Jordan Valley Ice Park Coaches
Laura Baker
Years of Experience: 15 years coaching ice skating
Accreditations: USFS Accredited Master Coach in Group, Level 2 Accredited Coach in Skating Skills, Level 1 Accredited Coach in Singles
Levels and Disciplines: Laura coaches athletes of all ages and levels - from beginners to senior, both recreational and competitive. She specializes in skating skills, singles, ice dance, and off-ice jump training. Laura has successfully guided multiple skaters through their Gold-level tests in Skating Skills, Singles, and Solo Free Dance.
Coaching Philosophy: I strive to create a safe, positive environment where skaters feel supported, challenged, and inspired to pursue their goals while building their passion for skating. Recognizing that each athlete is unique, I tailor training plans to their individual needs, strengths, and aspirations. My goal is not only to develop strong, passionate skaters but also to use the sport as a platform for teaching valuable life skills. Through skating, I aim to inspire resilience, discipline, confidence, and character, helping each athlete become the best version of themselves both on and off the ice.
Rate: $73 per hour
E-Mail: sk8laurab@gmail.com
Kylie Criger
Years Experience: As a passionate figure skater and professional ballroom dancer for the past 12 years, Kylie brings both coaching expertise, athleticism, and art to you or your skater.
Levels and Disciplines: Kylie coaches both recreational and competitive skaters in freeskate, showcase, compulsory, interpretive,and Moves In The Field. She designs well-balanced on and off ice training programs to fit each skaters’ individual needs and goals. Kylie specializes in advanced choreography and offers this as an independent service, within a coaching team, and for each of her primary students. Kylie offers on ice training in all level spins, power training, edge training, jumps
through triple axel, and advanced choreography through all levels. Her off-ice services include off ice conditioning, off ice jump and spin, and ballet. She offers ballroom training for ice dance partners and pairs skaters.
Coaching Philosophy: Kylie’s unique coaching philosophy and psychology degree helps her develop her skaters into confident athletes who support a kind, inclusive environment at the rink. Kylie loves working with skaters of all levels from those who are taking their first steps on the ice to those who travel the country competitively. She offers limited hockey services that include power skating, edge quality, agility, and speed training. She supports young (and young at heart) athletes grow in integrity, character, commitment to excellence, and sportsmanship while developing a love
of the skating community. Parent and skater references are available on request.
Rate: $65 per hour
E-Mail: kcriger7992@gmail.com
Arabella Moritz
Years Experience: 10 years skating and almost a year of coaching. Tests passed: Silver Skating Skills (Novice Moves) and Pre-Bronze Singles (Pre-Juv Free Skate). Currently skating at the Juvenile level.
Coaching Philosophy: I’m always working to grow my knowledge as a coach to not only help me as a skater but helping my students as well. I hope to help my students grow in their skating and in their personalities as they move forward in their careers.
Rate: $52/hr
E-Mail: arabellamoritz@gmail.com
Bethany Shinn
Years Experience: Bethany Shinn has been skating since 2001. She was a competitive figure skater for 7 years having success at the state and regional level for several seasons. Bethany
has passed her Intermediate Free Skate, and Novice Moves in the Field tests.
PSA Ratings: Registered Rating in Moves in the Field and Group
Levels and Disciplines: Bethany enjoys working with all ages and skill levels.
She instructs both competitive and recreational skaters.
Rate: $64
E-mail: bethany.shinn@yahoo.com
Marie Wells
Years experience: Marie has 4 years of skating experience and almost 1 year of coaching experience. Marie has passed Pre-Bronze and Bronze Skating Skills, and is currently working on Silver in order eventually become a U.S. Gold Medalist in Adult Skating Skills.
Levels and Disciplines: The past 4 years, Marie has competed throughout the Missouri area in Singles Free Skate and Singles Showcase. Marie's experience in competitions/shows, testing sessions, and coaching Learn to Skate provide her with different strengths.
Marie excels at coaching skaters in the early stages of their development, focusing on essential skills like edge quality, foundational spins, and single jumps. She also brings a creative touch to programs, offering choreography support and music editing to ensure movement aligns seamlessly with musical phrasing. Beyond figure skating, Marie works with developing hockey players, emphasizing power skating, edge control, and speed to boost their agility and confidence on the ice.
Coaching Philosophy: "My coaching philosophy is laid back in tone but deeply focused in purpose. I believe in creating a positive, low-pressure environment where skaters feel supported, confident, and free to express themselves on the ice. At the same time, I maintain a clear structure and set high expectations for effort, consistency, and growth. Progress comes from purposeful practice, not perfection, and I aim to guide skaters in building both their technical skills and mental resilience. I value helping each athlete enjoy the process while steadily working toward their goals."
Rate: $50/hour
Emai: m.wells03@yahoo.com: m.wells03@yahoo.com
Nicolette Zangara
Years of Experience: Nicolette Zangara has skated since 2009 and is now coaching skaters of all ages and abilities in both recreational and competitive environments.
Levels & Disciplines: Nicolette holds an extensive background competing in singles and synchronized skating through ISI in the Chicagoland area. Nicolette has developed a well-rounded skill set that combines technique and precision with theatrical performance elements. She has earned her Pre-Bronze, Bronze, and Silver Skating Skills test credentials through U.S. Figure Skating and is actively pursuing her Adult Skating Skills Gold Medal.
Nicolette’s coaching expertise centers on building key fundamentals at the start of a skater's journey, focusing on edge work, core spins, and executing single jumps. She also brings her creativity to the ice through choreography and selecting music cues that complement the specific skater and their abilities. She takes requests for specific parts of music to bring a skater's dream program to life, sometimes blending multiple songs to get the desired effect. She also specializes in group numbers with her background in synchro. In addition to figure skating, Nicolette has a thorough understanding of teaching hockey skills. Her father is an award-winning hockey coach in Chicago and taught her the best ways to better a skater's edge control, speed, and overall performance.
Coaching Philosophy: Nicolette believes in fostering a positive, encouraging environment where skaters feel supported and inspired, regardless of experience level. She is passionate about building strong technical foundations while helping athletes find joy and confidence in their skating journey. Whether a skater is stepping onto the ice for the first time or preparing for competition, Nicolette tailors her approach to meet their unique goals and learning style. Her coaching is rooted in constructive instruction, theatrical elements, and a genuine love for the sport, making her a dedicated mentor for both recreational and competitive skaters.
Rate: $60 / hr
Email: nlzangara@gmail.com
Additional Coaches
Rates and biographies available at brightspeed Ice Park.
Allie Earls
Anna Luper
Autumn Preston
Chloe Terry
All coaches at brightspeed Ice Park are employed by the Springfield Greene County Park Board.