Instructors & Private Lessons

Our Learn to Skate and Skating Academy classes are instructed by high-quality industry leaders and professionals with impressive competitive backgrounds.  Our High Performance and Senior Coaches are also available for private lessons. 

Private lessons are available to all skaters, regardless of age or skill level and are an opportunity for one-on-one learning specific to a skater’s individual needs which will help them learn and progress at an accelerated pace. 

Please note, private lesson fees are paid directly to the Skating Instructor and do not include ice time or skate rentals, which should be paid at the front desk. Lesson fees vary based upon the Skating Instructor's qualifications and credentials. 

You may contact our Skating Instructors directly to inquire about private lessons. We recommend observing our Skating Instructors teaching group classes or private lessons when deciding on an instructor. If need assistance choosing a private lesson coach, you may also submit a Private Lesson Request Form for assistance. Due to very high demand, please please allow 2-3 weeks for our Skating Department to confirm available coaches that meet your criteria.

Great Park Ice High Performance Instructors

Rafael Arutyunyan, Head Coach of High Performance Team

Olympic and International coach and 2015-16 PSA Coach of the year. Arutyunyan’s current coaching roster is comprised of elite talent including reigning 2018 World Champion, Olympic team medalist and three-time and 2019 US National Champion Nathan Chen; 2017 and 2019 US National Bronze Medalist and three-time World team member Mariah Bell; three-time Czech National Champion and European Bronze Medalist Michal Březina; 2016 World Junior Champion Marin Honda and 2016 Korean National Champion Eunsoo Lim. 

Arutyunyan’s former roster includes two-time Olympic medalist, five-time World Champion, and nine-time US Champion Michelle Kwan; 2016 World Silver medalist, three-time US Champion and 2014 Olympic team medalist Ashley Wagner; 2016 US Men’s Champion, 2018 Olympic team medalist, and Season 26 Winner of Dancing with the Stars Adam Rippon, three-time World Champion Mao Asada, and 2008 World Champion and 2006 Olympic Bronze medalist Jeffrey Buttle.

If you would like to express interest in a private lesson with Rafael, please contact  Jacqueline Palmore at JPalmore@therinks.com. Available for coaching at Great Park Ice & multiple Rinks facilities, schedule permitting.

Vera Arutyunyan, High Performance Team - Singles

2016 PSA Coach of the year. 30+years coaching experience. Specializes in jumps, spins, choreography, and understanding edge control with skating skills. Team coaches alongside Rafael Arutyunyan with current and former champions listed above.

If you would like to express interest in a private lesson with Vera, please contact  Jacqueline Palmore at JPalmore@therinks.com. Available for coaching at Great Park Ice & multiple Rinks facilities, schedule permitting.

Nadia Kanaeva, High Performance Team - Singles

2016 PSA Coach of the year. Russian National Team Skater. Jr. World Bronze Medalist. Jr. Olympic Games Gold Medalist. Coach of 2018 U.S. Men's World Champion Nathan Chen and many other international competitors. Former skaters include Mao and Mai Asada.

If you would like to express interest in a private lesson with Nadia, please contact  Jacqueline Palmore at JPalmore@therinks.com. Available for coaching at Great Park Ice & multiple Rinks facilities, schedule permitting. 

Todd Sand, High Performance Team - Pairs

If you would like to express interest in a private lesson with Todd, please contact him directly at tsand@artisticedge.net.            

2020 USFS and PSA Coach of the Year, 2014 PSA Developmental Coach of the Year, ISU Technical Specialist - Singles/Pairs & Technical Panel 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Coach of National, International and World Championship competitors including Chris & Alexa Knierim. Specializes in coaching pairs and single skaters from the beginner to elite level, as well as jump work on the pole harness and stroking/power skating.

Jenni Meno Sand, High Performance Team - Pairs

Contact: jmeno@artisticedge.net

Number of Years Experience: 17 years

Skating / Competitive Background:
3x U.S. Olympic Team Member
3x US National Champion
3x World Medalist
International Singles Competitor

Student's Achievements:
Coach of the current World Pair Champions, Olympic Medalists, Nationals Champions, Junior National Champions

Professional Accomplishments:
Olympic Coach
2020 USFS & PSA Coach of the Year
2014 Developmental Coach of the Year

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Specializes in coaching skaters at all levels in pair skating and singles skating. Currently coaching the World Champions, Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier

Christine Fowler Binder, High Performance Team – Pairs

If you would like to express interest in a private lesson with Christine, please contact her directly at christinefowlerbinder@yahoo.com

2020 USFS and PSA Coach of the Year, President of the Professional Skaters Association and US National Junior Dance Champion. Coach of National, International and World Championship competitors including Chris & Alexa Knierim.

