Meet The Team
Meet the dedicated individuals behind Trauma Research UK
Trauma Research UK has a rich and diverse board of trustees who are responsible for the overall control and strategic direction of the charity. Our trustees work voluntarily, bringing a variety of different skills and life experiences on board.
Our volunteers and mentors bring a wealth of skills and experience to our team, coupled with a strong commitment to the charity. Each member has not only faced but also overcome various degrees of mental health challenges, adding invaluable depth to their dedicated compassion.
Nik Speakman
CEO & Co-Founder
Nik has dedicated over four decades to the study of human behaviour and psychology. His work is fuelled by an unrelenting passion to instil hope and empower individuals to live freer, more fulfilling lives. Renowned for his exceptional ability to help individuals overcome deeply entrenched trauma, Nik’s tireless commitment to transformative change led him to develop and co-develop three pioneering therapeutic approaches: Schema Conditioning Psychotherapy®, Visual Schema Displacement Therapy®, and Visual Schema Detachment & Restructuring.
These innovations catalysed formal academic engagement, including training psychology professors, clinicians, and postgraduate students at the Universities of Amsterdam and Utrecht. In 2015, this training facilitated two scientific studies into the mechanisms and outcomes of Visual Schema Displacement Therapy®, culminating in publication in the Journal of Behaviour Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry in June 2019. The findings demonstrated the therapy’s exceptional efficacy, outperforming EMDR, the World Health Organisation’s recommended treatment for trauma.
Further empirical validation followed: a third study was published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology in April 2021, and a fourth, clinical study involving PTSD patients appeared in Frontiers in Psychiatry in March 2024. Each study reaffirmed the superior outcomes of Visual Schema Displacement Therapy® compared to EMDR.
Since 2010, Nik and his wife Eva have served as resident therapists on ITV’s multi-award-winning programme This Morning. In addition to working with members of the public, they have successfully treated numerous high-profile and A-list clients internationally, earning recognition for their outstanding therapeutic results.
Nik’s unwavering mission is to underscore a crucial truth: most mental health diagnoses originate in unresolved trauma. Thus, lasting recovery depends not on symptom management but on addressing the root cause. He is equally devoted to championing the power of hope, affirming that no matter how entrenched the struggle, meaningful change and a significantly enhanced quality of life are always within reach.
Russell Dean
Trustee
At the age of 20, Russ joined the police force, quickly finding himself in a large-scale disorder between two rival drug gangs, determined to kill whoever stood in their way. Russ naively believed his uniform would protect him, and gallantly chased a suspect who, when stopped, thrust a broken bottle into Russ’s unprotected neck, plunging the broken glass into his jugular. This was only 5 weeks into his almost 9-year service.
On another occasion, Russ intervened between a man who was attacking his wife. Producing his police badge, the man released his wife, head-butted Russ, splitting his nose. Russ then felt a blow to the back of his head as the man’s wife attacked him.
Hundreds of similar incidents followed, including Russ suffering devastating injuries after an attack in 2011.
Russ was diagnosed with CPTSD, with numerous psychiatrists and therapists stating he could NOT be cured. With symptoms of nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hypervigilance, negative thoughts and no hope of cure from professionals, Russ contemplated ending his life. His sister, in desperation, contacted ITV for help from Eva & Nik Speakman, co-founder & trustee of Trauma Research UK.
“In the first conversation I had with Nik, I was given hope”. Russ stated that his journey of recovery began with the help of the Speakmans. Cognitive restructuring changed his perspective on the attacks and emotional ties were severed. Russ is now married with two children. He is happy and living a life completely CPTSD-free.
Knowing that Trauma Research UK is dedicated to identifying new therapies for trauma and anxiety-related disorders as well as offering support to those suffering has made Russ eager to be involved and help.
Hunter Speakman
Co-Founder & Trustee
Driven by a profound frustration with the lack of effective treatments in mental health and the striking imbalance in research funding, Hunter set out to make a meaningful impact. He recognised that without sustained financial support, promising psychological interventions often vanish before they can reach those in need. His mission became clear: to assist funding pathways that preserve and advance effective mental health treatments.
Hunter’s dedication is deeply rooted in personal experience, having spent much of his life immersed in the mental health field, from working with charities, assisting at mental health workshops, and engaging directly with those affected by anxiety disorders. His commitment is unwavering, fuelled by an enduring passion to offer real support and hope to individuals battling psychological distress.
