Meet Our
Coaches

Our certified and experienced coaching team helps skaters build confidence, develop strong skills and achieve their goals at every stage of their skating journey.

Coaching Leadership

Leeza Shekhter

Director of Programs
High Performance Director

  • National Certified Coach
  • High Performance Director
  • Gold Freeskate

Leeza leads the Club’s programming and supports skaters through a coaching approach grounded in sport science, biomechanics and long-term development.

Haylee Smith

CanSkate Coordinator
Co-Lead Rising STARS Academy

  • Provincial Trained

  • CanSkate Specialist


Haylee coordinates our CanSkate program and co-leads the Rising STARS Academy, helping figure skaters build strong foundations and a love for the sport.

Mervin Tran

Director of Curriculum & Development Co-Lead Rising STARS Academy PowerSkate Coordinator

  • National Trained

  • PowerSkate Trained

  • Gold Dances & Freeskate

Mervin co-leads the Rising STARS Academy and works with skaters in singles, dance, pairs, synchro and power skating to improve skills and confidence.

Our Coaching Team

Jackie
Christoff

Club Program Coach

Provincial Trained
Gold Skills & Artistic

Specialties: Synchronized Skating, Star Skating

Inca
Chan

Club Program Coach

Provincial Trained
Gold Freeskate

Specialties:
STARSkate, Rising STARS

David
Gibson

Club Program Coach

PowerSkate Certified
Provincial Certified

Specialties:
PowerSkate,
Ice Dance

Breanne
Skinner

Club Program Coach

Regional Certified
 

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Saskia
Shillington

Club Program Coach

PowerSkate Trained
Regional In-Training

Specialties:
STARSkate, Rising STARS

Vasilisa
Matantseva

Club Program Coach

Regional Trained
 

Specialties:
STARSkate, Rising STARS

Chelsea
Trenkel

Club Program Coach

CanSkate Trained
 

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Lucia
Sedgwick

Club Program Coach

CanSkate Trained
 

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Caitlin
Jerrett

Club Program Coach
 

Regional Trained

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Chase
Boutilier

Club Program Coach

CanSkate Trained
 

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Tomoyo
Yamada

Dance Instructor

Performance Specialist Certified
 

Specialties:
Dance

Aaron
Chapplain

Club Program Coach

Regional Trained
Choreography

Specialties:
Choreography,
Ice Dance

Violet
George

Club Program Coach

CanSkate Trained
 

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Our Program Assistants

Program Assistants (PAs) are trained skaters who work alongside Skate Canada coaches during CanSkate sessions. They help lead activities, demonstrate skills, assist skaters through circuits, and provide encouragement throughout the session.

Program Assistants play an important role in creating a fun, positive, and supportive learning environment while helping coaches keep skaters active and engaged on the ice.

Coaching with Skill, Safety and Encouragement

Qualified Instruction

Our coaches are trained and certified through Skate Canada and continue their professional development.

Individual Development

We support each skater’s individual goals. abiilties and stage of  development with positive  constructive coaching.

Positive Environment

We create a welcoming, respectful and encouraging environment where skaters can thrive.

Long-Term Progress

Our programs build strong foundations and support skaters in achieving their personal best.