A bit about MINDS

Dr. Jamsheed Desai

Neuromuscular and Stroke Neurologist, Medical Director MINDS

MD FRCPC CSCN (EMG)

Before founding The Mississauga Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (MINDS), Dr. Desai saw a need for a different kind of Neurological Clinic. Drawing inspiration from his patients, he saw a need for a clinic that listened to patient stories and provided great patient-driven care. So in 2016, Dr. Desai founded Trillium Neurology Consultants to better serve neurological patients in the west Greater Toronto Area and provide patient-driven care. However, this clinic had limitations. It became clear that the patient deserved a more sub-specialized and all-encompassing experience. A single accessible location where most if not all their Neurologic needs were met. MINDS was born from the desire to provide not only highly specialized and clustered care but to innovate and push the envelope of what was felt to be possible in a community-based clinic.

Currently, Dr. Desai is an active staff at the Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga Ontario, where he divides his time between an active Stroke, Neuromuscular and General Neurology Practice. In addition to his time in the hospital, Dr. Desai is an Assistant Professor at McMaster University and Lecturer at the University of Toronto. He is actively engaged in teaching the future generation of physicians at the Mississauga Academy of Medicine, so don’t be surprised if you run into a medical student or resident at MINDS.

Education:

• Fellowship in Neuromuscular disorders and Electromyography (EMG) at Foothills Hospital, Calgary
• Fellowship in Stroke Neurology at Foothills Hospital, Calgary
• Neurology Residency at Queen’s University
• Medical School at Queen’s University
• Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Genetics at UBC

Dr. Davar Nikneshan

Neurologist with expertise in Stroke, General Neurology, Headache, and EMGs

Dr. Nikneshan, is a distinguished neurologist, who has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of the human brain.  An astute clinician, Dr. Nikneshan graduated from the University of Toronto in 2014 with Honors and is currently a FRCPC certified Neurologists primarily based out of MINDS. He completed his Fellowship in Stroke and Vascular disorders from the prestigious Calgary stroke program and he has since Dedicated his career to bridging the gap between contemporary research and clinical care.  He is renowned for his expertise, compassionate patient care, and has contributed significantly to the improved access for patients in our community to advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Dr. Iyswarya Mani Bhaskar (Iys)

Director of The Epilepsy Clinic and EEG Lab

Meet Dr. Iyswarya (Iys) Mani Bhaskar (On maternity leave till Sept 2025), a specialized Neurologist with a focus on Epilepsy, electroencephalography (EEG) and headache disorders. Graduating with top Honors from the Neurology residency program at Queen’s University she is only a handful of candidates that successfully challenged the EEG examination while still in residency. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and an active member of the American Academy of Neurology, Canadian League Against Epilepsy, and the Ontario Medical Association. Dr. Bhaskar’s practice includes all areas of General neurology, Epilepsy and Headache. Her patient centric philosophy and commitment to improving quality of life have made her a trusted name in the field.

Dr. Andrew Micieli

Vascular, General and Headache Neurologist

Dr. Andrew Micieli, Is a distinguished neurologist renowned for his expertise in Stroke and headache disorders.  Graduating with distinction from the University of Toronto neurology training program, Dr.Micieli pursued further training in the prestigious stroke program at University of Calgary under the guidance of Dr. Demchuk.  With a focus on innovative treatment approaches, his significant contributions to the advancements in both prevention and management of strokes and headaches is unparalleled.  His compassionate bedside manner and patient centric care have resulted in widespread recognition in the medical community.

Dr. Amanda Persaud

Director of Movement Disorders and DBS programming clinic

After acting as chief resident in neurology at the University of Florida Jacksonville, Amanda Persaud, MD graduated from her movement disorders fellowship at Northwell Health. Dr. Persaud has become an exceptional physician equipped with the expertise necessary to treat
patients and their families in the realm of neurologic movement disorders. Dr. Persaud’s clinical focus is primarily in Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Dystonia, Essential Tremor, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple System Atrophy, Deep Brain Stimulation, Botulinum Toxin Injections, and Rehabilitation in Parkinson’s Disease.  Dr. Persaud is dedicated to ensuring that her patients receive stellar care and strives to give her patients the quality of life they deserve. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Canada after spending her early career years in NYC.

Dr. Sarah Zaheer Neurologist | Movement Disorders Specialist

Dr. Sarah S. Zaheer is an American Board–certified neurologist with advanced fellowship training in movement disorders. She completed her Neurology Residency at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine–Greenville and her Movement Disorders Fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, where she served as Chief Fellow and Rossy PSP Fellow. She has trained under the mentorship of leading movement-disorders specialists including Drs. Anthony Lang, Susan Fox, Alfonso Fasano and Renato Munhoz.

Dr. Zaheer has expertise in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, atypical parkinsonian disorders, and other complex movement disorders, with particular experience in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Her clinical training includes experience with Botox for movement disorders, deep brain stimulation (DBS) programming and advanced therapies for Parkinson’s disease, including Vyalev, as well as evaluating and supporting patients considering MR-guided focused ultrasound.

