and maintain the first inclusive therapy centre on the island of Spetses and provide children aged 2–12, access to speech and language, and occupational therapy services.
OUR GOALS.
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Create and maintain the first inclusive therapy centre for children 2-12 years old and therapists, on the island
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Provide access to speech and language therapy and occupational therapy
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Create inclusive workshops
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Raise awareness about neurodiversity and inclusion
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Support families holistically
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OUR PHILOSOPHY.
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At Nissimou, we believe that every child deserves access to care, understanding, and opportunity within their own community.
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Our philosophy is grounded in inclusion, accessibility, and respect for neurodiversity. We recognise that every child develops and communicates in their own way, and we meet them with acceptance, care, and professional support tailored to their individual needs.
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Nissimou exists to remove barriers for families on Spetses by bringing certified therapists to the island and fostering an inclusive culture through playgroups, events, and community initiatives. Our goal is simple: to ensure that no child or family feels excluded, unsupported, or forced to leave their home to receive essential care.
OUR TEAM.
Behind every initiative stands a team of people who share the same passion: empowering children, supporting families, and nurturing a space where everyone can thrive.
Hannah Beraud-Hindi
Marianna Thimara
Team Assistant & Special Education Teacher
OUR THERAPISTS.
Certified, independent and passionate professionals from Athens, Spetses & Europe.
Zoe Fostini
Speech & Language Therapist
Ioanna Kyriakou
Psychologist
Maria Vrana
Occupational Therapist
Dune Jensen
Psychologist
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS.
We are proud to collaborate with the therapists’ team of the centre ALLILEPIDRO in Athens. How do they support the therapists of NISSIMOU? By offering supervision services, monthly. Through these monthly meetings, therapists receive education, guidance and support. This collaboration between NISSIMOU and ALLILEPIDRO is key to ensure the highest quality of services is provided to the children with special needs on the island.
HouseHub is a non profit organization based in Athens, founded by experienced speech and language therapist, Mrs. Ellianna Mantaka-Brinkmann.
Ellianna brings her extensive clinical expertise and deep commitment to inclusive practices to Spetses, acting as a scientific advisor and mentor to our founders.
In addition, through the initiative #HouseHubProjectSpetses which is a unique collaboration between NISSIMOU and HOUSE HUB, we bring our vision of inclusion to life through events, seminars, and workshops.
SUPPORTERS.
Special thanks to our early supporters:
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Mr. Andreas Gembler & Mrs. Renate Gembler, ex-CEO & Chairman of BACARDI & Philip Morris International
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Mrs. Hannah Beraud & Mr. Karl Hindi, Founders and Owners of YAYAKI SPETSES HOTEL
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Dr. Elena Soukakou, Honorary Research Fellow, Roehampton School of Education, UK
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Mrs. Ellianna Mantaka-Brinkmann, Co-Founder of NGO HOUSEHUB in Kifissia/Athens, Speech Therapist
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Mr. Phokion Potamianos, Founder of Community Trust Spetses NGO & Mrs. Efthymia Psarakou, Manager of Community Trust Spetses
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Board members of the Anargyrion & Korgialenion School of Spetses
