Ariana Masselou
A not so easily satisfied spirit, Ariana has studied French Literature and worked for many years as a marketer in the film industry before settling in the world of tourism. Thousands of miles of traveling around the world meanwhile, she has been strongly attracted to local cultures and has persistently immersed herself in exploring the places she has visited, visiting the homes of the locals, learning their language, and sampling their meals. Holding in her quiver three foreign languages (French, English, Italian), a hiking guide diploma, a group escort certification, she continues to visit and read about various parts of Greece, and there is nothing that brings her greater joy than presenting travelers to Greece’s profound beauty, particularly her beloved, Cyclades, where her base is.
She chose Andros as her homeplace and still continues to explore inch by inch the Andriotic land, wandering the old trails, discovering and “feeling” this peculiar and diverse landscape, reading about history and culture through books, and getting closer to the locals.
In 2012 with some friends and partners with the same approach towards life, she created a team of experts, who would introduce the “alternative” Andros to travelers, and each one of them sharing their knowledge and practices. And this is how 10 years later One Foot Forward Travel was born. An eco-friendly outdoor and cultural activities agency in the Cyclades.
Her aim is to offer sustainable and responsible travel services, with activities that animate and enrich with new experiences the mind, body, and soul of the visitor!
She worships the God Sun, and lives with 7 cats…..
Stavroula Lavassidou
Born and raised in Athens in 1999, Stavroula has charted a path defined by her passion for nature, education, and adventure. She holds a degree in History and Archaeology from the University of Ioannina. However, during her studies, she felt uncertain about the direction she wanted to pursue, leading her to explore a variety of educational seminars and programs. Her deep interest in working with children inspired her to focus on combining education with playful activities in natural settings, envisioning a more libertarian approach to learning.
Stavroula’s connection to nature blossomed over time, becoming a central part of her life. In 2024, she completed the “Outdoor Recreation Activity Animator” training program at the University of Thessaly. This pivotal experience equipped her with the skills and confidence to join One Foot Forward as Operations Manager, a role that aligns seamlessly with her enthusiasm for organization and her passion for the outdoors. Beyond her managerial responsibilities, she also serves as a hiking and climbing guide, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration that defines the team.
In her leisure time, Stavroula enjoys hiking, climbing, and practicing aerial acrobatics. Her dedication to her professional and personal pursuits reflects her dynamic energy and commitment to a life intertwined with nature and creativity. Stavroula’s journey inspires those around her, making her an invaluable part of the One Foot Forward team.
Joseph Papadopoulos
Joseph is a devoted admirer of Andros and nature, with a rich background and experiences that make him the ideal guide for exploring the island.
Born in Brazil, he grew up in Thessaloniki and studied Political and Economic Sciences in Grenoble, France. After a successful career in the business world, he visited Andros for the first time in 2008 and was captivated by its beauty and positive energy. This transformative experience led him to settle permanently on the island in 2017.
Joseph was one of the founding members of the Andros Routes initiative, actively contributing to the maintenance and promotion of the island’s trails. This involvement allowed him to deeply connect with the beauty of Andros and develop a new, high-quality way of life, linking the past with the present while showing love and respect for nature.
He speaks three foreign languages and holds certification in first aid, ensuring that he can safely and professionally guide visitors through the magical landscapes of the island.
In addition to his passion for hiking, Joseph is an independent artist specializing in photography and videography. He also maintains a YouTube channel under his name, where he shares his experiences and travels.
With his expertise and deep love for Andros, Joseph Papadopoulos is the perfect guide for anyone looking to discover the hidden treasures of the island.
Alex Karadimos
Alex was born and raised in a village of Andros until his teenage years where he moved to Athens and later to Holland for studies on geology and music. Growing up surrounded by sea and mountains he was involved in different athletics such as skiing, climbing, mountaineering, running.
As a musician he is participating in the local scene of Athens playing guitar and composing strange music and sounds for dance and theater.
He holds certification from Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing, has numerous ascents on mountains in Greece and Europe and is impassioned to convey his experience on nature through guiding.
He speaks Greek and English.
Harikleia Daniolou
Harikleia began her career as a cook at a young age and rose to become one of the most popular and loved cooks on the island. She has done the catering for weddings and parties and she has appeared in tv cooking programs. One activity that everyone remembers and loves her for, was the program teaching young children to cook. Which she did out of her love for cooking and believing that food and knowledge of the local produce and cooking with them is a lesson that you learn early in life the way her family taught her.
With her many years of experience and her love for the Andriotic Land, she decided to create a unique place in the centre of Chora, “Skalakia ” where for years, now, she shares her gastronomic skills with the visitors of the island.
