Hi there! I’m Alex (she/her) and outside of skating, I work in pediatric physiotherapy as a Registered Kinesiologist here in Kingston at K-Town Kids. 

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I retired from competitive skating at the Novice level when I was 17. Ever since I was just a young skater, I knew I wanted to be a coach and choreographer. I began choreographing my own show programs when I was 11 years old, and helping younger skaters at my home club choreograph their show programs off the ice at the same time. I always had younger skaters at my home club (Loyalist Skating Club) looking up to me and asking for advice and demonstrations- that always made me smile and made me so happy and proud. I’ve always had the goal of sharing my passion for skating with other skaters and coaching has done just that for me- and I’m only just getting started. 

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As a skater, I had the privilege of receiving coaching from elite coaches in cities such as Toronto and Ottawa, gaining valuable experience and expertise from multiple perspectives. I placed 5th at the provincial level in 2013 at the Pre-Juvenile U11 level and 3rd at Skate Canada Eastern Ontario Sectionals in 2014 at the Juvenile level. 

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Unfortunately, my competitive skating career ended rather suddenly at the age of 16 when I began struggling with anxiety and depression. At the time, I did not have the personal strategies to overcome my battles despite the incredible support I had from my parents and close training friends. I decided to finish my career on a strong, positive note and competed my final year in gold triathlon, having some of the best performances and training sessions of my career, helping me find my love and passion for skating again. 

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Because of the negative turn my competitive journey took, I knew my main goal moving forward as a coach would be to ensure none of my skaters ever ended up feeling the way I did. Regardless of the mental battles my skaters may be going through, I strive to be their number one source of encouragement and support both on and off the ice. 

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My coaching journey officially began when I was 16 and I got my CanSkate coaching certification as soon as I could. I started by coaching little ones how to stand on their skates two days a week at my home club, while still running the roads to Ottawa to train with other high-performance athletes. It was so enlightening to see children achieving their goals under my supervision and guidance. I then moved on to completing my regional coaching course less than a year later and took one some consultant coaching and choreography jobs with other coaches in my area, working with Star 2-5 level skaters. I instantly began receiving positive feedback on my ability to communicate with kids of all ages and abilities, as well as the improvement in skaters’ expression and skating skills after working with them. I am now a Provincial Trained Coach, a Senior Sectional Technical Specialist, the Director of StarSkate at Skate Kingston, and the freeskate coach & choreographer for the Queen's Varsity Figure Skating team. ​

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My coaching philosophy includes treating each skater as a person before an athlete. They have a life outside of skating and it is crucial for their development and mental health that their athletic life is balanced with their personal life. I make sure I establish a rapport with all my skaters, regardless of whether they’re 2 years old or 18 years old. Additionally, not every skater wants to be a competitive skater. Many simply want to be a successful StarSkater, and my job as their coach is to help them maximize their potential and enjoy their journey, regardless of their goals.  

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Outside of the rink, you can find me in comfy clothes with a good book, or visiting my dogs (Winnie and Joey) at home with my parents. I love being outside, and will never turn down an opportunity to go for a walk with the dogs!