skip navigation

Private Instructors

Florida Panthers IceDen is a premier state-of-the-art training facility offering three NHL rinks, a fully equipped gym, and ballet studio for recreational and competitive skaters. Our top tier professional coaches are available for skaters of all abilities from grassroots to Olympic & World levels. All Florida Panthers IceDen Coaches are members of U.S Figure Skating, certified SkateSafe/SafeSport Instructors, and have successfully passed background checks.

 

Where Champions are made, home of the "Panthers Figure Skating Club".


To schedule a lesson, speak directly with the Coach of your choice.

PAY FOR YOUR INSTRUCTOR


Need Help Finding a Coach?


CONTACT

Jennifer Houghton Morris

Jennifer Houghton Morris

Director of Figure Skating

Phone: 954-835-8938



Lisa Geltz Perri

Lisa Geltz Perri

Assistant Director of Figure Skating

Phone: 954-835-7016



Gabrielle Bargoot

Gabrielle Bargoot

Phone: 561-504-5036

Coach Bio:

Gabrielle began her coaching career in 2008. In 2018, she earned her Master's Degree of Education in applied human development with a concentration in physical education and coaching from Boston University. Gabrielle holds FDOE teaching certifications in multiple subjects including Physical Education, Special Education, and English Students of Other Languages. She is a Senior Ladies regional medalist and sectional competitor. During her collegiate years, she skated competitively for Florida Atlantic University and Boston University. While skating as a national collegiate championship competitor at FAU, she established the figure skating club. During her time at Boston University, she helped her team win the 2018 Intercollegiate National Championship. Gabrielle has worked with students ranging in age from 2 years old to adults; from beginner to advanced skaters; and from recreational to competitive skaters. She has trained competitors in multiple USFSA testing, including moves in the field, dance, and free-skate. Gabrielle believes in meeting each of her students at their level of skill and development to help them grow to where they want to be and much more. 

JONAH Barrett

JONAH Barrett

Phone: 407-744-5578

Coach Bio:

Jonah Barrett has been involved in figure skating since the age of five, turning his lifelong passion into a fulfilling professional career. As a former Team USA pairs figure skater, Jonah represented the United States in international competitions for four years. He also earned four U.S. National medals in both singles and pairs during his competitive years.

As a coach, Jonah is dedicated to supporting skaters of all levels, from beginners who are just discovering the joy of skating to advanced competitors striving for excellence. He focuses on improving technique, enhancing mental resilience, and achieving performance goals. Jonah's coaching style is characterized by innovative methods that encourage athletes to extend their capabilities while fostering an enduring appreciation for the sport.

With a personalized approach that balances rigorous training with motivational support, Jonah prepares athletes to face any challenge confidently. He is committed to continually refining his coaching techniques and staying informed about the latest developments in the sport. Jonah's nuanced understanding of the physical and psychological aspects of figure skating helps ensure that his students not only achieve their personal and competitive goals but also grow in their love and mastery of the sport.

AMY Battista

AMY Battista

Phone: 608-239-3883

Coach Bio:

Amy has 30+ years of coaching experience with all ages and levels. She has been with Panthers FSC for 8 years, and is originally from Madison, Wisconsin. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from The University of Wisconsin, which makes coaching a perfect fit for her to use her background, training, and passion for skating and teaching! She also keeps herself educated in the sport  and has attended numerous PSA and US Figure Skating Conferences and Seminars over the last 25 years.

Prior to relocating to Florida, Amy was the Director of Skating for The Southern Wisconsin FSC, as well as a competitive coach in singles and synchronized skating. Amy oversaw and developed all programming for the club including learn to skate, synchronized skating, 2 annual ice shows, and was head of the club’s annual competition. Amy has coached numerous successful skaters including Upper Great Lakes Regional Champions, State and National Champions, as well as skaters passing through their Senior/Gold tests.

Amy’s coaching philosophy is that every skater’s journey and goals are important, whether they are just to enjoy skating recreationally, or to become a highly competitive skater. Every skater is unique and Amy work’s personally with each student to cater to their needs and learning style. Amy’s kind, patient, and creative personality helps make her a perfect fit for new skaters, while she also has the experience and knowledge to push competitive skaters to their potential.

