Private Lessons

I’ve been coaching and sharing my love and joy of ice skating for 20+yrs. I have been with Wollman for 9 wonderful seasons. I teach private, group and semi-private lessons.

I look forward to working with you or your child to achieve any skating goals you have while having fun. 

Hi, I’m Amelie! I’ve been skating for years and playing hockey for the past two. I love teaching kids and adults of all skill levels to feel confident on the ice, whether they’re learning to skate for the first time or working on their hockey game. My goal is to make skating fun, supportive, and something you’ll want to keep coming back to!

Hi! I’m Annike, and skating has been an essential part of my life for eleven years. I have skated professionally for eight years, and have been a member of Riverbank Figure Skating Club for those eight. I have coached five-ten year old and beginner adult classes at Riverbank’s rink, in addition to coaching first graders at Wollman last year, which I absolutely loved. As a coach, my goal is to create an enthusiastic and engaging atmosphere where kids can grow and learn as confident skaters. I’ve participated in competitions in New Jersey, upstate New York, Chelsea Piers, where I placed first twice, and right here at the Wollman Open, where I also placed first. I’m so excited to share my love for this sport with everyone at the rink this season!

I have been ice skating since 2002, developing into a five-time National Champion in my native country of Georgia, and participated in the Junior World Championships three times. I had also participated in the 2013 Youth Olympic Games where I was selected as one of the top 10 skaters, participated in the Junior Grand prix( 2013-2016) & European Championship in 2016. Additionally I’m also a member of Ice Theater of New York where I perform solo programs. My coaching style is tailored individually for adults and children.

I am a current competitive figure skater who will compete at the Championship Novice level for the 2027-28 season. I am now a 5x National Qualifying Series Medalist and a US Figure Skating Gold Medalist in Skating Skills. I took my first steps on the ice at Wollman Rink when I was just 3 years old. I look forward to being a part of the Wollman community as a junior coach this season and sharing my passion with young skaters.

Brianna is a gold medalist with over 27 years of skating experience. She has 15+ years of coaching experience within the tri-state area and is in her 7th season at Wollman Rink!

Brianna specializes in power skating/edge development for travel hockey players, figure skating (jumps/spins/MITF/power skating), off-ice conditioning, as well as beginner development. 

Caroline is a four-time US Figure Skating Gold Medalist, two-time Singles Sectional competitor, five-time National Solo Dance Finalist, and five-time South Atlantic Regional Championship competitor. Caroline was also a member of the NYU Figure Skating Team throughout her bachelor’s and master’s programs, earning several intercollegiate national titles and she was the 2024 and 2025 US Collegiate Championships Junior Bronze Medalist. Caroline now works with the NYU team as an assistant coach, specializing in choreography and ice dance. In her free time, Caroline is looking to ultimately pursue medical school! She has been coaching for almost 10 years and loves working with kids and adults of all ages and levels, from first steps on the ice all the way through advanced jump and spin technique, skating skills, and choreography/performance!

Ed played hockey for his local teams, eventually earning a contract to play in Canada for the Bradford Rattlers of the GMHL

My name is Elisaveta, but please call me Coach Elisa. I have been working as a coach at various locations for many years. I can teach from first steps to advanced levels, no matter what age.

Please feel free to book me for a lesson. Excited to meet you!!!

Elizabeth is a double USFS Gold Medalist with over 20 years of skating experience. She has trained across multiple disciplines, including free skate, synchronized skating, solo free dance, hockey basics, and beginner pairs.

Her performance career includes touring with Disney on Ice, where she has shared her passion for skating on a global stage. In college, Elizabeth founded and served as president of the NC State Figure Skating Team, coaching, choreographing, and leading more than 30 adult skaters to competition.

For nearly a decade, she has been coaching both Learn to Skate programs and private lessons. Elizabeth is known for her welcoming, encouraging approach and enjoys working with skaters of all ages and levels, from first-time beginners to competitive athletes.

Emma Tang is a figure skater with over 14 years of competition experience and over 8 years of coaching experience. As a coach, Emma has taught Tots/Basic 1 through advanced doubles jump and spin technique, to choreographed competitive programs. Emma works at Grace Church School JK-8th Grade Campus in New York. Although her lessons suit all ages, her lessons with kids focus on an emphasis on learning through play and games on the ice. All lessons are designed to build confidence, overcome any fears of falling, and learn correct technique from day one. 

Trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, she is a 3-time US Figure Skating Gold Medalist, a Chinese Taipei National Senior Medalist, and a member of the international team. She competed on behalf of New York University in the intercollegiate series, where she was a three-time Bronze Medalist and helped the team win the 2024 National Pewter Medal. Additionally, Emma has taught lessons in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Italian. 

I am a USFS gold medalist in Moves In the Field. I am also a six-time North Atlantic Regional Championship competitor, as well as a US Solo Dance Series finalist and a British Ice Skating national competitor. 

