Meet Our Coaches!

In addition to coaching our CanSkate, CanPowerSkate and StarSkate Circuit programs, some of our coaches are trained and available to offer private or semi-private lessons on our StarSkate Open Ice sessions.

Skaters must be registered for StarSkate Open Ice sessions or must purchase a Guest Skating ticket to participate on our Open Ice time. In additional to paying the Almonte and Carleton Place Skating Club for ice usage, skaters are responsible for arranging their own lessons with coaches and remitting payment directly to coaches for those lessons.

Coach Emily

My name is Emily, and I am available to coach CanSkate in French and English. I am an NCCP Certified CanSkate Coach and have been coaching since 2017. I enjoy coaching skating lessons and helping my students learn and develop this sport to their highest potential. I believe in fostering a fun and safe learning environment where skaters can be themselves, form memorable experiences, and learn from their mistakes and achievements.

CanSkate is a great program for beginner skaters of any age who are seeking to develop their skating skills, be physically active, and enjoy a fun experience. Once skaters complete the CanSkate program, they can progress to other ice-skating sports such as hockey, figure skating, speed skating and ringette. It is rewarding to see skaters develop and gain confidence on the ice. My goal is to bring out the best in each skater and lay a solid foundation for them in this lifelong sport. If you have any questions about skating, please do not hesitate to contact me at skatingcoachemily@gmail.com.

Coach Laurie

My name is Laurie Donaldson. I've spent much of the last 30 years on the ice in my hometown of Sudbury as a skater, program assistant and coach. I've been in Lanark County for the last 10 years and enjoy our rural home setting with my husband and daughter.

In my personal skating experience I am very proud to have achieved my gold tests in skills and dance, and competed as a member of a synchronized skating team for 5+ years. I have worked with new skaters (both young and young-at-heart), figure skaters and hockey players, with an eye for improving efficiency of movement and power.

My coaching philosophy is to meet skaters where they are at, provide them with the technical guidance to achieve their goals, have fun and foster their passion for sport along the way.

I coach CanSkate and StarSkate as a trained Regional coach. I look forward to continue pursuing additional coaching certifications so that I can share my love of skating with the next generation. You are also likely to see me helping out around the Club as Past President.

I am fluently bilingual (English and French) and can be reached at annalauriedonaldson@gmail.com for any questions.

Coach Melissa

Melissa Sargent is a Certified Regional Level coach who is in the process of completing her Provincial Certification. She has been coaching since 2004 and joined Almonte Carleton Place Skating Club in 2019. Melissa is Special Olympics trained and has had the privilege of working with skaters of all ages and levels from first steps to National level competitors and age 2 to in their 70s.

She participated in coaching the Star 1-5 pilot program and has enjoyed mentoring new CanSkate and Regional coaches within the club as they start their coaching journey. Melissa attends seminars, information sessions and completes Skate Canada’s e-learning courses to stay up to date on the newest techniques and requirements. Some of her favourite seminars include Kurt Browning, Elizabeth Manley and Don Jackson.

As a skater Melissa completed her Gold Artistic, Skating Skills Class 1 (Gold), Gold Dance and Star 10 FreeSkate. She returned to competing in Adult Gold Artistic and Elite Solo Dance this past season. She earned 1 gold and 2 silver medals across 4 events. Melissa is looking forward to competing in FreeSkate in the 2023/2024 season.

Outside of skating Melissa is a graduate of Lakehead University’s Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Honours Bachelor of Commerce programs. She is an Ontario Chartered Professional Accountant working as a Senior Accountant at a private international company.

Melissa will be coaching all levels on Monday evenings this season. Melissa can be reached by email at: mssargen@gmail.com

Coach Natasha

My name is Natasha Peterson, and I have been a Skate Canada Skating Coach since 2001. I am currently CanPower Certified, CanSkate and Primary Starskate Certified (Level 1), and NCCP Intermediate StarSkate trained (Level 2). I also am up to date on my first aid, regular coaching requirements, and am an active member of the Almonte and Carleton Place Executive. My education includes a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Law Clerk diploma.

Skating is such an amazing sport, and I believe it offers something for every type of athlete. Whether the athlete is there to: learn-to-skate, to improve their figure skating, or to build on their skating skills for hockey, or just for some exercise, skating can suit a variety of athletes. Skating can also be modified for athletes who like to work both independently, and as a team.

As a skating coach, I believe in coming prepared with fun, safe and challenging lessons for all ages and abilities, to help each athlete reach their full potential in the direction they wish their skating goals to take them. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have about skating.

I look forward to hearing from you. Natasha.peterson2011@gmail.com