ALEXA Binder

ALEXA Binder

Phone: 954-478-6212

Coach Bio:

Alexa Binder is a two-time South Atlantic Regional Champion, four-time South Atlantic Regional Medalist, two-time Eastern Sectionals Medalist, two-time U.S. Nationals Qualifier, and had a top 10 finish at the U.S. Nationals. Alexa also received the Gold Level Achievement award from the U.S. Figure Skating Graduating Seniors Program in addition to passing both her Senior Moves in the Field and Senior Free Skate with Honors. Alexa has been coaching for the past 5 years. She is currently an incoming Senior at the University of Florida majoring in Public Relations.

Curtis  Chornopyski

Curtis Chornopyski

Phone: 954-616-9753

Coach Bio:

Curtis has been coaching figure skating since 2007 and has been with Panthers IceDen since 2009.  As a competitive singles skater Curtis competed at several National Championships in his native Canada and was on Canada’s National Figure Skating Teams.  As a professional skater Curtis was a principle soloist for more than a decade for numerous professional skating companies including Disney on Ice and Royal Caribbean.  Since being at Panthers IceDen Curtis has trained competitive skaters to Regional, Sectional and National Championships and International Competition.  Curtis has worked with skaters on the pole harness through all double, triple and quadruple jumps.  Curtis has Freeskate Rating with the Professional Skating Association.

Franchesca  Chiera

Franchesca Chiera

Phone: 954-707-9065

Coach Bio:

Bio Coming Soon!

Sophia  Chouinard

Sophia Chouinard

Phone: 954-278-5779

Coach Bio:

Sophia Chouinard began skating at the age of six here at the Panthers IceDen. She competed for over ten years and started coaching at age seventeen. During her competitive career, she was trained under World Junior medalists Ilona Melnichenko and Artem Torgashev.  She is a US Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist in Free Skating and Moves in the Field.

Sophia is a 4-time Regional medalist, 4-time Sectional medalist, 3-time National competitor, and 2-time National medalist. She is the 2015 Juvenile Girls' National Champion, and 2016 National Intermediate Ladies' Silver medalist.

In 2023, she graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Sophia is fluent in Spanish, and coaches skaters of all ages and abilities, emphasizing the importance of mastering proper technique from the most basic level for success in skating.

Rebecca Clark

Rebecca Clark

Phone: 561-451-7292

Coach Bio:

Rebecca Clark, born and raised in Florida, is not only a devoted mother but also a seasoned coach whose passion radiates through her extensive experience and versatile skill set. With a Master rating in Moves in the Field (MIF), she excels in nurturing skaters of all levels, from grassroots to gold, across various disciplines, including off-ice conditioning and hockey skating skills. Beyond her proficiency on the ice, Rebecca's background in Exercise Science adds depth to her coaching, enriching her approach to training. Moreover, her diverse performance background as a show skater, professional dancer, and former NHL cheerleader for the Florida Panthers Hockey Club adds a unique flair to her coaching style. With over two decades of dedication to coaching, Rebecca stands out within the skating community as a premier instructor with an enduring legacy.

ALEXEY Crogh

ALEXEY Crogh

Phone: 208-391-9797

Coach Bio:

Alexey’s goal is to create an individualized experience for each
skater that encourages personal growth and a lifetime passion for skating. Goals vary depending on the skaters interest, ranging from: becoming stable on the ice, gaining more flow on the ice, learning partner or solo dance, hockey skating skills, or obtaining high level jumps and competing in National competitions. He has experience working with skaters ranging from 2 years to 86 years old.

Alexey focuses on having fun while building fundamentals and a strong foundation to strengthen his students ability to learn skills and to execute them with consistency. With proper body positioning and strengthening, a skater can save themselves from knee and back issues as their skating develops.
As a father and coach, he believes this is one of the most important aspects of coaching, keeping his skaters healthy.

