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
613-843-1740
26 Years of Coaching Experience
Certifications:
- NCCP Level 3 certified, working on Level 4
Disciplines:
- Singles,
- stroking,
- conditioning,
- skating skills,
- interpretive,
- choreography and
- off-ice training
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.
Certifications & Education:
- 2014 – Designation of Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), representing the highest attainable membership with Coaches of Canada
- 2014 – Highest level of education, experience and ethics coaching certificate
- 1992 – Diploma of Figure Skating Coach and Sports Teacher, (equivalent of Bachelor of Science in Sport and Physical Education) from Moscow Institute
Areas of Specialization
Singles; Jumps; off-ice training; stroking; conditioning; skating skills;
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:
Private Lesson fee: $15.00 – 15min
Group Lesson fee:
2 skaters – 15min – $8.75 per skater
3 skaters – 15min – $6.60 per skater
4 skaters – 15min – $4.95 per skater
HST (13%) will be charged on above services
Competition Expenses: Travel, meals & accommodation to be shared by competitors.
Louise Dimmick
613-720-9240
14 Years of Coaching Experience
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
Dan Gordon
Over 30 Years of Coaching Experience
Certifications:
NCCP Level 3 certified
Coaching Philosophy
On a personal level Dan has achieved Gold level in Figures, Freeskate and Dance. He has coached all levels of skaters from Canskate to international figure skating medalists. His skaters have passed levels from Preliminary to Senior Competitive tests.
Rate
$15.00 per 15min
Disciplines:
- Singles,
- Dance and
- Pairs
Sara Davidson
15+ years of coaching experience
Certification:
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
Tanner White
TANNER WHITE
Certified Regional Coach
tanner.white1@gmail.com
Tanner graduated from Brock University in 2020 & 2021 with an Honours Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies in Outdoor Recreation with a minor in Sustainability Studies, and a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies (3-Year). He is a Certified Regional Coach and working towards Provincial Coach certified status this season.
As a skater, Tanner competed in competitive Ice Dance at the national level in Canada, and he became the 2012 National Gold Medalist of the Netherlands with his partner at the 2012 National Championships in Tilburg, NL. Tanner has skated under the direction of Carol and Jon Lane, and Juris Rasgulajevs, who are National, World and Olympic coaches at the Scarboro Figure Skating Club’s Ice Dance Elite Program. He also has experience in men’s free skate, competing three seasons in the Open Men’s event (Gold) at OUA championship competitions as a member of the Brock University Badgers Figure Skating Team.
He has been a coach since 2015, working at various clubs around the Ottawa area, as well as 3 years at the Winter Club of St. Catharines as the head Ice Dance coach. Since 2019, he has been the Ice Dance coach of the Carleton University Ravens Figure Skating Team, where his skaters have won Gold in the Rhythm Dance event (2019 OUA Championships), as well as the gold medal in Gold solo dance, silver medal in Dance Fours and Rhythm Dance events this past season at the 2022 OUA championships in Aylmer, Ontario.
Tanner specializes in ice dance, stroking, artistic skating, and skills and also teaches free skate. He always works hard to ensure his skaters develop strong fundamental skating skills. He is also proficient and qualified in all disciplines of skating and is available to coach all levels of athletes. He incorporates the use of technology in his lessons, such as youtube videos and video analysis using the Coach’s Eye app.
Rate: $42 per hour
Elizabeth Medland Spence
Elizabeth Medland Spence
elizabethmedlandspence@gmail.com
Website: sites.google.com/view/medlandspencecoaching
5 Years of Coaching Experience
18 Years of Skating Experience with NSC
CERTIFICATIONS:
· NCCP Regional Coach Certified
· Star 1-5 Assessor Training
· NCCP CanSkate Coach Certified
EDUCATION:
· BSc Neuroscience and Mental Health (Carleton University- 2021)
· BSc Psychology: Concentration in Health Psychology (Carleton University- Current)
DISCIPLINES:
· Freeskate
· Skills
· Dance
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.
