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
National Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 1985
Member ISU Adult Figure Skating Group
Learn More About Jan

Melissa Sargent
Provincial Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2004
CanSkate Coordinator
Learn More About Melissa

Rachel Johnstone
Regional Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 2019
CanSkate Coordinator
Learn More About Rachel

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
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
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
Regional Certified | Coaching Excellence Since 2020
Learn More About Gabriela

Charlotte Faris
Regional Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2017
Learn More About Charlotte

Tanner White
Provincial Trained | Coaching Excellence Since 2012
Learn More About Tanner
CanSkate Coaches

Karen Huibers
Provincial Trained | Coaching Since 1989
Learn More About Karen

Penelope Gibb
CanSkate Coach | Since 2021
Learn More About Penelope

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.
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

Claire Roeske
CanSkate Coach | Since 2023
Learn More About Claire
Check in later to see Claire’s bio

Katrina Hardy
CanSkate Coach | Since 2023
Learn More About Katrina
Check in later to see Katrina’s bio

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

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.

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

Marie-Jeanne Gray
CanSkate Coach | Since 2025
Learn More About MJ
Check in later to see MJ’s bio