Great Park Ice Senior Instructors

Contact: cwalker@therinks.com

 

Jacqie Shaffer, Learn to Skate Coordinator

Contact: jshaffer@therinks.com

Number of Years Experience: 22 Years Teaching, 6 Years Program Director

Skating/Competitive Background:
USFS Double Gold Medalist in Free Skate and Moves in the Field
Senior Ladies
National Competitor

Students Achievements:
USFS Gold Medalists
Regional Competitors

PSA Ratings:
Registered Free Skate
Certified Moves in the Field
Certified Group
Registered Program Director

Educational Background:
Bachelor's Degree in Child Development & Family Studies - California State University Long Beach

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:
The joy, freedom, lessons learned, and feeling of flight are equally important to me as teaching edges, positions, and the mechanics of jumps and spins. Developing skaters from their first LTS classes to competitions and tests with strength and confidence is what I strive for most. Specialties include free skate, moves in the field, and using each day on the ice as an opportunity to grow.

Sharon Smith, Skating School Lead

Contact: ssmith@therinks.com

Number of Years Experience: 23 Years Teaching, 14 Years Program Director

Student Achievements:
USFS Gold Medalists
Regional Competitors
Synchronized Skating Sectional Team

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Certified Moves in the Field
Registered Free Skate
Registered Group
Senior Program Director
Level 2 Ranking

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:
I enjoy training and developing figure skaters for both competitive and recreational skating through patience, motivation, communication, dedication, and passion for the sport of Figure Skating; helping skaters learn how to set and achieve goals. 

Additional Languages: Mandarin

 

Contact: zsidhu@therinks.com

Number of Years Teaching: 15 

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Double Gold Medalist
12 Year Team USA Member
National and International Medalist

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I enjoy working with skaters of all levels and disciplines, from beginner to advanced figure and hockey skaters. I believe that everyone's journey in skating is completely unique, and it should also be fun every step of the way. I want to help every skater achieve their goals, whatever they may be, while enjoying every moment of their journey.

Carolyn-Ann Alba

Contact: c.alba93@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 9

Skating/Competitive Background
Singles 2008 ISU Competitor 
National Competitor 
2007 US National Novice Ladies Bronze Medalist 
2010 US National Junior Pairs Pewter Medalist 
Midwestern Sectional Pair Gold medalist 
Two time Junior national competitor 
Regional and Sectional Medalist

Rating: 
Registered Free Skate 

Philosophy/Coaching Specialty:
I believe that skating can be both fun and rewarding while also developing life lessons like hard work and dedication that can be used anywhere in life

Anna Baram

Contact: annas_coach@yahoo.com

Number of Years Teaching: 27

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Level IV Ranking
Rating Senior in Free Skate
Certified in MIF

Skating / Competitive Background:
15 years competing in Ukraine up to ISU Senior Ladies level

Student's Achievements:
2010 Junior Nationals - Juvenile Girls Silver Medalist
2010 US Nationals - Novice Ladies Bronze Medalist
2013 Junior Nationals - Juvenile Girls Champion
2019 Nationals Juvenile Girls Competitor
2020 Singles Final Intermediate Ladies Competitor
2020 NDT Intermediate Ladies
Skater
2022 NDT Juvenile Girls Skater, Novice Ladies Skater
2022 US Nationals Junior Ladies Competitor
2022 ISP Junior Ladies Skater

Education:
Specialist degree (5years) in Math and Computer Science, Class of 1998 of Odessa’s State University, Odessa, Ukraine

Coaching Philosophy / Specialty:
I work with competitive driven skaters of all levels. I help skaters to achieve their highest potential, based on individual goals and abilities, meanwhile building lifelong love for sport, and developing self skills that help in many areas of life, like discipline, confidence and persistence among many other.

Additional Languages:
Russian & Ukrainian 

Private Lesson Rate:
$120 / hour

Contact: starlaser5@yahoo.com

Number of Years Teaching: 18

Competitive / Skating Experience:
Five time Senior National Pair Medalist
World Championship Competitor
2014 Olympic Competitor
Current Team USA Member

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
He specializes in elite jump technique, pole harness, and freestyle for all ages and levels.

