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Coaches

Our professional coaches are all certified by the National Coaching Certification Program and are registered with Skate Canada as Professional Coaches. They are totally dedicated to the sport of skating and have a variety of personal achievements, both as skaters and coaches. Find out a little more about their backgrounds and coaching philosophies.

Leonid Birinberg

T: 613-843-1740 | E: lbirinberg@yahoo.ca

33 Years of Coaching Experience

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EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/qAULIFICATIONS:
  • NCCP Level: Certified National Coach
  • Star 5 Free skate=Skills Assessor Trained
  • 2014 - Designation of Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), representing the highest attainable membership with Coached of Canada
  • 1992 - Diploma of Figure Skating Coach and Sports Teacher, (equivalent of Bachelor of Science in Sport and Physical Education ) from Moscow University of Sport
PROFESSIONAL COACHING EXPERIENCE:
  • Coached International Skater to Junior World (Junior Men, Bulgaria, 2018)
  • Coached bronze medalist at ISU Grand Prix Rostelecom, Russia (Senior Ladies, 2015
  • Coached to 5th place a Junior Worlds, Bulgaria (Junior Ladies, 2013)
  • Coached to 7th place at Junior Worlds, Italy (Junior Ladies, 2013)
  • Coached Competitive Skaters that went to nationals:
  • Silver medalist at Canadian National Championship (Senior Ladies, 2015)
  • Bronze medalist at Canadian national Championship (Novice Men, 2014)
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
  • Singles,
  • stroking,
  • conditioning,
  • skating skills,
  • interpretive,
  • choreography and
  • off-ice training

languages spoken:

  • English
  • Russian

coACHING PHILOSOPHY

I believe that sport, and physical activity in general, stimulates growth and leads to improved physical and emotional health.  Sport specifically aids in the social and psychological development of a person.  Figure Skating requires self-discipline, perseverance, and determination; these skills can be applied to every aspect of a skater’s life.

I thoroughly enjoy working with skaters of all ages and levels, helping them reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

MOST RECENT PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Internationally:

  • Coached bronze medalist at ISU Grand Prix Rostelecom, Russia (Senior Ladies, 2015)
  • Coached  to 5th place at Junior Worlds , Bulgaria (Junior Ladies, 2014)
  • Coached to 7th place at Junior Worlds, Italy (Junior Ladies, 2013)

Nationally:

  • Coached silver medalist at Canadian National Championship (Senior Ladies, 2015)
  • Coached bronze medalist at Canadian National championship (Novice Men, 2014)

Provincially:

  • 1st place at Skate Ontario Championship , Juvenile Women U11
  • 1st place at  2014 Skate Ontario Super Series, Pre-Novice Men
  • 2nd place at 2015  Eastern Ontario Sectionals, Pre- Novice Men
RATES:

Please contact coach directly for rates.

Louise Dimmick

T: 613-720-9240 | E: louisecoaching@hotmail.ca

14 Years of Coaching Experience

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CERTIFICATIONS:
  • National Coach Trained in Singles
  • Provincial Coach Certified in Dance
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Currently coach skaters of all levels in competition and test from Canskate to Gold and Junior competitive including those competing at Sectionals and qualifying for Skate Canada Challenge and Canadians.

RATES

15min Private: $11.50

15min Semi-Private: $6.50

Group Lessons:

15min – 3 skaters: $4.50

15min – 4 skaters: $3.75

AVAILABLE TO TEACH:
  • Freeskate,
  • Skating Skills,
  • Stroking/Footwork,
  • Choreography,
  • Dance,
  • Off-ice
BILINGUAL: ENGLISH/FRENCH

Lenka Seniglova

T: 613-668-0952 | E: seniglovalenka@seznam.cz

14 Years of Coaching Experience

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CERTIFICATIONS:

NCCP Level 2 certified in Singles, Level 3 theory

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

I strive to help skaters in developing their full potential and achieving their goals while making the learning process educational and enjoyable. Figure skating has been my passion since I was four years old. Having an athletic career in figure skating has taught me more than just spins and jumps. I have acquired skills that help me in my everyday life including discipline, dedication, time- management, fair play, hard work, and persistence to name just a few. I would like to pass on what I have learned through my experiences to my students.