As a competitive coach he has helped skaters obtain their triple jumps, on and off the jump harness. He also enjoys training skaters for the solo dance series and has a National Solo Dance competitor.

Alexey is PSA Master Rated in Group, Certified Rated in Free Skate and Moves in the Field, and Registered Rated in Ice Dance. He is a former professional skater for Holiday on Ice and Disney on Ice.

Analia DeJesus

Analia DeJesus

Phone: 754-204-4408

Coach Bio:

Analia (pronounced ah-nah-lee-ah) has been coaching since 2019. She started skating in 2010 and has achieved a Gold Medal in Moves in the Field. She was a Singles skater, who dabbled in pairs skating for fun and also did synchronized skating. Analia went to the 2022 Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships. Analia is a Professional Skaters Association (PSA) member and has an active rating in Skating Skills. She is also a certified Learn to Skate instructor. Ever since she started skating, she knew coaching was her passion. She wanted to share her love of figure skating with the new generation. Analia loves teaching skaters of all ages and levels. She especially enjoys teaching Skating Skills and Singles (Freeskate). Analia is fluent in Spanish and English.

Analia has been taking skaters to competitions at many levels including basic skills and IJS levels. She has had skaters take US Figure Skating tests in Skating Skills and Singles since 2021. As her skaters become higher level Analia understands the importance of continuing her coaching education and is constantly up to date with competition and testing requirements/expectations. She has also obtained her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2023.

Sophia  DeJesus

Sophia DeJesus

Phone: 754-204-7535

Coach Bio:

Sophia De Jesus, a Gold Medalist in Skating Skills with 14 years of figure skating experience, is passionate about coaching aspiring skaters of all ages. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction tailored to each skater's abilities and goals. Sophia is committed to helping her students excel both athletically and artistically. She prioritizes fostering a supportive environment where skaters feel empowered to reach their full potential. Together, Sophia and her students glide towards success, one graceful step at a time!  Sophia is fluent in Spanish and English.

Silvia Fontana

Silvia Fontana

Phone: 201-218-7092

Coach Bio:

Bio Coming Soon!

Jamie Gordon

Jamie Gordon

Phone: 407-308-4930

Coach Bio:

Jamie has been skating for 15 years and is a US Figure Skating Quadruple Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, Free Skate, Solo Pattern Dance, and Solo Free Dance. She has competed on the national and international stage, as well as having performed in a variety of ice shows over the years. Her extensive background on the ice enriches her ability to connect with skaters and guide them through both technical challenges and artistic expression.

A proud alumna of Liberty University and its figure skating and synchro teams, Jamie holds a bachelor's degree that complements her extensive on-ice experience with a strong educational foundation. Her academic background and professional training enhance her coaching approach, allowing her to offer a well-rounded and strategic perspective to her students.

She has a passion for seeing skaters improve. Jamie’s coaching philosophy focuses on nurturing each skater’s individual strengths while fostering a supportive and motivating environment. She is truly dedicated to the skater’s improvement, whether that involves competition-oriented goals or the development of skills for personal enjoyment. 

John Kerr

John Kerr

Phone: 786-516-3991

Coach Bio:

John hails from Edinburgh, Scotland, and is a 7-time British Ice Dance Champion, 2- time Olympian (2006 & 2010) for Great Britain, and 2-time European Bronze Medalist. Additionally, during his competitive career he medaled 5 times on the ISU Grand Prix circuit and won International Challenger events in Finland and Germany. In 2010 John finished the season ranked No.2 in the World with his skating partner, and sister, Sinead Kerr.

After retiring from competitive skating in 2011 John went on to become a cast member of ‘Stars on Ice’ for 3 seasons touring in the United States, Japan, and Canada. As well as performing with ‘Stars on Ice’ he appeared in skating productions all over the World including Germany, South Korea, Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil. John was also a principal cast member of ‘Ice Theatre of New York’ from 2011-2013, and an inaugural member of ‘Ice Dance International’ in 2014. Also, in 2014 John was the assistant choreographer for 'Stars on Ice' and in 2015 he was the choreographer for 'Scott Hamilton & Friends in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

As a coach John has taken skaters to the US National Championships in 3 different disciplines- Mens, pairs and Ice dance. In particular he coached the 2020 Junior Men’s Pewter medalist as well as the 2017 Pair’s novice champions. He has brought students to the World Championships, European Championships, Four Continent Championships, and World Junior Championships. He has also had several skaters qualify for the National Solo dance Finals and coached the 2021 Novice Champion. 