I have been skating for nearly 20 years and coaching for 8. 

I love working with kids of all levels, from beginners to advanced skaters!

With 13 years of competitive figure skating experience, Imani brings extensive expertise as a skater and coach. She skated for the NYU Figure Skating team and is a 2x Solo Ice Dance National Competitor, 3x Intercollegiate National Medalist, 2x South Atlantic Regional Competitor, and USFSA Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field. Imani’s involvement goes beyond competing, but in mentoring young skaters and building community.

She loves working with skaters of all ages and levels and is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where skaters can learn and grow. 

Isaac Alan Lindy is a professional skater and performing artist and has been coaching for over 15 years. Isaac has worked with students of all ages and levels, serving as a primary coach for grassroots skaters and a choreography consultant for elite athletes. He is a USFS Coach Core-certified instructor and specializes in skating skills, freestyle, choreography, power skating, Learn-to-Skate, and beginning ice dance. Isaac also has 6 years of experience coaching Special Olympics. He holds a BA with Honors in Urban Studies from Vassar College and is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists. 

Coach Jake has been figure skating since he was 4 years old and competed throughout New England in his youth. With 7+ years of coaching experience, he is passionate about sharing his love of ice skating.

He works with both kids and adults of all ages and levels. His aims to meet students where they are and caters his lessons to each individual learning style. 

Also an artist and illustrator, he brings his creativity to the ice from developing choreography, creating games and obstacle courses to teach skating skills in a fun and engaging way. 

Jacqueline Benson (she/her) is a coach, choreographer, and professional skater based in NYC. Jacqueline is a US Figure Skating triple gold medalist in Freestyle, Skating Skills / Move in the Field, and Solo Free Dance. She is a USFS Master-Rated coach and Senior-Rated choreographer, having choreographed programs across all disciplines for skaters ranging from National Development Team athletes to showcase skaters to Excel competitors. Her current professional engagements include touring with Montreal-based contemporary skating company, Le Patin Libre, performing with Ice Theatre of New York, and working with American Ice Theatre. Jacqueline is passionate about sharing her love of skating as well as technical and creative expertise with skaters of all ages and all levels!

Hi I’m Jake! I’ve been skating for over 10 years and I’m currently a nationally-ranked figure skater. I am a four-time U.S. High Performance National Development Team member, a three-time Regional Champion, a four-time Sectional medalist, and a current member of the Team USA International Selection Pool. I enjoy teaching skaters of all levels and ages, and my coaching philosophy is centered around guiding skaters to achieve their individual skating goals.

Jessica Shuran Yu has over 20 years of experience on the ice and represented Singapore at the international level. At 16, she placed in the top 6 at Asian Winter Games and qualified for the World Championships, becoming the first Singaporean skater to do so. As a coach, she has helped skaters land their single and double jumps, as well as led comprehensive off-ice training sessions that help young athletes improve their strength, mobility, and flexibility.

Jessica loves helping skaters of all ages nurture their love of skating. She believes strong skating starts with strong foundations and loves to help skaters of all levels with their edge, jump and spin techniques. Her favorite parts of being a coach are problem-solving and bringing out a skater’s creativity, as well as helping her students become more resilient individuals in ways that go beyond the ice! Jessica can teach lessons in English and Mandarin.

A Hockey and Skating lifer, Joe has over 30 years experience playing, officiating and coaching on the ice. A Sports Management major at the University of Tennessee, Joe worked with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the ECHL in their game operations before beginning his coaching career at the Wollman Rink in 2008.

A Special Education paraprofessional in the Oceanside School District in his home town on Long Island, Joe enjoys working with the youth watching them flourish and reach their potential in the classroom and on the ice.

Joe’s hobbies include playing Hockey and Tennis, lifting weights, going to sporting events and concerts, watching documentaries, reading and listening to music and podcasts.

Jonathan is a singles figure skater with over 10 years of competitive experience. He was able to represent Team USA at international competitions and is a two time U.S. national medalist. After competing at six national championships, he is excited to teach important foundational skills that helped him excell on the ice. He has experience as a learn to skate instructor and with skaters who have disabilities, and is excited to work with skaters at any level. 

Jordan (they/she) is a choreographer, performing artist, and skating educator. They have been teaching for 13 years developing a specialty in choreography, ice dance, moves in the field, and general athlete management as a head coach for competitive skaters in NYC.

My students range from children to adults of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for short term lessons to get around the rink, or starting/furthering a competitive career, Jordan is excited to help guide you along your skating journey. 

Hi, my name is Josh

I have been skating at Wollman Rink for 15 years and coaching here for three years. I love working with skaters of all ages and skill levels, from first-time skaters to more advanced skaters. Growing up at Wollman Rink, I participated in many of the skating programs that I now coach myself, which feels very much like a full-circle-moment.

