Louisville Skating Academy is a non-profit organization which promotes and develops the sport of figure skating in the Louisville area.

The instructors that teach private lessons on LSA sessions are independent contractors and are not employed by LSA. The instructors outlined below are engaged by LSA for its many group lesson programs. Skaters wishing to hire a coach for private lessons are encouraged to ask questions and interview instructors to be sure that goals and methods are compatible.

As independent contractors, coaches charge different rates. In general, the coaches that teach on LSA sessions charge between $24 per hour for a junior instructor to $54 per hour for a staff professional.

LSA strongly encourages all coaches to increase their knowledge of the sport through membership in the Professional Skaters Association and to seek accreditation through the PSA’s ratings process.

Sample Questions to Ask When Hiring a Coach

• What are your personal skating accomplishments?
• What are the accomplishments of your students?
• How long have you been a coach and what other jobs have you held?
• What disciplines do you teach regularly?
• Do you teach beginner or competitive level skaters or both?
• Are you a member of any professional organizations such as United States Figure Skating Association, the Professional Skaters Association or the Ice Skating Institute?
• Do you hold any ratings from the Professional Skaters Association?
• What is your hourly rate? Do you charge any other fees?
• What is your policy for student “No Shows?”
• What are your goals when you teach?
• Do you carry insurance?

LSA Coaching Team. Top row, L-R:
Bottom row, L-R:Coaching Team

Stephanie Anderson has passed USFS Gold Dance, Novice Freestyle and 2nd Figure test. She holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Louisville. She teaches group, basic skills, freestyle, dance and moves in the field. Her rate is $54 / hour. Her phone # is (502) 241-8509.

Tracy Bironas has passed USFS Pre-Juvenile Freestyle, Intermediate Moves in the Field and Pre-Silver Dance. Tracy teaches basic skills. Her phone # is (502) 553-6389.

Susan Caudill has achieved USFS Gold in Dance and holds the PSA ratings of Master in Moves in the Field, Dance and Group Instruction. In addition, Susan holds the rating of Certified Figures and Freestyle. Susan and her partner were Midwestern Bronze and Silver Dance Champions and placed 4th at Nationals in Silver Dance. Susan has coached teams to compete at the national level in dance. She has a B.A. in Business Administration from Butler University. Susan teaches all disciplines. Her rate is $58 / hour. Her phone # is (502) 649-6051.

Elizabeth Spencer Dalton has achieved USFS Novice Moves in the Field, Juvenile Freestyle, 4th Figure test and Bronze Dance. She holds a BA in psychology and a masters degree in education. She teaches group, basic skills, freestyle and moves in the field. Her rate is $40 / hour. Her phone # is (859) 619-3406.

Jessica Desrosiers has passed USFS Intermediate Moves in the Field, Juvenile Freestyle and Bronze Dance. She has passed the PSA Basic Written Accreditation exam. She teaches group, basic skills, freestyle and moves in the field. Her rate is $50 / hour. Jessica’s phone # is 812-786-5651.

Peggy Dickinson has achieved the USFS Pre-Gold Dance level. She has achieved the PSA rating of Registered Group Instructor. Peggy has an associate degree in interior design from Ohio State University. She teaches basic skills, moves in the field and dance. Her rate is $48 / hour. Peggy’s phone # is (502) 228-1899.

Sharon Dillon has passed USFS Junior Moves in the Field and Novice Freestyle. She is a college student. She teaches basic skills. Sharon’s phone # is (502) 548-3084.

Michelle Gray has achieved USFS Gold in Freestyle, 6th Figure test, and Bronze Dances. She skated six years with Disney on Ice. Michelle holds a B.S. in management from Indiana University. She has passed the PSA Basic Written Accreditation exam. She coaches group, basic skills, freestyle, moves in the field, and power. Her rate is $40 / hour. Michelle’s phone # is 457-6971.

Rebecca Hatch-Purnell, LSA Director of Skating. She has achieved USFS Gold in Moves in the Field and has passed the 5th Figure test, Novice Freestyle and Pre-Silver Dance. She has achieved the Professional Skaters Association ratings of Master Group Instructor, Senior Moves in the Field Instructor, and Registered Freestyle Instructor. Becca graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a B.A. in Chinese Language and Economics. She coaches group, basic skills, freestyle, moves in the field, synchronized skating and power. Her rate is $54 / hour. Becca’s phone # is (502) 244-3566.

