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Coaches

Rideau Skating Club is fortunate to benefit from an extensive team of dedicated and professionally trained coaches. Their expertise and commitment are evident in the high-quality performances and achievements of our skaters, who represent the club with excellence across all levels of competition and performance.

Our coaches serve not only as instructors but also as mentors and role models, fostering individual growth and promoting life skills that extend beyond the ice. Their goal is to support each skater in realizing their personal best—both athletically and personally.

To contact the coaching staff, please email us at skatecoachingteam@gmail.com

Staff Coaches

Jan Calnan

Jan Calnan

National Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 1985
Member ISU Adult Figure Skating Group

Learn More About Jan

Melissa Sargent

Melissa Sargent

Provincial Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2004
CanSkate Coordinator

Learn More About Melissa

Rachel Johnstone

Rachel Johnstone

Regional Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 2019
CanSkate Coordinator

Learn More About Rachel

Liam Carney

Liam Carney

Regional Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 2019

Learn More About Liam

Liam is a certified Regional-level coach and is currently working toward his Provincial certification. He has completed Gold tests in Freeskate, Elements, Skills, and Interpretive. Liam began teaching CanSkate and off-ice classes in 2019 after serving as a Program Assistant for four years. He now works with skaters of all ages and levels.

As a skater, Liam competed at the national level, attending the 2022 Canadian Nationals in the Junior category. He also qualified for the Skate Canada Challenge in 2018 (Novice) and 2022 (Junior), and competed at the 2019 Provincial Championships in pairs skating. He was a member of both the Gloucester Elite Team and the Ontario Team in 2022. Throughout his competitive career, he participated in numerous training seminars across Ontario. 

Outside of skating, Liam is pursuing a degree in Marketing at Algonquin College. He also professionally composes music and sound design for films and video games. 

Katya Kosowan

Katya Kosowan

Regional Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2019

Learn More About Katya

Katya grew up skating in a small town in the Ottawa Valley where she fell in love with skating. She was a competitive figure skater in free skate and synchro for many years until she decided to take her CanSkate Coaching Course.

After completing her CanSkate Certification, Katya decided to take the next step in her coaching career by taking her Regional Coaching course. She enjoys coaching skaters of all ages in all disciplines. She has successfully completed multiple NCCP and Skate Canada e-learning course and is looking forward to pursuing more learning opportunities in the future.

Katya left the Ottawa Valley to attend Carleton University where she studies Psychology, hoping to have a career in sports psychology when she’s done school.

Emma Lipfeld

Emma Lipfeld

Regional Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2022

Learn More About Emma

Emma grew up in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes figure skating where she found her passion for coaching. She comes from a smaller club where she was second to head coach.

She has completed multiple NCCP courses including her regional coach training.

Emma moved out to Ottawa to attend Carleton University studying environmental science.

 

Associate Coaches

Gabriela Palomeque

Gabriela Palomeque

Regional Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 2020

Learn More About Gabriela

Charlotte Faris

Charlotte Faris

Regional Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2017

Learn More About Charlotte

Tanner White

Tanner White

Provincial Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2012

Learn More About Tanner

CanSkate Coaches

Jan Calnan

Karen Huibers

Provincial Trained | Coaching Since 1989

Learn More About Karen


Jan's full bio goes here...
Melissa Sargent

Penelope Gibb

CanSkate Coach | Since 2021

Learn More About Penelope


Melissa's full bio goes here...
Rachel Johnstone

Stephanie Paterson

CanSkate Coach | Since 2022

Learn More About Stephanie

Coaching Philosophy

I coach CanSkate to share my love of skating with our newest skaters and to give back to the club who has always supported and believed in me, even when I don't believe in myself.

Experience

I started skating at 10 and PAd for many years before becoming a coach. I was even nominated for the Skate Ontario PA of the year award in 2022

Outside Of Skating

I love crocheting, reading and playing video games. I am also going to school to become an MRI Technician.


Rachel's full bio goes here...
Liam Carney

Lea Brossier

CanSkate Coach | Since 2022

Learn More About Lea

Coaching Philosophy

I decided to pursue coaching Canskate because I want to inspire others to enjoy the process of learning to skate as much as I do. My goal as a coach is to create a learning environment that feels safe, supportive, and fun, so skaters feel encouraged to grow, take risks, and celebrate their progress every step of the way.

Experience

I have been coaching Canskate since 2022, and I was a PA prior to that 

Outside Of Skating

I am currently studying Architecture at Carleton University

Liam's full bio goes here...
Katya Kosowan

Claire Roeske

CanSkate Coach | Since 2023

Learn More About Claire

Check in later to see Claire’s bio

Katya's full bio goes here...
Emma Lipfeld

Katrina Hardy

CanSkate Coach | Since 2023

Learn More About Katrina

Check in later to see Katrina’s bio


Emma's full bio goes here...
Coach 7

Alex Craig-Browne

CanSkate Coach | Since 2025

Learn More About Alex

Coaching Philosophy

I coach CanSkate to help new skaters start their journey onto the ice and spread my love and joy in skating

Experience

I have prior experience on the ice with 5 years as a semi-competitive skater and as a Program Assistant with RSC

Outside Of Skating

I love to trail bike, read, and fold origami


Coach 7's bio goes here...
Coach 8

Abbie Michaud

CanSkate Coach | Since 2025

Learn More About Abbie

Coaching Philosophy

I teach CanSkate because I love helping skaters grow, build confidence, and have fun while learning the basics. Seeing their progress is the most rewarding part.

Outside Of Skating

I enjoy baking and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. I love spending time with friends, whether we’re hanging out or exploring new places. Playing ultimate is also a fun way to keep me active and lets me be part of a team.


Coach 8's bio goes here...
Coach 9

Brooke Hardy

CanSkate Coach | Since 2025

Learn More About Brooke

Coaching Philosophy

I enjoy working with kids and helping kids learn

Expereince

I have been a PA for 5 years

Outside Of Skating

I like painting, art, being around animals and helping them


Coach 9's bio goes here...
Coach 10

Marie-Jeanne Gray

CanSkate Coach | Since 2025

Learn More About MJ

Check in later to see MJ’s bio