Making your best years truly the best.
Our Focus
Age-related memory decline afflicts approximately 40% of us as we age.
At Optimind our focus is to improve memory function incorporating the use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) paired with Cognitive Training.
Whether you are seeking to improve your memory for professional reasons, or to make your best years really the best, talk with us.
How TMS Works
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective non-invasive brain stimulation technology that was originally approved by Health Canada for the treatment of depression in 2002.
TMS uses MRI-strength magnetic pulses to induce small electrical currents in a designated focal area of the brain. When applied repeatedly, these pulses strengthen or weaken the connections between neurons, known as synapses.
TMS is painless, with no systemic side effects and minimal risk. It is an evidence-based treatment used around the world with a long and successful history as a safe and effective treatment option.
Cognitive Training
Optimind uses world-renowned software to assess, and then treat, areas of cognitive deficit.
RehaCom is a software platform developed by neuropsychologists and continually improved over its 20-year history.
The RehaCom system begins with a screening assessment, and uses a comprehensive suite of screening tools to measure a client’s cognitive functions compared to an averaged baseline.
After the screening process, the RehaCom system identifies areas that can be improved, and produces a recommended protocol. Targeted training modules improve specific areas of cognitive function. Some of the most common modules focus on improving attention, executive function, working memory, visuospatial skills, problem solving, and communication skills.
During the cognitive training, the complexity and difficulty will increase automatically to continue gently challenging a client. This encourages stimulation and growth – without excess frustration or difficulty. Progress is tracked for each client, and you will quickly be able to see and feel the results!
Contact us, and we’d love to discuss if cognitive training is right for you.
What to Expect
1
Meet and Assessment:
Welcome to Optimind!
Most of our clients start with a complimentary consultation to learn about what Optimind has to offer, and how we can help you. While TMS treatment is well established around the world, it is relatively new to BC and to Vancouver Island in particular, so it is typical to have lots of questions.
Following that, the first step of your treatment journey will be booking a consultation with our Clinic Physician and completing a health history questionnaire and standardized psychological testing (psychometry). These evidence-based tools inform and assist our physician to prescribe the best and most appropriate treatment. These tools also establish an individual baseline to objectively track and measure your response to treatment.
Our physician will compose an individualized treatment protocol for you to maximize results. And importantly, will also use this opportunity to ensure all of your questions are answered; it is our collective goal to make you as comfortable and happy as possible.
2
Your Treatment:
Once we have confirmed the protocol appropriate for you, your course of treatment will be booked. TMS protocols are completed over a four to six week period. Daily sessions are approximately 30 minutes five days per week.
During your treatment session, you will recline in a comfortable chair and relax while our highly trained technician navigates the TMS coil to the appropriate brain region and safely and painlessly stimulates your brain at your own individualized strength.
If Cognitive Training is in your treatment plan, this will follow immediately after your TMS session.
After your treatment session is over you can immediately return to your normal day’s activities, including driving, work, or play. To learn more about TMS treatment at Optimind view information provided by our Medical Director Dr. Drew Digney here.
3
Evaluation: Your Result!
That’s it!
On completion of your treatment course we will once again ask you to complete a number of questionnaires. While we monitor progress with both daily check in and objective measures every two weeks, at the end of your treatment course the full psychometry is repeated. We will review with you both the positive changes that you have experienced along with these objective measures in evaluating your treatment outcome.
Whatever is needed to best support your outcome, we accommodate. Sustainability of the treatment effect varies by individual as well as by condition treated. For depression treatment, where there is an abundance of data, many people find a single course of TMS is all that is needed to achieve a remission or response that is sustained. Some clients will benefit from ‘top up’ or ‘booster’ sessions down the road which can be effective as individual treatment(s) versus a full course of treatment. We work with you to see what works for you!
And regardless, we love to see clients just to say hello! It is one of the pleasures of what we do that we get to know our clients over the time they spend at Optimind, so staying connected is welcome and encouraged.
We are really excited about what we are able to offer, and we’d love to share it with you.
It would be our absolute pleasure to meet you!
Our Team
The highly skilled Optimind team is driven by one common goal: to improve lives.
Together, our team holds decades of medical and technical expertise, including specialized training specifically in noninvasive neural stimulation (TMS) at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital’s Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention at CAMH, and International Clinical TMS Certification through the University of Maastricht.
At Optimind we are client focused and research-driven, using objective evaluative tools and leading-edge training and technology.
We offer an innovative, persistent, and compassionate approach – connect with us to learn more.
Kim Meyer, MA
Founder/CEO
Kim Meyer, MA
Kim brings more than 20 years of professional experience gained across corporate, medical, public, educational, and non-profit sectors. This includes a strong background in project and strategic planning. She worked directly with the C-suite team at London Drugs during a time of rapid innovation, and more recently served as the Executive Director of the Nanaimo Emergency Physicians’ Association. Kim holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communication and has completed specialized rTMS training at Harvard University.
A desire and commitment to make a difference in individual lives through evidence-based leading edge health care is complemented by this education and experience. The result is Optimind.
Dr. Drew Digney, MD, CCFP(EM)
Medical Director
Dr. Drew Digney, MD, CCFP(EM)
Dr. Digney is a practicing physician and current Medical Director of Oceanside Health Care Centre. Dr. Digney also served as an Executive Medical Director for Island Health, and is a founder of Yana Motion Clinic.
