Vasilis Kokkinos

President, Board of Directors

With more than ten years dedicated to higher and international education, Vasilis has built a distinguished career across leading educational institutions in the United States and Greece. His hands-on experience in governance, administration, program design, and logistics equips him with a unique perspective on what it takes to deliver impactful, well-organized international education programs.

Vasilis holds a BSc in Marketing Communications from the American College of Greece and an MA in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University — an academic journey that itself reflects the power of international education. As a student, he lacked the financial means to study abroad, but a series of scholarships made the experience possible. That opportunity proved life-changing, igniting a passion for global exploration that has since taken him to over 50 countries. It is precisely that personal journey — from a student who almost missed out, to a global citizen shaped by the world — that drives his commitment to ensuring no student is held back by financial barriers.

Darren Gagnon

Vice President, Board of Directors

Darren combines nearly 20 years teaching experience with his years of parenting children from hard places. Darren and his wife Stacey have 7 children, two biological children and five adopted children. Darren’s years as a foster dad, along with his experience as a secondary teacher gives him a unique perspective and ability to understand and communicate the effects of childhood trauma. Darren spends his free time hunting, hiking, camping and supporting his wife in her home renovation dreams.

Apart from his service at Melissani Foundation, Darren is also the co-founder and president of Lost Sparrows, a non-profit providing family support and education around the effect of childhood trauma.

Michalis Michailidis

Treasurer, Board of Directors

With over ten years of experience in finance, including more than five years focused on banking and treasury operations, Michalis has built a strong foundation in financial management, liquidity planning, risk assessment, and treasury strategy. He is known for his analytical mindset, sound judgment, and ability to deliver practical, sustainable financial solutions that support long-term growth. He combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to drive effective financial leadership and decision-making critical for any organization.

Michalis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a Minor in Economics from Northern Arizona University, as well as a Master of Finance from the University of Arizona. Having received scholarships for both degrees, he understands firsthand the value of such support and is committed to helping students access opportunities to study abroad through his service at Melissani Foundation.

Daniela Pesce

Member, Board of Directors

Daniela’s professional life has been marked by a devotion to expanding access to transformational educational opportunities. As a first-generation college student—and the first in her family to study abroad—she understands both the challenges and the life-changing opportunities that accompany international learning.

Her experiences as an undergraduate student in the United States and abroad inspired her to become a social studies teacher. After earning a BA in History from UC Irvine and an MA in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, she taught for seven years in New York City and Miami. During this time, she designed international learning experiences and led students on educational trips abroad.

After her years in secondary school classrooms, Daniela continued her commitment to international education at Northern Arizona University, where she worked to expand study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students.

Currently, she devotes her time to ENGin, an organization that teaches adults living in Ukraine English. She is also a lifelong learner and history enthusiast, having recently completed a Master’s degree in History through Harvard Extension School. In her free time, she enjoys running, spending time in nature, reading, and cooking.