Lina Kostarova-Unkovska
Lina Kostarova-Unkovska is a clinical psychologist, specialyst in trauma and crisis psychology, and principle investigator (PI) for HBSC Macedonia, since 1998. After 20 years of working at the University of Skopje, as a lecturer in clinical psychology and mental health, she founded the Center for Psychosocial and Crisis Action, as an independent professional agency, to respond to the urgent need for psychosocial assistance and support to individuals, groups and communities at risks, particularly children and youth facing poverty, inequality, and violation of their rights, in the midst of the fast transformation of the system.
Sheruze Osmani Ballazhi
Sheruze Osmani Ballazhi is docent in the field of Social Psychology at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, State University of Tetovo. She is member of Macedonian Association for Transactional Analysis (MATA). Her field of research covers: social and ethnic identity, group relations, and intergroup attitudes. She is a member of the Macedonian HBSC team since 2006 – at the beginning as a field researcher and from 2010 on as researcher.
Kalina Sotiroska Ivanoska
Kalina Sotiroska Ivanoska is an associate professor at the Institute of Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje at the University “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje. Her research interests focus on school and teaching staff improvement to upgrade youth health and well-being. She is actively engaged in the practical improvement of the lives of young people.
Maja Cvetanoska
Maja’s education is in psychology and peace-building, with a professional focus on finding innovative solutions in education and social inclusion. She has been working on projects for early childhood development, child rights, conflict resolution, ICT integration in education, youth employability, inclusion of vulnerable youth, psycho-social support to refugee children and awareness raising on refugee rights. communication and collaboration. As entrepreneur, she has established a kindergarten and an NGO to offer alternative practices and during her work she has successfully introduced innovation by creating teachers’ community of practice and professional learning communities for preschool teachers, as well as applying co-creation in youth related activities. She joined North Macedonia HBSC team in 2018.
Ibrahim Neziri
Ibrahim Neziri is an associate professor in the field of organizational psychology, psychometrics and methodology, at the Psychology study program at the Faculty of Philosophy, DUT, Tetovo. His field of research includes: psychological and social working conditions, the importance and effects of family cohesion on employee efficiency, as well as scientific research methodology, developed skills in statistical data processing and skillfully uses various programs for data collection and processing. It also advocates for the improvement of the teaching staff in the country, investigating various aspects of their work, thus highlighting the importance of the teaching profession on the social and
mental health of students. He is included in the HBSC team in 2021.
Luljeta Bexheti
Luljeta Bexheti is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tetovo, Republic of North Macedonia. She received her PhD in Psychology from the European University of Tirana, Рepublic of Albania (2017), and she received a B.S. and an M.S. from the Faculty of Philosophy in Tetovo. Specifically, her research interests are in the field of organizational psychology, gender relations, human resource management, psychology of communication, and psychology of emotional intelligence. Since 2021, she has been part of the HBSC Macedonian team.
Ana Poprizova
Ana Poprizova is a psychologist and Gestalt therapist. She works in a high school as a psychology teacher and school psychologist for more than 20 years. She is the president of the Association of School Psychologist, Pedagogist and Special educators of Secondary Schools of the City of Skopje. She likes to work with young people and shows a special interest in the psychology of adolescents, knows their characteristics, developmentаl period and the challenges they face in the educational process and beyond. She knows the educational system well and has experience in work and education of teachers, professional associates and parents. She is also interested in topics from mental health, ways and methods for personal growth and personality development.
Ivan Hristov
Ivan Hristov is a school psychologist and Gestalt psychotherapist under supervision. He has many years of experience in working with school and preschool aged children. He has worked on national and international projects in the field of education, early childhood development, mentoring and inclusion. He is also a trainer in the field of psychology and psychological support. He believes that through awareness, responsibility and support we can change our behavior and everyday life. He is part of the HBSC Study team since 2022.