His efforts have already led to the successful implementation of educational and mental health support systems within schools, creating safe spaces for young people to access help without stigma. This achievement only strengthened his resolve to reach those who feel abandoned by conventional approaches, those who have lost hope and believe recovery is beyond their grasp.
With 11 GCSEs and 4 A-levels already to his name, Hunter is now preparing to pursue a degree in medicine, determined to combine clinical excellence with systemic change in the field of mental health.
Matthew Montgomery
Secretary & Trustee
Matthew is a Licensed Conveyancer, Property Lawyer and Commissioner for Oaths.
He runs his own successful Property Law Legal practice and has done so for over 30 years, operating two sites in the northwest, employing consultant Solicitors together with assistants and support staff.
During his career, he has had to make many adjustments and adaptations to the practice to accommodate the continuous changes in the world of business and commerce to ensure the continued success of this business.
He is familiar with the essential requirements for creating, growing, and sustaining a successful business and he is in an ideal position to provide the benefit of this knowledge and experience to Trauma Research UK.
Sarah
Operations Manager
Having personally overcome OCD, panic attacks and crippling anxiety, Sarah brings genuine understanding and compassion to everything she does. A dedicated mum of four, she has spent over 30 years volunteering within the mental health sector, drawing on her own experiences to support others and show that positive change really is possible.
Nina
Volunteer Trainer
After living with emetophobia for 57 years, Nina experienced a life-changing breakthrough. She went on to use the same approach to overcome other long-standing difficulties, including anxiety, panic, insomnia and depression. Having experienced first-hand the difference the right support can make, she is now a mentor and uses her experience to help others find the same hope and freedom she found.
Ash
Designated Safeguarding Lead & Mentor
Through his work as a paramedic, Ash has seen first-hand the impact anxiety and other mental health challenges can have on people’s lives. Passionate about making a positive difference, he joined Trauma Research UK to use his experience to support others through difficult times. Ash is also our Designated Safeguarding Lead, helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone we support.
Stef
Volunteer Training Coordinator & Mentor
Stef’s own experience of overcoming PTSD, panic attacks and anxiety is what ultimately led her to Trauma Research UK. Discovering that she could understand and address what was driving her difficulties changed the way she looked at mental health. Today, as one of our mentors, she loves being able to share the tools and techniques that helped her, while giving others something equally important: hope that life really can change.
Nicola
Mentor
Having personally experienced the difference Trauma Research UK’s approach made in helping Nic overcome the effects of past domestic abuse, she knew she wanted to help others discover the same possibility for change. The experience completely changed the way she understood the impact our past can have on our lives. Today, she is proud to be part of a passionate team of volunteers, helping others move forward and build happier, healthier lives.
Natalie
Mentor
For Natalie, being part of Trauma Research UK is about being part of a family that understands what it feels like to believe life may never get better. Her own experiences have shown her that the things which once held us back do not have to define our future. She is passionate about sharing that sense of hope with others and showing that, with the right tools and support, it is never too late to make positive changes and start enjoying life again.
Sian
Mentor
After silently struggling with her mental health for many years, Sian experienced unimaginable loss when four loved ones died within just 20 months, including her best friend and soulmate. Overwhelmed by grief and PTSD, life became incredibly difficult.
After discovering Trauma Research UK, Sian completed the Help and Support Programme and began to reclaim her life. Today, she is passionate about making sure others feel supported through their darkest times and, above all, know that there is always hope.
Abira
Mentor
From a young age, Abira describes herself as being like a chameleon, always trying to blend in and avoid being noticed. Behind that was a lack of confidence, low self-esteem and anxiety that affected how she lived her life.
Through Trauma Research UK, Abira was able to break free from the patterns that had held her back for so long and develop the tools to deal with her past and look towards her future with confidence. Today, she is passionate about helping others discover that their past does not have to dictate their future and that life can look very different.
Jacqui
Mentor
After struggling with anxiety and the effects of past trauma, Jacqui reached a turning point that changed the direction of her life. With hard work and dedication, she became the happier and more fulfilled person she is today, an experience that left her with a strong belief that there is always hope.
Now part of the Trauma Research UK team, Jacqui feels privileged to share the tools and techniques that helped her move forward and to support others as they begin making positive changes in their own lives.
Wendy
Mentor
Being there for people is simply part of who Wendy is. As a mentor, she finds it incredibly rewarding to support people as they face their fears, overcome phobias and begin making positive changes in their lives. For Wendy, being part of a team that gives people practical tools, encouragement and support when they need it most is a genuine privilege.