My name is Kata, I’m a two-time Team USA World Team competitor and a four-time National Medalist – across the US, Finland, and Sweden. I’m from Finland, but also represented the Swedish and U.S. Senior level synchronized skating teams.

Once I moved to the U.S I joined the synchronized skating Senior Team Skyliners – the highlight being the World Championships in 2019 & 2020.

I’ve coached all levels from beginners to adults to the Junior World Team, and performed with various Ice Theatres.

 I love teaching kids and adults of all ages the magic of skating through positivity, encouragement, and teamwork! 

My name is Kohana and I coach Learn to Skate for the little ones all the way up to adults. I rediscovered my love for figure skating 4 years ago and have been skating since. I mainly competed solo but also competed with a synchronized skating team for 2 years. I am a 2026 high school graduate who doesn’t compete anymore but still holds a passion for being on the ice. Let’s connect and share this beautiful sport together!

I am a professional figure skater currently performing in the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular with my brother Neill!

Lily is a triple USFS Gold Medalist, and she achieved her lifelong dream of touring with Disney on Ice from 2021 to 2025. Before traveling the world with Disney on Ice, she was a competitive singles skater and continued to compete on the intercollegiate circuit at Hamilton College. She has been coaching Learn to Skate lessons for over a decade and is excited to bring her passion for performance to skaters of all ages and levels at Wollman Rink. Lily has developed a speciality in show skating, choreography, edge control, and presentation on the ice. Her favorite part of coaching is the privilege of sharing her love of skating with her students. 

Lisa Dodell is a figure skater and coach with over seventeen years of experience on the ice. She is a Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, a Silver Medalist in Freestyle, and formerly competed representing Rye Figure Skating Club. Over the past eight years she has worked at multiple rinks with a wide range of ages and skill levels, from toddlers to adult skaters. Lisa prides herself on being patient and engaging, aiming to make lessons not only productive, but also positive and memorable for her students. She is incredibly grateful to continue sharing her passion for the sport at Wollman Rink!

Lisa Parra is a figure skater and coach. She has been skating professionally for 25 years. As a performer she skated with City of Angels Ice Theater in Los Angeles, CA and Ice Theater of New York with husband and ice dance partner Tim Fujioka.

Lisa began teaching at Wollman Rink in the Fall of 2011 and was a coach at Figure Skating in Harlem from 2014-2018. Her coaching style is based on her experiences as an ice dancer and her work with artistic ice ensembles, focusing on strong basic skills, edge control, flow, speed and alignment.

Maddy fell in love with figure skating at the age of 3 and has spent over two decades honing her skills and deepening her passion for the sport. As an instructor with 8 years of experience, she finds immense joy in helping students not only improve their technique but also discover their own love for skating.

Specializing in teaching beginners of all ages, Maddy creates a welcoming and supportive environment where new skaters can build confidence, master foundational skills, and have fun on the ice. Her patient and encouraging approach ensures that each student feels empowered to grow at their own pace.

Originally from Hershey, PA, Maria is a U.S. Figure Skating Triple Gold Medalist who competed nationally for 12 years. She has also coached in Washington, D.C., and performed with Stars on Ice and The Ice Theatre of New York. Maria provides group and private instruction to individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with therapeutic needs and physical or developmental disabilities. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a positive, engaging environment that fosters confidence, personal growth, and a lasting love of skating. She welcomes students at every stage—from children stepping onto the ice for the first time to adults looking to develop their skills, feel more comfortable on the ice, or discover skating as a new hobby.

Hi, I’m Marjorie. I am 21 years old and have been skating at Wollman Rink since I was 6. I figure skated competitively for 12 years, taking part in many competitions and USFS freestyle and moves in the field tests. I worked as a skate guard at Wollman for 5 years, starting in high school, and have been coaching for 4 years now.

I am a senior at Columbia University. I have worked with kids for years, volunteering as a coach for ice hockey in Harlem, doing community service at lower schools and local parks, tutoring K-12, and running a tutoring and teachers aid organization in Upper Manhattan. 

Previously, I coached children in the Learn to Skate USA program which involved demonstrating moves, explaining figures and patterns, and giving instruction for body positions.

I currently attend Middlebury College where I teach a figure skating workshop to fellow students that want to learn how to skate or improve their skills.

Wollman Rink is my second home, and I’m grateful to have grown up skating here. I’m so excited to work with new skaters and share the sport that I love with them!

Hi, I’m Coach Melanie Athena, with over 20 years of experience teaching skaters of all ages and levels. I’m passionate about sharing my love for skating and creating a fun, inspiring environment for everyone.

I specialize in beginner to Free Skate Six levels and enjoy working with both beginners and advanced skaters.