 

Contact: teamplusfive@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 16

PSA Ratings/ Rankings
Level 4 Ranking
Senior Free Skate Rating

Skating/Competitive Background:
US Figure Skating Double gold medalist: Free/Moves in the Field
3x World Team Member
4x European Championship Competitor
2012 Israeli national Champion
2012 Skate America Competitor
2013 Torun Cup Silver Medalist in Singles
2011/12 Golden Spin & Ice Challenge Bronze medalist & Torun Cup Silver medalist in pairs

Professional Accomplishments:
National Team Fitness Trainer for the German National Team
ISSA Fitness Trainer Specializing in Injury prevention and stretching.

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Coach under the guidance of Rafael Arutyunyan.  I work with skaters of all levels. I absolutely love the sport and what it instills in the youth and anyone who steps on the ice. I love watching my skaters grow & learn with each glide they take.

Contact: teamplusfive@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 7

Skating/Competitive Background:
4 Time Olympian (2010,2014,2018)
3 Time Czech National Champion (2010,2015,2017)
European Bronze medalist (2013)
Skate American Champion 2011
7 Grand Prix Medals
Junior Worlds Silver Medalist (2008)
10x World team member
12x European championship competitor

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Student of Rafael Arutyunyan and Assistant Coach on his Team.  I work with skaters of all levels.  Specialize in jump technique and understanding edge control.

Additional Languages:
German
Czech

Bianca Butler

Contact: sk8bkb@aol.com

Number of Years Teaching: 9 years

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Level 3 Ranking

Skating / Competitive Background:
US Figure Skating Triple Gold Medalist in the following disciplines: Pairs, Free Skate & Moves in the field 
US Figure Skating Silver Medalist in Dance 
US Jr National Medalist in Juvenile and Intermediate Pairs 
2005 & 2007 US National Silver Medalist in Novice and Junior Pairs
Top 10 in the nation in Senior Pairs
2004 Triglav Trophy Silver medalist 
2006 Junior Grand Prix champion (Andorra)
2006 Junior Grand Prix Bronze medalist (Japan)
2006 and 2007 Junior Grand Prix Final competitor 
2008 Junior World Championship competitor (top 10)

Students Achievements:
National and International Competitors

Professional Accomplishments:
Certified Sectional level IJS technical specialist in Pair
Former Principal skater with Disney on Ice

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Former student of Rafael Arutyunyan and currently coaching in his group. I specialize in Singles and Pairs skating. I work with all ages and levels. I enjoy working on edges, spins, jumps, and polishing programs. I love to give kids a solid base foundation and knowledge of skating to set them up for a bright future in the sport. I really focus on getting to know each of my students as every student is motivated in different ways. I feel it is important to figure out their personalities in order to help them achieve their highest goals. 

Jessica Calalang

Contact: jcalalang24@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 7

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Triple Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, Freestyle, and Pairs
Current member of Team USA
National and International Medalist

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I love working with skaters of all levels, basic skills to competitive.  I am passionate about building the confidence in skaters of all ages and providing a positive on ice experience. I understand that each skaters journey is different, therefore I tailor the lessons to each skater and their individual goal.  The dedication and personal growth learned on the ice can be applied to other aspects of life. I enjoy challenging my students while still making it fun and enjoyable! 

 

Trista Demuth

Contact: tristademuth@gmail.com

Number of Years Coaching: 11

Skating / Competitive Background:
Gold Free Skate
Gold Moves in the Field
Regional Competitor

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Registered Free Skate
Registered Moves in the Field
Certified Group
Level 1 Ranking

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science Degree - Communication
California Polytechnic State University Pomona (2013)

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I work well with developing all ages of skaters from beginner to competitive and strive to build confidence, determination and personal growth.

Contact: sabrina@eldredgeskating.com

Number of Years Teaching: 10 years

PSA Ratings:
Registered Free Skate

Skating/Competitive Background:
Regional, Sectional, and National Medalist
2-Time National Medalist 
11 years of competitive skating in singles & pairs

Students Achievements:
Regional, Sectional, and National competitors

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana

Additional Certifications:
Certified Yoga Instructor

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:
Specializing in Freestyle, Spins, Choreography, and Beginners. Caring and positive teaching approach, team coaching with Todd Eldredge. Delighted to coach skaters of all ages and abilities; Beginning Skaters through Competitive, and Tots to Adults.  Teaching emphasis on body awareness, proper body positions, honing talent and unlocking skating potential with the little details everyday that add up to big things over time. 

