Meet the founders - Global pioneers of neuro-wellness.
Global Standards. Multi-Generational Expertise. Personalized Care. Welcome to InnerOptimal, a premier French-American, women-owned Neuro-Wellness center nestled in Encinitas (North County San Diego) and serving clients worldwide. Co-founded in the fall of 2006 by the mother-and-daughter duo of Dr. Danielle and Marie- Laure, InnerOptimal bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with deeply compassionate, personalized brain training.
By uniting sophisticated European wellness methodologies with advanced American and international neurofeedback technology, we build custom programs designed to optimize your brain power, relieve a wide variety of symptoms, and help you live a happier, more satisfying life. Visit our full-time facility in San Diego County or train via our expert-guided remote programs from anywhere in the world.
Dr. Danielle Chavalarias
CEO & President
International Speaker, Neurofeedback Innovator, and Holistic Pioneer. Dr. Danielle brings an extraordinary 55+ years of
deep foundational experience in wellness, mindset, and psychosomatic healing to InnerOptimal. An internationally recognized speaker, she has lectured extensively across the US, France, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and multiple nations in Africa. She actively participates in neurofeedback technology development and collaborates with international trainers and researchers.
Education & Core Credentials
Docteur Naturopath (Specialty in Psycho-Somatic/Psycho-Trauma): Educated at the prestigious D’Hygiène Naturelle Institute founded by Biologist P.V. Marchesseau. in Paris, France (1982).
Advanced Neurofeedback Certification: Zengar/Neuroptimal, Canada (2007)—Focusing on cutting-edge concepts and advanced clinical strategies. Continuous Advanced Neurofeedback Training: Received annually from Neuroptimum, France (2007–Present).
Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner:
Institut Français de Recherche en Intelligence Emotionnelle (IFRIE), Paris.
Advanced Certified Dr. Bach Flower Practitioner:
Certified in France.
A Lifetime of Impact & Innovation
The Quantum Physics & Publishing Pioneer (1970s): Founded two wellness publishing houses in Paris and Southern France. She published contemporary researchers, recovered dormant ancient wisdom texts, and launched the very first magazine in Paris dedicated to quantum physics studies.
Holistic Retreat Leadership (1988–2000):
Established and managed the first Holistic Healing Retreat Center in the South-West of France.
La Source NGO, Senegal (1988–2000):
At the same time, Dr. Danielle founded and managed La Source, a highly successful non-profit Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to the integrated development of remote villages in North and South Senegal (Casamance).
Operation Giving Back (2007–2013):
Created a dedicated, non-profit clinical program within InnerOptimal providing pro-bono neurofeedback to US Veterans experiencing severe military P.T.S.D. or combat stress disorders.
Integrative Expertise:
Dr. Danielle seamlessly incorporates nutrition, adult/senior dietetics, Science of Mind principles, Western philosophy, medical astrology, and Hatha Yoga/meditation (practiced since 1968) into her present-day coaching.
Marie-Laure Wagner, MA
Director of Neuro-Wellness & VP | Sociologist, Peak Performance Coach, and Brain Power Expert
Marie-Laure has spent over 25 years passionately studying human behavior and maximizing brain potential. Her elite training style has helped notable corporate clients and world-record-holding athletes achieve massive peak performance breakthroughs. She is actively involved in research networks with international trainers and researchers.
Education & Core Credentials
Master’s & PhD Candidate in Sociology, successfully executed two years of intensive doctoral studies, specialized in human behavior in out-of-space program, University of Toulouse-Mirail, (France).
Neurofeedback, All Levels, Neuroptimal Certification by Dr. Val Brown and Dr. Susan Brown (Canada).
Neuromodulation Certifications, NeurOptimum Certification by Dr. D. Wagner (France).
Neurofeedback certification, Applied Psychosociology Education Faculty, Certification by Dr. Kerson (USA).
Advanced Neuromodulation Training: Currently in certification process with Cygnet/ Bee Mediz (France-USA). We believe in continuous education.
Behavioral Relationship Entrainment (BRE), Brain Teck Institute, Certification by Dr Maness (USA).
Biofeedback Peak Performance Coaching by Gemmo Communication (France).
Neurofeedback technology development, (Vilistus, UK).
Research studies on PTSD and Neurofeedback training, US 2014-2015.
Advanced Certified Dr. Bach Flower Practitioner: Certified in France.
A Lifetime of Impact & Innovation
Operation Giving Back (2007–2013) USA: Actively participated into the Veterans Neurofeedback brain trainings in this dedicated, non-profit clinical program within InnerOptimal providing pro-bono neurofeedback to US Veterans experiencing severe military P.T.S.D. or combat stress disorders.
La Source NGO, Senegal:
Marie-Laure managed the marketing and promotional departments for 12 years, traveling to Senegal five times to implement campaigns.
Youth Development Volunteering (2001–2006): Prior to co-creating InnerOptimal, she spent five years volunteering in US educational programs, helping children unlock their innate human potential and deepen their connection to the environment.
Space Mission Research (CNES):
While completing her advanced degrees, Marie-Laure tracked astronaut space missions with the CNES (the French equivalent of NASA). This research ignited her lifelong fascination with neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to expand its potential under the right stimuli.
A Shared Legacy of Humanitarian Giving & Volunteering
Dr. Danielle and Marie-Laure’s professional synergy is deeply rooted in a shared lifetime of philanthropy. For over three decades, this mother-daughter team has combined their business success with community service across three continents:
San Diego & Tijuana (2007–Present): Active members and volunteers with the Encinitas Rotary Club, regularly supporting local North County community initiatives and aiding impoverished families in Tijuana, Mexico.
La Source NGO, Senegal (1988–2000): Dr. Danielle founded and managed La Source, a highly successful non-profit Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to the integrated development of remote villages in North and South Senegal (Casamance). Marie-Laure managed the marketing and promotional departments for 12 years, traveling to Senegal five times to implement campaigns.
Active Sponsorships: Dr. Danielle’s humanitarian work continues actively today in Togo, Africa, and Peru (South America) where she personally sponsors children’s school educations.
What do our clients say about us?
Kathy Dougherty ★★★★★ 7 months ago
“I was unfamiliar with Neurofeedback, but I thought I would give it a try for my high anxiety, insomnia and severe rumination. I found the most caring and knowledgeable experts in this field!! Dr. Danielle and Marie-Laure have given me a much improved quality of life after so many decades of experiencing these issues. For the first time in 65 years, I go wake up without anxiety and I now get a good night’s rest. Amazing!! InnerOptimal is so welcoming and from my experience the only place to go for Neurofeedback!! With much gratitude.”
Disclaimer: Marie-Laure Wagner-Hunsaker or Danielle Chavalarias are not licensed physicians. They do not diagnose, they do not treat or they do not advise psychological or medical disorders. Please consult your physician for medical disorders. This Brain Training is alternative or complementary to healing arts services licensed by the state. Brain Training is not licensed by the state.
