philosophy on coaching
Since I was a child, figure skating has been an essential part of my life. Having the opportunity to make my living by sharing that passion with others is a dream come true. It has afforded me the ability to use my background in music, acting, and dance. In years past I sang professionally with my father, a pianist, at different events and was also involved in musical comedy and plays.
Now I use my experience to edit music and create technical and showcase skating programs that my students can relate to and that fit their unique style and personality. I love being a head coach as I am able to help guide my students in all areas of skating. I believe in team teaching with other coaches and find it rewarding to see how it expands my student's knowledge.
“My success is measured by the success of my students as they progress through the sport and, more importantly, by the joy and love they acquire through figure skating."
The desire to skate is either born within specific individuals or develops due to passion for the sport. Most successful skaters love to skate because it is their personal passion, not because they are driven intensely by parents or coaches. Helping them find their joy and love for the sport is a priority in my coaching philosophy.
“I coach with respect."
A skater needs support when skating is going very well and when it becomes frustrating. Respectful communication is vital. It is my job to help my skaters remember when and why they first started skating and why it brings them joy. Always remembering their why gives my skaters longevity in the sport. This enables them to experience the lifetime benefits of discipline, hard work, and personal fulfillment.
The reality is that few skaters will achieve Olympic greatness or even national merit. However, many will go on to successful careers with professional ice shows or as skating coaches themselves. No matter which path they take, I appreciate all of my skaters, many who started on wobbling skates, gripping the rail to hold them upright, and now skate for the pure enjoyment. I am proud of all their successes.
“Ongoing education in the sport of skating”
I stay up to date with the most current information provided through the Professional Skaters Association (PSA), and US Figure Skating (USFS). These governing bodies provide conferences, seminars, webinars, and schools to keep coaches, skaters, and judges aware of the latest progression and techniques.
“I adhere to the Professional Skaters Association Code of Ethics, Tenets of Professionalism, and Snoopy's Home Ice coaches code of conduct”
The Professional Skaters Association has both a Code of Ethics and Tenets of Professionalism to which its members are supposed to adhere. I encourage my skaters and their parents to read them in order to understand my coaching practice as it relates to them.
See you on the ice!
- Colleen
"Colleen had a profound impact on my childhood. Her coaching is the best I have ever encountered - bar none. I say this as someone who attended training camp at the Toyota Center and was coached by some of the most famous coaches in the industry. Colleen’s approach is perfect for any student like me - someone who desperately wants to be excellent at whatever they do, but who also has a sensitive soul. She always pushed me, but did so from a place of care, kindness, and love. I emerged from my childhood in figure skating fortified by the knowledge that I was actually skilled in something. Knowing that gave me the confidence to go forward and work to be great at things other than figure skating; because of the work ethic Colleen instilled in me I believed I could surmount great challenges and take on long, difficult projects. Discipline, perseverance, and true love for a sport were all gifts Colleen gave to me and for that I am eternally grateful. She was a second mom to me and an extraordinary coach. Always loving, always fully committed, always present. Today as a student at Princeton I can trace my work-ethic, approach to challenging tasks, and desire to be a positive mentor back to her and all the ways she loved me into being my best self. Colleen is truly an extraordinary coach and human being. I could not recommend her more highly."
"I had the honor of working with Colleen throughout my entire competitive career. Under Colleens guidance I became a regional champion, showcase champion, a national and an international competitor. These accomplishments lead me to my professional career where I have performed in over 46 countries in past 12 years. I owe my relationship with skating to Colleen in so many ways. She was so much more than a coach, she was my mentor, my role model, my support, and my family.
The knowledge and experience she instilled in me can never be repaid. I am the person I am today because of skating, and without Colleen I may have never reached the path I was meant to be on."
"As an adult figure skater, I was very blessed to have Colleen as my coach. She made me feel accepted and important on the ice. I have never had a coach who was more invested in me and my goals than Colleen. Not just in skating but in my life too. I respect Colleen because she teaches with authority but also love and understanding. We were able to have productive training while still having a good laugh every day. She taught me how to do difficult skills but make them feel easy. As an adult skater, I liked that Colleen gave me the freedom to choose what I wanted to work on and how hard I wanted to train. As I set goals, she went above and beyond doing everything to make sure I had the opportunity to accomplish those goals. I would recommend her as a coach to any skater of any age. She knows her stuff, and she can take one look at a jump and tell you how to fix it. Colleen pays attention to detail and has made me a better skater in so many ways. I would not have gotten as far as I have today without Colleen as my coach."