Todd Eldredge

Contact: todd.eldredge@olympian.org

Number of Years Teaching: 22

PSA Ratings / Rankings: 
Registered Free Skate

Skating / Competitive Background:
World Champion (1996)
3-Time Olympian (1992, 1998, 2002)
6-Time U.S. Figure Skating Champion
(1990, 1991, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002)
6-Time World Championships Medalist
(1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001)
U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame (2008)
5-Time Skate America Mens’ Champion
Record holder for most wins
11 Years Touring with Stars on Ice
10 Years Touring with Champions on Ice
U.S. Figure Skating Honorary Member
Gold Medalist in Freestyle & Figures

Student's Achievements:
Coach of Regional, Sectional & National Competitors including National & World Champions

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
As a coach I like to inspire figure skaters and hockey players of all ages to achieve their goals and dreams, whether that’s competing in the Olympics, playing in the NHL or helping new skaters simply glide across the ice without falling.

Garnet Fiordalisi

Contact: tahoegarnet@yahoo.com

Number of Years Coaching: 34

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Senior Rating

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Double Gold Medalist
German National Medalist
Junior World Medalist
St Gervais/ Oberstdorf Grand Prix Champion
Skate Canada Medalist
Soloist with  Robin Cousins “Ice Majesty” 
Soloist Bietak “Festival on Ice"

Students Achievements:
National and International Competitors

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
My love for skating ,experience and strong technical background enables me as a coach , to bring out the best in my all my skaters in a positive environment.

Additional Languages:
German

Contact: brandonfrazier92@outlook.com

Number of Years Teaching: 10 years

Skating / Competitive Background:
2022 World Champion
2022 Olympian and Olympic Silver Medalist
Two time US Pairs Champion

 

Tiffany Ho

Contact: tiffanyho88@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Registered Free Skate
Registered Moves in the Field

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Gold Medalist - Moves in the Field
USFS Junior Free Skating Test
Two time Regional Medalist
Two time Junior National Competitor
International Ensemble Performer for Disney on Ice
Ensemble Performer for Knott’s Berry Farm Christmas Ice Show

Educational Background:
2018. B.A. degree from University of California Riverside

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I share my passion of skating by working with those looking to build skills through individual instruction, with the potential of reaching a competitive level.

Contact: anitavardan@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 10

Skating/Competitive Background:
Regional Competitor
National and International Coach 
USFS Gold Test Medalist 

Education:
Associates Degree in Criminology 
Currently studying Criminology Law and Society at University of California Irvine

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:
Current coach on Team Rafael. I specialize in skating skills, spins, jump techniques, and off-ice training. 

My coaching philosophy is to motivate skaters by understanding their psyche and push them to the best of their abilities so they ultimately reach their goals. 

Additional Languages:
Armenian

Contact: ellieh.kawamura@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 8

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Double Gold Test Medalist
Former Team USA competitor
5-time USFS Regional Champion
2-time USFS Sectional Champion
3-time USFS National Championships Medalist
Silver Medalist at the USFS National Champions in Junior Ladies
2-time Team USA International Medalist
ISU Junior Grand Prix Final Competitor
USFS Theatre on Ice National Medalist
ISU Theatre on Ice Nations Cup Competitor

Additional Languages:
Japanese

 

Michelle Lauerman Lioe

Contact: coachmichellelioe@gmail.com

Number of Years Experience: 26 Years Teaching, 15 Years Program Director

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Master Free Skate
Master Moves in the Field
Master Program Director
Master Group

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Gold Medalist
Regional Competitor

Students Achievements:
USFS Gold Medalists
Regional Competitors

Professional Accomplishments:
Presented at PSA Conference, Nationwide Seminars, Ratings Prep, Foundations in Coaching, LTS Workshops, NARCE
PSA President's Award of Excellence

Additional Accreditations & Certifications:
PSA Board of Governors - Pacific Coast (2017-2023)
Former LTS USA Business Development Specialist - Pacific Coast (2016-2021)

Educational Background:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration - University of Kansas

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
My priority is to teach a strong technical foundation to seamlessly build on for future skills, while instilling life lessons and self confidence in my students.  I am passionate about teaching all levels from first steps to high level skating, specializing in free skating and moves in the field.

