Team – Mode Rehabilitation

Meet the Mode Family

An interdisciplinary team with a range of specialities

Founder

Susan McCormack

Founder/CEO

Susan McCormack is the founder and director of Mode Rehabilitation. She is a counsellor and EMDR psychotherapist with a Masters in Counselling and an MPhil in Health & Social Care. She is also IAPCT accredited MOL therapist.

Susan is registered with the BACP, BABCP, UKPTS, and CMSUK, bringing extensive experience in delivering psychological therapies across NHS primary and secondary care, the criminal justice system, and educational settings.

With over 12 years of dedicated service, Susan’s passion for mental health advocacy stems from her own personal journey, giving her a deep, firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those in rehabilitation. Her trauma-informed approach ensures that individuals with complex needs receive tailored, holistic support that fosters healing and resilience.

Beyond Mode Rehabilitation, Susan co-founded Project RECCE, an initiative supporting military personnel with complex trauma and PTSD. Under her leadership, Mode Rehabilitation has pioneered impactful programs, including the Veterans Drop-In Centre, Lakeside Project, and Reset for Vets, providing rapid access to mental health care, peer-led support, and career transition pathways for veterans.

Susan’s commitment to mental health extends beyond therapy—she is a driving force behind innovative, person-centered interventions that create lasting change in the lives of those she serves.

Clinical Staff

George Pavainis

Clinical Assistant Manager

Originally born in Riga, Latvia, George moved to the UK in order to get his master’s degree in psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Areas of interest: clinical psychology and psychiatry, traumatic brain injury, addictions, exploring various common and unconventional coping strategies, psychological research. Joined Mode Rehabilitation team in August 2023, as a clinical and research assistant.

Arabella Mirza

Ambassador

Hello I am Arabella! Advocate for Mental Health services and Counsellor. I currently provide counseling support to both young people and adults across the greater Manchester area. I am proud to have rejoined the amazing team at Mode Rehabilitation who continue to deliver outstanding psychological services to support Military Veterans and their families. The team at Mode strives to build resilient communities and we welcome all members of the veteran community.

Matias E.Salgado

Clinical Psychologist

Our Clinical Psychologist, both EMDR and CBT Accredited and joint with the CEO to be the first to recieve the accreditation for Method Of Levels (MOL) globally.

Dr Warren Mansell

Supervisor

Our long standing supervisor, providing his extensive knowledge and skills as a supervisor since 2008.

Trustees

Sebastian Gerrard ESQ served 6 years as a kings royal hussar, as a challenger tank crewman and various dismounted roles including Northern Ireland. He then re-started the family firm Gerrards of Swinton, involved in haulage and building projects nationwide.

He then went on to found various other companies including mobile phone networks, green energy projects, training companies and consultancy.

He has invented revolutionary green hydrogen technology which has been developed in partnership with Manchester Met university.

Sebastian has sat on business advisory boards for Salford council, Manchester council and Army rugby league.

He has led various charity initiatives including sponsorship of countless children’s and adult teams, playground equipment for local schools, defibrillators for local churches and recently for ex forces, helping to home over 600 ex forces and get them free training and employment.

Sebastian is very much looking forward to using his experience to help Mode to become nationwide.

Sebastian Gerrard Esq

Chair

Brigadier Mike Taylor MBE

Trustee

Brigadier Mike Taylor commissioned into the Royal Logistic Corps in 1995, beginning his career with 8 Artillery Support Regiment and deploying to Bosnia. He later served as Petroleum Troop Commander in Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines, deploying to Kosovo, and as 2IC at the Defence School of Petroleum. Following staff courses, he joined PJHQ as SO2 CONLOG, deploying to Afghanistan on preliminary operations with JFLogC.

As Officer Commanding Logistic Support Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines, he deployed on Operation Herrick 9, conducting Combat Logistic Patrols and earning an MBE. Subsequent roles included SO2 CSS at Combined Arms Staff Trainer (N), preparing brigades for Afghan operations, and Officer Commanding at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After completing the Australian Advanced Command and Staff Course, he became Deputy Chief of Staff at Collective Training Group and later commanded 151 Regiment RLC.

Brigadier Taylor’s career has included a tour with the EU mission to Somalia, senior roles in Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and leadership within the AJAX project. Promoted to Brigadier in 2021, he now serves as Head of Customer Support Team Land Domain.

