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    • First Day & Beginner Skater Information
    • Private Lessons
    • Skating School Benefits
    • Ice skate purchasing and care
  • Skating Sessions
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  • Fall/Winter Figure Skating Schedule & Training Program
  • Figure Skating Staff & Private Lessons
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Sugar land Ice Center
16225 Lexington Blvd
Sugar land, TX 77479

​281-265-7465 Ext. 1

Sugar Land Ice Figure Skating Coaching Staff 

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Scroll down to see Coaching Staff Below in Alphabetical Order:

All private lesson coaches at Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center are nationally registered with the two leading organizations for coaches and the sport, Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and U.S. Figure Skating (USFS). All are insured and background checked annually. 
All coaches and skaters must follow the protocol for private lessons set by Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center.

Benefits 
Adding private lessons as a supplement to group lessons are an excellent way to advance quicker in the sport. Lessons are taught on a one on one basis where the skater has the full attention of their coach. Private coaches can create a long term plan for their skaters, monitor and track their progress, and provide in-depth advice and knowledge about the sport. Skaters interested in competing and or testing must have a private lesson coach to prepare them and decide on appropriate leveling.

All private coaches are independent contractors. They are not employees of the rink and do not get paid by our rink. When you take a private lesson you pay the coach directly for their time and you pay the ice rink for the use of the ice during the lesson.  You are able to take lessons during our Freestyle sessions or during Public sessions. Either will work!  If you choose public sessions you get a discount on your fees for using the ice due to the fact that you are a member of our Learn to Skate program. Freestyle credits are sold in 30minute blocks and have discounts the more that you buy.  So the price of freestyles is reduced the more you buy, but there is no discount for the freestyles other than that. Each time that you take a private lesson you pay the coach directly and pay the rink for the ice time. There is no connection between this rink program of publics and freestyles and our Learn to Skate program. 
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Requirements
Skaters may start taking private lessons at any time, but are required to also be enrolled in any Learn to Skate group class if their level is free skate 3 or below. Once a skater passes free skate 3, she/he can take private lessons without being enrolled in a group lesson. Once skaters reach Basic 4, it’s highly recommended that they hire a private coach. Private lesson is One Coach to One Skater. Here at Sugar land Ice we do not allow private lessons to be 2 individual skaters or more in private lesson with one coach, or more than one coach in a individual student's private scheduled lesson time. A Skater can have as many secondary coaches he/she may want through the discretion of their primary coach.However the secondary coach will have their own scheduled private lesson time & fee.


Finding a Coach
Skaters should contact the coach that they are interested in taking lessons from. Most head coaches that teach group lessons are eligible to teach private lessons, but some are still in training and are ineligible. Coaches’ qualifications, availability, and rates all vary, so inquire with each coach you may be interested in. A list of all the private lesson coaches and their contact information are located here. Skaters/parents may approach instructors directly and inquire about private lessons, or contact the skating director (skating@sugarlandice.com) for coach recommendations.

Costs and Scheduling 
 Skaters and coaches arrange the time to meet to have the lessons and arrange frequency and duration of lessons. Coaches at the rink are independent contractors, so the charge for ice time is SEPARATE from the coach’s charge. The starting rate for private instruction is $60/hour. Coaches set their own rates as long as it abides by this minimum charge. The fee for the ice session is to be paid to the rink, while the coach's charge is to be given directly to the coach.  Skaters may skate the entire session that they pay for, not just the lesson with the coach. 
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Coaches' Responsibilities 
A skater’s primary private lesson coach’s recommendations for skating levels takes precedent over group lesson instructor’s recommendations in Learn to Skate classes. Any questions regarding group lesson level placement should be directed to the private lesson coach. Coaches are responsible for approving U.S. Figure Skating testing and competitions for the skater. Any time a skater would like to participate in tests or competitions, the skater is to consult the coach for approvals and level placement.

How to change private coaches
Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center has a clear code of ethics for coaches. If a skater wants to change coaches or take additional lessons from another coach, the current coach must be notified first before contacting the new coach. Discussion of lessons may not take place with a new coach until the business relationship with the current coach is dissolved or if open communication and awareness of the situation is known by all.