LAST YEAR’S PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
· 150+ tests passed by skaters
· 5 gold tests passed
· 5 skaters qualified for provincials
RATE:
$10.00 per 15 min
Lenka Seniglova
613-668-0952
5 Years of Coaching Experience
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
Lori Walker
613-889-1714
19 Years of Coaching Experience
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
Mary Yarush
613 762 2495
40+ Years of Coaching Experience
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
Nathan Last
I am a Skate Canada Regional level coach and I began teaching skating in 2008. I have passed my Senior Competitive Singles, Junior Competitive Pairs, and Gold levels in Freeskate, Skills, Dance, and Interpretive. In addition to my experience as a competitive skater, I traveled the world performing in professional ice shows including Disney on Ice. I have also completed my Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree through Carleton University.
Coaching Philosophy
I am dedicated to assisting skaters achieve their individual goals by being passionate, committed, and entertaining. I believe accountability is paramount to the success of any athlete and I work with skaters to help them find a balance between training and life.
I am available to teach skaters in the following disciplines:
- Pairs
- Freeskate
- Skating Skills
- Stroking/Power
- Choreography
- Interpretive
- Dance
- Off-Ice
Contact information
613-805-1165
nathan.last@alumni.carleton.ca
Coaching Fees
Rate is per skater to be discussed with Nathan
Solange Boivin
416 452 5730
solange.boivin.skating@gmail.com
28 years of coaching experience
Certifications:
NCCP National coach certified level 3
Pursuing an ongoing education in coaching, attends seminars regularly to stay informed and to remain on the cutting edge of the sport
Disciplines:
Free skating,
Skating Skills,
Edgeworks,
Choreography ,
Adult skaters, and
Off-Ice (Strength and flexibility)
Coaching Philosophy:
My goals as a skating coach are to assist all skaters I have the pleasure to teach, from all levels, to improve beyond their own expectations in the sport of figure skating. I hope to help them glide through their skating journey, either competitive or recreational, by offering them valuable life skills and contributing to their personal growth. Coaching allows me to give back and share my love and passion for our sport. I equally enjoy working in the development of young skaters.
Coaching Experience:
Coached in North America and Europe
Coached to 4th place at ISU internationals – (Andorra, Novice ladies)
Coached skaters to finish among the top 10 at ISU internationals (Andorra, Novice and Junior ladies)
Coached skaters to Gold tests in Skating Skills and Free Skating
Currently coaching skaters of all levels – CanSkate, STAR, Adults and Competitive
Rates:
15 minutes private lesson – $15.00
Detailed breakdown of coaching fees for other teaching formats and competitions are available upon request.
Bilingual in English and French, fluent in Spanish
Katherine Medland Spence
Katherine Medland Spence
coachkams@gmail.com
Website: sites.google.com/view/medlandspencecoaching
5 Years of Coaching Experience
18 Years of Skating Experience with NSC
CERTIFICATIONS:
• NCCP Provincial Coach (in progress)
• Certified NCCP Regional & CanSkate Coach
• Star 1-5 Coach Assessor
• BSc in Biochemistry from Carleton University (in progress)
COACHING PHILOSOPHY/EXPERIENCE:
I strive to create a positive training environment to allow skaters grow as people and athletes,
as well as helping skaters achieve their goals through all stages of their skating careers. I believe
in developing well rounded skaters by teaching all disciplines. I recognize the importance of
mental health awareness in sport and incorporate mental skills into my coaching techniques.
I currently teach skaters from the Star 1 – Gold levels in the Freeskate, Skills, Dance, and Artistic
disciplines. I have had skaters pass Gold tests and qualify for the Provincial Championships.
AVAILABLE TO TEACH:
• Freeskate
• Skills
• Dance
• Off-ice jumps
• Choreography
PERSONAL SKATING HIGHLIGHTS:
• Senior Women National Competitor
• 6th place at the 2022 Skate Canada Senior Nationals
• Gold Tests in Freeskate, Skills, and Dance
• 2019 Skate Ontario Senior Women Provincial Champion
RATE:
$10.00 per 15 min
Off Ice
Leonid Birinberg
613-843-1740
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.