Private Lesson Rate:
$110 / hour 

Grace Loson

Contact: graceo.skate@gmail.com

Number of Years Coaching: 10

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Certified Free Skate
Registered Moves in the Field
Level 1 Ranking

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Interested in teaching skaters of all ages and skill levels the proper techniques to enhance their overall development- specializes in jump technique and moves in the field.

Contact: alinamilevska@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 7

Skating / Competitive Background:
Ukrainian National champion and Olympic team member

Students Achievements:
National and international choreographer
Gold medalist moves in the field coach

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Beginner - Senior Coach

Additional Languages:
Russian
Polish
Ukranian

Oganes Hov Mkrtchian

Contact: teamraf@yahoo.com

Skating/Competitive Background:

Former international competitor

 

Student Achievements:
National and International Coach

 

Education:

Bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations

 

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:

Former student of Rafael Arutyunyan and current coach/manager of his team. Specializes in skating skills and jump technique. General strength development and specialized off-ice training specialist

 

As a coach I enjoy the physical developmental process of an athlete, as well as upbringing them psychologically. I like turning skaters into professionals by motivating and pulling the most out of them everyday to help reach their highest goals. 

 

Daisuke Murakami

Contact: diceskater@gmail.com 

Number of years teaching: 9

Skating/Competitive Background:

  • Team Japan Member
  • Grand Prix NHK Trophy Champion
  • Grand Prix Medalist 3x
  • Grand Prix Finals Competitor
  • Four Continents Championships Medalist
  • World University Games Medalist
  • Ondrej Nepela Memorial Champion
  • Japan Open Team Event Champion
  • Junior Grand Prix Medalist
  • Japanese Nationals Bronze Medalist
  • Former Team USA Member
  • US Junior World Team Member
  • US Figure Skating Novice and Junior Medalist

Students Achievements: 

National and International Coach

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:

My passion in teaching skating is working with skaters from basic level to international levels. 

I specialize in jump technique, skating skills, and choreography. 

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications- Aomori University, Japan

Formerly trained by Frank Carroll, Tammy Gambill, and Rafael Arutyunyan

Additional Languages:

Japanese/日本語

Contact: jacquelineogrady82@gmail.com

Number of Years Experience: 18 Years Teaching, 7 Years Program Director

PSA Ratings:
Certified Choreographer
Registered Free Skate

Skating/Competitive Background:
USFS Triple Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, Freestyle, and Pairs
National Collegiate Champion
National Competitor
Regional and Sectional Medalist
Skater in “Blades of Glory”
Skater in “CSI New York, Silent Night”

Educational Background:
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science - California State University Fullerton

Coaching Speciality/Philosophy:
Coaching skaters of all levels and disciplines brings me such joy. I coach with patience, passion, and dedication. I believe in motivation through encouragement as well as setting and achieving goals from big to small. I specialize in choreography with music, feeling and movement as well as over all skating skills and spins! 

Denis Petrov

Contact: denyspetrov@hotmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 8 years 

PSA Ratings / Ranking: Level 6 Ranking 

Competitive / Skating Background:
Ukrainian National Medalist in Senior Pairs 
Ukrainian National Champion in Junior Pairs 
International Competitor  
Principal skater with various different shows including Champions on ice, Holiday on Ice, Bietak Productions (Oasis of the seas), and Disney on Ice 

Students Achievements: 
National and International Coach to National, World, and Olympic Medalists 

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Administrative Management and Specialist Diploma in Physical Education 

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I coach in Team Rafael Arutyunyan’s group. I specialize in teaching singles and pairs. I also specialize in on ice stroking classes and pole harness, off-ice training, and the "spinner" which includes learning to do off-ice jump rotations. I enjoy teaching students of all ages and levels.

