A PMDD assistant in your pocket.
Riding the waves of PMDD together.
PMDD sufferers report relationships as being the area of life that PMDD impacts the most. This is why we are on a mission to create a product that will help couples navigate PMDD successfully.
Wave Rider
Riding the waves of PMDD together.
What is Wave Rider?
We're stoked to introduce you to Wave Rider—a tool designed to empower couples riding the PMDD waves. Our app brings structure, promotes open communication, and helps you share insights and resources with your partner. It's like having a supportive PMDD surf coach right in your pocket, guiding you through the ups and downs of PMDD. With practical tips and gentle nudges, we aim to help you both tackle PMDD challenges with confidence and resilience, bringing hope and relief amidst the waves. So, let's catch some good vibes together and ride those PMDD waves with style!
Wave Rider Timeline
We are here!
App Available in App Stores
Learn & Improve
Learn & Improve
Test
Execute Idea
Plan
User Interviews
Beta Version
Idea
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, is a condition where someone experiences severe mood swings and other symptoms that come and go in a predictable pattern related to their menstrual cycle. These symptoms usually start in the second half of the cycle, just before menstruation begins, and get better a few days after menstruation starts. About 5.5% (1 in 20) of women and people assigned female at birth who are in their childbearing years may have this disorder. PMDD is linked to the menstrual cycle but isn't caused by having too much or too little of any hormone. Instead, it's thought to be due to the brain's strong negative response to the normal changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
What is PMDD?
For Free
Additional Features
Harmony Hub
Team up with your partner on a fun, shared digital board for blending data and reviewing summaries together!
Symptom Snapshots
Log PMDD symptoms easily through a webpage link.
Well-Being Barometer
Monitor mental health changes with the WHO-5 Assessment sent every two weeks.
Relationship Compass
Reflect on how satisfied you are in different relationship areas during both the beginning and end of your journey with us. This helps boost communication and understanding. We’ll sum it all up and share it with you via email and on your shared digital board (Harmony Hub).
Waves of Wisdom
Access educational resources on our website for PMDD.
Positivity Pings
Receive gratitude love notes via SMS for moments of need.
Ripples of Hope
Share uplifting messages and nurture supportive community on our members portal.
For Free
Our Values
What Guides Us
Empower
The product aims to empower PMDD couples by providing them with tools and resources to navigate their challenges effectively
1
Communicate
Facilitating open and constructive communication between partners is a key value, ensuring that both individuals feel heard and valued
3
Educate
Prioritizes educating both partners about PMDD and its impact on relationships, fostering understanding and empathy
2
Hope & Reassurance
Providing hope and reassurance through education and awareness is a secondary value, offering support during difficult times
4
Testimonials
"I am very happy to be part of this survey. I believe it is incredibly important for partners to have an understanding of what PMDD is and how it affects their partners. Having easy access to information would be helpful. There is lots of research and information available. But none of it is easily accessible unless you know what to look for".
- Survey Participant
"Thank you for taking the initiative and doing this for for all of us!"
- Interview Participant
"This could be so, so great in terms of, especially for new relationships where you don't even really know how to bring it up or when you do, you kind of sound like you're just, you know, it's just PMS and you're just kind of more upset about it."
- Interview Participant
I love that you’re doing this, so absolutely necessary!
- Interview Participant
Have Questions?
Our goal is to be as transparent as possible. If you have any questions or just want to get in touch, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Our Mission
What Sets Us Apart
Our mission is to help PMDD couples navigate the cycle and waves of PMDD successfully, with respect, love, and compassion. We aim to foster healthier relationships by providing practical tools and educational resources to support couples through the challenges of PMDD.
Caitlyn Giff- Marko
Caitlyn is the visionary founder behind our groundbreaking project. She combines her diverse background in Education, Graphic Design, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology to address the complex challenges couples face with PMDD. Her unique blend of creative design thinking, personal experience with PMDD, and educational background drives our mission to develop empathetic and effective solutions that enhance understanding and support for those navigating the complexities of PMDD. She believes that with education and compassion, couples can navigate PMDD successfully.
Julia Hunt, LCSW
Julia is a seasoned mental health clinician and co-founder of Wave Rider. She is renowned for her innovative leadership style. With expertise in social work, psychotherapy, research, coaching, and product/service design across traditional and start-up settings, Julia offers a diverse skill set to our team. She excels at conceptualizing, developing, and leading mental health initiatives from inception to execution, enriching projects with her unwavering commitment to diversity and cultural inclusivity. At the core of our mission to deliver innovative solutions lies Julia's dedication and innate talent, driving our efforts forward with unparalleled insight.
Shredding Success: Our Team
Our Founders
Elan Marko
Elan has spent a decade coaching and advising entrepreneurs. His expertise in navigating the entrepreneurial journey with an ADHD perspective brings invaluable insights into designing accessible, empowering solutions that resonate with couples. Drawing from personal experience as a PMDD partner, he understands the challenges and opportunities it brings to relationships. He's the Husband to Caitlyn (yes the founder), the love of his life. Together, they travel the world with their 2 year old daughter Isla who shows them the true meaning of love.
Rebecca Fox
Rebecca brings a multifaceted perspective to our team with her expertise in Law, Health & Wellness, and a deep commitment to Yoga and Meditation. Her unique combination of legal acumen and holistic well-being practices enriches our project, offering invaluable insights into creating supportive and empowering solutions for couples dealing with PMDD. Her approach emphasizes balance, mindfulness, and legal integrity, ensuring our solutions are not only effective but also compassionate and ethically grounded.
@rebeccakatefox
Founding Members
Daily Wave Report
(Daily Check-Ins)
Get your daily dose of mood tracking and relationship questions delivered to you via email—it's like a daily check-in with your virtual BFF! While optional, this feature is HIGHLY recommended for daily use. The more you share, the more you gain!
Tide Alerts
(Heads Up Messaging)
Get timely support and insights delivered via SMS when you need it most! Our heads up messages offer helpful insights, educational tidbits and reminders at crucial points in your PMDD cycle (such as 3 days before you go into luteal).
Wave Cycles
(Cycle Tracking)
Unlock insights into your unique PMDD cycle with our cycle tracking feature! We'll map out your cycle phases and offer personalized tips via SMS to navigate through each stage confidently.
Wave Syncing
(Calendar Integration)
Keep in sync with your PMDD cycle effortlessly! Our calendar integration lets you see your own cycle at a glance (and your partner, too)! Stay updated on your phase throughout the month with just a click. We'll send you a personalized calendar link for when you will be in your luteal phase via email for easy integration.
Access to Members Portal
Members and their partners will have access to tailored resources and educational materials to better understand and manage. This support is designed to empower both individuals with PMDD and their partners, fostering a shared journey towards effective symptom management and a positive outlook so they will not only survive the waves of PMDD but thrive!
We're stoked to introduce you to Wave Rider—a rad tool designed to empower couples riding the PMDD waves. Our app brings structure, promotes open communication, and helps you share insights and resources with your partner. It's like having a supportive surf coach right in your pocket, guiding you through the ups and downs of PMDD. With practical tips and gentle nudges, we aim to help you both tackle PMDD challenges with confidence and resilience, bringing hope and relief amidst the waves. So, let's catch some good vibes together and ride those PMDD waves with style!