Biography

My academic journey began at the Lebanese American University, where I pursued my undergraduate degree in Social Work. Those years helped shape my commitment to understanding and serving people. My curiosity and love for learning led me to continue my studies at the American University of Beirut (AUB), where I earned a Master’s degree in Philosophy. My thesis, “Metaphysical Abstraction in the Works of Jacques Maritain,” allowed me to explore deeply the philosophical ideas that have long fascinated me.

My search for knowledge then took me to the University of Geneva, where I completed a DEA in Ecumenical Studies. My research, “Theology and Parish Structure: A Case Study of the Parish of Bienne-Ville,” gave me valuable insight into how faith and community are organized and lived.

Later, at the University of Edinburgh, I earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development and Youth Studies. My thesis, “Social Welfare in Lebanon Between the Private and the Public Sectors,” helped me better understand the complexities and challenges of social welfare in my home country.

I also hold a United Nations Certificate in Simultaneous Translation (Arabic–English–French), which I obtained at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Professional Journey

Professionally, my path has been as diverse as my studies. I began as an Instructor—and later Director—at the Social Services Training Center, before joining UNICEF’s Area Office in Beirut as a Consultant in Social Services and Assistant Program Officer. In that role, I was involved in training programs across Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, and Morocco.

I later served as Director of the Orthodox Relief Service at the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Mount Lebanon, where I also edited the Archbishopric’s publications and coordinated training programs for parish staff. At the same time, I taught Pastoral Theology and Religious Education at the Institute of Saint John the Damascene.

Teaching has always been close to my heart. I taught Social Work and Sociology at the Lebanese American University, and from 1990 to 2011, I was a Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Social Work Education Program at Haigazian University. Even after my retirement in June 2018, I continued teaching part-time — a testament to how much I value being in the classroom.