Sharon
Mentor
Sharon has always been fascinated by what shapes the way we think, feel and behave, which led her to study psychotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. She later took those skills into education, where her work as a Development Coach focused on helping others recognise their potential and make positive changes.
Discovering Trauma Research UK introduced Sharon to a fresh and practical way of looking at many of the challenges that can hold people back. Inspired by what she learned, she became a volunteer mentor and now loves being able to use her experience to help others move forward in their own lives.
Karen
Mentor
Karen knows what it is like to appear confident and capable on the outside while struggling deeply within. After facing difficult experiences throughout her life, she reached a point where she knew something had to change. Her own experience with Trauma Research UK became a turning point, helping her understand her past, rebuild her confidence and begin looking forward to the future again.
Today, Karen describes herself as happier, stronger and finally embracing life with a renewed sense of purpose. She now draws on her own experiences as a mentor, bringing warmth, understanding and encouragement to those she supports.
Nicola
Mentor
With a background in psychology and experience working with vulnerable people, Nicola initially discovered Trauma Research UK through a professional and personal interest in understanding how people can create positive change. What she didn’t expect was just how much she would take away for her own life.
The tools she learned gave Nicola the motivation to make significant changes herself and ultimately inspired her to train as a mentor. Today, she feels privileged to support others as they discover what can change when they begin to think differently about themselves, their experiences and their future.
Emma
Mentor
After the birth of her son, Emma began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, followed by what she believed was a driving phobia. For 17 years she searched for answers, trying different approaches without finding the lasting change she needed.
Discovering Trauma Research UK became a turning point. As she overcame long-standing fears, Emma began rebuilding her confidence, eventually securing a job she once would never have believed possible. Today, she uses that experience to support others through the Help & Support Programme and remind them that, however long something has been part of your life, change is always possible.
Jan
Mentor
After overcoming a lifelong fear of vomiting, Jan became a Trauma Research UK mentor in 2022, wanting to help others discover that even long-standing fears can be overcome.
Not long afterwards, Jan faced a very different challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Drawing on the tools, strength and resilience she had developed, she faced treatment with remarkable positivity. Today, Jan is cancer-free and back doing what she loves, supporting others and embracing life with a renewed appreciation for what lies ahead.
Amber
Mentor
Amber is a creative, animal-loving mum of two who shares family life with her husband, three crazy dogs and, if she gets her way one day, an entire animal sanctuary! Having faced her own mental health challenges over many years, Amber knows what it feels like to believe that happiness might always be just out of reach.
Today, she describes herself as the happiest she has ever been and loves being able to pass that hope on to others through Trauma Research UK. When she isn’t volunteering, you’ll probably find her crafting, planning the next family adventure or hunting for treasures in a charity or vintage shop. Her philosophy is simple: not every day is easy, but keep going and “be fabulous always!”
Ingrid
Mentor
Ingrid discovered Trauma Research UK at a time when she was facing significant challenges and knew that something in her life needed to change. What she learned gave her a new way of looking at the things that had been holding her back and helped her make meaningful changes towards a happier, more fulfilling life.
Inspired by her own experience, Ingrid went on to train as a mentor. She now finds it incredibly rewarding to share practical tools and support with others who are ready to make changes of their own and move forward with greater confidence.
Charlotte
Mentor
Charlotte is a proud mum of two and describes her husband and daughters as “The Tribe”, the family who stood beside her through 13 years of debilitating emetophobia, anxiety and panic.
After finally understanding and overcoming the fears that had affected so much of her life, Charlotte developed a real passion for helping others believe that change is possible too. Her connection with Trauma Research UK began when she took on a half-marathon to raise funds for the charity, before later training to become a mentor herself. Today, she brings that same energy and determination to supporting others, with a particular passion for helping young adults build confidence and resilience.
Maria
Fundraising Coordinator.
At 63, Maria decided it was finally time to stop allowing her past to define her and start discovering who she really was. After years of difficult experiences and struggles with her mental health, she began making changes that would give her greater confidence, independence and a renewed excitement for life.
Maria created a bucket list and has been busy ticking it off ever since, from flying to Australia alone and indoor skydiving to becoming a school governor and simply growing flowers for her own home. In January 2026, she brought that same enthusiasm to Trauma Research UK as our Fundraising Coordinator.
A proud mum of four and grandmother of five, Maria says it may have taken her 63 years, but she has finally found Maria, and she is making sure the next chapter counts.