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Scroll down to see Coaching Staff Below in Alphabetical Order:
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Figure Skating Director
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Natasha Kuchiki OLY
Figure Skating Director
natasha@sugarlandice.com


• 1992 Winter Olympics ~ Team USA  ~6th place ~Pairs
• 1991 World Championships Bronze Medalist~Pairs 
• 1991 U.S. National Champion ~Pairs
• 1990-1992 World Championships ~Team U.S.A.​
• 1990-1992 International Competitor~ Team U.S.A.​
• 6 time US National Championships medalist in Pairs
• 4 time US National Championships Competitor Ladies Singles : Novice, Junior & Senior levels, including
​U.S. National Championships Pewter medalist in Novice Ladies

• 20+ years of Coaching experience
• 21 year veteran of Professional Ice Shows 
• Skate Sharpening and Maintenance
• Coaches All Ages.All Levels.
Email for private lesson inquiry : natasha.kuchiki@olympian.org
Instagram: team_kuchiki_rollinson

Coaching Staff Below in Alphabetical Order:

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Mandy Benavides
mandy.benavides.fsc@gmail.com

I started skating when I was 7 years old and skated competitively until I was 18. I skated on the local Theater on Ice team for 7 years and competed with them nationally and internationally.  I have taught all levels of Learn to Skate and have been coaching for 16 years. I directed the yearly Christmas show for the past 3 years. I was one of the original coaches for Skate Therapy and was recognized by US Figure Skating for my work with blind skaters. I coached/choreographed several programs for Skate Therapy, that the skaters performed at their annual gala. I have also played on several hockey teams and have played in several adult leagues. I have been coaching hockey power skating and skills for the past 4 years.
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I currently work full time at Houston Methodist hospital in one of the outpatient clinics and have been working in the medical field for 10 years.

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Daniel Chambers
danielchambersfsc@gmail.com

Daniel has 20 years competitive skating experience.
He is a former competitive novice singles skater, and sectional level ice dancer.​

Dan is very good at breaking down difficult concepts and simplifying them for children, teens and adults.



  • Team USA Theatre Team at Nation's Cup- Assistant Coach
  • 10+ Years Coaching
  • Teaches Singles & Moves in the field 
  • Teaches Ice Dance & Partner Testing Prop
  • Fishpole Harness Figure skating Jump Lessons 
  • Coaches All Ages. All Levels

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Bonny Cole
macey9880@aol.com

BIO


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Kitty Carruthers Conrad
misskitty84@msn.com

  • 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist
  • 4 time US National Pairs Champion
  • 12 years starring with Ice Capades and Stars on Ice
  • Member of the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame
  • 25+ years teaching skating in Sugar Land


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Kacey Dockum
​kaceykbd@gmail.com

My name is Kacey Dockum, I have been skating for about 15 years and have competitively skated for over 12 years.
I've been coaching for a little over 5 years and I love working with skaters and seeing them accomplish their goals in their skating career.
I work with all ages from 4 years old to adults.

~USFS Triple Gold medalist
~Nine States Championships Gold Medalist
~Midwest Sectionals Competitor
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Gillian Gonzalez
gilliemichelle@gmail.com

Gillian has lived in Houston, Texas all her life, where she has skated competitively and professionally for 22 years. While maintaining her skating life, she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and became a NASM certified personal trainer. She took her skating to another level, traveling with various shows, including Disney on Ice, and performing in both singles and pair skating. To expand on her knowledge and experience even further, Gillian took on several Principal and Headliner show roles with Paul Schatz, while also being in a leadership position and choreographer on her most recent tour.
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  • -USFS Triple Gold Medalist
  •  3 Year Disney on Ice Performer
  •  NASM CPT
  •  2013 & 2015 USFS Collegiate Junior Medalist


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Sarah Hollister
shollister96@gmail.com

Instagram: coachsarahhollister
I have over 10 years of coaching experience working with skaters of all ages and levels. I have taught skaters from their very first steps on the ice to competing at local competitions, performing in ice shows, and passing USFS tests. My primary goal is to create a hard-working, positive, and fun environment for skaters of all ages and levels to pursue their love of skating.
  • USFS Double Gold Medalist- FreeSkate & Moves in the Field
  • Adrian College Varsity Figure Skating & Synchronized Skating Teams 2014-2018 - Four time Intercollegiate Midwestern Conference Champion, Intercollegiate National medalist, National Synchronized Skating Collegiate Championships Competitor
  • Professional Ice Show Experience- Rosstyn Ice Shows: Christmas on Ice - 2019
  • Director of SLICE Nutcracker on Ice 2019 & 2022
  • Coach of Houston Elite Synchronized - 2019- Present
  • Bachelors in Business Administration with a focus in Sports Management and minor in Public Relations - Summa Cum Laude - 2018​


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Elena Kandourova
icelena9@gmail.com
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I was born in Ukraine, then our family moved to Russia. I graduated high school, then I studied in college. I have a master's degree in economics and in jurisprudence.