He is married with two children and recently built a Passivehaus-certified home in Tickenham. Passionate about fitness, he serves as President of Army Weightlifting and RLC Rugby League, as well as Chairman of Army Rugby League.

With a distinguished 27-year military career, Matthew Totton has dedicated his life to leadership, resilience, and operational excellence. Rising from private soldier to Warrant Officer Class One before earning his commission, he has served in some of the world’s most demanding environments. His experience includes eight operational tours across Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Cyprus, along with extensive global training programs.

As a senior instructor, Matthew has delivered specialized training in Arctic and Jungle Warfare, Ski Mountaineering, and Special Operations Logistics in locations such as Norway, Brunei, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, India, and Bangladesh. His expertise in leading teams in high-stress environments has made him a respected mentor and trainer, shaping the next generation of military personnel.

Beyond his military career, Matthew is a passionate advocate for veterans’ mental health and rehabilitation. He is dedicated to ensuring that service personnel receive the guidance, structure, and care they need to transition successfully into civilian life. His firsthand understanding of the physical and psychological challenges of military service allows him to support veterans with empathy and insight.

An accomplished mountaineer, Matthew has successfully ascended some of the Alps’ most formidable peaks, including the Eiger and the Matterhorn. His perseverance and discipline in extreme conditions reflect his commitment to overcoming challenges—a mindset he brings to his leadership roles.

Now serving as a board member of Mode Rehabilitation, Matthew plays a crucial role in shaping initiatives that support veterans’ mental health, resilience, and reintegration. His leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication ensure that those who have served receive the comprehensive support systems they deserve.

Captain Matthew Totton

Trustee

Lieutenant Colonel Rich Grover MBE

Trustee

Rich was commissioned into the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 2002, beginning his military career as a platoon commander in Northern Ireland. He later deployed to Iraq on Op TELIC 4 in 2004, leading a light reconnaissance platoon, before returning to Northern Ireland in 2005 as a company second-in-command.

In 2007, Rich became the adjutant of the newly formed Mercian Regiment and deployed to Iraq again on Op TELIC 11. Promoted to acting-major in 2009, he commanded B (Malta) Company during Op HERRICK 12 in Afghanistan, serving as part of the 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group in Helmand. For his leadership, he was awarded an MBE in the operational honours list.

Following the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land), Rich was posted to the Collective Training Group, overseeing training in BATUS (Canada) and BATUK (Kenya). Returning to 1 MERCIAN in 2013, he led B (Malta) Company through significant transitions, including a unit move, regimental amalgamation, and a re-role to armoured infantry.

In 2015, Rich was appointed SO2 G3 in Force Troops Command, where he led efforts to deploy the first Royal Engineer unit to South Sudan for UN operations. He later served as Chief of Staff for HQ British Forces in Somalia (Op TANGHAM) before attending the Advanced Command and Staff Course.

Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded the 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment, overseeing its transition and two deployments to Kenya. In 2022, he assumed command of the Combat Ready Training Centre. Selected for promotion to Colonel, he will deploy to Somalia as commander of UK forces in 2025.

Rich is married to Hannah, with three children. Since 2023, he has chaired the Army Rugby League, one of the Army’s most inclusive sports.

Mike Wood’s transformation from battling addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others is a testament to resilience, empathy, and purpose. Since overcoming alcohol addiction in 1996, he has dedicated over two decades to helping individuals rebuild their lives, using his personal experience to inspire and guide others.

Born in Stockport, Mike understands the struggles of addiction firsthand. His commitment extends beyond traditional therapy—he has opened his home to the homeless, providing not just shelter but a pathway to sobriety and self-worth. His approach reflects the belief that lived experience fosters authentic connections and lasting change.

Mike’s impact extends into the world of sports recovery. He worked with Sporting Chance, a charity supporting athletes facing addiction, where he spent four years designing tailored treatment programs. By blending evidence-based strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an understanding of the high-pressure world of professional sports, he helped numerous athletes reclaim their lives.

Now, alongside Mick McCarthy, Mike embarks on The Cross-Country Mission: Raising Funds, Igniting Hope, a nationwide campaign supporting addiction recovery initiatives. Their mission highlights the importance of community-driven support, particularly in underserved areas where addiction rates are high.

His guiding mantra, “One man helping another to get sober,” encapsulates his life’s work. Whether through hands-on mentorship, advocacy, or rehabilitation initiatives, Mike continues to redefine what it means to thrive after addiction.

