Maria Kyriakantonaki-Bakola

Maria Kyriakantonaki-Bakola, the visionary Director of Nostos Hellenic Academy, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Hellenic education. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree and fluent in French, she has also served as the Director of Saint Nectarios Greek School in Roslindale, MA, for the past five years. This extensive leadership, combined with her strong Cretan heritage and significant experience in the Boston area, has enabled her to establish a dynamic and nurturing learning environment at the Academy. Maria's passion for education, alongside her role as a mother of two wonderful girls and a happy wife, is evident in her dedication to fostering a profound appreciation for the Greek language and culture in her students. A native Greek speaker with a love for nature and music, she infuses her work with a vibrant and personal touch.

Beyond her leadership at Nostos Hellenic Academy and Saint Nectarios Greek School, Maria is a dedicated educator in the Brookline Public Schools, where she supports students with diverse learning needs. Her commitment extends to leading "Explore Greek," an engaging after-school program focused on Greek mythology and language.

To further enhance her expertise, Maria participated in the 10th International Summer University in Boston, focusing on Greek language, culture, and media. She also holds a certificate from the Center for Greek Language's "Diadromes" program in Thessaloniki, specializing in teaching Greek as a second language internationally.

As an Ellinomatheia examiner at the only Modern Greek certification center in New England, Maria possesses a keen understanding of the specific requirements for Greek language proficiency. Her direct involvement in the evaluation process provides invaluable insight into the needs of students seeking certification, directly informing the Academy's personalized program to effectively guide them toward success.

Maria's innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in establishing Nostos Hellenic Academy as a thriving center for Hellenic education. Her active involvement on the Maliotis Cultural Center advisory committee further underscores her dedication to promoting Greek culture within the broader community.