Lenka represented the Czech Republic at the 2001 European Championship and at the 2001 Worlds. She has competed internationally and also did an ice show tour in the UAE.

RATES:

Private Lesson $12.00 per 15 mins

Group Lesson 14.00 per 15 mins

Dan Gordon

E: danjgordon61@gmail.com

42 Years of Coaching Experience

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Education/CERTIFICATIONS/qualifications:

NCCP Level 3 certified

Professional coaching experience:
  • Coached skaters from CanSkate to Gold test
  • Coached Competitive Skaters to Challenge, Nationals and International Medalists
Able to Teach:

Able to Coach all disciplines

Language/s spoken:

Bilingual English and French

Personal Background:
  • Attained gold figure, free skate and dance tests
  • 3 years with Ice Follies & Holiday On Ice/Disney shows
  • Volunteered for numerous events
COACHING PHILOSOPHY

I want to pass on the love of skating to all and have them teach their personal skating goals whether it's competing at a high level or just wanting to improve their skating skills.  Keeping it fun and engaging in a positive environment.

RATE

$15.00 per 15min

 

Lori Walker

T: 613-889-1714 | E: loriwalker21@hotmail.com

19 Years of Coaching Experience

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CERTIFICATIONS:

NCCP Level 2 certified

DISCIPLINES:
  • Free Skate,
  • Skills,
  • Dance,
  • Synchro
COACHING PHILOSOPHY

I have much dedication and appreciation for my sport. I enjoy working with skaters of all ages and abilities. I want to motivate my skaters to develop a positive approach towards figure skating while having fun and working hard. I want them to develop into the best athletes/people they can be.

Lori skated for a Nepean Skating Club synchronized skating team for 5 years (team was National Champs 2008-2009 season). Lori has taught skaters of many ages and levels from Canskate to Starskate and also adult programs.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Taught skaters of many ages and levels from CanSkate to StarSkate (Preliminary to Senior Silver levels) and adult programs

Coached skaters at club competitions and test days

Skated for 20 years back home near Sudbury (Valley East Skating Club) and started my professional coaching there in 2002

2007 to present- CanSkate and StarSkate coach for the Nepean Skating Club

2008-2013 CanSkate and StarSkate coach for the Metcalfe Figure Skating Club

RATE

$11.00 per 15min

Sara Davidson

E: saraskatingdavidson@gmail.com

15+ years of coaching experience

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CERTIFICATIONS:

National Coach – Trained, Singles

Coaching Philosophy:

The best part of coaching is helping skaters of all ages and skill levels achieve their personal goals, no matter how big or how small. Watching skaters become enthusiastic, self-motivated and develop their own passion for skating increases my love and commitment to our amazing sport. Seeing them succeed at test days, competitions, tryouts and ice shows makes me so proud of their courage and hard work.

Available to teach:

Freeskate
Skating Skills
Dance Tests
Interpretive
Synchro Skills
Adults

Areas of Specialization:

STARskate, Competitive, Synchro, Adults

Rate:

$12.50 per 15 min

Bilingual: English/French

Mary Yarush

T: 613-762-2495 | E: mary.edgeworks@gmail.com

45+ years of coaching experience

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CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Level 3 certified singles and pairs
  • Completed 7/12 level 4 courses
  • Attend seminars regularly in order to stay current with updates/rule changes/guidelines
DISCIPLINES:
  • Free Skate
  • Pair Skating
COACHING PHILOSOPHY

I am dedicated to helping skaters achieve personal goals by installing a well-rounded on and off ice routine.  At the same time, I would like to ensure that skaters use and value life skills learned from experiences with skating.