Additional Languages:
Russian
Ukrainian

Sean Rabbitt

Contact: seanrabbitt@ymail.com

Number of Years Teaching:

13 years coaching

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Registered Free Skate

Skating / Competitive Background:
Member of Team USA
Skate Canada Autumn Classic International Bronze Medalist
14 time US National Competitor - 4 top 10 finishes (2019 8th place finish) 
4 time Pacific Coast Sectional Senior Mens Champion (2016-2019)

Students Achievements:
Coached skaters to Pacific Coast Sectionals since 2015
International Choreographer for skaters competing on the Junior Grand Prix and other international competitions, to include skaters from: USA, Japan,, Philippines, & Indonesia
Guest coach for the Los Angeles Ice Theater

Professional Accomplishments:
Coached many seminars around the US and Japan, to include:
- Head coach at Usunomiya Figure Skating Club Spring Camp in Nikko, Japan since 2015
- Skate Dance Dream Tour show and workshop
- Tammy Gambill's Summer Workshop
- US Figure Skating Components Camp/Excel Summit
- Special Guest in various shows around the US and Japan

Educational Background:

National Academy of Sports Medicine-CPT

Studied at Fullerton College
17 years of training in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, various forms of dance

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:

Specializes in jump technique and program components (choreography/skating skills). I enjoy working with all skaters from basic levels to the elite, most importantly I enjoy the process of taking the skaters from just learning solid technique and elements, to creating and understanding the passion they have for the sport and channeling that passion into something unique and specific to them. 

 

Additional Languages:
Japanese

Junichi Takemura

Contact: junichitakemura@yahoo.co.jp

Number of Years Teaching: 9

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Registered Free Skate
Ranking IV

Skating / Competitive Background:
Japanese 8x National Competitor
Japanese 7th Test (equivalent to U.S. Senior Test)
Principal Soloist for Holiday on Ice
Principal Soloist for Disney on Ice
Principal Soloist for Willy Bietak Productions

Students Achievements:
National and International Coach

Educational Background:
Bachelor Degree from Hosei University in Japan

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I specialize in jumping pole harness, jump technique and skating skills. I enjoy developing skaters from a grassroots level to a nationally competitive level in skating.

Kelly Takemura

Contact: keverett0506@yahoo.com

Number of Years Teaching: 9

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
PSA Ranking IV
PSA Certified Free Skate

Skating / Competitive Background:
Senior Gold Medalist Moves in the Field
Senior Gold Medalist Freestyle
Qualifying Senior Competitor
Principal Skater for Holiday on Ice
Disney on Ice
Willy Bietak Productions 

Students Achievements:
National and International Coach

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science : Communications
The Pennsylvania State University

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I'm passionate about teaching skaters from the beginning levels to National qualifying levels. I specialize in choreography, spins, and polishing programs.

Great Park Ice Instructors

Tara Baldoz

Contact: tntbaldoz@gmail.com

PSA Ratings / Rankings:
Registered Free Skate

Skating / Competitive Background:
Member of the Philippine National Figure Skating Team
International competitor 
Regional & National competitor
National medalist 
USFS Gold Medalist
10+ years of performing/competitive dance experience

Professional Accomplishments:
Completed “The Mills Method of Choreography” Course

Scott Dudley

Contact: skaterscottdudley@gmail.com

Skating / Competitive Background:
National Competitor in Pairs and Ice Dance
2020 Pacific Coast Sectional Champion in Novice Pairs
USFS Triple Gold Medalist in Moves, Freestyle, and Pattern Dance

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Patrick Frohling

Contact: phfrohling@gmail.com

Skating/Competitive Background:
Former Team USA Competitor
USFS Double Gold Medalist
5 time National Competitor
2 time Junior National Competitor

CAITLIN HA

Contact: caitlinha00@gmail.com

Skating / Competitive Background:
2-time US National Competitor in Junior and Senior Ladies
2020 Pacific Coast Sectionals Senior Ladies Champion

2020 International Selection Pool Athlete
USFS Double Gold Medalist in Free Skating and Moves in the Field

Education: B.S. in Applied Human Physiology from Chapman University

Coaching Philosophy/Specialty: I love working with skaters of all ages and skill levels. My goal is to create a positive and fun environment that motivates skaters to achieve their goals! I am passionate about building confidence, determination, and perseverance to help skaters grow and improve in their skating journeys. 

Chelsea Mischuk

Contact: chelseamischukx3@gmail.com

Skating Background:
US Challenge Skate Competitor 
5 Time Sectional Competitor
USFS Double Gold Medalist

Additional Languages:
Ukrainian 

Balazs Nagy

Contact: (919)-413-0527

nagybalu@yahoo.com

WeChat: balazsn

Coaching Since: 2017

Competitive Background:

Team U.S.A. Pair Skater

2022 Olympic First Alternate

National and International Medalist

U.S. Junior Pair Champion

Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:

I specialize in jump technique, skating skills, choreography, and pole harness.

