Dustin "NeuroZen" Dean

Dustin Dean is a nationally certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), transformational coach, and founder of the MindMaxED Institute—a mental wellness and brain fitness platform built for high-achieving professionals, educators, and individuals seeking real, lasting change.

With over 20 years of experience as a prescriber, psychotherapist, and professor, Dustin is known for delivering a coaching experience that’s as clinical as it is compassionate. Nicknamed “The Dean of Zen” by clients, he helps people do more than just cope—he helps them thrive rather than just survive.

At the core of his method is Brain Fitness: a science-backed system that trains the mind to process life through power and potential rather than pain and past. Whether in 1:1 coaching sessions or cohort-based group experiences, Dustin uses this approach to help clients break through mental barriers, build resilience, and unlock their next level—personally, professionally, and emotionally.
Through the MindMaxED Institute, Dustin is redefining what mental wellness looks like—less about diagnosis, and more about momentum. Clients walk away with clarity, tools, and the confidence to live boldly and think with purpose.

Jeff "MindForge" Apse

Jeff Apse is a lifelong educator, leader, and advocate for continuous growth and purpose-driven service. Over a career spanning more than twenty-five years, he has served as a teacher, coach, principal, community education director, director of finance and human resources, and public-school superintendent.

Known for his ability to blend heart, strategy, and vision, Jeff has led schools through major transformations, implementing innovative learning systems, overseeing multimillion-dollar facility projects, and guiding communities through both triumph and challenge. His career began in the classroom as a business and marketing teacher and DECA advisor, where he grew a small student group into a nationally recognized program. Those early experiences cemented his belief that education is not just about curriculum, it’s about connection, growth, and character.

As superintendent for two public school districts, Jeff strived to build cultures of trust, accountability, and shared purpose. His leadership during complex times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, reflected his steady commitment to communication, collaboration, and compassion.

Today, Jeff continues to lead with that same philosophy: that every decision, every challenge, and every success should ultimately serve people. His mission, to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible by helping others achieve their goals and dreams, guides his work in education, leadership development, and community service.

Ryan "Syonis" Ihrke

Ryan Ihrke is a learner by heart, having spent years redesigning curriculum and instruction as an English teacher and principal of both a High School and Elementary School. Ryan accomplishes his servant leadership philosophy through creative problem solving and a willingness to do the work. Having spent the first part of his career in the music business, much of Ryan's approach to both education and business stems from understanding the consumer, finding ways to be unique, and solving problems creatively.

Ryan's nearly 20 years of serving schools, while also partaking in continuous side ventures, is evidence of his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to serve the greater good. 

Ryan is a vocal supporter of Outdoor Education for elementary students; having spoken at the School Forest Summit, and helping to establish the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.

Beyond education, Ryan brings a growth mindset to all entrepreneurial ventures, and looks for opportunity always. He runs a farm; owned and operated a woodworking company; plays in a band; is an owner and active founder of Lockdowntech, a company selling a school safety device he developed; and he helped lead Timeout Behavior Coaching, a parent coaching company, to quadruple its revenue in less than two years.

With MindMaxEd Brain Fitness Academy, Ryan hopes to continue making a positive impact on kids and communities, while contributing unique solutions to our society's issues.