As a choreographer he has created routines for some of the best pairs teams in the World including the 2018 Olympic Champions Aljona Savchenko & Bruno Massot, the 2018 Olympic Bronze Medalists, Megan Duhamel & Eric Radford, and the 2023 World Silver Medalists, and US National Champions, Alexa Scimeca & Brandon Frazier. 

John enjoys working across all of the Figure Skating disciplines and teaches all levels. His specialties include partnered dance, solo ice dance, skating skills, and choreography in all figure skating disciplines. 

Vitali Lysenka

Vitali Lysenka

Phone: 281-902-2417

Coach Bio:

Vitali is a former single and pair skater. He started skating when he was 3 years old. After achieving his goals in single skating Vitali decided to have a new challenge and became a pair skater.  Vitali is a former Junior & Senior Champion of Belarus and Israel in Single and Pairs, and he competed Internationally for Belarus and Israel. He has over 35 years of skating and over 20 years of coaching experience.  After his competitive career Vitali coached and performed in the many shows around the World as a Principle Skater (Some of them are: Filippe Candeloro’s “La Belle et la Bête”, Disney on Ice “Princess Classics” and “Lion King”, Holiday on Ice “Energia”, Willy Bietak “Ice Under the Big Top” and “Ice Dancin”, Orange Tree Production “Noel Sur Glace”, “Cirque on Ice”, “Viva Las Vegas” ).  

Vitali has coached skaters from numerous countries including Belarus, Israel, Russia, France and the USA. He coached National Champions, European, World and Olympic skaters. He is well versed on the International Judging System and keep developing his knowledge by meeting and discussing it with world known specialists. 

Vitali together with his wife Tatiana moved to USA in 2009 to help develop figure skating and hockey programs at the ice rink in Texas. Vitali has a Bachelor Degree with top honors in Sport Science and Physical Education from the Belarus State University. He holds Florida Teacher Certificate for grades K to 12 and is currently working on his Masters Degree. His knowledge, professionalism, friendliness and love to sport help his athletes to discover their potential and to achieve their goals, but have fun at the same time. He is an expert in jump technique, spins and power stroking, and also specializes in off-ice conditioning, jump training and stretching. 

Vitali is proud to coach at Florida Panthers IceDen and loves Florida. Vitali has wife Tatiana and handsome boys Mark and David.

Emma  Manda

Emma Manda

Phone: 954-732-2906

Coach Bio:

Emma Manda is a dedicated figure skating and hockey instructor with a lifelong love for the ice. Having embarked on her skating journey at the age of 12, she brings a wealth of personal experience to her teaching. As a mother, she cherishes interactions with children, drawing from her parenting skills to nurture and empower her students. Emma's passion for the sport shines through in her enthusiastic teaching style, as she works to instill a deep appreciation for figure skating and hockey in the younger generation. Emma is committed to shaping confident and skilled athletes who share her love for the ice.

Aleksey Morkovkin

Aleksey Morkovkin

Phone: 404-435-2504

Coach Bio:

Aleksey Morkovkin was a member of Russian National team.  

Since 2011 coaching on Panthers IceDen.

International pairs coach/ single coach/ US Regional Sectionals National coach.

Power stroking specialist. Jump expert.

Annabelle Morozov

Annabelle Morozov

Phone: 201-406-8828

Coach Bio:

Bio Coming Soon!

Nikolai Morozov

Nikolai Morozov

Phone: 201-888-3821

Coach Bio:

Nikolai Morozov is a World Class competitor having represented Russia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan.