I enjoy developing skaters of all levels, emphasizing strong fundamental skating skills and technique. I foster a constructive learning environment and am passionate about helping athletes of all levels maximize their potential and reach their goals.

Languages: English, Hungarian, Italian, Spanish

Yaro Paniot

Contact: yadropaniot@gmail.com

Skating / Competitive Background:
Two time Ukrainian National Champion
Olympic Competitor
Senior Grand Prix Competitor
US Championships - Top 10 Finish - Senior Men's

2021 U.S. Senior Men Pewter Medalist

Additional Languages:
Russian, Ukrainian

Skating/Competitive Background:
USFS Double Gold Medalist (Free Dance, Pattern Dance, Moves In The Field)
Three time Pacific Coast Sectionals Competitor
Five time National Competitor
Two time National Medalist
Team USA (Envelope D)
 
Educational Background:
Kinesiology student at Cal Sate
University Fullerton
 
Coaching Specialty/Philosophy:
I specialize in ice dance and skating skills, and enjoy teaching skaters of all ages and skill levels. I strive to share my love of skating with my students and help them reach their goals

Contact: ericpsjoberg@gmail.com

Skating / Competitive Background:
Team USA National & International Competitor
8 Time US National Competitor (Ranked Top Ten in Senior Men)
International Medalist
5 Time US National Medalist
USFS Double Gold Medalist

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
I specialize in teaching correct basic fundamentals to help skaters grow in their future careers, in skating and out of skating.

Paul Yeung

Contact: esspy2@gmail.com

Number of Years Teaching: 4 years

Skating Background:
International Competitor
6 time US National competitor in both singles and pairs
2018 Pacific Coast Sectionals Junior Champion

Education:
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

Coaching Specialty / Philosophy:
Ice skating is a challenging and refreshing way to exercise the mind and the body.  I love working with all ages and all skill levels.  Experience gained from ice skating will improve confidence, fitness, and artistry on and off the ice!

Private Lesson Rate:
$90/hr | $110/hr for semi-private

Learn to Skate Instructors

Claire Lemus

Skating / Competitive Background:
13+ Years of Skating Experience Regional Competitor
USFSA Graduating Seniors Silver Award 2022 

Education:
Studying Business Administration (Marketing) and Psychology at Chapman University

Junior Instructors

Tia Hilbelink

Skating / Competitive Background:
2019 National Juvenile Silver Medalist 
3x National Qualifier
 
International Selection Pool

Education:
Will Graduate High School Spring 2024

Skating / Competitive Background:
Double Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field and Free Skate
2x Pacific Coast Sectional Competitor

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Gold Medalist

Keira Miho

Skating/Competitive Background:
Ranked 44th in the Nation
Ranked 14th in the Pacific Coast Section
Ranked 9th in the Southwest Region
Senior National Qualifying Series competitor
USFS Senior Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field
USFS Senior Gold Medalist in Freeskate

Education:
High School Senior

Skating / Competitive Background:
Team USA and International Competitor
5 time US National Qualifier
2 time US National Medalist
Junior Grand Prix Medalist
USFS Double Gold Medalist

Skating / Competitive Background:
USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field 
Pacific Coast Sectional Competitor

Education:
High School Student

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend all skaters start in our group lesson program because it is fun to learn in a group, a great value, and you will be exposed to many of our wonderful staff!

Our Learn to Skate Classes break down to $25 per week and include: weekly 30 min lesson, skate rental, and included practice passes. 

Private lessons range from $40-$50+ per 30 min depending on the instructor plus ice time and skate rental.

The Basic 4 level is a great time to start supplemental private lessons as the skill set becomes more difficult at this level.  Additionally, if your skater is interested in doing competitions and shows (available to skaters of ALL levels), a private lesson coach and assist you with these skating opportunities.   

You can schedule lessons during any of our Public Sessions or Freestyle Sessions (figure skating practice).  Please remember the ice time fee is to be paid to the rink in addition to the lesson fee.

You may contact our Skating Instructors directly to inquire about private lessons.  We recommend observing our Skating Instructors teaching group classes or private lessons.

Private lesson fees range from $40-$60 per 30 min depending on the qualifications and credentials of the instructors.  Ice time fees (public or freestyle) and skate rental are paid to the rink in addition to the coaching fee, which will be paid directly to the instructor.