Meet Our Instructors

Hi! My name is Anna, and I’ve been involved with the United States Figure Skating Association for more than 16 years. I started with singles skating and was a competitive skater for 10 years. I had the opportunity to pursue skating in Pairs and quickly knew that I was meant to be a pair skater. I had a partnership for 8 years and earned a Bronze medal in pairs. I have earned a Gold medal in Moves in the Field. I then decided to take on solo ice dancing as well, and I have tested into the Pre-Silver tier. I plan to continue to further my testing in the pattern dance and freedance disciplines.

I fell in love with skating when I first started and instantly knew I wanted to share my love of the sport with the newer generations. I started coaching group lessons in 2012 and started coaching private lessons in 2015. Over this timeframe, I’ve learned that being a coach is the most rewarding part of my skating career. I love getting to share in my skaters' success and helping them learn the lessons I did in skating and in life by overcoming obstacles.

I am available for trial lessons and available to work with new skaters of any age and level.

Chris has been involved in figure skating for more than 30 years. He has been teaching both private and group lessons for 23 years. Chris was a performer for Disney On Ice for 2 years, along with his wife, GraceAnn, who is also a professional figure skating instructor.  Chris has completed the Gold (Senior) Moves In The Field test, the Gold (Senior) Free Skate test, the Gold Dance test, and the Novice Free Dance test. Chris competed in the Regional and Sectional levels in the Senior Men’s division as well as Collegiate Nationals. He also competed at both Regionals and Sectionals as a competitive ice dancer. Chris is an active member of the Professional Skater’s Association, and a full-time dad to sons Colin and Noah and daughter Natalie. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University and a minor in Athletic Coaching. He also earned his secondary education license from Notre Dame College.  Chris also serves on the board of directors for the Greater Cleveland Council of Figure Skating Clubs.

GraceAnn has enjoyed working as a professional figure skating coach since 1997 and has been involved in figure skating for more than 40 years.
 

As a skater, she competed at the U.S. Figure Skating Regional Championships and achieved Gold medalist test status in both Moves in the Field and Free Skating. She recently accomplished her Solo Bronze Dance test (and is currently working on more dance tests!) GraceAnn skated professionally with Disney On Ice (2001-2003) performing in 14 countries. She also earned a BA in Psychology from Cleveland State University  in 1999.
 

GraceAnn is a member of the Professional Skaters Association and was a team leader at the 2017 USFS Components Camp. She is a board member of the Brooklyn Figure Skating Club and teaches at various rinks throughout the Cleveland area. GraceAnn coaches skaters of all ages from beginners through advanced tested and competitive skaters. She and her husband, Chris, both coach figure skating and have 2 sons and a daughter.

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“As a skating coach it is my job to help a student learn proper technique, build upon self-confidence, develop their creativity, and set goals. Whether it is landing their first axel or learning how to glide on one foot across the ice, I love to see a skater accomplish what they have worked hard for.”

Alexis has been involved in skating since 2001 and has been teaching private lessons since 2012. She has accomplished her Novice Moves in the Field and Intermediate Free Skating tests. Alexis is a graduate of Padua Franciscan High School and the University of Akron. While at Padua, she was a member of the High School’s skating team. During her years on the team, they won the State Championships in 2008 and 2010, and finished runner up in 2009. Alexis is now one of the coaches of the figure skating team at Padua.  “I grew up figure skating and it is great to be able to pass on what I have learned through the years. I enjoy working with the kids and teaching the sport that I love.”

Heather has been involved in figure skating for more than 30 years. She teaches both private lessons and group lessons and has taught many skaters from their first steps on the ice through high school graduation and beyond.
Heather is part of a ‘skating family’ – her husband, Briant Galgas is a hockey coach. Her daughter is a figure skater, and her two sons also play competitive hockey.