Nikolai was the coach of  2002 Olympic Champion Alexei Yagudin, 2006 Olympic Champion Shizuka Arakawa, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalists Elena Grushina & Ruslan Goncharov, 2007 & 2011 World Figure Skating Champion Miki Ando.  He has also worked with Daisuke Takahashi, Denis Ten, Javier Fernandez, Michelle Kwan, and many more Champions.

Nikolai has been coaching at the Panthers IceDen since 2022.

 

Sandra  Reichman

Sandra Reichman

Phone: 203-520-8721

Coach Bio:

Sandra is an adult competitive figure skater and has been skating for 30 years. She loves teaching children of all ages, and is passionate about adult skating— because it’s never too late to skate! She specializes in basic skills, moves-in-the-field, freestyle, hockey skills and choreography. Sandra is an Adult Bronze Medalist in freestyle and an Adult Silver Medalist in moves in the field. She works full time for Broward County Government in the Office of Public Communications and teaches skating in her spare time because she loves it!

Prior to her career in government communications, she worked as a producer and fill-in anchor reporter at the NBC affiliate in Utica New York and as an assignment editor and web producer at the ABC affiliate station in New Haven Connecticut.

Sandra has also served on the Board of Directors as the Club President for one of the local clubs in the area.

Raina Roth

Raina Roth

Phone: 754-234-5098

Coach Bio:

As a coach Raina strives to help skaters accomplish their goals. Whether that goal is skating for the very first time or landing an axel, she uses her education and experience to help skaters every step of the way. She teaches technically and creatively for lessons that grow skating skills and elements while still having fun. 

With her  knowledge of figure skating, along with her training in coaching hockey through the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and a family background in the sport to help players become better skaters and ultimately, better hockey players. Raina specializes in teaching edges and power skating to players. Strong use of edges and power can help skaters get across the ice faster, perform quick turns and stops, and move around the ice with more agility and ease.

Experience and Certifications 

  • Private Lesson Coach and Learn to Skate Instructor at Panthers IceDen
  • US Figure Skating Member and Certified Coach with the Panthers Figure Skating Club
  • Safe Sport  / SkateSafe Certified 
  • Over 8 years of coaching experience
  • Teach any level including but not limited to tots, basic skills, figure, hockey, and adult basics.
  • Moves in the Field (Skating Skills) and Free skate (Singles) Test Sessions available.

Raina is currently accepting new students for private lessons at Panthers IceDen. To schedule a lesson please contact Raina via phone or email about setting up a lesson time.

Happy Skating!

Anastasia Russ

Anastasia Russ

Phone: 954-830-5592

Coach Bio:

6x Regional Competitor
3x Sectional Competitor
2018 South Atlantic Regional Champion
I have been training for 12 years professionally and also specialize in on ice and off ice training for all ages and all levels! I am also a dual speaker, I speak Russian and English! I love teaching and helping those who would like to pursue their dreams! Please feel free to contact me at any time!

Adrian  Schultheiss

Adrian Schultheiss

Phone: 305-744-4352

Coach Bio:

Adrian Schultheiss started teaching figure skating on the side of his active skating career in 2008. He is a Swedish Olympian, 4-time World and 5-time European competitor. He placed 9th at the World Championships in 2010 and 6th at the European Championships 2008.He has also competed in numerous Senior and Junior Grand Prix.

Adrian is a passionate and dedicated figure skating coach known for his technical precision, artistic expression, and overall knowledge in skating. He enjoys teaching both beginners and high-level skaters. He has taught National and International skaters to master difficult jumps such as triple and quadruple jumps.

He was a member of the Swedish Olympic Committee talent program where he gained education in mental training, food and health, media training, strength, conditioning, and sports specific injury prevention. He was also part of the Nordic development project for four years.

Deb  Starkman

Deb Starkman

Phone: 516-286-6627

Coach Bio:

Deb has over 35+ years coaching experience. She has trained Olympian Emily Hughes as well as numerous international competitors. Deb has coached skaters at Regionals, Sectionals, Nationals and International competitions. She has coached more than 40+ skaters through their Gold Skating Skills and freestyle tests. Deb is a Certified U.S Figure Skating IJS Technical Specialist. 

