OFFICE TEAM
Jennie Hlady, Administrative Assistant
“Come from the beauty industry, management/stylist. As soon as I walked through the Centre the day I interviewed I could feel that something very special happens here. The team that provides the service is a really caring group of people and the energy here is incredibly inspiring. Getting to know the clients and families, learning some of the stories has been a trip for sure. The Movement Centre exudes so much hope and gratitude. You see the results of consistent hard work, and stories of clients breaking down all sorts of barriers put in front of them, I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else 💙”
PROGRAM TEAM
What is a Conductor?
A conductor in this context are individuals who are designated and specialize in Conductive Education. The conductors are supported by conductive education assistants, who work one to one with our clients in class and are kind, friendly, understanding, and very knowledgeable.
Chris Martin, Conductor QCS
Christopher began working at the Movement Centre as an assistant in the spring of 2009. He quickly realized that this was the career he would like to pursue and moved to England the following year to study conductive education. While in university Chris would return to The Movement Center to work during the summer intensive camps. In 2013 Christopher returned home to Winnipeg and began his full time position as a conductor. When not working at the center, Chris enjoys cycling, camping and collecting records.
“The intense work of the clients and their dedication to their goals continues to inspire me on a daily basis. I’m so proud to be working as a part of the team at the Movement Centre.”
Conductive Education Assistants (CEA)
Amanda D, CEA
Amanda started working at the Movement Centre of Manitoba in April of 2023, after volunteering through a university disability course. She is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in social work. Before the Movement centre, she has worked in childcare for over five years, which grew her passion for helping others.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys staying active at the gym, and playing on a women’s recreational basketball team. She also enjoys camping, reading, and hanging out with her cat.
Courtney T, CEA
Courtney is entering the final year of her Kinesiology degree at the University of Winnipeg. She plan on continuing her studies to pursue a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy in the future.
When she’s not studying or working, Courtney is usually coaching. As an assistant Coach with the Oak Park Women’s Hockey Team she spends many hours over the winter at the rink. In the spring and summer she spends just as much time at the diamonds both coaching and playing softball.
Eden S, CEA
Eden is going into her last year of the Kinesiology and Applied Health program at the University of Winnipeg. She is hoping to go into Occupational Therapy after her undergraduate degree.
In her spare time, Eden enjoys spending time with her dogs, camping, and playing volleyball with her friends.
Kate H, CEA
Kate started working at the Movement Centre of Manitoba during the 2021 Summer Camps. She quickly realized her love for helping people reach their goals and overcome different challenges they may face using the teachings of Conductive Education.
Kate is currently finishing up her degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Manitoba. She plans on continuing her education to pursue a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in the future.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys going to the cabin, spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, and playing sports. Sports have always been a big part of her life, her main sport being soccer. Kate grew up in Denver, Colorado, and later moved to Manitoba with her parents and her three brothers.
Lindsay P, CEA
Lindsay started working at the Movement Centre in June 2021. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 2019 with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, with a career goal to work with athletes and people with disabilities.
Outside of the Movement Centre, she is an amateur Muay Thai fighter and a coach at Kwest Muay Thai. She specializes in the fundamentals of contact and working with youth.
In her down time, she enjoys keeping active, baking, and playing games.
Margy Nelson (B. Ed.) – Founder
Margy Nelson has worn many “hats” in her professional life; business woman and then elementary and junior high teacher, – but according to her – the “hat” that is most near and dear to her heart is in the role of Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Movement Centre of Manitoba.
Back in January, 1989, Margy & husband John, gave birth to premature twins Bryce and Sean. Being born 12 weeks early, first-born son Bryce was quickly diagnosed with having cerebral palsy; Sean escaped complications. Years later, in the summer of 1997, Margy took her son, Bryce, out East, to a center offering a unique program called Conductive Education. As an educator at the time, Margy was enthralled that Conductive Education is an “educational” approach to motor movement; it’s a program that teaches daily-living skills – designed to increase independence. Margy and Bryce were away from home for 5 weeks, and had spent in excess of $7,000.00 for treatment and traveling expenses.
Margy quickly realized that there was a need for Conductive Education in Manitoba; in fact, there were numerous needs to be addressed. There was a need to assist all those living with a mobility challenge by providing them with Conductive Education; a need to assist all family members, by providing the necessary “tools” to their loved one – thereby potentially increasing some level of independence, and easing some of the pressures placed on the family.
When creating The Movement Centre, Margy approached two other mothers of children who had cerebral palsy – to help her create a non-profit charitable organization which would provide Conductive Education rehabilitation at a fee that would be affordable to all. “The Movement Centre of Manitoba” was incorporated in December, 1997 and immediately received its registered charitable status.
