Since 1997, the Movement Centre of Manitoba has been transforming lives through perseverance, resilience and an unwavering belief that everyone – regardless of ability – belongs and deserves to live fully in community.
Guided by this steadfast commitment, the Centre has become a leader in Conductive Education, helping children and adults living with neuromotor disabilities build mobility, independence and confidence. The Centre is proud to be an ACENA (Association for Conductive Education in North America) recognized site in Canada, offering evidence-based, life-changing programs to Manitobans.
The Centre’s beginning is owed to visionary founder Margy Nelson. In her quest for therapeutic resources for her son living with cerebral palsy, Margy brought the unique movement philosophy of Conductive Education to Manitoba after having seen its benefits achieved through Conductive Education programs offered in other provinces.
The Movement Centre of Manitoba officially registered as a non-profit corporation in 1997 and was granted charity status in 1998. The Centre specializes in evidenced-based movement therapy for the treatment of life-altering neuromotor conditions including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, spina bifida, acquired brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Initially operating out of various community spaces, the Centre’s future was forever changed in 2002 when Martin Bergen and his daughter Miriam Bergen (Edison Properties) built and donated a 5,300 sq. ft. facility. The building was dedicated the Ruth Bergen Memorial Centre — a gift that both memorialized Martin’s late wife Ruth Bergen and facilitated the Centre’s potential to change lives for years to come. The wheelchair accessible building, located at 1646 Henderson Hwy, is still home to the Centre today. It contains three classrooms, a reception area, observation rooms, multiple bathrooms and a kitchen. The Centre and our clients also have access to an Olympic-size heated swimming pool located below the building and accessed by a private elevator.
In 2017, the building was re-dedicated the Ruth & Martin Bergen Memorial Centre, further honoring the family’s legacy.
Beginning in 2020, thanks to the generous support of Rick Kuffel and the Kuffel family, the building was completely renovated to increase accessibility and functionality, while elevating the space to inspire the Centre’s next chapter. We are so grateful to have this incredible space to call home.
Despite never receiving government funding, the Centre has flourished — made possible by the unwavering support of its Board of Directors, staff, clients, families, donors, sponsors and partners. Fundraising and community events continue to be a cornerstone of our mission and a reflection of the deep connections we’ve built.
In 2023, the Centre established an Endowment Fund in partnership with The Winnipeg Foundation. We are incredibly grateful to the Kuffel family, whose generous donation of $1 million provided the foundation for this initiative, along with contributions from the families of Louise and Jeannine Saurette, Olivia Steadman and Drew Murray. The Endowment Fund ensures long-term sustainability and funding security to support the Centre’s vital work for generations to come.
The Movement Centre of Manitoba is a beacon of hope, inclusion, and possibility. As we look to the future, we remain focused on expanding access, deepening our impact, and continuing to build a stronger, more inclusive community — one step at a time.
Your generous support will help transform the lives of children and adults living with neuromotor disabilities.
Executive Director, 1997-2018
Executive Director, 2018-2024
Executive Director, 2024-today