​I've been skating for more than 10 years. It was my hobby, but it turned into something more and completely changed my life for the better. I worked as a coach in Russia for about two years. After coming to Houston in 2013, I worked as an assistant on our wonderful ice rink, in 2016 I got a job as a coach.

I love my work very much, I like to see how students achieve the goals with my help. Figure skating is a great sport. We will be very happy to see you at our ice rink and will do our best that you and your children will love this wonderful sport!

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Kristina Kandourova
coachkristinak04@gmail.com
​I started skating in 2007, in 2013 I moved to Houston and continued skating here. I started assisting with LTS in 2016 and became a lead coach around 2017. I became a private head coach in 2022. I want to help skaters of all ages and levels to achieve their goals through hard work and perseverance. I want to help them love this sport just as much as I do!

Regionals Competitor for 8 years

USFS Double Gold Medalist: Moves in the Field and Freeskate
Team USA Theater Team Member at the Nation's Cup in 2017
Houston Elite Synchro Coach in 2021 and 2022

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Ainsley McNamara
​Ainsley_mcnamara@icloud.com

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Jackie Nguyen
jlnguy20@yahoo.com 
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 Jackie has been skating for more than 20 years and teaching here for at least 10 years. She has a gold medal in Singles, Field Moves and Ice Dance. She also has completed all of the International Ice Dance tests; A very rare accomplishment. She has passed more tests (50) than any other member in the history of the Texas Gulf Coast Figure Skating Club.
Jackie competed in Singles skating, going to Jr. Nationals as an Intermediate in 2005, and Sectionals in Senior Ladies in 2009. She is energetic and thorough with beginners and extremely motivating and knowledgeable with advanced skaters.
Her B.A. from the University of Houston has helped her become a good communicator with the parents of her skaters.

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Igor Petrov
igoriyok2011@gmail.com 
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BIO

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Hannah Pfeifer
hannahlpfeifer@gmail.com 
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Hannah recently moved to Houston after graduating Cum Laude from Miami University with a bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies and International Business. She started skating when she was 4 years old and has spent many years competing, performing in local ice shows, and also has some judging experience.
She believes skating has taught her many important life lessons and values, such as hard work and self-motivation, and is passionate about helping her students reach their personal skating goals and develop confidence through the sport as well.
  
- Quadruple Gold Medalist in MIF, Ice Dance, Free Dance, and Solo Free Dance
- 2009 Eastern Sectionals Champion in Ice Dance
- 2010-2011 Jr. Nationals Competitor in Ice Dance

- 2012 U.S. Nationals Competitor in Ice Dance 
- 2015 Intercollegiate National Champion in Pre-Juv Freestyle
- LTS Coach since 2013
- Choreographer for SLICE Nutcracker on Ice since 2019


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Emily Rausa
emilyjma@gmail.com
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Figure skating taught me self discipline, perseverance, and has given me a sense of accomplishment. My goal is to pass along my love for skating with effective, strategic lessons with fun and enthusiasm. I am also a certified teacher with extensive experience working with children, and currently work full time at a local middle school.  
I understand the learning process and that each learner requires unique instruction and approach. I am also fluent in conversational Mandarin Chinese. 
  • Ice skating instructor at Sugar Land Ice 2004-Present
  • State certified classroom teacher 2005-2014
  • State certified school librarian 2014-Present
  • USFS Adult Gold Medalist in Freeskate and Moves in the Field
  • BA in English Literature with teacher certification, University of Houston, 2005
  • MS in Library Science, Texas Woman's University, 2015
  • MS in Kinesiology with focus on coaching, Texas Woman's University

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Lisa Rollinson
lmrolly@yahoo.com
Instagram:team_kuchiki_rollinson

Lisa grew up in Los Angeles California, and competed as an amateur through the senior ladies level in the Regional & US Sectional Championships. She is a USFS Double Gold Medalist.
As a professional she joined the Ice Capades and performed throughout the world.

