Brain Health Innovation Professional

Curiosity & the Relentless Pursuit of Positive Social Impact

Fueled by this passion, Tanja continues to drive clinical and business outcomes.

Her efforts over 30+ years as a healthcare leader have culminated in numerous awards for personal and professional contributions, including the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Centenary Medal for driving innovation in her field. 

Today, as Founder of the Brainnovation Network, Co-Owner of Broken Squirrel Wellness and VP of Clinical Innovation at Healthtech Connex - Tanja shows no signs of slowing down. She welcomes global collaborations to validate and advance neuro-technologies; creating affordable access to brain health initiatives. 

Meet Tanja Yardley

Tanja Yardley’s journey began not with a single defining moment, but through a series of transformative experiences that tested her strength, adaptability, and and creative thinking. Growing up in remote areas of the Yukon in a family of prospectors, where limited access to resources was part of daily life, she learned that building strong, resilient relationships and employing collective skillsets was key to success (and survival).

“Her infectious energy is powered by her conviction that brain health is everything health. It’s never too early, and never too late, to start.”

Tanja has had a lifelong passion for neuroscience, pairing her clinical skills with advanced technologies to drive innovation and create positive social impact. She calls these projects Brainnovations. Here are a few:

• 1.2M in funding secured to run the NeuroThrive program for disadvantaged kids struggling with neurological issues.

• Tanja worked with Neurocatch, researchers at the the Mayo Clinic and other academic organizations to support a group of high school students at Brentwood College to perform and publish a pivotal brain health study.

• Through the NeuroPeak ELEVATE program, her team has worked with Red Bull performance athletes, Olympians and professional rugby players

• Tanja created the Balanced Living program, a technology-enabled program for seniors with frailty and dementia.

• The Winning Off the Field program involved working with the NFL Alumni Neuro Health and Performance team to deliver brain health assessments paired with brain coaching programs, connecting retired players with the youth in their communities.

Neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and heal

Today, as founder of the Brainnovation Network, Co-Owner of Broken Squirrel Wellness, and VP of Clinical Innovation at Healthtech Connex, Yardley collaborates globally to validate and advance neuro-technologies and create affordable access to brain health initiatives. 

Brainnovation Network

A voluntary group of forward-thinking clinicians & health clinic owners dedicated to innovating and advancing the standard of care.

Broken Squirrel Wellness

By incorporating mind, mood and movement, Broken Squirrel Wellness offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to total brain health.

HealthTech Connex

With clinical neuroscience and brain vitality as a premier focus, we connect science and R&D to product breakthroughs, providing translational neuroscience innovations to care sectors and communities worldwide.

Giving Back to the Community

Tanja’s commitment to community extends beyond her professional achievements; it is woven into the fabric of her life. She has dedicated her career to not only advancing clinical practices but also uplifting the communities she serves. Through the Brainnovation Network, Tanja aims to improve the standard of care for brain health worldwide, fostering collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and innovators. 

Her work with veterans and first responders through another venture, Broken Squirrel Wellness, focuses on PTSD, neuroplasticity-driven rehabilitation, and brain injuries, and exemplifies her dedication to cutting-edge science, compassionate leadership and human connection.

In addition to her clinical work, she is a passionate learner and educator, serving on the global faculty of The Complete Leader and The Innovator’s Advantage Academy, teaching and mentoring emerging leaders and healthcare professionals. After reading about promising advancements related to brain injuries, mental health and addictions, she went back to university in 2022-23, completing Canada’s first accredited Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Program so that she could contribute to the emerging science in this area.

She is an active speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on brain health, leadership, and innovation. Giving back is not just about acts of service—it’s about creating lasting change, building resilient communities, and boldly elevating people.

Healthy Happenings …

  • An inspiring day of ideas, insights and connections. Powerful speakers shared concepts with global impact. It was a fast-paced program filled with opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals.

    TEDxSurrey

  • Shout out to Sean Choi & Amanda Archuleta at our last 2 events in Nashville / New Orleans with Dr. Ryan D'Arcy. The rockstars behind the scenes. The trip would not have been the same without them!

    NFL Alumni Neuro Health & Performance

  • Big brains & big hearts! Dr. Robert W. Turner II, you are an inspiration! It was an honour to be there with Janet Marchibroda, Al Smith, Brad Hopkins and the NFLA Neuro Health and Performance team.

    Black Men's Brain Health Conference

  • Thanks to HealthTech Connex Inc. and Broken Squirrel Wellness for the enthusiastic support while learning about neuroplasticity and the promising advancements in brain recovery / mental health.

    Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Program