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STOUFFVILLE SKATING CLUB COACHES

 

All of our professional coaches are required to be registered with Skate Canada, the governing body of skating in Canada.  This insures they are qualified as coaches, have current first aid and are insured.  Our coaches are contracted by the club to provide group lessons for our Canskate, Intro to Starskate, and Intermediate and Senior edge/turn groups.  

For private lessons, coaches are considered independent subcontractors and look after their own schedule and lesson rates.  Private lesson rates will vary depending on coaching experience, achievements, and certification level.  Certification levels range from Canskate, to Regional, to Provincial, to National.

 

Availability 

As our coaches look after their own private lesson schedule, it is important to check with them directly to see if they have availability on the days and sessions you are planning to skate on.  Please do not approach the club office for coach availability.  Coaches can be reached directly through their contact information listed below along with a brief description of their credentials and background.  

Intermediate and Senior skaters, please note that our male dance coach Danny is available on Monday and Tuesday Senior sessions only.  

 

Qualifications

Our Skate Canada coaches in partnership with the Coaches Association of Canada are certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).  Coaches work towards certification as CanSkate coaches, NCCP Regional, Provincial and National levels.  Coaches are also required to maintain their NCCP status by earning a required number of professional development points which are accumulated on a 3 year cycle through participation in conferences, workshops, eLearning modules, coach mentorship programs, and active coaching.  Engaging in professional development programs reinforces the values of lifelong learning and sharing amongst the coaching community.  

Please contact our Coaches directly (contact info listed below) to find out their availability on your preferred sessions.

STARSKATE COACH

 

 

Janet Williams

jmlswilliams@gmail.com 

   National Trained Coach, Provincial Certified

 

Experience

Years of Coaching
25 years 
 
Coaching Experience:
Coached Stouffville Skaters from Canskate to Quad Gold Test Achievements and
Competitive Skating Success including COS StarSkate Championship Medallist
Continuous Attendance at Professional Development Seminars Including
National Performance Centre Seminars
 
Coaching Certification: 
Provincial Coach Certified
National Coach Trained
Starskate 1-5 Coach / Assessor
Level 1 Technical Gymnastics

Coaching Philosophy

“The ability to skate is wonderful but the opportunity to share it with you is a privilege”.
I highly value the opportunity to coach and foster growth and development through the sport of skating, while
inspiring confidence and building a strong technical foundation to empower skaters to their full potential.
My goal is to nurture their dreams while having fun, build their confidence and provide them with a sense of accomplishment.

Professional Achievements:
Honours Graduate, Seneca College Advanced Figure Skating Coaching Diploma

STARSKATE COACH

 

Karen Bates

  karen.bates@rogers.com

   National Certified Coach

 

Experience

Years of Coaching
20+ years in Canada & US
 
Coaching Experience:
Coached numerous skaters to attain Gold Test  Freeskate, Skills, Dance, Artistic 
Provincial Level Competitive Coach
Ice Show Choreographer
Session Coordinator - Starskate programs
 
Coaching Certification:                  
National Certified Coach
Starskate 1 - 5 Coach/Assessor
Starskate 6 - Gold Coach/Assessor 
Edge Specialist Power Coach
 

Coaching Philosophy

Coaching is my passion. I am very grateful to share my expertise and love of the sport with so many skaters over the years from grassroots to competitive level.  It brings me true joy to see a skater thriving, achieving their goals and learning skills that they will use both on and off the ice.  
 
 
 
Professional Achievements:
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Skate Canada Professional Development courses and workshops (on going)

CANSKATE COACH

 

Julia Ciorgovean

juliaciorgovean@gmail.com

         Canskate Coach "In-Training"          

 

Coaching Experience :
I volunteered as a PA in Stouffville from 2019 to 2023, and I had such a good time that I decided to become a coach myself! So far, I've done one year as a coach, and I hope to do many more!
 
Coaching Philosophy:
 
I want to make sure that skating is a safe and fun experience for every child who joins the club. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a positive influence in so many young lives! Sports should be just as fun as they are challenging, and I'll always strive to create an environment to support that.
 
