Formerly called Moves in the Field (or MIF), Skating Skills are the fundamentals of figure skating, including edges, turns, and patterns with a focus on power, flow, and technique. The Skating Skills structure through USFSA offers 8 tests that skaters work their way through with the goal of becoming a USFSA Gold Medalist. I have over a decade of experience teaching Skating Skills and have apprenticed with two PSA Master Rated Coaches in this discipline.

Formerly called Free Skate, Singles incorporates individual figure skating elements like jumps, spins, and footwork sequences. USFSA offers 8 tests that skaters work their way through with the goal of becoming a USFSA Gold Medalist. I have over a decade of experience coaching Singles and have completed over 50 hours of apprenticing in this discipline.

Power skating lessons are offered for students that play or wish to play hockey. In these lessons I focus on building strength, stamina, and speed with great emphasis on proper skating mechanics. I have worked with hockey students since 2011 and strive to create powerful, efficient, and well-rounded skaters.

Off-ice training is key to building strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance to enhance on ice performance. Off-ice lessons typically consist of cardio, strength training, stretching, jump technique, and use of spin trainers. These lessons are a great supplement to on-ice training and will help to build muscle memory and good practice habits.

Figure skaters often go through many programs throughout their skating career, each one requiring music specifically tailored to their needs. I have many cuts of various lengths and styles in my library and cut new music for skaters every year.

Figure skating programs need to be meticulously choreographed with knowledge of the required components and artistry. I choreograph new routines for skaters every season to use for testing or performing. I enjoy bringing music to life on the ice by creating choreography that highlights that skater’s unique talents.

As a licensed physician assistant, I have a broad range of medical experience including behavioral health. My experience helps me spot the warning signs of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. I strive to foster a positive learning environment and help skaters improve their self-confidence. I also have experience working with ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that can impact the way a skater learns and trains.

Most skaters will experience at least one injury in their career but, as a licensed physician assistant, I aim to prevent many of those injuries from occurring. I emphasize body alignment, proper stretching techniques, and warm up drills to help skaters avoid common mistakes that lead to injury. In the event that an injury does occur I will never try to rush the healing process and cause further damage. I have also worked with many skaters who deal with chronic pain and alignment problems to help them continue enjoying the sport.

I joined the Learn to Skate group class program at Kirkwood Ice Rink in 2011. In those 12 years I have taught every age group and level offered and have trained many newer coaches. I’ve learned effective ways to keep a group of students involved and have expanded my repertoire of coaching knowledge by collaborating with the fantastic coaches I’ve worked alongside. Because of this, I’ve learned many different ways to explain and teach things because learning to skate looks different for every skater.