With compassion and purpose, Melissa Meisner stands beside patients on their epilepsy journey. As a nurse navigator with KHSC’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, she’s blending compassion, innovation and teamwork to change lives.
Credit
Matthew Manor
It only takes a few minutes with Melissa Meisner to see it.
Her warm smile, the twinkle in her eyes and the way she actively listens to every word you say… she cares.
You immediately feel seen, heard and supported.
Her devotion to patients is just one of the many reasons the nurse navigator is making such a meaningful impact with the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
“In the EMU, I feel like I’m part of something bigger. Blending compassion, innovation and teamwork to change lives,” explains Meisner.
“We’re not just treating a condition. We’re walking alongside a human being during one of the most vulnerable parts of their health journey. Earning their trust and making a real difference is what turns care into purpose for me.”
Featured
More than colleagues 💜
Meisner says she’s proud to be part of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team that feels more like family than colleagues. From epileptologists and neurosurgeons to EEG technologists, dietitians, nurses, patient care assistants and allied health, the team works together with one goal: to improve quality of life for patients living with refractory epilepsy.
Featured
More than colleagues 💜
Meisner says she’s proud to be part of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team that feels more like family than colleagues. From epileptologists and neurosurgeons to EEG technologists, dietitians, nurses, patient care assistants and allied health, the team works together with one goal: to improve quality of life for patients living with refractory epilepsy.
Featured
More than colleagues 💜
Meisner says she’s proud to be part of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team that feels more like family than colleagues. From epileptologists and neurosurgeons to EEG technologists, dietitians, nurses, patient care assistants and allied health, the team works together with one goal: to improve quality of life for patients living with refractory epilepsy.
Featured
More than colleagues 💜
Meisner says she’s proud to be part of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team that feels more like family than colleagues. From epileptologists and neurosurgeons to EEG technologists, dietitians, nurses, patient care assistants and allied health, the team works together with one goal: to improve quality of life for patients living with refractory epilepsy.
Featured
More than colleagues 💜
Meisner says she’s proud to be part of a close-knit, multidisciplinary team that feels more like family than colleagues. From epileptologists and neurosurgeons to EEG technologists, dietitians, nurses, patient care assistants and allied health, the team works together with one goal: to improve quality of life for patients living with refractory epilepsy.
Meisner is like a north star for patients and families undergoing evaluations and treatments for epilepsy or seizure-related disorders.
She schedules admissions, coordinates tests like MRIs and acts as a liaison between patients and their care teams.
She also provides education, advocates for her patients’ needs and will figuratively, and even literally, hold their hands throughout care.
“The EMU is designed to safely monitor and record seizures in a controlled hospital setting using continuous video electroencephalogram (EEG) to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
“It’s not just about watching seizures. It helps us find answers, personalize treatments and explore life-changing options, like surgery. It’s a place where clarity starts and compassion drives every step.
“Knowing I’m part of a team that listens deeply, encourages optimism and provides unwavering support to patients and families is what fuels my passion every day and really inspires me.”
A team she’s not only proud to be a part of, but also describes as incredibly dedicated, close-knit and more like family.
“The collaborative spirit of our team is truly special. We lean on each other’s expertise, support one another through challenging cases and celebrate milestones our patients achieve together.”
“Working in a teaching hospital environment adds another layer of fulfillment. Being able to mentor, learn and grow alongside future health-care professionals, while ensuring our patients benefit from cutting-edge care, keeps me motivated and grounded in our mission.”
Featured
North star nurse 🌟
Meisner says being a steady support for patients and families navigating the often overwhelming journey of epilepsy care gives her a deeper sense of purpose. With epilepsy affecting 1 in 100 Canadians, and nearly a third with refractory epilepsy, she helps bridge gaps through education, advocacy and emotional support, empowering patients to find hope amid challenges.
Featured
North star nurse 🌟
Meisner says being a steady support for patients and families navigating the often overwhelming journey of epilepsy care gives her a deeper sense of purpose. With epilepsy affecting 1 in 100 Canadians, and nearly a third with refractory epilepsy, she helps bridge gaps through education, advocacy and emotional support, empowering patients to find hope amid challenges.
Featured
North star nurse 🌟
Meisner says being a steady support for patients and families navigating the often overwhelming journey of epilepsy care gives her a deeper sense of purpose. With epilepsy affecting 1 in 100 Canadians, and nearly a third with refractory epilepsy, she helps bridge gaps through education, advocacy and emotional support, empowering patients to find hope amid challenges.
Featured
North star nurse 🌟
Meisner says being a steady support for patients and families navigating the often overwhelming journey of epilepsy care gives her a deeper sense of purpose. With epilepsy affecting 1 in 100 Canadians, and nearly a third with refractory epilepsy, she helps bridge gaps through education, advocacy and emotional support, empowering patients to find hope amid challenges.
Featured
North star nurse 🌟
Meisner says being a steady support for patients and families navigating the often overwhelming journey of epilepsy care gives her a deeper sense of purpose. With epilepsy affecting 1 in 100 Canadians, and nearly a third with refractory epilepsy, she helps bridge gaps through education, advocacy and emotional support, empowering patients to find hope amid challenges.
Featured
North star nurse 🌟
Meisner says being a steady support for patients and families navigating the often overwhelming journey of epilepsy care gives her a deeper sense of purpose. With epilepsy affecting 1 in 100 Canadians, and nearly a third with refractory epilepsy, she helps bridge gaps through education, advocacy and emotional support, empowering patients to find hope amid challenges.
And if you think her commitment to improving the quality of life for people living with epilepsy stops at KHSC… think again.
Meisner is also a board member with Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario and shines a spotlight on the condition, every chance she gets. Including, wearing the colour purple.
“As a board member, I can further build awareness, strengthen community partnerships and secure much-needed funds for programs that directly supports individuals and families living with epilepsy.
“I know this work matters. I’ve seen the positive, lasting impact of my care and commitment. I’m also proud to shift the conversation around epilepsy, giving people a voice, reducing stigma and connecting them to the support they need to live fuller lives.”
How lucky are we to have someone like Meisner on the KHSC team?
She’s transformed her passion into purpose, making a powerful impact not just in the EMU but across the entire region.
This is the place where people are transforming care.
Thousands of different people come together and make KHSC a great place to work. We're a team on a mission to transform care, together.