My goal is not just to develop skaters, but to develop people.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
  • Choreography
  • Free Skate and Pair skating
  • Competitive and STARskate
  • Working with young children
  • Edgeworks – Working with hockey/ringette skaters
RATE

$14 per 15min (private lesson)

Competition expenses (travel,meals,accommodation). Cost shared with competitors

Tanner White

E: tanner.white1@gmail.com

Certified Regional Coach

NCCP Provincial Coach - Trained

12 years of coaching experience

 

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Education/CERTIFICATIONS/qualifications:
  • Honours Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies - Outdoor Recreation with Minor in Sustainability Studies
  • Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (3-Year)
  • NCCP Provincial Coach (Trained)
  • 10 Years Coaching Experience
Professional coaching experience:
  • Coached skaters at Provincial Championships and OUA Championships
  • Coached Competitive who have won Gold in OUA Championship Events
Able to Teach:

Able to Coach all disciplines, competitive, StarSkate, & Adult

Language/s spoken:

English

Personal Background:
  • Senior Ice Dance - International Competitor Representing Ecuador - 2024
  • 2012 National Champion of the Netherlands - Junior Dance
  • Trained at the Ice Dance Elite Program at the Scarboro Figure Skating Club with World and Olympic Coaches: Carol Lane, Jon Lane and Juris Razgulajevs 2012-2014
Volunteer experience:

Carleton University Ravens Figure Skating Team - Head Ice Dance Coach 2017-2024 

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

It is an honour and a privilege to lead skaters on their life long journey with figure skating. Teaching skaters solid basic skating skills and fundamental techniques early on is the key to future success. I lean athletes by example by focusing on ensuring my students develop good mental and physical health strategies as they progress through their Figure Skating journey.  I ensure my skaters balance their on-ice and off-ice practices with their daily lives to ensure well rounded development.  My approach helps skaters to reach their competitive and personal potential in skating through hard work, focus, and discipline, all while maintaining a love for the sport.

RATES:
  • Contact Tanner for his fees

Elizabeth Medland Spence

W: Visit Website | E: elizabethmedlandspence@gmail.com

8 Years of Coaching Experience
20 Years of Skating Experience with NSC

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education/CERTIFICATIONS/qualifications:
  • NCCP Regional Coach Certified
  • Star 1-5 Assessor Training
  • NCCP CanSkate Coach Certified
  • 8 Years of coaching experience
  • BSc Neuroscience and Mental Health (Carleton University - 2021)
  • BSc Psychology: Concentration in Health Psychology (Carleton University - 2023)

ABLE TO TEACH:

  • Freeskate
  • Skills
  • Dance
  • Artistic

LANGUAGES SPOKEN:

  • English

 PERSONAL BACKGROUND:

  • 20 years of skating experience with NSC

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

  • Numerous NSC ice shows, competitions, tests days and performance days
  • 2023 NSC Ice Show Planning Committee 
  • 2017 Skate Ontario Autumn Skate Planning Committee: Medals and Awards
  • 2019Nepean WinterSkate Planning Committee: Medals and Awards

COACHING PHILOSOPHY:

My coaching philosophy is to create a safe environment where skaters are free to be themselves, allowing them to grow, not only as skaters, but as human beings. I aim to help skaters develop their skills while growing their love of skating, by being patient and attentive to their needs and demonstrating a strong basic technique. I understand that, as coaches, we are helping to build people, not just athletes, so we must lead by example, with kindness, respect, and compassion. I believe that skating is for everyone and want to be able to share my love of the sport with them.

RATE:

$10.00 per 15 min

Katherine Medland Spence

W: Visit Website |E: coachkams@gmail.com                                                      

8 Years of Coaching Experience
20 Years of Skating Experience with NSC

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education/CERTIFICATIONS/qualifications:
  • NCCP Provincial Coach Level 2 Trained
  • NCCP Regional & CanSkate Coach Certified
  • Star 1-5 Coach Assessor
  • Skate Canada Base Level Technical Specialist
  • BSc in Biochemistry from Carleton University (in progress)

PROFESSIONAL COACHING EXPERIENCE:

  • Coached skaters at the Star 1 - Gold, Pre-Juvenile - Novice levels
  • Coached skaters to Sectional Championships and Skate Canada Challenge
  • Coached numerous skaters to Provincial Championships and Gold Tests of all disciplines
  • Facilitator at the 2023 Skate Ontario Development Camp

ABLE TO TEACH:

  • Freeskate
  • Skills
  • Dance
  • Artistic
  • Off-ice jumps
  • Choreography

LANGUAGES SPOKEN:

English

PERSONAL BACKGROUND:

  • 3x Skate Canada Senior Women National Competitor Competitor
  • Current Senior Women competitor
  • Gold Tests in Freeskate, Skills, and Dance
  • 2024 Skate Ontario Senior Women Sectionals Champion

