Our People

Presbytera Maria Koulianos, B.S. Ed., M.Div., Th.M., is an educational leader and program director with nearly three decades of experience strengthening mission driven institutions through strategic planning, organizational development, and community engagement. Known for her clarity of communication, pastoral warmth, and commitment to helping communities flourish, she brings a distinctive blend of academic expertise, operational leadership, and faith centered vision to her role as Director of Philanthropic Initiatives & Programs.

Rooted in her Orthodox Christian faith, Presbytera Maria has dedicated her career to cultivating communities where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Beginning in the inner city classroom, she discovered the joy of helping students thrive, an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to Christ centered service. Her leadership across schools, parishes, and nonprofit organizations strengthened her expertise in nonprofit development, strategic communication, and community engagement—skills she now brings to philanthropic leadership.

In addition, her graduate studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, culminating in both an M.Div. and Th.M., deepened her theological grounding and pastoral sensibilities. This formation continues to shape her approach to leadership with analytical rigor, compassionate insight, and a commitment to strengthening Orthodox witness.

As Director of Philanthropic Initiatives & Programs, Presbytera Maria advances institutional mission, strengthens community impact, and cultivates vibrant, faith centered engagement. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to service—educational, pastoral, and communal—and a steadfast commitment to building up the Body of Christ, honoring human dignity, deepening Orthodox faith, and fostering meaningful, mission aligned impact.