Alongside her clinical practice, Dr. Zaheer remains actively involved in research focused on movement disorders and neurodegenerative disease, including PSP, neuroimaging, biomarkers, genetics, and potential environmental risk factors. She has presented her work at national and international conferences and is committed to medical education, community outreach, and patient advocacy.

Dr. Zaheer takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach, with an emphasis on careful diagnosis, individualized treatment, and helping patients and families navigate the complexities of movement disorders while maintaining quality of life.

Dr. Vitaly Kisilevsky

MD PhD, Director of Vestibular Function Laboratory

Vitaly Kisilevsky is an International Medical Graduate MD, and Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. Dr. Kisilevsky is PhD in Neuroscience (Radboud University, Netherlands) and has obtained his clinical Fellowship in Medical Otology and Neurotology at the University of Toronto (Department of Otolaryngology) in 2003 under the guidance of the world renown Neuro-Otologist Dr. John Rutka.

In addition to being a passionate clinician, Vitaly is a fabulous teacher and has been the Course Director of the Vestibular Rehabilitation Diploma program of the University of Toronto.

Vitaly is actively engage in academia and is currently a reviewer of The Laryngoscope-The Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Member of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery.

In his spare time, Vitaly is an avid sailor, he loves to paint, sculpt, and enjoys classical music.

Mrs. Lorraine Salvano, NP

NP. Bachelor of Nursing, BSc

Lorraine is an Adult Nurse Practitioner who  graduated  with a Master of Nursing degree with high distinction.

She is passionate about providing comprehensive and personalized care and treatments for her patients.  She is an Emergency room nurse by background, with extensive experience caring for the adult populations with medical-surgical and neurosurgical conditions. Within Neurology Lorraine is further specialized to provide ongoing care to patients with Headache, Neuromuscular disorders, and Parkinsons.

With considerable expertise in botulinum toxin injections, Lorraine facilitates treatment patients with chronic migraine headaches that require headache prophylaxis.

Mrs. May Anne Morton, RN APN

Neurology APN

Meet May Anne Morton, An accomplished advanced practice nurse specializing in neurology, with a wealth of experience and expertise.  With a career spanning over 2 decades, she has become a cornerstone in patient advocacy and holistic care within the neurology field.  May’s commitment to excellencd her to a position initially in the acute care setting before transitioning to outpatient neurology.  Her extensive experience encompasses the diagnosis and management of various neurological conditions, from epilepsy to neurodegenerative disorders and everything in between.  Known for her empathetic approach, May has fostered strong connections with her patients, emphasizing education and support.

Dr. Adrian Fawcett

Director of Vascular Ultrasound and Image guided procedures

Dr. Adrian Fawcett Stands as a distinguished neurologists, bringing a unique skill set to the field with expertise in interventional neurology, vascular ultrasound, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with minimally invasive median nerve hydro-dissection. Dr. Fawcett completed his medical school and Adult Neurology residency at the University of Toronto. He completed fellowship training in stroke neurology and neuro-intervention at McMaster University. He is a member of the American Headache Society. His commitment to advancing patient care led him to specialize in interventional neurology, and pioneering minimally invasive procedures to address common neurologic disorders. Notably, Dr. Fawcett pioneered a tele-stroke model in Mississauga that allowed for improved an expeditious access to acute stroke treatments to a catchment area of 2 million patients. driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of neurological care, Dr. Fawcett continues to contribute significantly to research, education, and patient well-being, solidifying his reputation as a Trailblazer in the field of neurology.

Mrs. Manisha Banglorewala

Clinic manager

Meet Manisha, a seasoned health care professional with a dynamic career as a medical clinic manager.  Manisha’s keen strategic vision and adept management have played a pivotal role in streamlining operations, enhancing patient experiences, and fostering a positive work environment.  Her ability to balance and administrative responsibilities with a genuine concern for patient well-being has set her apart in the healthcare industry.  Known for her collaborative approach, Manisha has successfully implemented process improvements and technological advancements, ensuring the clinic’s efficiency and adherence to the highest standards of patient care.

Ms. Amanda Sanuik

Assistant Clinic Manager

Meet Amanda, Who is the assistant clinic manager for our clinic.  Her expertise lies in orchestrating seamless clinic operations, overseeing staff dynamics, and ensuring timely patient bookings.  Amanda possesses a track record of implementing efficient and administrative protocols, navigating regulatory compliance, and contributing to the overall excellence of neurology care.

Ms. Anahitha (ANA) Adnan

Medical Clinic Receptionist

As the medical clinic receptionist, Ana is a welcoming face and voice that sets the tone for patient experiences.  With a friendly demeanor and exceptional organizational skills, she adeptly manages the front desk operations. Ana efficiently schedules appointments, handles inquiries, and maintains a patient centric focus ensuring a smooth and positive reception for all client’s.  Her commitment to providing excellent service contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and welcoming atmosphere of the medical clinic.  As the clinic has grown exponentially there are significant demands on Ana’s time that she handles with utmost grimace.  We kindly request your patience as she navigates the complexities of the front desk.