Artem Torgashev

Artem Torgashev

Phone: 954-478-2326

Coach Bio:

Artem is from Moscow, Russia.  As a member of the U.S.S.R National Team, Artem became a Two-time Jr. World medalist, Skate Canada Medalist, and Nebelhorn Trophy medalist.  He graduated from the State Institute of Physical Culture & Sports and was part of the Russian All-Star Ice Show.

Artem has been on the Panthers IceDen Coaching team since 1997.  Since then, he has been an instrumental part of the development of the figure skating program and its success over the past two decades. Artem has developed multiple skaters from beginners to National, International and World level competitions.

Additionally, Artem holds a Master rating in Freestyle through the Professional Skaters Association.  Although, he specializes in IJS, he teaches all levels of freestyle, moves in the field, as well as off ice training for skaters.

Artem’s son, Andrew Torgashev is a member of Team USA, is the 2023 U.S National Bronze Medalist, World team member and a proud member of the Panthers Figure Skating Club.

Cailey  Weaver

Cailey Weaver

Phone: 727-488-6358

Coach Bio:

Cailey Weaver started skating at the age of 2 in Clearwater, FL. She went on to have a 20+ year long competitive career training under and alongside dozens of Olympians and Olympic coaches. Cailey competed at two Junior National Championships as a pair skater, and three Sectional Championships as a single skater. She is the 2009 Eastern Sectional Intermediate pairs champion, three time regional medalist in singles, a junior international medalist, and a Collegiate national medalist. Cailey's diverse training background has given her a unique perspective which she translates to her coaching. She mentors all students with an "athlete first" mentality and promotes a collaborative team atmosphere for athletes. Cailey emphasizes the importance of skaters' development, not only as athletes, but as human beings, as 'a skating career is temporary, but you are a person all your life'. Cailey aims to foster well-rounded, well-spoken, and well-educated athletes with good values and a champion's mindset. Cailey holds a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and an M.S. in Integrative Biology, achieved while training in her competitive career.

Amber  Yandura

Amber Yandura

Phone: 814-515-3484

Coach Bio:

Amber has been coaching professionally since 2000. She is a member of US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and the Professional Skaters Association with active ratings and certifications in Moves in the Field (Skating Skills), Group, Program Director, and Hockey 4/Power Skating. 
Amber has worked in the ice sports industry for over 30 years in almost every capacity, from Rink Manager to Skating Director, however coaching is what she finds most inspiring and rewarding. She enjoys teaching choreography for shows and competitions, as well as working with all levels of Basic Skills-Freeskate, Theatre on Ice, Synchronized Skating, and Power Skating for Hockey Players. Amber has experience teaching special needs, and continues to work with the Special Olympics. Her primary focus is to help each student achieve their skating goals by giving them the solid basic skating fundamentals that will assist them in whatever skating discipline(s) they select, recreationally or competitively. 
Amber holds a degree from the College of Education at the Pennsylvania State University, where she served as faculty in the Kinesiology Department for 10 years. 

John Zimmerman

John Zimmerman

Phone: 201-679-7894

Coach Bio:

Bio Coming Soon!

Sherry  Tautiva

Sherry Tautiva

Ballet/ Dance Instructor

Phone: 561- 667- 0753

Coach Bio:

Sherry’s dance career has encompassed a wide variety of performance experiences. She has held both national and international dance titles. Sherry has danced on stage, video productions, and television specials. Her dance styles include Lyrical (with a strong ballet foundation), Theatre Arts/Broadway, Contemporary, Ballroom, Latin, and Jazz. She has had the privilege as a dance teacher and choreographer to guide her students in both dance and figure skating. Many of her dance students have gone on to prestigious universities, dance companies, broadway, and television. In the world of figure skating, she has worked with both World and Olympic competitors. Sherry takes great joy in creating an environment where the love of dance is always front and center. While emphasizing proper technique, she also focuses heavily on performance quality. Sherry takes pride in making every effort to be a guiding light in helping her students achieve their dreams


Panthers IceDen & Panthers FSC were the proud hosts of the 2024 Eastern Sectional Singles Finals. November 1 - November 5, 2023.