March Kanata Skating Club

COACHES

CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program for skaters of all ages and abilities. Build fundamental skating skills, confidence and a lifelong love of the ice in a fun, active environment.

QUESTIONS?

Questions about CanSkate can be directed to the MKSC CanSkate Team:

canskate.mksc@gmail.com

BASE COACHES

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Number of Years Coaching Experience:

Started coaching in 1998 and I have been coaching for 24 years. I coached skaters from CanSkate to Gold level. Also I coached medalists at Eastern Ontario Sectionals and (Trillium) Skate Ontario Championship in Free Skate and Dance.

Coaching Philosophy:

I enjoy working with skaters of all ages and levels and helping to them for their love of skating. Each student brings their individual talent & spirit to the arena. It is my job as a professional coach to bring each student to their fullest potential and with combined hard work and dedication.

Qualifications/Certifications:

(Skating/Education/Off-Ice)

Instruction Stream:

National Level Coach Certified

Competition Stream:

Coached skaters in CanSakate, Star Skate , Competitive Singles & Dance at different levels and different disciplines.

Personal Highlights:

Former Ukrainian ice Dance Competitor
1993 to 1997 – Studied in the Ukrainian Medical University in the Sports Doctor program.
2003 – Completed the Fitness & Nutrition Program with honours from Quebec

Area(s) of Specialization:

CanSkate
StarSkate: FreeSkate , Dance, Skills
Artistic Programs
Competitive level skaters in Dance and/or Singles

Personal Interests:

Sewing and craft work

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Number of Years Coaching Experience:

Started coaching in 1982

Philosophy:

I believe my passion for skating comes through on the ice as I strive to bring out the best in each skater. The use of good technique along with hard work, made easier by the love of skating, allows us to achieve our individual goals. Many lessons learned on the ice also help us in our journey through life. I am dedicated, conscientious, and take seriously the privilege of sharing my love and knowledge of skating with others.

Qualifications/Certifications:

National Level

Professional Highlights:

1980 World Professional Ladies Champion (Jaca, Spain) and 1978 Korean Ladies Champion.
Principle Skater for two years with Holiday on Ice in Europe.

I have coached skaters from Star 1 through to Gold in Freeskate, Dance, Artistic, Skills, and up to Junior Competitive, with skaters winning medals at Invitationals and Provincial events.

Area(s) of Specialization:

Freeskate
Choreography
Stroking
Dance
Interpretive Programs
Skating Skills
Synchronized Skating
CanSkate
PowerSkating
Off ice Stretching
Jumps

Personal Interests:

I enjoy Gardening, listening to good music, watching good movies and nature shows. I enjoy learning about different cultures and especially the diverse cuisines from around the world. I try to learn one new thing a day

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Availability:

Every CanSkate session except for Sundays.

Coaching Experience:

I started coaching in 2007 and I have been with the March-Kanata Skating Club for
over 20 years as a skater and coach.

Philosophy:

Having been both a skater and a coach at the March Kanata Skating Club, I am incredibly proud of the programs that we offer, the skaters that we support, and the incredible love of skating that we are able to pass on to them each and every session. It is so incredibly important to me to ensure that I am providing the best support and care that I can to each and every skater that is in my care. If I am able to pass on even a small amount of the passion for the sport, confidence, and sense of accomplishment that I have received over my years here onto the skaters I coach, then I will consider myself incredibly fortunate. I love working with skaters at the beginning of their journeys on the ice as it allows me to instill in them the sense of joy, accomplishment, and pride that comes from being able to take your first steps on the ice.

Every CanSkate and Pre-CanSkate lesson are a true gift for me because it is there that I can help the skaters shine, and sometimes this is for the first time. Once they know that they can accomplish their goals no matter how big or small on the ice, and that they will have fun and be supported at the same time, they can accomplish anything they set their minds too. It is a true honour and privilege to be a part of these first steps on the ice, and one that I will always cherish.

Qualifications/Certifications:

Skate Canada CanSkate Certified

Ottawa Carleton District School Board Teacher
Ontario College of Teachers Certification for Kindergarten to Grade 10
OCDSB- Special Education Training Part 1
OCDSB-Teaching English Language Learners Part 1 and Part 2 Completed
OCDSB-Kindergarten Part 1 Completed
OCDSB-French as a second language Part 1 Completed
Safe Talk and Tattered Teddies Certified
Asperger’s Training from Geneva Center for Autism

Professional Highlights:

Over twenty years of skating experience (all with March Kanata)
Achieved Gold Skating Skills and Gold Artistic
Eastern Ontario Program Assistant of the year-2007
Tembec Citizenship Award-Nipissing University
Chancellor’s Award Winner-Nipissing University

Areas of Specialization:

Pre-CanSkate
CanSkate
SkateAble
Development of accommodations and modifications for skaters with special needs.

