Meet the Mode Family
Founder
Susan McCormack
Founder/CEO
Mode RehabilitationSusan McCormack is the founder and director of Mode Rehabilitation. An accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, Susan is registered with the BACP, BABCP, RCP, 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
Mode RehabilitationOriginally 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
Mode RehabilitationHello 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
Mode RehabilitationOur 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
Mode RehabilitationOur 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
Mode Rehabilitation
Brigadier Mike Taylor MBE
Trustee
Mode RehabilitationBrigadier 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
Mode Rehabilitation
Lieutenant Colonel Rich Grover MBE
Trustee
Mode RehabilitationRich 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
Mode Rehabilitation
Shirley Ridgeway
Trustee
Mode RehabilitationShirley 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
Mode Rehabilitation
Flt Lt Harriet Tadikonda
Trustee
Mode RehabilitationHarriet Tadikonda is an award winning ex- Commissioned Royal Air Force Officer with over
18 years of military service. During her commission she was the most junior rank to ever manage the Combined Service Ladies Cricket Team, initiating the Vauxhall Cup launched by Graham Gooch & Rachel HeyHoe Flint. Whilst at Cranwell for Officer Training she made history by writing a marching anthem played at her graduation parade.
She founded first RAF choir, The RAF Spitfires Patroned by Sir John Major and the One Voice Initiative patroned by Dame Judi Dench. Harriet subsequently won a coveted Women in Defence award for collaboration across services.
She is an advocate for multi-faith integration and cultural appreciation. She was awarded an MA in Islamic Studies, is a published author and song writer.
After leaving the military she joined an international defence organisation as the head office lead for supply chain cyber security and has worked with the Home Office inspiring Saudi Arabian women into cyber. She strives to support charitable causes and to drive unity through the arts.
Beena Mistry is a Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest, specialising in managing relationships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
With a strong background in banking, Beena previously served as Associate Director at Coutts, honing expertise in financial services and client relationship management.
Holding a postgraduate degree, Beena combines advanced vocational skills with a natural aptitude for leadership. Known for her personable approach and genuine passion for helping others, she builds lasting, impactful connections, both in the workplace and within the community.
Outside of work, Beena is an avid sports enthusiast, a dedicated traveller, and enjoys immersing herself in new cultures.
She is also a committed supporter of various charitable causes, regularly engaging in fundraising efforts to give back to the community.
Beena Mistry
Trustee
Mode Rehabilitation