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

  • Regional Certified Coach
  • CanSkate Specialist

  • Gold Dance

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 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

PowerSkate Certified
Regional Certified

Specialties: Synchronized Skating, Adult Skatinge

Inca
Chan

Club Program Coach

Regional Certified
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

Violet
George

Club Program Coach

CanSkate Trained
 

Specialties:
Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate

Aaron
Chapplain

Club Program Coach

Regional Certified
Choreography

Specialties:
PowerSakte,
Ice Dance

Our Program Assistants

Program Assistants help support the coaches during CanSkate sessions by working with skaters in small groups, demonstrating basic skills, helping keep activities moving, and encouraging younger skaters as they progress through the program.

They work under the direction of the certified coach and help create a safe, positive and organized learning environment on the ice. Program Assistants are typically more experienced skaters who are developing leadership skills while giving back to the club.

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.