She has taught in Houston and the surrounding area for 25+ years, taking athletes to regional competitions, producing all levels from Pre-Preliminary to Senior, moves in the field and freeskate.

She has participated in the choreography of Nutcracker on Ice in Sugar Land to choreography of the Galleria Christmas Tree lighting show in Houston.

Lisa has a 18yr old daughter is starting Texas State University in the fall of '23, she is a varsity swimmer. Her 20yr old daughter is an Academic All American and currently swimming at U of H on an athletic scholarship.

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Paul Schatz
thegoodfellas0222@gmail.com

Paul has spent most of his 23 years of skating in Ellenton, Florida, where he trained competitively in both singles and pairs. Skating with his first partner, they qualified for the Canadian National Championships in 2010. Paul would then compete three more times for U.S. National Championships in both the Junior and Senior level. By 2016, Paul decided to transfer his efforts and experience from competitive skating to performing professionally for Disney on Ice for the next four years. After reprising many familiar lead characters, he transitioned into Headliner/Principal pair roles with his fiance, Gillian Gonzalez, working for Ice Creative Entertainment for two seasons. Paul is very thankful and honored to be a Private Coach here at Sugar Land Ice to educate all levels and types of skating on and off the ice.
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- USFS Triple Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, Freeskate, and Pair Skating
- 4 Year Disney on Ice Performer
- 2-Time Headliner/Principal for Ice Creative Entertainment
- 2013-15 U.S. National Championships Pairs Competitor
- 2014 Salt Lake International Classic Pewter Medalist in Pairs
- 2010 Canadian National Championships Novice Pair Competitor
- Former Team USA member

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Igor Strelnikov
iceigor13@gmail.com

I was born and raised in Russia, and have been engaged in figure skating for more than 35 years. I Graduated College of Olympic Reserve with a specialty (figure skating coach). 
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I have worked in many ice shows, in Russia, England and USA. The most memorable was the Disney on the Ice, where I had the role of Aladdin.

Figure skating is a complex and very beautiful sport; I'm happy to help you gain confidence and grace on the ice.​
  • Cup of Russia Champion, 1990, Senior level
  • Specializes in Figure skating Fish Pole Jump harness
  • Jump Technique, Spins & Moves in the field
  • Hockey Power Skating private lessons


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Sarah Sturdy
sarahsturdyusfs@gmail.com

Sarah has been skating and trained at Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center for close to 20 years and was a USFS competitor until she was 18 years old. She has competed both nationally and Internationally and has skated singles, pairs, and Theatre on Ice. In 2019, Sarah graduated from University of Houston with a bachelors degree in American Sign Language Interpreting with a minors in Speech Pathology. When she is not coaching, she works full time for FBISD in Special Education. Her aim is to pass on the love and passion for figure skating to all that she works with and help her students succeed their personal goals with the sport. 

-USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field
-2013 Team USA Theatre on Ice competitor 
-2012-2013 Theatre on ice team captain
-2009 Jr. National Pairs competitor 
-LTS coach 4 years

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Shanyn Vallon

shanynv@gmail.com


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Sugar land Ice Center
16225 Lexington Blvd
Sugar land, TX 77479

​281-265-7465 Ext. 1

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  • Home
    • CURRENT EVENTS
  • Schedule
  • Public Skating
  • Groups
  • Parties
  • Broomball
  • Remind App Codes
  • Sugar Land Ice Aspire Program
  • Learn to Skate info
    • Introductory Offer
    • First Day & Beginner Skater Information
    • Private Lessons
    • Skating School Benefits
    • Ice skate purchasing and care
  • Skating Sessions
  • Figure Skating & Mindbody Freestyle Account
  • Fall/Winter Figure Skating Schedule & Training Program
  • Figure Skating Staff & Private Lessons
  • Hockey
    • Youth Hockey
    • Hockey Academy
    • Storm girl's hockey
    • Adult Hockey
      • Novice
      • Adult Rec
  • Stick & Puck
  • Pro Shop
  • Video Streaming
  • Nutcracker 2024
    • Videos