2025-2026 Fanari Camping Ministries Leadership Team
Camp Director - Maria Pentaris
Maria is a certified high school special education teacher at Neuqua Valley High School and attends St. Andrew in Chicago and Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester. . Her connection to Fanari Camp runs deep—not only has she grown through the ranks from camper to counselor, theater staff member, evening activities coordinator, staff director, and assistant director—but the camp itself holds a special place in her heart. Her uncle, Fr. William Chiganos, founded Fanari Camp, and his vision for creating a space where Orthodox youth could grow in faith and fellowship continues to inspire her to this day.
Fanari Camp has been one of the most meaningful parts of Maria’s life. It’s where her love for the Church deepened, lifelong friendships were formed, and her passion for youth ministry was born. Every role she has taken on at camp has been a labor of love, rooted in her desire to carry forward her uncle’s legacy and help today’s youth experience the transformative power of Christ-centered community.
Now serving as the Director of Fanari Camping Ministries, Maria is humbled and thrilled to give back to a program that has given her so much. She hopes to impact each camper’s journey by creating an environment where they feel loved, supported, and inspired to grow closer to Christ.
Outside of camp life, Maria is a lifelong die-hard fan of the New Kids on the Block and the Chicago Cubs. In her downtime, she loves nothing more than spending quality time with her family and friends.
Spiritual Director - Fr. Kosmas Kallis
Born in Livonia, Michigan, Fr. Kosmas was shaped by the Church. He served as an altar boy in his home parish and participated in GOYA, Summer Camp and the CrossRoad Institute. He earned a BA in Religious Studies from Hellenic College in 2012 and an MDiv (with High Distinction) from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2014. Soon after graduation, Fr. Kosmas joined the Saints Peter and Paul parish as a full-time youth director, a position he held until 2018. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in October of 2015 and to the Holy Priesthood in March of 2016. In January of 2019, Fr. Kosmas was appointed Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries of the Chicago Metropolis. Currently, Fr. Kosmas is serving at St. Andrew of Chicago. Fr. Kosmas is married to Anna Kallis, and they have a son named Jonah, and a daughter named Mara.
Operations Director - Chrysanthe Agos
Chrysanthe has been involved with Fanari Camp since 2007 as a camper, and hasn't missed a summer since she was able to come back as a counselor. In the years of the transition from camper to counselor, she also attended Ionian Village where she was able to create a closer bond with her faith, in preparation of her first summer as a Fanari counselor. She attends St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL where she also teaches Greek dance at Solon Greek School and helps in other youth ministry programs. When not participating in youth and young adult ministries, Chrysanthe is a 2nd Grade teacher having her BA in Elementary Education (K-9).
She enjoys traveling, getting lost in a good book, and selling swag at the camp store! She's excited to see everyone once again this summer!
Staff Director - Julia Economy
Julia is back and ready for her third year as Female Staff Director at Fanari Camp, and if you've ever met her, you know the spirit is REAL. With a 10-1 spirit competition record (yes, she's keeping count), legendary clean queen skills, and co-writer credits on the unforgettable “Rules of Fanari” rap, Julia brings unmatched energy, passion, and heart to every corner of camp life.
Outside of camp, Julia is deeply rooted in the Metropolis of Chicago, attending both Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL and Ascension of Our Lord in Lincolnshire, IL. She's involved in several ministries as a GOYA advisor, Sunday school teacher, GOAL basketball coach, and an active YAL member.
Julia has been a part of the Fanari leadership team since 2020, serving as a 5-week counselor before stepping into her current role. She’s known for mentoring young adults, being a role model to campers and staff alike, and leading with the perfect combo of faith, fun, and Fanari spirit. She can’t wait to make more unforgettable memories with campers, staff, and clergy this summer. So get ready… because when Julia’s around, we have fun and party — all while growing in faith and fellowship
Staff Director - Gray Kafkes
Gray has been involved with Fanari Camp since 2015 and is ecstatic to be back for another summer! Gray earned his bachelors degree in Music Education with a minor in losing his voice at football games, as a member of the marching band, in 2019.
He is now a music teacher in Miami, Florida, but he grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago. Gray got involved in Fanari after his experience as a camper at Ionian Village in 2014 and fell in love with youth ministry. He is looking forward to another amazing summer at Fanari Camp!
Wellness Coordinator - Evan Sellas
Evan Sellas grew up attending the parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, IL. Evan became a counselor the summer of 2018 and has involved in Youth Ministry ever since. This is his first year being a part of the Leadership Team as a Wellness Coordinator and is very excited finally be a part of the Leadership team.
In addition to Fanari Camp, Evan has been a counselor for Lighthouse Camp since 2023, which is another Chicago Metropolis ministry centered around preparing Greek Orthodox individuals entering college. Evan is also an Advisor for the GOYA of his parish.
