PRIVATE LESSONS FIGURE SKATING COACHES
Whether you are a new skater in need of additional attention, a Skating School student working towards your evaluation or personal goals, or someone who prefers a one-on-one learning environment, Gateway offers private skating lessons with its professional coaching staff to fit your needs.
Gateway professional coaching staff has dedicated and professional coaches that teach private lessons for both recreational and competitive skaters. All coaches are highly qualified and members in good standing with United States Figure skating and meet its educational and ethical standards for exemplary coaches.
All of our coaches are independent contractors who use this facility to teach private lessons. They set their own fees, prices, and schedules. Private lesson fees do not include skate rental or admission prices.
Below is a list of Gateway’s Professional coaching staff and their short biographies. If you are interested in private lessons, you may approach any of the following coaches individually, or contact Tina McDonald, Skating Director at tinamdirector@gmail.com with your specific requests and contact information, and she will arrange for a coach to get in contact.
Coaching Levels: Senior Coach: Has taught or completed the Gold Level of USFS Skating Skills test
platform. Has had extensive training in skating as an individual skater or as a coach.
Junior Coach: Has completed their Silver level of the USFS Skating Skills test and has been
trained and is mentoring with a senior coach.
Basics Coach: Has been an instructor for the Learn to Skate program at all levels and has been coached by a Senior coach. Specializes in Basic Skills level skaters who want additional private instruction and program choreography.
Tina McDonald
Skating Director/Senior Coach
Has been teaching private lessons for over 30 years. Teaches all levels from beginner to USFS Gold level. Specializes in choreography, jumps, spins, and has produced and directed several ice shows and performing groups. Current Skating Director at Gateway Ice Center for 22 years. Currently not accepting new students.
Kayse Findley
Junior Coach
Teaches beginners and basic skills students who are looking to improve their skills. Kayse has taught skating classes for 5 years at all levels. He is a Silver level skater. for information and rates contact Kayse at
kaysefindley@gmail.com.
Jenny Ferguson
Senior Coach
Has over 20 years of coaching experience and have coached beginner thru National level competitors, teaching waltz jumps through triple jumps. Has worked with all ages from ice babies to adult skaters and have also worked with many hockey players on power and edge quality. Recently, was honored to be a 2023 National Development Camp "team leader" at U.S Nationals. Specializes in technique for jumps and spins. Jenny can be reached at jennyfergusonrealtor@gmail.com
Blake McGee
Senior Coach
Teaches all levels. Has mentored with coaches at the National and International level. Blake is a USFS Gold Medalist, and is training with National Team USA in pairs. Accepting new students from beginner to skaters that want to take their skating to the next level. For information and rates contact: blakemcgee0215@gmail.com
Madison Chastagner
Senior Coach
Current coach who is a Senior level skater with 14 years history in testing and competing. She has trained at several different facilities in California, Oregon, and Washington. Has taught Learn to Skate USA for 5+ years. A USFS Gold Medalist as well as a two-time Pre-Gold medalist. Specializes in jumps, footwork, and creative choreography. Works well with all ages. For information and rates contact: maddysk8s@icloud.com
Sophia Aravanis
Basic Skills Coach
Sophia is a basic skills coach and choreographer at Gateway Ice Center. She started figure skating as an adult and has 4 years for experience and training as a solo skater. She has been teaching all levels of the Learn to Skate program since 2023. Her background in dance makes her coaching style focused on proper technique, artistry, and presentation on the ice. She teaches students of all ages with encouragement, a positive attitude, and constructive feedback. Her goal is to inspire her students love for skating and help them grow to their best potential.
559-314-4947
Carson Turner Holcroft
Basic Skills Coach
Is an instructor for the Learn to Skate program at Gateway Ice Center for 3 years teaching all levels. He has trained as a solo skater for 8 years. His goal as a coach is to help give students a strong foundation of basic skills to build on for their future skating experience and enjoy the learning process by teaching detailed technique.
carsonturnerholcroft@gmail.com