Our Team
Sarah Smart - Chief Executive Officer
Sarah is responsible for Saffron's day to day leadership and development, with the aim of making our life-changing and life-saving support available to as many women as possible.
Sarah has over 15 years experience of working in leadership posts across the charity sector and has a passion for seeing women's lives transformed.
Ingrid Harris-Haigh - Head of Clinical Services
Ingrid has over 20 years of experience working with women survivors of abuse and trauma in a range of statutory and charity sector agencies.
She brings in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialist trauma psychotherapy, alongside skills and experience in managing serious risk and safeguarding.
Josie Smith - Senior Therapist
Josie joined the team in September 2018 and works part-time as one of our therapists. She has 5 years of experience counselling in trauma and abuse, and also works part-time in private practice.
Josie's background is in Psychology and education, having previously taught Psychology before a career change to become a counsellor.
Sam Ropero - Senior Therapist
Danielle Hogan - Office Manager
Danielle joined our team in February 2020.
Danielle is responsible for overseeing the running of our office and therapy rooms as well as assisting the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Clinical Services. She also supports the whole therapy team.
Keren Bramman - Finance Manager
Keren has over 10 years experience of working with charities and not-for-profit organisations in finance management roles.
She joined Saffron on a part-time basis in May 2021. Keren is currently completing her AAT Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Accounting.
Hannah Poulsom - Administrative Assistant
Hannah joined the team in 2021 and provides administrative support to the Office Coordinator to ensure the smooth running of all Saffron’s activities.
Hannah has worked in hospitality management for a number of years and is excited about her move into the charity sector and using her skills to help make a difference.
Clare Sherratt - Associate Fundraiser
Clare supports Saffron’s grant fundraising activity.
Since graduating from Leeds University with a degree in Media and Management, Clare has worked with a number of South Yorkshire charities for over ten years, developing skills and experience in events and communications, as well as trusts and grants.
Alison Buchanan - Associate Fundraiser
Alison supports Saffron’s grant fundraising activity from her home on the South Coast. She started her career in women’s journalism and decided to make a move into the charity sector in 2001
Since then she has gained significant experience in securing high-figure grants for charities and has supported vulnerable women throughout her career.
Ahmina Akhtar - Deputy Chair of Trustees
Ahmina is the Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Social Work England, the specialist regulator for social workers in England.
She is a registered social worker, specialising in mental health, sexual abuse, trauma and working with marginalised groups.
Karen Burch - Associate Therapist
Karen is an Accredited Psychotherapist, who practises EMDR and specialises in trauma. She has been a counsellor since 2014 and currently works part time with Saffron.
She works with clients who have experienced sexual abuse/trauma and domestic violence. She also has 1-1 experience of working with those with complex needs.
Judith Dodds - Trustee
Judith is a Community Paediatrician at Rotherham General Hospital and has experience in various branches of psychiatry and learning disabilities.
Jude has been a Saffron Trustee since 2009 and is a dedicated campaigner and activist for women’s services.
Lesley Perrins - Volunteer Therapist
Lesley has over 20 years of experience as a counsellor, much of it under contract to the NHS.
She is now semi-retired, but works as a volunteer therapist for Saffron, and has a small private practice as a clinical supervisor of other counsellors.
Olivia Sinclair - Trustee
Olivia is in the process of completing a PhD in Criminology - her research focuses on the low levels of convictions achieved in cases of sexual violence against women.
She also works in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.
Emma Draper - Chair of Trustees
Emma is CEO of Cavendish Cancer Care, which provides Support, Counselling and Complementary Therapies to people affected by cancer.
She has over 12 years’ experience in leadership roles in both the private and voluntary sectors.
Gill Godden - Trustee
Gill is the Named Nurse (safeguarding) for the CAMHS service, Sheffield Children Foundation Trust.
As a registered Nurse, Midwife and Health Visitor she has held many roles in the NHS. She is committed to ensuring that those who have suffered trauma and Domestic Abuse can access support to rebuild their lives.