Our comprehensive suite of on-site diagnostics includes EEG (electroencephalography), EMG (electromyography), Vestibular/balance testing (VNG), Carotid dopplers,  Cardiac diagnostic studies for stroke/syncope (Holter, Echocardiograms), Robotic assisted Transcranial doppler, Home sleep studies and neuro-ophthalmologic testing allows for rapid diagnosis.

As of June 2023 we are able to offer CSF Biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatments are individualized to your needs, and include – in addition to evidence-based pharmacology,  botulinum toxin for migraine and movement disorders and advanced neuromodulation with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to provide our community with high-quality Neurology care, under one roof.

Our vision for MINDS is to become the model of community-based and delivered neurological care.

medical team having a meeting with doctors in white lab coats and surgical scrubs seated at a table discussing a patients records,success medical health care, Medicine doctor

MINDS Values

Excellence, not competence

We seek the highest standards in clinical care and education. We aim to continually improve ourselves by committing to lifelong learning.

Choice

Patients can and should play an important role in deciding their own care, in defining optimal care, and in improving healthcare delivery.

Professionalism

We aim to improve the quality of neurological care by working collaboratively to share our expertise, and to use informed decision-making when serving our patients. If our experience or expertise is lacking, we commit to finding the optimal solution for our patients.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Social justice (IDEAS)

We commit to intentional action to be a fully inclusive, deliberately diverse, anti-racist organization that respects and values our staff as well as the communities we serve.

Our Story

MINDS began as an idea born out of necessity.

In Canada, neurological disorders will become the leading cause of death and disability within the next 20 years. Nevertheless, persons with neurological conditions and their families continue to face numerous challenges as they seek community-based healthcare services.

Currently, Canadian neurological care is delivered in a fragmented, patchwork format, often in silos and spread across substantial geographic regions. When patients are referred to and evaluated by specialists, their visits tend to be organized around the convenience of the doctors rather than centred on the needs of the patients. Acute care medicine is prioritized in hospitals; however, a robust structure to address outpatient care is, at times, lacking.

In an ideal world, all the diagnostic and evaluative resources would be made available to the patients in an integrated way, which would enable them to join with their doctors in making an informed decision about treatments. MINDS is taking a small step forward to address some of the shortcomings by bringing together a collaborative team that will break down some of these barriers. It is our vision at MINDS to continually evolve and optimize when addressing the needs of our patients within our community.

ER surgery medical team, surgical doctor teamwork, professional brain and neurological surgeon with digital tablet working in hospital clinic discussion, diagnosing on patient care operation service

Meet the Team

Dr. Jamsheed Desai

Neuromuscular and Stroke Neurologist, Medical Director 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:

Dr. Aman Grewal – Vestibular and Concussion Expert at MINDS

Dr. Aman Grewal – Vestibular and Concussion Expert at MINDS

Dr. Amandeep Grewal is a highly regarded ENT specialist based in Mississauga. He completed his education at The University of Western Ontario and has since become an expert in various ear, nose, and throat disorders. Dr. Grewal’s areas of expertise include sinus, parathyroid, and salivary gland surgery, as well as surgical interventions for hearing issues. His distinguishing qualities are his proactive and preventative approach to treatment. He aims to minimize the likelihood of future ENT complications for his patients. Dr. Grewal is at the forefront of using cutting-edge technology in the field of Otolaryngology, ensuring evidence-based results and delivering top-notch care. He practices at several esteemed hospitals, including Trillium Health Partners-Mississauga Hospital in Mississauga, Trillium Health Partners-Queensway Health Centre in Toronto, and Trillium Health Partners-The Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga. Dr. Amandeep Grewal’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to providing the best possible care have made him a respected and sought-after ENT specialist in the Mississauga area.

Dr. Amanda Persaud

Director of Movement Disorders and DBS programming clinic

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. Andrew Micieli

Vascular, General and Headache Neurologist

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.

Ms. Kayla Brooks

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

Ms. Kayla Brooks

NP-PHC, MSc, BScN, BSc: Cognitive Neurology Nurse Practioner
Kayla is a Nurse Practitioner graduating with a Primary Health Care – Nurse Practitioner Graduate Diploma from Western University.
Prior to completing her NP-PHC degree, she completed a Master of Science in Public Health and Health Systems with a research focus on dementia and responsive behaviours. Kayla also works as Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist in the emergency department, providing specialized assessments and support for adults over the age of 65 with a variety of health conditions. She comes with experience in mental health and addictions, working as a registered nurse in acute psychiatry and addictions in the inpatient setting.
Within the field of neurology, Kayla focuses on cognition and memory to provide support to patients with cognitive impairments and major neurocognitive disorders.

Ms. Mylene Doucet

Senior neurophysiology technician

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.

Mrs. Gillian Schiavinato

Senior intake coordinator

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

Mrs. Manisha Banglorewala

Clinic manager

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. Stephanie Harkins

Intake Coordinator IMEs

Ms. Stephanie Harkins

Intake Coordinator IMEs

Meet Stephanie Harkins, An experienced intake coordinator specializing in independent medical evaluations [IMEs].  Her prior experience in the insurance industry, and a background in IMEs, enables Stephanie to seamlessly orchestrate the intake process, ensuring a smooth and stress experience for both clients and medical professionals.  Her attention to detail and calm communication style make her a trusted liaison between patients, insurance companies, and IME providers.  Stephanie’s commitment to streamlining the evaluation process reflects her dedication to facilitating accurate and timely medical assessments

Ms. Anahitha (ANA) Adnan

Medical Clinic Receptionist

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.

Ms Adna Hagi-Dhaffe

Junior Intake Coordinator IMEs

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.

Ms. Amanda Sanuik

Assistant Clinic Manager

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. Shilpa Sebastian

Junior Neurophysiology technician

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.

Dr. Iyswarya Mani Bhaskar (Iys)

Director of The Epilepsy Clinic and EEG Lab

Dr. Iyswarya Mani Bhaskar (Iys)

Director of The Epilepsy Clinic and EEG Lab

Meet Dr. Iyswarya (Iys) Mani Bhaskar, 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. Davar Nikneshan

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

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. Vitaly Kisilevsky

MD PhD, Director of Vestibular Function Laboratory

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.

Dr. Adrian Fawcett

Director of Vascular Ultrasound and Image guided procedures

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. May Anne Morton, RN APN

Neurology APN

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.

Mrs. Lorraine Salvano, NP

NP. Bachelor of Nursing, BSc

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. Sarah Hallman. B.Kin.

Cardiac Electrophysiology (holter) Technologist

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.

Mr. Andre Prabhu B.Kin

Cardiac Electrophysiology (holter) Technologist

Mr. Andre Prabhu B.Kin

Cardiac Electrophysiology (holter) Technologist

Andre Prabhu graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and is a registered kinesiologist with The College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. Soon after graduation, Andre began his cardiology journey as a Cardiology Rehabiliation Technologist at Trillium Health Partners and transitioned into cardiology diagnostics a year later working as a Cardiology Technologist for the past 13 years. Furthering his cardiology career, he joined GE Healthcare in 2010 where he took a position as a Clinical Application Specialist training end users on various cardiology systems – ECG machines, Holter scanning/interpretation, stress testing and ambulatory monitoring. Clinically, his interests include rhythm evaluation and interpretation and applications training. Non-clinical interests include entertaining his 22 month old daughter, fitness and nutrition, gardening, fishing and anything Porsche related.