Coaches
CTSC ensures all our coaches have the required training and certifications to deliver exceptional training to our members. All coaches are certified by Skate Canada and together bring years of experience in competitive skating, professional/show skating and coaching.
Private coaching is available for STARSkaters only. We do not offer private coaching outside of our programming schedule. A typical starting point would be a 15-minute lesson once or twice a week. To connect with a private coach, please register for a program first, then speak with the Skating Director on your first day of class.
Coaches
Brad Hopkins – Skating DirectorBrad Hopkins – Skating DirectorCoaching: 33 years CTSC Skating Director/Coach: 4 years
Certifications: Level 2/NCCP | Level 3 |
Brad Hopkins is a widely respected coach with over 30 years experience instructing all disciplines and levels, beginner to competitive. Brad competed internationally in ice dance and he was a Canadian National Skating Team member. He is also an accomplished choreographer, creating programs for tours, film and television productions.
“I’ve been a skater for over 40 years and I still love the way it feels to glide around the rink. I am always happy to be on the ice helping others improve their skills and enjoy an activity. I believe positivity, perseverance, and practice are important steps to improvement on the ice.”
Aina ArroAina ArroCoaching: 19 years CTSC Coach: 16 years
Certification: Level 2/NCCP | Level 3/Singles |
Aina skated professionally for more than a decade in skating specials and internationally touring shows, including Ice Capades, Holiday On Ice, Innovations On Ice, Grease On Ice (Disney On Ice), and Ice Stars Hollywood Revue. She holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Dance from York University and achieved the Skate Canada Gold Tests in Free Skate, Dance and Interpretive.
"I enjoy helping skaters achieve new skills and I relish seeing the excitement that the creative aspects of the sport can inspire."
Barbara BasarBarbara BasarCoaching: 7 years CTSC Coach: 7 years
Certification: Primary STARSkate Certified
Contact: barbarabasar@gmail.com |
Barbara competed in Novice competitive singles and has achieved Gold Tests in the three main disciplines of figure skating (freeskate, skills and dance). Her interest in figure skating lies in the exploration of body movement, proper alignment and artistry on the ice; Helping skaters attain strong technical basics along with discovering skating’s creative charm. Off the ice Barbara is involved the design world, she holds a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from Ryerson University.
“Keep on gliding and smiling.”
Jo-Anne BorlaseJo-Anne BorlaseCoaching: 18 years | CTSC Coach: 4 years
Certification: Level 2/NCCP
Contact: jaborlase@gmail.com |
Jo-Anne was the 1990 Canadian Senior Ice Dance Champion and was ranked 7th at the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships. She has a long history of National and International competitive training, experience and past accomplishments, and has achieved her Diamond Dance, Gold Free Dance and Gold Skills Tests.
“I aspire to help my skaters reach their goals and build on their skills, creativity and self-expression that will not only benefit them on the ice, but also in other aspects of life. More importantly, I aim to encourage an enjoyable experience and a love for this sport.”
Sawyer Buchanan
Kira Callahan
Kaitlyn Campbell Merriam
Sharon Clark
Amanda ClarkeAmanda ClarkeCoaching: 11 years CTSC Coach: 2 years
Certification: Certified Provincial Coach (NCCP Level 2), CanPower Certified
Contact: a.leighclarke@gmail.com |
Amanda has over a decade of experience coaching skaters from preschool to adults, CanSkate to Gold. As a skater, she achieved her gold level in dance, skills and interpretive as well as her jr. silver in free skate. Off the ice, Amanda is trained in jazz, ballet and modern dance with additional training in choreographic practices. As a coach, her focus is on helping skaters to create a strong technical base that they can build on creatively throughout their skating career.
Olivia Compton
Kelly EbersKelly EbersCoaching: 14 years CTSC Coach: 3 years
Certification: Club Coach Trained, Regional Coach "In-Training" |
Kelly's coaching experience dates back to 2004 where she taught for the City of Barrie’s Learn to Skate Program before moving to Toronto to join the City of Toronto’s Learn to Skate Program as a Head Coach. In 2015, Kelly finally joined the Central Toronto team and coaches both CanSkate and StarSkate levels. Kelly believes that skating can be used to teach everyday values in a supportive, respectful and encouraging environment that should be a happy place for all skaters.
Rebecca Grace
Shelley Miller
Whitney NelsenWhitney NelsenCoaching: 10 years CTSC Coach: 10 years
Certification: Skate Canada Regional Coach Certified | NCCP Level 2
Whitney has a lifetime of skating experience. Starting from age 2, her skating career includes 4 plus years of professional show experience with Disney On Ice and Karen Kresge Ice Productions, Novice Competitive, and gold level status in Free Skating, Skating Skills, Dance and Interpretive Skating.
“My philosophy is that skating should be fun. If you are having fun, learning is enhanced, fitness is improved, and a passion develops. After 30 years in the sport, I still have a love for skating and want to inspire and motivate others.”
Jules Nolan- Allison Proudfoot
Leonard RoseLeonard RoseCoaching: 34 years CTSC Coach: 34 years
Certification: Level 1/NCCP | Level 2/Practical & Technical Certified
Contact: leonard.rose@sympatico.ca
Leonard has competed in both singles and ice dancing. He teaches both private and group lessons and is the first CTSC coach to have CTSC students pass their Gold Tests in Ice Dancing & Skills. Leonard also works as a Registered Nurse for the past 35 years.
"Positive encouragement and praise is my coaching style. Today's world can be a stressful environment and the ice rink should not be that place as well. I wish for all people learning to skate, whether it is hockey, speed skating or figure skating; to feel and know the fulfillment that ice sports can bring to one's life. There is no question that skating and coaching has enhanced the quality of my life and I hope that ice skating can do that for you too."
Kelley TiralongoKelley TiralongoCoaching: 28 years CTSC Coach: 15 years
Certification: Level 2/NCCP | Level 3/Theory |
Kelley has competed in both singles and ice dancing. She achieved Gold Tests in the three main disciplines of figure skating (free skate, dance and skills). Kelley holds a Kinesiology degree including studies in biomechanics (the law of mechanics as applied to human movement) and sport psychology.
"I enjoy applying my experience and skill in many different ways on and off the ice. But most of all, I love the long term relationships with the kids I teach and how we leverage this experience to better prepare them for life."
Kaitlyn WilsonKaitlyn WilsonCoaching: 7 years
Certification: Level One
Kaitlyn started skating at the age of 3. Her recent accomplishments include 2019 OUA Champion (STAR10 solo), 2019 OUA All-Star, KWSC STARskater of the year (WOS nomination) and KWSC Passion of Skating bursary award winner (WOS nomination). She has a background in psychology and works with children with special needs. Kaitlyn is currently a fashion design student at Ryerson and Assistant Captain on the Ryerson figure skating team.