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

  • Officiating at Provincials Series competitions
  • Numerous Nepean ice shows, competitions, test days, and performance days

COACHING PHILOSOPHY/EXPERIENCE:

My coaching philosophy is to create a safe, positive training environment where skaters are free to be themselves, allowing them to grow as skaters and as humans.  I aim to help skaters develop their skills and achieve their goals through strong basic technique, while helping grow their love of skating.  I love getting to share my love of skating with others, and I strive to make this sport a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

RATE:

$10.00 per 15 min

 

Leanne Paisley

E: ljpaisley@hotmail.com

24 Years of Coaching Experience 

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education/CERTIFICATIONS/qualifications:
  • NCCP Provincial Certified Coach
  • Skate Canada Courses:
    • Star 1-5 Coach Assessor Training
    • Star 6 - Gold Skills - Coach Assessor
    • CanSkate Excellence
    • Skate Canada Coaching Summit
  • 24 Years coaching figure skating

PROFESSIONAL COACHING EXPERIENCE:

  • Coached skaters at at all CanSkate and StarSkate levels
  • Coached in numerous clubs across Ontario

ABLE TO TEACH:

  • Pre-CanSkate
  • CanSkate
  • StarSkate (Star 1 - Gold)
  • Singles
  • Skills
  • Dance
  • Artistic

LANGUAGES SPOKEN:

English

PERSONAL BACKGROUND:

Skating has been a part of my life since I was 7 years old. I bring all of my own skating and career experiences into my coaching, both on and off the ice. I believe that every skater has the potential to be the best that they can be and they deserve to learn at their own pace. I coach not only to teach the skills behind skating but to teach the skills behind confidence, self-esteem, personal strength, and perseverance. Everyone deserves the chance to be active in a sport environment. My goal is to make it fun and a learning experience all at once.

RATE:

Please contact Leanne directly

 

Nancy Lentini

E: lentininancy@yahoo.ca

 

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Gail Ann Ellis

E: ellis59@icloud.com

National Level Coach Certified 
49 Years Coaching Experience

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CERTIFICATIONS:
  • National Level Coach Certified

COACHING PHILOSOPHY:

The joy of lacing your skates to step on the ice and totally know this is your place to smile laugh and enjoy the love of skating. At any age or level of experience.

Disciplines:

  • Freeskate (jumps, spins, choreography of free skate programs)
  • Artistic Programs (choreography)
  • Dance (preliminary to gold level
  • Skills

Coaching Experience:

  • Professional skatung coach since 1975
  • Star 1 to quadruple gold level
  • Competitive skaters from pre-juvenile to junior level in dance and freestyle

RATE:

$1.10 per minute

Off Ice

Leonid Birinberg

T: 613-843-1740 
E: lbirinberg@yahoo.ca

Technical Training Instructor

Leonid Birinberg graduated with a Bachelor of Sports, specializing in Physical Education and Sport; he also holds the Canadian designation of ChPC (Chartered Professional Coach). For over twenty years, Leonid has focused on training figure skaters from StarSkate to the International level. Leonid combines the two components, on and off ice, to optimize each skater’s skills, allowing the athlete to reach their full potential.

Dylan Harries

 

Fitness Instructor

Dylan Harries {B. Rec., B.Sc. (HK), C.A.T} is a renowned fitness presenter who travels the world inspiring his participants with his passion and knowledge of all forms of physical activity. With over 22 years of fitness experience, Dylan is a Regional Director for the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA in Ottawa Canada. In his spare time, he is an award winning athletic trainer and performance coach. Dylan is CALA (Trainer), CFP (PTS/FIS), SPI (2), YMCA (Master Trainer), Gym-Stick (Aqua Master Trainer), HydroRider (Trainer), Spinning (star 2), Bender Ball (Master Trainer), Pilates (Diane Miller Method), Bosu, TRX and NCCP (2) certified.

Irina Shivrina

 

Dance Instructor

Irina Shivrina is certified as a Fitness Instructor (Russia) and Master of Choreography (Russia) and holds a Level 1 NCCP Certification (Canada) in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Irina has been teaching a variety of classical and contemporary dance modalities for the past 23 years and thrives on seeing her students stretch their boundaries and achieve their personal goals.