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Number of Years Coaching Experience:

March-Kanata Skating Club: Starting to coach since 2025

Program Assistant: 2022

Coaching Philosophy:

I believe skating is about more than just moving on the ice. It builds confidence, discipline, and focus. With strong technique and consistent effort, skaters can reach their goals while truly enjoying the journey. I’ve skated for many years and still enjoy it very much. That experience has given me a strong understanding of the sport, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. The lessons we learn on the ice often carry over into everyday life, and I take pride in supporting skaters as they grow, both in skating and beyond.

Qualifications/Certifications:

NCCP Skate Canada CanSkate Coach Trained
NCCP Skate Canada Regional STARSkate Coach In-Training
Emergency First Aid CPR/AED Level C

Highest STARSkate Test Levels/Completions Achieved:

Freeskate: Star 9
Skills: Gold Skills
Dance: Gold Dances
Competitive: Pre-Juvenile Provincial Bronze Medalist 2023
Juvenile Gold Medalist Sectional Series July 2023

Availability to Teach/Areas of Specialization:

Jumps, Spins, and Skating Skills
STARSkate Star 1-5
CanSkate

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Number of Years Coaching:

4 Years (3 years at March Kanata Skating Club)

Philosophy:

The most important part of my philosophy as a coach would have to be to ensure that my skaters have a fun and rewarding time on and off the ice. I strongly believe that you are rewarded by what you put in, the amount of time and effort will pay off in the end. I also recognize that people learn differently; I want to put my focus on understanding how to help my skaters by identifying ways to explain skating techniques so that each skater can understand the skill being taught. I love skating and strive to be a good role model on and off the ice by showing an interest in each skater and sharing my enthusiasm towards all of their accomplishments, big or small.

Qualifications:

NCCP CanSkate Certified
NCCP Level 1
Standard First Aid and CPRC/AED
Biotechnology Advanced Graduate (with Co-op), Algonquin College

Professional Highlights:

Completed Skills: Gold
Completed Dance: Gold
Completed Competitive Dance: Diamond
Completed Interpretative: Gold
Freeskate: Senior Silver Elements
Freeskate: Junior Silver Program
Competed and medaled in Gold Interpretative

Areas of Specialization:

Star 1-5 Free Skate, Skills, and Dance
Choreography and music interpretation

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Number of Years of Coaching Experience:

Coaching since: 2013

Philosophy:

The reason I coach is because I love to skate, and I strive to pass that love on. I believe in a fun, positive, and encouragement-based approach to coaching, which involves using creativity to meet skaters where they are at. Every person learns differently, and I aspire to help each individual. I take pride in mentoring skaters, expanding their skating skills, and helping them reach new milestones and goals.

Qualifications/Certifications:

CanSkate certified
Standard First Aid with CPR C + AED
Library and Information Technician diploma (Honours) from Algonquin College
Unified English Braille certified

Skating achievements

Dance: Diamond
Skills: gold
Interpretive: gold
Freeskate: Star 6
Medaled at yearly competitions

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Coaching experience:

Started coaching in 2003 and have been a coach for MKSC ever since.

Coaching Philosophy:

To create a positive learning environment that will allow skaters to thoroughly enjoy their skating experience while motivating them to work towards achieving their personal goals.

Qualifications/Certifications:

Instruction Stream: Intermediate STARSkate Coach, CanSkate
Competition Stream: Provincial Coach

Professional Highlights:

Freeskate: Gold
Skills: Gold
Dance: Gold
Competitive: Junior Singles

Areas of Specialization:

Canskate
Singles/Freeskate
Dance

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Number of Years Coaching Experience:

March-Kanata Skating Club
2021-2024: Program Assistant
2024 : won the most reliable program assistant award
2025: Canskate Coach (In-Training)

Coaching Philosophy:

My coaching philosophy is that the most impactful lessons are the ones skaters discover for themselves. When a skater uncovers a “trick” or technique on their own, they not only remember it far more deeply than any number of lessons could teach them, but they also carry that lesson into both their personal growth physically and mentally.

Qualifications/Certifications:

Instruction Stream: Canskate Coach
Certified in Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C

Highest STARSkate Test Levels/Completions Achieved:

Artistic: Star 9
Skills: Star Gold
Dance: Star 10
Competitive: 2025 Canada Cup Synchronized Skating Bronze Medalist

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Number of Years Coaching Experience:

Program Assistant 2021-2025

Coaching Philosophy:

My coaching philosophy as a CanSkate coach is to build confidence and spark joy in every skater. I focus on building crucial fundamentals and skills while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. My goal as a coach is to encourage skaters to give their best effort while creating a lasting passion and love for skating.

Qualifications/Certifications:

NCCP Skate Canada Canskate Coach In-Training
First Aid and CPR/AED Level C

Highest STARSkate Test Levels/Completions Achieved:

Freeskate: Star 5
Skills: Star 6
Dance: Star 8

Availability to Teach/Areas of Specialization:

Pre-Canskate
Canskate

CanSkate COACHES

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Number of Years of Coaching Experience:

Started coaching for the March-Kanata Skating Club in 2022.
Program Assistant from 2018 to 2022.

