This is Julia’s 24th season as a professional coach. In those years she’s seen many changes to figure skating and has had the privilege of coaching with and learning from some of the best coaches in our province and country.
Julia and her husband Denten have three children. Their younger daughter loves to skate and Irish dance. She is officially a member of Skate Humboldt this year because she loves the camaraderie of a smaller club. Their older daughter has skated singles and as a dance pair, competing at the national level. Julia was able to learn from these experiences as the team traveled to B.C. , Alberta and Ontario on numerous occasions for training and competition. Now that phase of life is finished Kirsten is beginning her coaching career as well.
Julia is a Certified Level II Figure Skating Coach, Power Skating coach and is trained to coach Special Olympics Athletes as well. Her coaching philosophy is centered on the student. ‘There is a positive in every child and it’s our job to find it. I want them to learn, not just the skills of skating but the life skills that come with it. Whether the skater is recreational or competitive a love of skating is goal.’
To quote Michael J. Fox “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
As her daughters began to dance and skate, Julia began to make their costumes. It’s become a sideline as she has designed and sewn for ice dancers and singles skaters from the Preliminary level to Senior Competitive ladies. Her business has expanded to include manufactured dresses, tights, skate guards and other accessories.
