Anna Marie Lopes
Director of Engagement and Support Circle Leader
location:
healing in Dubai
favorite healing tool:
Trauma-Focused Therapy, Journaling, Breathwork, Community & Humour
words of wisdom for others on their journey:
You don’t have to move on to heal. Sometimes, healing is about learning to move with what you've been through, without it defining you.
about anna
Anna is a survivor of and expert on domestic violence. She has emerged not just resilient but dedicated to raising awareness of trauma and its impact on mental health and helping others heal. As a certified mental health first aider and trauma recovery coach, Anna guides individuals towards reclaiming their lives from trauma and mental health battles.
She is also the founder of Brave & Free, a vibrant online community that tackles mental health, trauma, and its often-unseen aspects with vulnerability, humour, and radical awareness. Anna isn't afraid to share her own story of escape from abuse and her battle with PTSD, anxiety and depression, empowering others to voice out and seek help.
Her dedication extends far and wide. She has worked with the esteemed India-based nonprofit, Maitri India, was felicitated as a "Woman of Substance" by SRL Diagnostics in 2015, and was highly commended as a Mental Health Hero - Overcoming Barriers at the 2023 Mentl Awards in the UAE. Anna has also been featured for her work and story on BBC, Gulf News, The Khaleej Times, Femina Magazine, and more.
anna's role in the community:
Director of Engagement
Domestic Abuse
Support Circle Leader
Co-host
Reflect and Gather Event
Special Event Host
As Director of Engagement, Anna oversees the Community Engagement Crew with clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to connection. She helps shape the tone and rhythm of our community spaces, guiding the team in cultivating supportive, inclusive, and validating experiences for all members. Anna plays a key role in ensuring our community stays rooted in care, consistency, and authentic connection.
As the leader of our Domestic Abuse Support Circle, Anna holds space with care, strength, and deep empathy for survivors navigating the impact of abuse. She fosters a validating and supportive environment where members can share their stories, rebuild trust, and connect with others who truly understand. Anna’s presence helps create a space of safety, solidarity, and survivor-led healing.
As Co-Host of our monthly Gather & Reflect event, Anna helps create a grounding, heart-centered space for connection, community, and shared reflection. With her calm presence and thoughtful guidance, she supports meaningful conversations and helps set the tone for an experience that feels safe, validating, and deeply human. Anna brings both structure and soul to each gathering, reminding us we don’t have to navigate healing alone.
As a Special Event Host, Anna brings presence, clarity, and care to our one-time workshops, gatherings, and community events. Whether she’s guiding a healing experience or facilitating a workshop, Anna helps create a space that feels intentional, inclusive, and deeply supportive. Her ability to hold structure while honoring emotional depth helps each event feel impactful and safe for all who attend.
more of anna's work
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