As the camp’s first Wellness Coordinator, Evan is looking to promote overall well-being for both counselors and campers and cannot wait for an amazing summer
Programming Team- Maria Kolimbiris
Maria grew up attending Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester, IL. From a young age she was active in Sunday School, VBS, JOY, GOYA, and Greek School. A highlight for Maria was having the opportunity to participate in the Metropolis of Chicago Oratorical Festival with her icon submissions of the Theotokos (2019) and Christ (2020).
Maria was an active volunteer for many parish events and enjoys baking prosforo on a regular basis. In 2023 she joined a group of Holy Apostles parishioners on mission to Project Mexico. Being part of the home-building team helped her grow in many ways. Not only did she learn some construction skills and sleep in a tent, but she also felt God’s love more than ever.
Maria has participated in many Orthodox Christian retreats. Her first experience was FANARI in 2018-2020. She then attended lighthouse in 2023, and just recently went to College Conference Midwest in 2024. Maria has a passion for art and is currently a rising junior at Illinois State University majoring in Art Education. Maria’s experience working with children over the summer during the past four years led her to the decision to pursue a career in Education. On campus she participates in OCF and loves her weekly game nights with her friends at the library
Programming Team- Magdalena Pontikes
Programming Team- Lia Prassas
Social Media Director - Connie Koustenis
Connie is a high school math teacher in the off-season where she uses her math skills to count the days until Fanari Camp begins! Connie’s home parish is Holy Apostles in Westchester, IL, and she has attended Fanari in previous years as a camper, counselor and staff director. She is now elated this year to be able to use her talents to keep the Fanari Camp community connected through social media.
Connie is married to James (whom she met at Ionian Village and was also a Fanari Camp counselor!) and has a son named Teddy and a daughter named Phoebe.
5Week Girls Counselor - Lia Christofidis
5Week Guys Counselor - Nick Koutsiouris
Nick is super excited to join the leadership team this summer as a 5 week counselor. This will be his second year counseling but his first as a 5 weeker. He grew up attending Fanari as a camper and ended his journey as a camper at Lighthouse. Nick's home parish is Saints Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, Illinois. Nick is very involved at his church donating his time for many events including the Greek fest, Jr. Olympics and also serving in the altar.
Currently Nick is working as a freelance Audio/Visual Technician for various companies and his looking to pursue a career in this field. He also works at his church preparing for events, sacraments and anything else needed.
Nick hopes to be the best counselor he can possibly be and have a lasting impact on his campers like his former counselors had on him. In his free time he enjoys many activities like watching football, hanging with friends and family and jamming to music. His favorites are Rock, Metal, Classic and Greek. He is looking forward to an amazing summer growing in his faith and making forever lasting memories with his Co Counselors and Campers.
5Week Girls Counselor - Eleni Kurtis
Eleni is super excited to be back at camp this summer! This will be her second summer as a 5 Week counselor and she has been counting down the days since last July. She grew up attending Fanari as a camper every summer, as well as Lighthouse and CrossRoad during her high school years. Her home parish is St. Andrew’s in South Bend, IN, but is currently attending St. Alexis in Lafayette, IN.
Currently, Eleni is a sophomore studying Selling and Sales Management with a minor in General Management at Purdue University. She is very active in the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) chapter where she serves as the Social Committee Chair, as well as being an OCF Great Lakes regional ambassador. She is also active within the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) and Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM), where they work to raise money for Riley hospital for children in Indianapolis.
In her free time, you will most likely find Eleni blasting music, going on spontaneous adventures, and of course having a cup of coffee in her hand. This summer Eleni is looking forward to another five weeks of fun, faith, and FANARI!!!
5Week Guys Counselor - Louis Nicholas
Louis is a returning 5 Week Counselor. His home parish is Holy Apostles (Westchester, IL). He has attended many youth events, including Jr GOYA, GOYA, and Fanari, and was a member of the Holy Apostles Basketball Dynasty. This will mark his 8th year with Fanari Camp.
Louis is a sophomore studying Kinesiology at the College of DuPage. He is a Rehabilitation Aide at Athletico and is a tutor as well. He will be transferring to the University of Illinois, Chicago, in the fall. He plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. In his free time, Louis enjoys staying active, spending time with his little brother, and finding a way to get some espresso every week.
Louis has fostered many connections through Fanari, especially as a camper, and will look to recreate this same environment for his campers this year. He can’t wait to bring his SPIRIT to Fanari this summer.
5Week Guys Counselor - Billy Panos
5Week Guys Counselor - Michael Peroulas
5Week Girls Counselor - Maria Sellas
5Week Girls Counselor - Suzie Stipp
Suzie is looking forward to 5 weeks of Fanari this summer! Her home parish is Annunciation in Kankakee, but while at school she attends St. Basil’s in Chicago. Suzie is currently a sophomore at North Park University (in Chicago), majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in public policy. She is involved in lots of different clubs/activities on campus, and loves going to OCF Chicago events with her friends!
Fanari (and Lighthouse!) have brought so many meaningful, lasting relationships for her, and she is looking forward to being a part of helping campers to have similar experiences with a lasting impact! Suzie is counting down the days until being back at camp, and the opportunity to grow closer to God and each other!