Philosophy:

To ensure that all skaters thoroughly have fun learning to skate in a safe environment. I enjoy working with all skaters to achieve their goals whether they are looking to pursue figure skating, develop their skating skills for hockey or ringette or to just have fun on a local outdoor rink.

Availability:

To coach Canskate

Qualifications/Certifications:

• NCCP Skate Canada Certified CanSkate Coach
• Certified in Standard First Aid and CPR
• University of Ottawa Student – Bachelor of Commerce

Professional Highlights:

• Placed 14th at the Skate Ontario Provincial Championships in the Gold Artistic Category in 2022
• Qualified for the Skate Ontario Provincial Championships Star 6 Freeskate Category in 2020 (cancelled due to Covid)
• Over 10 years of skating experience with the March-Kanata Skating Club starting in the CanSkate Program
• Achieved Gold Skating Skills, Gold Dance, Gold Artistic and Star 7 Freeskate

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Number of Years Coaching Experience:

Coaching CanSkate at MKSC since 2022
Coaching STARSkate since 2025

Coaching Philosophy:

My aspiration as a coach is to foster an environment in which skaters feel safe, confident and
most importantly, excited to develop their own skills. I aim to push their boundaries and bring out the best in each skater while also simply bringing a fun, positive environment on the ice. I hope to assist them in evolving their own training habits that can develop into life-long skills that translate into more than just sport. I hope to guide my skaters towards achieving the goals they set out, individualizing my approach for each skater. Skating is often driven by a competitive atmosphere, but I believe in celebrating all milestones, no matter the magnitude. I feel incredibly privileged for the opportunity to share my love for skating with my community.

Qualifications/Certifications:

NCCP Skate Canada CanSkate Coach In-Training
Emergency First Aid CPR/AED Level C
University of Ottawa student – Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a specialization in Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Masters of Science in Microbiology and Immunology student – University of Ottawa
Speak fluently in Russian

Professional Highlights:

Skating experience with MKSC for over 15 years, starting in the CanSkate program
Gold Skills
Gold Dances
Gold Interpretive (Artistic)
Junior Bronze Freeskate Program and Elements

Availability to Teach/Areas of Specialization:

CanSkate, Pre-CanSkate
STAR 1-5 Skills, Dance and Freeskate
Choreography and Artistry

Personal Interests:

Reading, listening to music, doing research and lab work

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Number of Years of Coaching Experience:

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Number of Years of Coaching Experience:

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Number of Years of Coaching Experience:

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Number of Years of Coaching Experience:

OFF-ICE COACHES

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My coaching philosophy

I have been involved in kids developing programs for 27 years and can say that I love it. This is my life, my passion! When you see kids having fun together with results being improved, that is exactly what makes me going. Vincent van Gogh once said “Art is dogged work. Work in spite of everything and continuous observation” and I fully agree!

Coaching Experience

Coaching from 1996

Education/Certifications

Performance Specialist on ice ( 2023 ,Canada)
NCCP competition 1 certified ( 2015 Rhythmic Gymnastics Canada)
Aerobic Federation – fitness instructor ( 2000 Russia)
Master degree in Choreography ( University of Arts 1984-1989 Russia)

Professional Highlights

AGG gymnastics teams Words Cup 2018, 2022,2023,2024
AGG gymnastics teams – Gymnastics Ontario Championship (1 and 2 places), 2018-2024
Gymnastics teams Worlds Gymnaestarada, 2019, 2023
Gymnastics teams Canadian Gymnaestarada – 2018, 2022
International Fitness Convention, 2002 -2008
Professional dance company, Moscow, 1989-1998 ,

Areas of Specialization:

Choreography
Ballet ( Vaganova)
Different type of dance ( folk, jazz, contemporary )
Artistic skills on ice
Flexibility and stretching
conditioning

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My coaching philosophy

Coaching Experience

Coaching from 1996

Education/Certifications

Performance Specialist on ice ( 2023 ,Canada)
NCCP competition 1 certified ( 2015 Rhythmic Gymnastics Canada)
Aerobic Federation – fitness instructor ( 2000 Russia)
Master degree in Choreography ( University of Arts 1984-1989 Russia)

Professional Highlights

AGG gymnastics teams Words Cup 2018, 2022,2023,2024
AGG gymnastics teams – Gymnastics Ontario Championship (1 and 2 places), 2018-2024
Gymnastics teams Worlds Gymnaestarada, 2019, 2023
Gymnastics teams Canadian Gymnaestarada – 2018, 2022
International Fitness Convention, 2002 -2008
Professional dance company, Moscow, 1989-1998 ,

Areas of Specialization:

Choreography
Ballet ( Vaganova)
Different type of dance ( folk, jazz, contemporary )
Artistic skills on ice
Flexibility and stretching
conditioning