
October 15, 2026
St. Leo the Great’s Catholic Church Life Center
28290 Beaumont Rd
Bonita Springs, Florida (map)
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About the Symposium
Gather. Learn.
Join us on October 15 for the Second Annual MS Health & Wellness Symposium. This complimentary event for people living with multiple sclerosis and their caregivers brings together MS Professionals, valuable community resources, and inspiring stories to help you thrive with MS.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast, educational presentations, a gourmet lunch from Mare Terra, and a Vendor Expo showcasing the latest products and services available to the Southwest Florida MS community.
The day culminates with keynote speaker Steve Doerfler, whose compelling story of resilience, purpose, and philanthropy offers inspiration for anyone facing life's challenges.

Keynote Speaker

Steve Doerfler
Steve Doerfler is currently Board Chairman of Metalcraft Inc., Mason City, IA, a private, 75-year-old worldwide leader of durable, barcode and passive RFID (radio frequency identification) nameplate and label solutions, used to track and control assets, equipment and provide access control. Steve’s Metalcraft career started in 1984, leading the company as CEO from October 2012 through September 2023. Metalcraft has 125 members with annual revenue of $30 million.
Steve was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012, ironically three years after his business partner and former CEO received the same diagnosis in 2009. Throughout his tenure as CEO, he balanced leading the company with the ongoing challenges of managing MS.
Steve has personally benefited from a range of physical therapies that have helped him manage the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Recognizing that many of these therapies can be cost-prohibitive, he became increasingly aware that individuals living with MS often face significant financial barriers to accessing care. Inspired by what he describes as a Holy Spirit moment, Steve and his wife, Laura, established a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in August 2025, Persevering One Step at a Time Foundation, to expand access to these therapies for individuals with MS who need financial assistance, with the broader objective of helping them maintain mobility. Steve is currently very active in leading Persevering One Step at a Time Foundation as President. Additional information is available in “My Story” at www.perseveringonestep.com.
Laura and Steve are committed to helping as many individuals living with MS as possible.
Featured Sessions

Dr. Catherine Bergman: Clinical Neuropsychologist
Same Person, Different Bandwidth: Understanding the MS Brain in Everyday Life
Dr. Bergman explains how MS affects the brain, and therefore relationships, habits and everything else in a person's life.
Bio
Dr. Catherine Bergmann is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at Collier Neurologic Specialists with extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment with a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in comprehensive evaluations for a wide range of neurological and psychological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, substance use, psychiatric disorders, and autism.
Dr. Bergmann earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for Psychological Sciences. She completed her clinical internship at the VA Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, followed by specialized postdoctoral training through a private practice, with advanced didactics provided by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, INOVA, and Georgetown University.
She also works as an Assistant Professor at a local university, where she remains actively involved in research on neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and dementia.
She is a member of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), and is dedicated to advancing the field through both clinical practice and academic scholarship.
9:30 AM

Dr. Matthew Baker: MS Neurologist
The Quiet Side of MS: Recognizing and understanding progression beyond relapses
Dr. Baker will share the lesser known signs of MS progression to help you stay alert and aware.
Bio
Dr. Matthew Baker is a highly skilled neurologist practicing at Collier Neurologic Specialists, with a focus on multiple sclerosis, migraines, and autoimmune-related neurological conditions. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Physics from Florida State University before pursuing his medical degree at the University of South Florida. Following his graduation, Dr. Baker completed both his internship and residency at the University of South Florida, where he developed a strong foundation in neurology.
With a passion for improving patient outcomes, Dr. Baker combines cutting-edge research with a personalized approach to care, ensuring each patient receives the attention and expertise they deserve. His extensive experience in treating complex neurological conditions allows him to offer innovative and tailored treatment plans.
His commitment to his patients' health goes beyond just treatment—he emphasizes open communication and a collaborative approach to care that empowers his patients throughout their neurological journey.
10:30 AM

Julie Hill, RD, FMCP: Nutritionist
You are what you eat, they say. Juile Hill brings her expertise to the table, sharing the foods that can help, the foods that can hinder, and how to reap the benefits of knowing the difference.
Bio
Julie Hill is an IFM certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Registered Dietitian in Fort Myers. She blends her culinary arts background and her Nutritionist degree with the holistic wellness approach of Functional Medicine.
Julie has over 13 years of experience in providing one-on-one nutrition counseling for adults and children using personalized meal plans, advanced lab testing, supplement recommendations and tailoredlifestyle solutions.
11:15 AM

Georgina Percel: Interactive Exercise
An experienced practitioner of fun and effective exercise specifically for multiple sclerosis patients, Georgina will introduce what works and how to incorportate it into your life.
Bio
Georgina Percel is a exercise instructor with years of experience helping Multiple Sclerosis patients enjoy movement and improve their quality of life.
She holds a Bachelor’s in science. from Northern Illinois University; a Master in Physiology of Exercise, from the University of Georgia; a Master in Sports Medicine from the University of Miami, and is a Functional Fitness Trainer.
1:45 PM
Full Agenda
Agenda
8:30 am Welcome Breakfast and Registration
9:15 am Welcoming Remarks
9:30 am Catherine Bergman, Neuroscientist
10:15 am Visit with Vendors, Refresh Break
10:30 am Dr. Matthew Baker, MS Neurologist
11:15 am Julie Hill, Nutritionist
Noon Lunch Break, Vendor Expo
1:00 pm Keynote Speaker Steve Doerfler, Philanthropist
1:45 pm Georgina Percel, Interactive Exercise
2:15 pm Raffle and Closing Remarks
Registration
Registration is free and open to people with multiple sclerosis and their caregiver.




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