Coaching Staff

Jami MacLeod is the creative director for the annual show at SDIA. She excels in music editing and remastering, holds a USFS medal in MITF, and was a member of the 5th-ranked International Synchronized Skating team.

Clara Nguyen, a seasoned skating professional, brings a wealth of expertise to our community. As a USFS medalist with 12 years of competitive experience and 18 years of coaching under her belt, she is committed to fostering the growth and skill development of aspiring skaters.

Katy Hewitt, a Senior Coach, is a former US National Competitor and Regional/Sectional medalist. She holds double Gold medals in freestyle and Moves In the Field. With a decade of experience in "Disney On Ice" as a principal soloist and pairs skater, Katy is also a Junior National Coach and IJS Technical Specialist.

Senior Coach Bob Pellaton is a USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist in Freestyle, Pairs, MITF, and Dance. With 11 years as a U.S. National & International team member, an International Silver Medalist, and a seasoned Coach of National-level skaters, Bob brings 28 years of coaching experience. Specializing in choreography, freestyle, moves in the field, and component refinement, Bob is dedicated to elevating skaters to their highest potential.

Karen Wiesmeier, a Senior Coach, is a USFS and CFSA Gold Medalist in Freestyle, Dance, and Freedance. She has over 30 years of coaching experience, specializing as an ISU Technical Specialist and holding a Master Rating in Synchro.

Senior Coach Karyl Kawaichi, a USFS Triple Gold medalist, brings extensive experience as a National and International competitor. With 10 years as Principal adagio and soloist in the Ice Capades show, Karyl specializes in choreography, freestyle, pairs, and hockey power skating.

Senior Coach Elaina Chu, a USFS Double Gold Medalist in MITF & Freestyle, brings a wealth of experience to the coaching team. With 12 years of competitive skating and an impressive 9-year tenure as a principal soloist & performance manager with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Elaina combines her skating expertise with a BA in Human Development from UCSD. With 14 years of coaching experience, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of figure skaters.

Geoff Varner, our esteemed Senior Coach, boasts an impressive figure skating career. A former Team USA member with a 24th World ranking, Geoff is a three-time ISU Grand Prix competitor and a Junior Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist. His accomplishments include being a Double Gold Medalist in Freeskate/MITF and a remarkable 10-time National Qualifier.

Senior Coach Kimberly Baer is a USFS Triple Gold Medalist in MITF, Freestyle, and Dance, with additional accolades as a US Regional medalist. Trained by National & Olympic coaches, Kimberly has showcased her talents as a soloist in professional ice shows. Beyond her skating achievements, she is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from UCSD with a BA in Child Development and Social Psychology, bringing a holistic approach to coaching.

Senior Coach Justin Ross, a USFS Quadruple Gold medalist, brings a wealth of experience, having excelled in Pattern Dance, Freedance, MITF, and Freestyle. A former Disney on Ice skater and two-time National Competitor in Dance, Justin holds an Associates Degree in Visual Arts with an emphasis in Dance and Choreography.

Connie Turner, a seasoned figure skating professional, brings her passion and expertise to our community. With years of competitive skating experience and a commitment to coaching, Connie is dedicated to nurturing the talents of aspiring skaters. Her role extends beyond coaching, as she actively contributes to the growth of figure skating through her involvement in various capacities.

Wendy Smith, currently the Figure Skating Director at SDIA, is a Triple Gold Medalist in Figures, Freestyle, and Dance, a Canadian National team alternate, and a seasoned coach with over 30 years of experience. Trained by World & Olympic coaches, she also served as a National and Jr. Olympic coach and is a notable Producer/Director of seminars & shows.

Kristin Griffitts, a Senior Coach, is a decorated figure skater with achievements like the '96 Junior National Champion title, three-time US National Medalist, and five-time US National Competitor. She holds PSA coaching certification, ISI Silver judging status, and is a USFSA Triple Gold Medalist in MITF, Figures, and Freeskating.

Jessica Pimentel, a Senior Coach, is a USFS medalist in MITF and Freestyle with 10 years of competitive experience. She has won the William O. Smyth award for the Most Artistic Performance.

Senior Coach James Reamy, a USFS Gold medalist in Figures and Freestyle, boasts a competitive legacy with medals at prestigious events. With training from World and Olympic coaches, James brings 19 years of coaching experience to SDIA.

Senior Coach Janelle Craft, a Triple Gold Medalist in figures, freestyle, and dance, is a seasoned USFS & PSA coach with 20+ years of experience in both the US and Canada. Her expertise extends to choreography, freestyle, pairs, and hockey power skating.

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Senior Coach Chea Hutton, a USFS Triple Gold Medalist in MITF, Freestyle, and Dance, brings a wealth of experience. With achievements as a Regional gold medalist, National collegiate competitor, and Adult Synchronized National bronze medalist, Chea is also a Jr. National and National coach, holding a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology.

Senior Coach Michelle Ford, a U.S./Canadian and International Gold medalist in Ice Dancing, brings over 30 years of teaching experience. As the 1972 Junior Dance National Champion and a Senior Dance National and International Competitor, Michelle is a highly accomplished figure skater with a deep commitment to coaching.

Natasha Bobrina, a Senior Coach, is a former Russian Jr. National champion in both singles and pairs. She represented Russia as a World team member and served as the principal skater in the St. Petersburg Ballet On Ice. Natasha brings her expertise to coaching as the head coach for freestyle and choreography at Finland FSC, guiding National, International, and World-level skaters.