Dr. Digney believes the practice of medicine is an incredibly powerful opportunity to have a profound influence on people’s lives one encounter at a time, and this belief aligns perfectly in his role as Medical Director of Optimind.
Dr. Digney’s experience, expertise, and values are core to making better lives not just an aspiration, but a reality.
Dr. Melinda Zeron Mullins, PhD, MD, CCFP
Oak Bay Clinic Physician
Dr. Melinda Zeron Mullins, PhD, MD, CCFP
Dr. Zeron Mullins obtained her Ph.D and post-doctoral experience in molecular and cellular studies in Huntington’s Disease at UBC where she then went on to complete her MD and Family Practice Residency Program in 2008. Dr. Zeron Mullins has since worked as a physician and carried out research in both clinic and hospital settings. Dr. Zeron Mullins is currently a Hospitalist and a Co-lead of the innovative Hospital at Home Program launched by Island Health in Victoria.
Dr. Zeron Mullins’ intellect and passion for neuroscience is coupled with compassion that feeds a commitment to improving lives through the very best in evidence-based health care.
Dr. Tatiana Gregoryanz, MD, FRCPC
Psychiatric Director
Dr. Tatiana Gregoryanz, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Gregoryanz’s academic background spans both decades and continents, and most recently includes certification in rTMS completed at Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital, at the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention at CAMH.
Dr. Gregoryanz has practiced general psychiatry with a focus in mood disorders and developmental disabilities since 2004 and is currently a psychiatrist with Island Health’s Victoria Mental Health Centre.
As a scientist, Dr. Gregoryanz has a passion for exploring innovative ways of helping patients with chronic mood disorders. This is balanced and complemented by her role as a parent and an artist. With a focus on innovation and evidence-based treatment, Dr. Gregoryanz maintains an approach that allows her to see a person, rather than a puzzle to be solved, or a job.
Dr. Gregoryanz believes a by-product of helping others is happiness, and is very much committed to the goal of improving lives via her role as Psychiatric Director of Optimind.
Madison Meyer, BSc, BCIA
Clinical Education Director
Madison Meyer, BSc, BCIA
Madison holds a BSc with major in psychology from the University of Victoria and is board certified as a neurofeedback technician with the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). She has extensive training and experience in the biofeedback modalities of neurofeedback, neurostimulation and heart rate variability (HRV) and has experience working with individuals with a range of diagnoses including ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, complex trauma, and traumatic brain injury. Madison has completed specialized rTMS training at Harvard University’s Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation.
Max Meyer
Technical Director
Max Meyer
Max’s educational background includes electrical engineering and computer and network electronic technician training at UVic and Camosun College respectively. This has been supplemented with specialized technology training by manufacturers supplying Optimind, including MagVenture and ANT-Neuro. Max’s experience, aptitude, and innovative nature make him ideally positioned to support and direct Optimind’s present and future technology needs.
Lauren Ritchey
Treatment Coordinator & TMS Technician
Lauren Ritchey
Lauren holds a BA with a major in psychology from the University of Victoria and has completed her International Clinical TMS Certification through the University of Maastricht.
Lauren’s work with individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety in the FitConnect program directly contributes to the understanding she offers Optimind clients both as a technician, and in her role as Treatment Coordinator where she guides clients through their treatment journey with us.
With skill and knowledge in combination with her gift of a genuinely empathetic and caring nature, Lauren embodies Optimind’s vision of combining science and kindness.
Craig Babiuk, MSc, PT
Innovation & Partnerships Advisor
Craig Babiuk, MSc, PT
A physiotherapist, innovator, and small business owner, Craig brings the experience, acumen, and ideas to support Optimind now and in the future. Craig’s commitment to health care and contribution to improving lives in Victoria is longstanding, and a valuable asset to Optimind.
Darius Millar
Strategic Advisor
Darius Millar
Darius has managed diverse teams driving sales, solution design, implementation, enterprise support, and relationship management for organizations such as Open Text and Telus Business Solutions and he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (Interim) for Psymedics Life Sciences. Darius’ experience as a strategist and operations executive serve Optimind’s current operations and future growth.
Edison
Therapy Dog in Training
Edison
Edison is one of our clinic’s therapy dogs in training. Edison was lucky enough to spend a year and a half as Marley’s intern where he adopted his wonderfully chill nature. Edison takes his role as clinic greeter quite seriously and ensures you feel the most comfortable during every stage of your TMS treatment – you may just have to fight him for a spot in the TMS chair! Edison can’t wait to meet you!
Gus
Therapy Dog in Training
Gus
Gus is one of our clinic’s therapy dogs in training. Although he is the youngest and most recent hire, Gus has been coming to Optimind since he was only 8 weeks old and has a naturally sensitive and calm temperament. Gus can tell right away who needs a bit of extra love and thankfully for all of us he also seems to have an endless supply to give – for nothing but a belly rub in return! Gus can’t wait to meet you!
Remembering Marley
Founding Therapy Dog
Remembering Marley
The man who started it all. Marley was a Saint John’s Ambulance certified Therapy Dog who not only served as inspiration for the idea of Optimind but provided Therapy and love since its inception and our very first client. Marley represented everything we value so deeply at Optimind and had a special kindness towards clients that is impossible to teach. He supported both us and our clients from the most challenging to the most happy days. We all miss this sweet boy very much but aim to carry on his legacy every day.
What Our Clients Say
Our Partners
