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Coaching Staff

Dedicated to helping skaters reach their goals and potential, our coaching staff includes experienced instructors for athletes of all skill-levels.

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High Altitude Coaches

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  • Anna Petrey

    Bio coming soon!

    Coach Anna is accepting new private students.

    Head Coach/Show Director

  • Avery Bandel

    Bio coming soon!

    Coach Avery is accepting new private students.

    Head Coach

  • Elise Gerdes

    Bio coming soon!

    Coach Elise is not accepting new private students.

    Head Coach

  • Estelle He

    Bio coming soon!

    Coach Estelle is not accepting new private students.

    Assistant Coach

  • Katya Bowman

    is an upperclassman at Laramie High School with over eight years of skating experience and three years of coaching with the Learn to Skate (LTS) program. As the Youth Chair for the Laramie High School Figure Skating Team, Katya is dedicated to creating a positive and encouraging environment for skaters of all ages and abilities. She has also played a key role in the HASC Winter Shows in 2024 and 2025, offering private lessons and choreographing routines that highlight each skater’s unique style and growth. In recognition of her hard work, leadership, and passion for the sport, Katya was honored as the Skater of the Year for the 2024–2025 season.

    Coach Katya is not accepting new private students.

    Assistant Coach

  • Coach Lindsay Gillikin standing outside wearing a long coat.

    Lindsay Gillikin

    Coach Lindsay has been skating for 16 years. She started SES and has experience coaching up the Freeskate 3 level.

    Coach Lindsay is accepting new private students.

    Head Coach/High School Team Manager

  • Natalie Dayvault

    Bio coming soon!

    Coach Natalie is accepting new private students.

    On-Ice Director/Head Coach/Show Director

  • Sonia Flores

    Bio coming soon!

    Coach Sonia is not accepting new private students.

    Assistant Coach

Why Choose a Private Coach?

Private lessons give skaters the opportunity to receive personalized, one-on-one instruction that helps them grow at their own pace. While group classes are a wonderful way to learn the basics and enjoy skating with others, private coaching provides several unique benefits.

Level-Up Skills

  • Individualized Attention – Lessons are customized to your skaters needs and goals.
  • Faster Progress – One-on-one feedback helps skills improve more quickly.
  • Flexibility – Schedule lessons at times and frequency that work for you.
  • Mentorship & Support – Coaches provide encouragement on and off the ice

Prepare to Perform

  • Polish Programs – Create and refine choreography, timing, and presentation for competition or ice shows.
  • Boost Confidence – One-on-one prep helps reduce nerves.
  • Fine-Tune Details – Perfect the small elements that make a big difference.
  • Be Competition-Ready – Learn rules, scoring, and strategies to perform your best.

FAQs

Why should I get a coach?

Coaches provide instruction during weekly club practice. For skaters preparing for competitions or shows, private lessons with a coach provide additional one-on-one instruction to develop routines, refine skills, or learn new ones. Skaters may choose to skate with a private coach:

To progress more more quickly through individualized attention, this may benefit group lesson testing and help skaters reach goals more quickly.

To prepare for the High Altitude Winter or Spring Ice Show.

To prepare for and have a coach assisting at local USFS or Learn to Skate USAⓇ competitions

How much are private lessons?

It depends on the coach! Each coach sets their own hourly rate based on their skating and coaching credentials, typical rates may range from $45.00-$80.00/hr. Coaches organize their own private lesson times, prices, and billing with skaters and their families. Coaches will help you decide if 30 or 60 minutes is appropriate for your skater. This will depend on skater age, level and goals among other details.

What is expected from a skater who chooses private lessons?

All skaters must have a current USFS or Learn to Skate USAⓇ membership. They should arrive 15 minutes early, dressed in appropriate skating attire (athletic clothing, gloves, helmet if needed, and hair pulled back). Avoid jeans, baggy or restrictive clothing, and shorts or skirts without tights/leggings. Bring water, come prepared to warm up, and most importantly—bring a positive attitude and have fun!

Are coaches required if I want to participate in a show or competitions?

Yes! A coach is required if you are planning to skate a solo or duet/trio in an ice show or competition. Coaches create and choreograph programs, help select music, and make sure routines meet all required rules. They also travel to competitions with their skaters to guide practices, provide support, and ensure skaters are checked in and ready to take the ice at the correct time.

How do I get started with a coach?

The first step is to determine your skating goals. Think about whether you’d like just a few lessons to help pass your class, if you’d like weekly lessons, or if you’re interested in competing. Once you have an idea of your goals, the next step is to select a coach. You can observe coaches during Learn to Skate USAⓇ lessons to see different teaching styles and try to find one whose personality is a good match for your skater. If you’re not sure where to start, our High Altitude SC coaches and board members are happy to help guide you in finding the right fit.

Coaching Policies

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Competition Expectations

A coach is required to be able to attend a competition, while fees and coaching arrangements may very, families can expect clear communication about what’s involved so you’ll know what to expect every step of the way.

Download Competition Expectations [PDF]

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Private Lesson Expectations

Know what to expect from your coach, and what they will expect from you during a private lesson. Every skater, coach and even the parents have a specific role to ensure success!

Download Private Lessons Expectations [PDF]

Ready to coach?

We are always looking for skilled and knowledgeable coaches to join our club to nurture the next generation of skaters.

Learn more about becoming a coach