Mrs. Gillian Schiavinato

Senior intake coordinator

Introducing Gillian Schiavinato, a well-respected and seasoned professional serving as the senior intake coordinator for independent medical evaluations [IME].  With a background in healthcare administration and a wealth of experience, Gillian has become a Linchpin in coordinating comprehensive evaluations for diverse medical cases.  Her exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational prowess has positioned her as a key figure in managing the intake process for IMEs.  Gillian’s role involves liasing between medical professionals, legal entities, and clients ensuring a seamless and efficient evaluation process.  Known for her exceptional communication skills and commitment to confidentiality, Gillian has earned the trust of both medical experts and legal professionals alike.  Her dedication to facilitating fair and thorough assessments has solidified her reputation as an invaluable asset in the realm of independent medical evaluations. Gillian can be reached at ime@mindsneurology.com

Mr. Emmanuel Maduike

Intake Coordinator IMEs

Meet Emmanuel, An experienced intake coordinator specializing in independent medical evaluations [IMEs].  Sebastian is an internationally trained physician with extensive  experience in general medicine, anasthesia and a background in IMEs, enables Sebastian  to seamlessly orchestrate the intake process, ensuring a smooth and stress experience for both clients and medical professionals.  His attention to detail and calm communication style make him a trusted liaison between patients, insurance companies, and IME providers.  In addition to his love of medicine Sebastian can be found dancing the tango competitively.

Ms. Mylene Doucet

Senior neurophysiology technician

Meet Mylene Doucet, A highly skilled senior neurophysiology technician with an extensive career and experience in performance of electroencephalography, and EMG nerve conduction studies.  Throughout her career,Mylene has honed her skills in administering and interpreting a range of neurophysiological tests from EEGs , EMGs and nerve conduction studies.  Her commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in neurophysiology has been evident in her role as a senior technician.  More recently she has expanded her skill set to include home sleep studies.  Known for her meticulous attention to detail and precision in data collection, Mylene has been instrumental in providing crucial insights for neurologists and healthcare teams.  Beyond the technical proficiency, her dedication to patient comfort and understanding during tasks has made her a trusted figurer in the medical community.  Her tuteledge in guiding Junior neurophysiology technicians has been most appreciated by the technician and clinicians alike.

Ms. Shilpa Sebastian

Junior Neurophysiology technician

Meet Shilpa, A promising Junior neurophysiology technician embarking on a career dedicated to understanding the complexities of the human nervous system.  Graduating with honors in neurodiagnostics, Shilpa’s passion for neurophysiology led her to an early start in the field.  Driiven by a commitment to learning and hands on experience, Shilpa quickly became adept at conducting various neurophysiological tasks, including EEGs and nerve conduction studies.  Under the Mentorship of season professionals, she is gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of diagnostic procedures and clinical neurology.  Her curiosity and precision make her rising Star in the realm of neurophysiology.

Mr. Eric Oyunbaatar: Registered Electromyography Technologist

Cardiac Electrophysiology (holter) Technologist

Mr Eric Oyunbaatar is a Registered Electromyography Technologist with extensive experience in electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). She has worked in leading hospital-based neurodiagnostic programs, including Joseph Brant Hospital and London Health Sciences Centre, collaborating closely with neurologists and other healthcare professionals in the assessment of neuromuscular disorders.

Enkhjin holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Western University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Oregon. She brings a strong technical foundation together with a compassionate, patient-centred approach, with a focus on ensuring patients feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their testing experience.

Ms. Kayla Brooks

NP-PHC, MSc, BScN, BSc: Cognitive Neurology Nurse Practioner

Ms Adna Hagi-Dhaffe

Junior Intake Coordinator IMEs

In her role as the junior intake coordinator for independent medical evaluations [IME], Adna brings a meticulous approach to the initial stages of assessments.  Her responsibilities encompass efficient scheduling, thorough information gathering, and seamless communication with stakeholders.  Demonstrating a Keen eye for detail, Adna plays a crucial role in ensuring a streamlined intake process for IMEs contributing to the overall effectiveness of medical evaluations within the organization.

Mrs. Sarah Hallman. B.Kin.

Cardiac Electrophysiology (holter) Technologist

Registered CVT

Sarah graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology, followed by a diploma in Cardiovascular Technology from The McMaster/Mohawk Institute of Applied Health Sciences. She has worked at Trillium Health Partners since 2000, initially in cardiac rehab/ cardiac diagnostics, but later cross-trained into cardiac devices, and has worked as a Cardiac Device Specialist for the past 15 years. Clinical interests include arrhythmias, syncope and staying up to date by attending arrhythmia-focused conferences and seminars. Outside the hospital, Sarah enjoys fitness, cooking, reading and watching her two boys play hockey and volleyball.