Sarah Neal, LSA Show Director. She has achieved USFS Gold in Dance and Moves in the Field, Novice Freestyle and Novice Free Dance. Sarah directed a skating program in Madrid, Spain. She has achieved the Professional Skaters Association ratings of Certified Moves in the Field Instructor and Certified Dance Instructor. Sarah has a B.A. from Butler University and a M.A. in Spanish Applied Linguistics from Arizona State University. She teaches basic skills, freestyle, moves in the field, dance and power. Her rate is $54 / hour. Sarah’s phone # is (502) 819-7751.

Becky Pierce has passed the USFS 7th Figure test, Novice Freestyle and Gold Dance. Becky performed in several professional theater groups and semi-professional ice shows. She has achieved the PSA rating of Registered Freestyle Instructor and holds a Level III Ranking. Becky has a B.S.A. in Theater Arts and Speech and a M.A. in Humanities from University of Louisville. She teaches group, basic skills, freestyle, moves in the field, and dance. Her rate is $54 / hour. Becky’s phone # is (502) 767-3747.

Lauren Shearer Purcell has passed the USFS Novice Freestyle and Moves in the Field and Juvenile Pairs. Lauren received a B.A. in Psychology from Transylvania University. She teaches basic skills. Lauren’s phone # is (502) 551-5780.

Diana Ragsdale has passed USFS Adult Silver Freestyle, Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field and Bronze solo dances. She has achieved the PSA rating of Certified Team Instructor. Diana is the 2007 U.S. Adult National Interpretive V Ladies Bronze Medalist. Diana earned a BSC in management and MS in interdisciplinary studies from U of L and is a licensed attorney in the state of Kentucky. She coaches synchronized skating. Diana’s phone # is (502) 426-1583.

Carmen Riggs has passed USFS Adult Gold Moves in the Field, Adult Bronze Freestyle and Preliminary Dance. Carmen has achieved the PSA rating of Registered Group Instructor. She teaches basic skills and synchronized skating. Her rate is $40 / hour. Carmen’s phone # is (502) 895-5063.

Heidi Whitlow passed USFS Novice Moves in the Field, Juvenile Freestyle and Silver Dance as well as ISI 8 Free Skate, ISI 4 Pairs and ISI 8 Couples. Heidi has achieved the ratings of Master Group Instructor, Certified Freestyle Instructor and Registered Moves in the Field Instructor. She holds a B.S. in Journalism/Advertising and in Agriculture/Horticulture. Heidi teaches basic skills, freestyle, moves in the field, sychronized skating and off –ice conditioning. Her rate is $54 / hour. Her phone # is (502) 633-9241.

Denise Wilson has achieved USFS Gold in Figures and Junior Freestyle. She toured in Ice Capades as well as soloing in various amateur shows. She has achieved the PSA rating of Registered Freestyle Instructor. Denise holds a B.S. and B.A. in Operations Management Procurement from Bowling Green State University. She teaches group, basic skills, freestyle, moves in the field and power. Her rate is $54 / hour. Denise’s phone # is (502) 387-0347.

LSA Junior Instructors

The LSA Junior Instructor track is available to those competitive skaters who have turned 16 years old, have achieved designated skating levels and are selected by the Director and the Board. Junior Instructors must complete a mentoring period, study certain materials and pass an oral exam. Junior Instructors charge $24 / hour for private lessons.

Leah Carey has achieved her Gold Moves in the Field, Gold Freestyle and Pre-Gold Dance. She has passed the PSA Basic Written Accreditation exam. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart and will attend Miami U. in the Fall 2007. Leah’s phone # is (502) 893-2053.

Courtney McClure has achieved her Gold Moves in the Field, Junior Freestyle test and Bronze Dance. She has passed the PSA Basic Written Accreditation exam. She is a student at duPont Manual. Courtney’s phone number is (502) 426-2724

Kendra Ralston has passed her Gold Moves in the Field, Junior Freestyle and Bronze Dance. She has passed the PSA Basic Written Accreditation exam. She is a graduate of Collegiate and will attend Smith College in the Fall 2007. Kendra’s phone # is (502) 894-0113.

Kate Vegh has passed her Gold Moves in the Field, Junior Freestyle, and Pre-Gold Dance. She is a student at Henry County High School. Kate’s phone # is (502) 845-6329.