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Hi I’m Debbie!! I’ve been skating for 13 years. I’m currently a senior at Padua Franciscan high school. I’m apart of the MyTrack Studio Art Program and the figure skating team! I have competed as a single skater for around 11 years and on top of that apart of the highschool team for 6 years (since 7th grade!) l primarily compete in freestyle, showcase and interpretive. I’m also a 3 time national showcase qualifier!! I’m currently working towards passing my moves in the field tests and landing my doubles!! I love connecting with new people and bringing joy into others lives! 

Hi! My name is Rachel. I have been skating for over 15 years and was a volunteer instructor for 5 years prior to coaching in 2019. I have competed as a singles skater for over 10 years, and nationally with the Ice Theatre of Cleveland for 3 years. I have earned my Senior (Gold) Moves in the Field, Freeskate, Solo Pattern Dance and Solo Free Dance. I have currently passed 3 Solo International Dances (the Rhumba, Cha Cha Congelado and Yankee Polka) and plan to continue to test more. I enjoy helping my students reach their goals, teaching correct technique, choreographing, and helping skaters develop confidence in their abilities. I aspire to be a master-rated coach in Moves in the Field, Ice Dance and Freestyle.

Currently, I am a college student concentrating on Psychology with a focus on Nutrition and Graphic Design. Some of my passions include various types of art, music cutting and film editing. 

I believe that skating always has life lessons to offer regardless of age, level or ability. I have always had a very positive experience with skating, and I hope to share that with my skaters!

Hi! My name is Tara. I have been skating for more than 14 years and was a volunteer instructor for over 4 years before coaching in 2021. I have been a competitive singles skater for more than 14 years and have also competed nationally with the Ice Theatre of Cleveland for 3 seasons. Currently, I perform state-wide with the Padua Franciscan high school team, where we recently earned our 11th State Championship title. I have accomplished my Senior Moves in the Field, Senior Solo Free Dance, Senior Solo Pattern Dance, and Junior Free Skate. I am currently working towards completing my Gold Freeskate test. I enjoy performing, choreographing, teaching, and connecting with students.

Hi! My name is Alexis and I have been skating for more than 13 years. Prior to becoming an instructor in 2022, I have been a volunteer instructor for more than 4 years. I have been a competitive singles skater for more than 8 years. I have competed locally and nationally in a wide range of event styles. Currently, I perform with the Brooklyn Blades on Ice Performance Ensemble Team which I have been a part of for more than 7 years. I have also been performing with the Padua Franciscan High School Skating Team for more than 3 years, where we recently earned our 11th state title this past season! I have accomplished my Novice Moves in the Field, Bronze Dance Test, Pre Juvenile Free Skate, and Intermediate Solo Free Dance. Currently, I am working towards completing my Junior Moves in the Field. I enjoy competing, performing, and learning and teaching choreography. Teaching Learn to Skate is something that I truly enjoy! 

Hi I’m Cassidy! I have been ice skating for about 12 years. Currently, I am a junior at Padua High School where I am a part of their figure skating team. I am a US Figure Skating Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field and Solo Free Dance. I love having the opportunity to teach this amazing sport and all the great lessons that come along with it, all while making it a fun experience! 

Hi! My name is Meredith, and figure skating has been a part of my life since the age of 3. I’ve been coaching Learn to Skate and private lessons for the past 17 years. I have earned my Senior (Gold) Freeskate and Moves in the field tests. Skating is something that I am passionate about and has taught me many valuable life lessons over the years as a student and now from a coaches perspective. I have also made lifelong friendships through the sport of skating. 

I enjoy helping skaters develop their on-ice skills and confidence and helping them work towards achieving their personal goals! I am available for trial-lessons and to work with new students for private lessons.

Allison has been involved with figure skating for 27 years. She has been coaching private lessons for the past 12 years. She is also one of the Padua Franciscan High School skating team's coaches. Allison was a competitive figure skater all the way through college. She has completed her Gold Senior Moves in the Field and Gold Senior Freestyle skating tests.