Chagrin Valley FSC Coaches

We are fortunate to have coaches who understand the true benefits of the discipline of figure skating. Not merely those in the strength and power gained with the hard work put forth to develop the mechanics and artistry of the skating elements but the more significant and enduring effects which come with the experience:

poise	good sportsmanship	focus
grace under pressure	confidence	leadership skills

... all those values which the pursuit of the varied goals of figure skating teaches.

It is easy to find a figure skaters' coach; one whose focus is purely & wholly on winning the next competition and passing the next test. It is more difficult to find one who understands the fuller meaning and how the benefits of figure skating fit into the real world. We are lucky to have found these characteristics in our coaches. Each one brings his or her own experiences, expertise and special skills to training our skaters - and each one compliments the other as their teamwork works to the enrichment of all concerned.

    Our Coaches

  Elisa Nash

Elisa is our coach, our Director of Figure Skating Programs at The Pond as well as our advisor and mentor of the Chagrin Valley Figure Skating Club. Her diverse experience in all things skating -- including that of being both a skating mom and a hockey mom -- makes her uniquely qualified to guide us. 25 years of teaching experience and credentials in Moves in the Field and Freestyle matched with her own competitive skating experiences including participation on the Falconette Synchronized Skating Team at BGSU makes her a most valuable resource. Beyond her personal skating experiences, she has also had extensive experience in the leadership and organizational arenas of skating, with prior directorial experience in figure skating programs and ice shows. From her drive, dedication and focus, it is with certainty that we can say that figure skating is her joy, her life and her calling.

  Lori Rapposelli

So many of our skaters have begun their skating adventure under the warm and gentle guidance of Lori. Her bright and positive attitude and easy way of making everything fun keeps our skaters coming back for more. She has the unique ability to teach anyone to ice skate and she truly cares about our skaters. With her prior experience as figure skating director and her organization of skating exhibitions to showcase their newly developed skills, she expertly guides our young skaters as they begin their journey into the charm and artistry of figure skating.

  David St. John

David has come to us on the eve of his accomplishment of the pinnacle event of his career - representing the United States of America in Oberstdorf, Germany and winning the 2006 Adult World Men's Figure Skating Championship, SM II Division. Since then he has set to work, coaching skaters of all ages, levels and disciplines - from Moves in the Field, Free Style, Pairs, Ice Dancing & Synchronized Skating - sharing his passion for skating and the life lessons it has taught him. His work with adult skaters is inspired and inspiring. A man for all seasons; a figure skating coach for all skaters, with clarity and perception his vision of skating makes it plain that after 26 years he knows exactly where skating really fits and how its pursuit supports the important things in life.

  Nicola (Nikki) Johnson

With nearly 40 years of coaching experience, Nikki has come out of retirement to coach with David St. John. She has coached skaters from the local competition level to the more advanced: Regional, Sectional, National, International and World level competitions. Her primary areas of expertise are Freestyle, Pairs, Choreography and Artistic Movement. We are blessed and very priviledged to have another such accomplished and experienced coach working with us.

     Our Junior Coaches

  Brandee Cooklin

Brandee's personal experience with testing and competition gives her a unique perspective in teaching. She is a wonderful young role model for our skaters and delights in working with young skaters. Spins are her particular area of expertise but she clearly has worked hard to perfect all aspects of skating and shares this experience with the skater & the students coach. Brandee has been skating since she was five years old and wants to use her passion and skill to pass on the perfection of the skating art to others.

  Nikki Krenn

Nikki also brings a wonderful array of personal experiences to the ice, skating in many competitions and working to pass many figure skating tests in her 10 years on the ice. She is currently putting her effort into passing all the Moves in the Field and is currently working to test in Senior Moves and at the Intermediate Freestyle Test Level. She is particularly good with sharing her skills and figure skating passion with younger skaters, with more than 3 years of teaching Learn-to-Skate and working with our skaters at the 2007 Figure Skating Summer Camp at The Pond. An honor student at Solon High School, Nikki also wishes to pursue an Education Degree upon her graduation from High School. We are pleased and fortunate to benefit from her experience and her sunny personality.

              

For contact information for our skating coaches, please contact Elisa Nash by phone at 440 543 3884 or e-mail at: elisa@skateatthepond.com.