Staff

Salute Her UK provide a strong support network for women. Our team are dedicated to helping women veterans who are struggling to adjust to life outside of the military. 

‘We help to provide the tools needed to re-enter the civilian world and live successful meaningful lives filled with passion, purpose, prosperity and the opportunity to be of service to others.’

‘We aim to provide a bespoke service to all women who have served in the Armed Forces by focusing on the physical, emotional and social aspects of life while advocating, empowering, and educating women on their path to a life full of meaning and growth.’

Paula Edwards, CEO

Paula Edwards is the Chief Executive Officer of ‘Salute Her UK’. She has over 20 years' clinical mental health experience across a variety of settings. These include inpatient, crisis intervention, large voluntary organisations and private practice. 

Qualified as a Clinical and Pastoral Counsellor and CBT, DBT and Brief Family therapist, Paula brings a wealth of experience within the mental health field, service design and delivery to Salute Her UK. During her time at Salute Her UK, Paula has project managed the set-up of the only trauma informed, tri service, needs led charity that specialises in gender specific mental health care and Military Sexual Trauma.

Nicole Dodds, Women's Project Lead

University Graduate Nicole has over 8 years of community experience working with women and their families. Nicole formerly worked as a Military Family Project Lead at Forward Assist for a duration of two years. Nicole is now employed by Salute Her UK as their Women's Project Lead. She will continue to work with Women Veterans and those who are still serving, by delivering and developing projects. Nicole also works as a triage practitioner, triaging new women who arrive at the service and assisting them with their care. Nicole also serves as Salute Her UK's LGBTQ+ Representative.

Claire Austin, EMDR Therapist 

Claire is an experienced Adult and Child Counsellor, who has worked in various sectors over her career and is experienced in working with young people and women.

She has a depth of experience in offering therapeutic space to women to explore issues arising and work in an integrative, compassion-focused way to develop the therapeutic relationship.

Claire works creatively with individual needs allowing a range of therapeutic processes to be used. EMDR is a huge part of my practice using creative means to explore ‘stuck memories’. Working in an EMDR process helps move memories quickly and focuses on primary target memories.

Deborah Cassar-Egan, Therapist and Course 
Facilitator 

Deborah has been working with people on an emotional level for over 15 years. She has been the Service Delivery Manager for a Mental Health Charity which involved crisis intervention, safeguarding clients, service design and implementation. She has designed bespoke workshops and courses for the public and private sector. She has designed and delivered Health and Well-Being Events and Wellness Retreats. With a degree in Health and Fitness and qualifications in a collective range of therapies, Deborah brings a wealth of experience on the mind and body. Deborah has her own practice and currently designs and delivers monthly workshops for the Women’s Military Sexual Trauma Group and provides 1-1 support.

Tonia Ibrahim, Creative Manager

Tonia is a dynamic creative professional with over 20 years of experience in graphic communication and customer engagement. Her expertise lies not only in enhancing business outcomes but also in fostering connections through creativity.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Tonia harnesses the transformative power of creative arts and crafts to promote healing and well-being. She has developed a range of workshops and programs that incorporate various artistic mediums, including painting, yarn work, and bookbinding. Tonia firmly believes in the healing potential of art, and her initiatives have positively impacted the lives of many women by providing a safe and expressive outlet for their emotions through creativity.

In addition to her professional work, Tonia has been actively involved as a volunteer with Salute Her UK for the past year, dedicating her time to support the well-being of women. Her commitment to mental health advocacy and creative expression drives her efforts to create inclusive spaces where individuals can explore their creativity and connect with others.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Tonia enjoys a variety of pastimes that continually inspire her creative approach, enriching her ability to engage and uplift those around her. With her extensive background and heartfelt dedication, Tonia is a catalyst for positive change within her community.

With Tonia's assistance, we have created our online art gallery -
www.saluteheruk-creativehub.com