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INSTRUCTORS

US Figure Skating Master Coach

Marylill Elbe

Figure skating is an artistic, athletic sport that affords many life skills and the means to achieve them. I am dedicated to nurturing each student’s skating potential and will
guide you through your skating career while exploring the passion and joy of this wonderful “lifetime” sport. Together, we will set and achieve attainable goals. It is my personal goal to be a positive influence in your skating experience making you the best skater you can be!
With 50+ years of coaching experience, I have raised skaters from beginner to Regional, National and International levels. I am a current member of U.S. Figure Skating, and the Southern Oregon Figure Skating Club.
My skating journey began in East Lansing, Michigan at age 5. As a member of the Lansing Skating Club, I received U.S. Figure Skating Gold Test Medals in Compulsory Figures, Free Skating and Ice Dance. After graduating from Okemos High School, I began my coaching career with the Kalamazoo Skating Club, earning my Bachelor of Business Administration, Cum Laude from Western Michigan University. Since then, I have coached in Michigan, California, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. I met my husband, Steve, in San Jose, California. We have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren.

Beyond the ice, I have been involved in the development of our sport on many levels.

U.S. Figure Skating:
*Founding Board Member of the Southern Oregon FSC
*Delegate to U.S. Figure Skating Governing Council
*Served on Singles and Pairs, Singles, Tests, and Program Development Committees
*International Judging System Technical Specialist, Video Replay and Data Operator
*Accreditation Examiner for Free Skating, Skating Skills and Group Instruction

Professional Skaters Association:
*Board of Governors
*Oral Rating Examiner
*Area Representatives Committee Chair
*Information Delivery Committee Chair
*Author of Continuing Education Courses
*Presenter at State Workshops, Nationwide Seminars and International Conferences
*Host of Seminars and Workshops in California and Oregon
*Recipient of the Betty Berens National Spirit Award (2005) and Joe Serafine National
Volunteer of the Year Award (2011)

Private Coach

Jodi

My figure skating journey began as a young competitor in 1997 and I fell in love with the sport’s blend of athleticism and artistry. Sharing that passion as a private coach, with skaters of all levels, on and off the ice, since 2010. With a strong focus on key skills like balance, posture, and edge control, I strive to develop well rounded skaters in both competitive and recreational programs. Specializing in competition preparation, jumps, spins, using the harness, choreography, music edits/cuts, costume stoning, and a wide selection of costumes to all of my students.

My coaching philosophy is simple: build strong fundamentals, nurture creativity, and develop the whole athlete—mind and body.

Outside of skating I love spending time with my family; my husband Eric and our son, Jett — riding dirt bikes, motorcycles, hiking, gardening, traveling, snorkeling or relaxing poolside.

I have had some truly amazing coaches over the years, and figure skating has given me so much, it’s a privilege to pass that on. Whether you’re a beginner, working on your axel or starting your doubles, let’s make your skating journey a memorable one!

Private Coach

Taiya

I began figure skating in Canada at the age of three, and my passion for the sport has only grown since. Competing in Canan and the United States has given me a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse skating styles. With a background in figure skating, dance and gymnastics, I love to choreograph and bring creativity, athleticism and artistry to my coaching.
As a coach, I specialize in jumps, spins, edges, footwork on the ice and off-ice harness training as well as off-ice conditioning and stretching.

I currently work as a Learn to Skate instructor and private coach. In addition to figure skating, I teach foundational skating skills in hockey skates and enjoy working with adult skaters.

I'm passionate about working with children and strive to create a fun and supportive environment where skaters of all ages can grow in skill and confidence.

When I'm not on the ice, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading and getting cozy cuddles from my kitties.

CONTACT:
(541) 930-9109
knighttskate@gmail.com

Private Coach

Sueann

Sueann, a passionate and dedicated ice skating coach specializing in figure skating, choreography, music cutting, harness on/off ice, and off-ice training, has been coaching since 2017. She started skating at the age of six and is currently the Learn to Skate director/coordinator for the RRRink and a club member of the Southern Oregon Figure Skating Club.

A former competitive skater and certified coach through U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA, Sueann brings technical expertise and a positive, supportive approach to every session. Whether working with beginners taking their first steps on the ice or advanced skaters perfecting their skills, Sueann focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and a love for the sport.

Known for her encouraging teaching style and keen eye for detail, Sueann believes that progress is built through patience, discipline, and fun.

When not at the rink, Sueann enjoys hiking with her dog, paddle boarding, spending time with friends and family!

Contact:
sueannripley@gmail.com
(541) 727-1287

Private Coach

Tatyana

Tatyana has been figure skating since her mother put her on the ice at the age of 2. She grew up skating with the Eugene Figure Skating Club as well as in Switzerland and accomplished various USFS and Swiss testing levels in Free Skate and Moves in the Field while being a competitive skater. She began “junior coaching” when she was 14 and became a full time coach when she moved to Southern Oregon to attend university in 2021.
Tatyana is currently a Learn to Skate coach at the Ashland and Medford rinks. Additionally, she offers private lessons with a focus on power skating, spins, jumps, footwork, edge work, skating drills, and off-ice training. Her primary focus is to make figure skating a positive and fun experience for all. She believes it is important for skaters to set attainable short term and long term goals while developing proper technique to build a strong foundation.

She earned her Bachelor in Health & Exercise Science, Summa Cum Laude, from SOU. She also teaches gymnastics, dance, and swimming. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends or her kitty!

Tatyana has experience working with children with special needs. Private lessons can be taught in French or English.

Contact: tatyanahediger@gmail.com
(424) 395-6554