Beyond his work in recovery, Mike is the CEO of SuperMarket Cars and a devoted father of five. His daughter, Amy Lou Wood, is a rising star in the entertainment industry, while Emily Wood has made a name for herself as a talented and unconventional makeup artist.

Mike Wood

Trustee

Shirley Ridgeway

Trustee

Shirley Ridgeway is a proud mother of three grown-up children, two stepchildren, and six grandchildren. She has been self-employed since the age of 19 and is a qualified hairdresser. Throughout her career, Shirley developed a keen understanding of business operations, particularly in managing her accounts for her hairdressing business. Her dedication to her work and entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force in her career.

Shirley’s involvement in football began when her three sons played for a local junior football club. As a mother actively engaged in her children’s lives, Shirley decided to further her commitment to the sport and qualified as a football coach. She then went on to manage a junior football team, coaching children from under 8’s to under 16’s, where she helped them develop not only their football skills but also teamwork and leadership qualities.

Building on her extensive experience in coaching and working with young athletes, Shirley founded Footytotz 25 years ago. This coaching business focuses on introducing young children to the fundamentals of football in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Shirley’s passion for creating positive, lasting experiences for children in sport has helped Footytotz thrive, and it continues to make a significant impact in her community.

Shirley remains dedicated to empowering children through sports, and her work with Footytotz has cemented her as a leading figure in local youth football development.

Paul Sculthorpe MBE is a former English professional rugby league footballer who played as a loose forward, stand-off, or second row forward during the 1990s and 2000s. Renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility on the field, Paul represented both England and Great Britain at international level, as well as proudly representing Lancashire. His club career began with the Warrington Wolves, but it was at St. Helens where he truly made his mark. Over the course of his time with the club, Paul won a total of four Grand Finals, four Challenge Cups, and two World Club Challenges. He is also famously the first, and currently only, player to win the prestigious Man of Steel Award in two consecutive seasons.

Paul announced his retirement from the sport in September 2008, leaving behind an illustrious legacy in rugby league. His remarkable achievements led to his induction into the Rugby Hall of Fame in September 2024, further solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.

In recognition of his immense contribution to rugby league and his charitable work, Paul was awarded the honour of MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for “Services to Rugby League and to Charity.”

Mode Rehabilitation is proud and honoured to have Paul’s collaboration and ongoing support, as his dedication to both sport and community continues to inspire others. His involvement underscores the importance of resilience, teamwork, and giving back to the community.

Paul Sculthorpe MBE

Trustee

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Brunskill

Trustee

Lieutenant Colonel Brunskill was born into a military family, with a father in the submarine service. He was educated in Lancashire and, after completing a BA (Hons) in International Relations and War Studies, he joined the 22nd Cheshire Regiment on 4 January 1998, having previously commissioned via the University Officer Training Corps at Nottingham Trent University.

As a platoon and company commander, Lieutenant Colonel Brunskill served on operations and within overseas garrisons in Germany, Bosnia, Cyprus, the British Falkland Islands, Iraq, Belize, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Afghanistan. He has utilised his Arabic language skills by working with foreign nations in capacity-building roles and has undertaken periods of detached loan service in Jordan and Kuwait.

More recently, Lieutenant Colonel Brunskill has been deeply involved in Capability and Acquisition. He led the trials and acceptance team for infantry vehicles and is now the Senior Requirements Manager for the AJAX and BOXER project teams within MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol.

Lieutenant Colonel Brunskill is a proud trustee of Mode Rehabilitation and also serves as Director of Development for Army Rugby League. Outside of work, he is a keen winter sports enthusiast, an able-bodied and adaptive ski instructor, and a rather unsuccessful hunter and fisherman.

Advisory Board

Flt Lt Harriet Tadikonda

Harriet Tadikonda is an award-winning former Royal Air Force Officer with 18 years’ service. She founded the RAF Spitfires Choir, created the One Voice Initiative, and won a Women in Defence Award for cross-service collaboration. A published author with an MA in Islamic Studies, she later led supply-chain cyber security in an international defence organisation and continues championing unity, culture, and charitable work.

John Quinn

A former British Army soldier with 1 SCOTS (2004–2012), John served in Iraq and Afghanistan before working as a Maritime Security Operator across the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. After earning a BEng in Electrical Power Engineering, he transitioned into renewables and now works as a Field Service Engineer, applying military discipline to power, solar, and battery systems across the UK.