Before joining Wollman, I was the head coach at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, teaching diverse skaters and producing hundreds of ice shows. For lesson details, FAQs, and more, visit my website: [Rockstars on Ice](https://www.rockstarsonice.com). I look forward to helping you achieve your skating dreams at Wollman Rink!

Melinda Wang competed in 3 World Championships and 6 Four Continents Championships in singles figure skating. Trained by Rafael Arutyunyan, John Nicks, Phillip Mills, Oleg Epstein, and Alexander Ouriashev.

Enjoys coaching all ages from first steps on the ice to learning more advanced skating skills.

Michael is a two-time U.S. National Champion and triple gold medalist in Moves, Freestyle, and Pairs. For the past ten years he performed professionally around the globe as a Principal Soloist while also serving as Company Manager and Performance Director. He’s thrilled to return to Wollman Rink and looks forward to seeing you on the ice!

Michelle has been a competitive skater for 13 years. She is passionate about helping skaters of all ages build strong foundational skills, confidence, and artistry. Through choreography and expressive movement, Michelle inspires each student to grow and find their unique voice on the ice.

Michelle Wu is an ice skating professional with 25+ years of experience.  She is a Junior Olympic level figure skater who has worked as a learn to skate instructor, choreographer, and competitive coach.

She specializes in teaching basic skills through advanced freestyle and enjoys working with students of all ages, including adults for privates, semi-privates, and group lessons.

Off the ice, Michelle is a product marketer in tech who holds an MSc in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and a BS in Marketing and Finance from the NYU Stern School of Business. 

Hi, I’m Nastia!  I’ve passed my Junior Free Skate and Moves in the Field tests and am working toward my Senior in both. I’m a competitive figure skater on the Excel track and a medalist at many competitions, including the Empire State Games and, most recently, the State Games of America. I’ve been skating since I was three, and Wollman is where I grew up skating — I have so many good memories of being a student in the Figure Skating Academy here, and it means a lot to be coming back as a coach. This summer I taught at the Chelsea Piers skating camp, where I worked with kids ages 3 to 10. My favorite jump is the double loop and my favorite spin is the flying sit spin. I love sharing my passion for skating with beginners — especially kids — and making lessons fun. I also speak Russian. See you on the ice! 

I have USFS experience in testing moves in the field and freeskate, complemented by a background in ballet and pointe. I bring my choreography expertise to the ice, creating routines that enhance skaters’ unique abilities.

I love working with skaters of all ages, from beginners to advanced, and am passionate about helping them grow both technically and artistically.

I’m a USFS triple gold medalist as well as national and international level competitor as a synchronized ice skater, competing at the World Championships. I grew up doing singles for the first 15 years and then switched over the synchro and was a member of Team USA for the last 5 years. I’ve been coaching for the past 6 years and love to spread my love for the sport to the next generation! 

As a coach, Roobi specializes in building strong foundations while also cultivating each skater’s unique style and confidence on the ice. Drawing on her background as a professional dancer and educator, she brings a creative and supportive approach to lessons, with experience teaching both children and adults. Her goal is to encourage skaters of all ages and any level to discover both technical excellence and joy through skating.

I have been skating for over a decade, and discovering my love of coaching through group classes and private instruction since January 2023 at Wollman and other rinks around NYC!

I specialize in working with skaters of all ages on foundational skills from Basic 1 through introductory Freeskate.

Fun fact: My favorite skating discipline is Theatre on Ice – I am hugely passionate about performance and self-expression on the ice!

Shelby is a coach with 10+ years of skating and coaching experience in the Upper Great Lakes region. She loves teaching people of all ages and skill levels and incorporates fun and games into all her lessons. Shelby has also coached and worked with kids with various mental and learning needs.

This is Shelby’s third season here at Wollman Rink, and she is so excited to share her love for the sport to all her returning and new students.

I love teaching skaters of all ages, helping them realize their strength, build confidence, and express themselves on the ice. I encourage beginning skating at any age, and I’m passionate about creating a supportive, positive community where skaters of every level and background can succeed. Drawing on a deep understanding of the differences between child and adult pedagogy and sports psychology, I bring insight from both my childhood beginnings and my experience returning to skating as an adult. From the first lesson, I emphasize strong foundations—alignment, balance, flexibility, mobility, and strength—through drills both on and off the ice. I’m excited to share the joy of figure skating while guiding you toward your goals!

Tim Fujioka is an experienced instructor who focuses on balance, good form and correct edges, skills which can be applied to many physical activities off the ice. Tim is a patient coach who works well with very young skaters.

First steps (absolute beginner), ice dance and moves in the field are his particular strengths, but he especially enjoys helping students find joy in their skating, whatever their technical level. In addition to the Wollman Rink skating school programs, Tim has taught adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. He was a coach at Figure Skating in Harlem.

He has performed with Big Apple Blades, and with his wife and ice dance partner Lisa Parra, with Ice Theatre of New York.