 
 Coaching Certification:      
Canskate Coach "In-Training"          
 

 

STARSKATE COACH

 

 Jennifer Ferris

 jenniferferrismusic@gmail.com

                                        Regional Trained Coach

 

Experience

Years of Coaching
16 years
 
Coaching Experience:

Coaching for the past 16 years with the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville and various other Learn to Skate Programs

Working with Stouffville Hockey Association for 5 years with Edges Program         

Coaching with Stouffville Skating Club

 

Coaching Certification:

Regional Trained Coach

STAR 1-5 Coach/Assessor

           

Coaching Philosophy

Skating has been a passion of mine most of my life. Although every skater’s individual goals are different, my goal is for all my students to develop that same love for the sport. Sports give many positive values and I want to share that with my students. I value every athlete equally, no matter their age, ability, and experience. Skating is a journey, and I want my skaters to be confident and proud of their accomplishments and to look back at their time on the ice with a fondness.

STARSKATE COACH

 

  

Natalia Antonacci

                                                  nrichiq@yahoo.com

                                          Regional Certified Coach (partial Provincial)

 

  

Experience

Years of Coaching
20+ years
 
Coaching Experience:
Coached in several clubs including Forest Hill FSC, Leaside FSC, York Region Skating Academy, and Stouffville SC.
Coached skaters from Canskate to Gold Test in Skills, Freeskate, Artistic, Dance and Competitive skaters
Choreographed Ice Shows & Soloist Programs

 

Coaching Certification:

Regional Certified Coach (partial Provincial)

CanPowerskate Certified Coach

Star 1-5 Coach/Assessor

Coaching Philosophy

Encouraging others as a means of self-empowerment and making a difference in their lives is a valuable lesson that extends well beyond figure skating.  It underscores the idea that support and positive reinforcement can create a virtuous cycle of growth and well being in any endeavour. 
 
Professional Achievements:
Competed for Central Ontario in Freeskate.  Competed in University and was awarded the Dean's Award for outstanding performance.  Performed in various ice shows including Andre Rieu at Rogers Centre.
Trained private hockey players and Varsity Blues hockey team.
Owner, Roller Guard ltd - Inline Skating School

CANSKATE COACH 

 

                       Erika Gregory            

                                erikagregory53@gmail.com

     

 

  

 

 

 

Years of coaching:

1 year 

 

Coaching Experience: 

Volunteered as a Program Assistant for Canskate, Adult Skate and Pre-Can at Oshawa Skating Club from 2017-2019

Currently coaching Canskate and Pre-Can at Stouffville Skating Club 

Coaching Certification: 

NCCP Certified Canskate Coach In-Training with Skate Canada 

Professional Achievements: 

Achieved Gold Level Artistic in 2025 

Currently at Star 7-8  Dance Level

Have competed in many Star 3 and 4 level competitions over the years.

Coaching Philosophy: My coaching philosophy is centred around fostering excitement and confidence in my students as they achieve their skating goals. I believe in creating an environment where children can grow technically, while having fun!

 
 
 

 

 
 

 

  Joshua Inward

 

        Canskate Certified Coach

 

Experience

Years of Coaching
Coaching Experience:

               

Coaching Philosophy

 

DANCE COACH

 

Danny Sorley

Text Number:  905-717-0347

Email:  danny.sorley@sympatico.ca

 

Experience

Years of Coaching
40+ years
 
Coaching Experience:

CanSkate

StarSkate - All Levels

Adult Learn to Skate

 
Coaching Certification:
Regional Certified Coach

               

Coaching Philosophy

To bring fun into the sport while still learning how to be the best skater you can be!

 

Professional Achievements

Was a National Competitor and Medalist in Dance

Achieved Gold in Dance, FreeSkate and Skills

DANCE COACH

 

Danny Sorley

Text Number:  905-717-0347

Email:  danny.sorley@sympatico.ca

 

Experience

Years of Coaching
40+ years
 
Coaching Experience:

CanSkate

StarSkate - All Levels

Adult Learn to Skate

 
Coaching Certification:
Regional Certified Coach

               

Coaching Philosophy

To bring fun into the sport while still learning how to be the best skater you can be!

 

Professional Achievements

Was a National Competitor and Medalist in Dance

Achieved Gold in Dance, FreeSkate and Skills