Learn to Skate (LTS)

Learn to Skate Director

Caitlin has been skating competitively and recreationally for 30 years, and coaching for 13 years. She spent years skating with various “Precision” (now known as Synchronized) skating teams competing in ISI and USFS competitions. Caitlin left the competitive skating world in 2008 and found her love of coaching with her first job at Jordan Valley Ice Rink in Springfield MO. After receiving her Bachelors of Music Education degree in 2011, she moved back to St. Louis, married her High School sweetheart and now has two amazing children who she wishes would love skating as much as she does. 

Off of the ice, Caitlin is a Middle School Band Director in the Rockwood School District. When she is not teaching, Caitlin enjoys chalking with her sidewalk chalk business “Momswhochalk”, crafting, reading and fostering dogs through Diamonds in the Ruff.

Ashley has been skating for 19 years and coaching for 7 years. She was an internationally competitive figure skater, having competed with her ice dance partner for the country of Hungary. She was also a national competitor for the U.S., qualifying for Nationals 3 times. Ashley has achieved 5 USFS Gold Medals in testing, an International medal in testing, and a Canadian Gold Medal in testing.

Prior to running MUHC Learn to Skate, she ran the Creve Coeur Learn to Skate. Ashley took over the MUHC Learn to Skate in the Spring of 2021 and "retired" in the Spring of 2024.

Outside of coaching, Ashley has her masters degree in counseling from Maryville University. She currently works at McCallum Place with patient's struggling with eating disorders, and specifically working with the athlete program at the facility. Additionally she works for the St. Louis Blues as part of the Blue Crew.

Private lessons: Taking new students

Kristine is from St. Louis and graduated from Nerinx Hall and St. Louis University. Her first job was at Creve Coeur Ice Arena where she worked for eight years and knew she wanted to work with hockey in some capacity.

She began teaching Learn to Skate at Hardee's Ice Plex and soon after that she was an instructor for Learn to Play. She is now the lead instructor for CHA Learn to Play and Continue to Play. She was a Learn to Skate instructor at Pacific Ice Rink and Creve Coeur Ice Arena. Kristine also coached for the Cyclones girls hockey club Learn to Play and is an assistant instructor for the Lady Liberty girls hockey club learn to play and was an assistant coach for their 14U and 19U. She also gives private skating lessons to kids of all ages.

Private lessons: Taking new students

Hi there, my name is Coach Lian!

My two greatest passions are Ice Skating and Design. I am a former competitive Team Synchronized Figure Skater with 23 years of Figure Skating experience and seven years of coaching experience. I am a two-time USFS Nationals’ Medalist in Synchronized Skating and received my Senior Gold Moves-in-the-Field — USFS Gold Medal Standard in the Autumn of 2015.

My goal in coaching through Learn-To-Skate is to instruct each student on how to have fun through skating, but power, edge-control, body control, and the importance of being a well-rounded skater.

Fun Fact About Myself:

I’d most like to be remembered for my humor — I love to make people laugh!

Private lessons: Taking new students

Igor is a former Russian Pairs skater. He is the 1981 World Champion, as well as the 1981 European Champion in pairs skating.

Igor coaches for various Learn to Skate programs in the area, as well as offers private lessons.

Private Lessons: Taking new students

Hi! I’m coach Maddi, and I have over 22 years of skating experience. I found my passion for skating at 5 years old. My skating journey started at the Hardee’s Iceplex where I was a rink guard, skated competitively and taught learn to skate. I currently coach at Maryville, Kirkwood and Creve Coeur. I care overall about the safety of my students, but also making sure they have a fun time. I offer private lessons to all ages and I’m available for new students. 

Private Lessons: Taking new students

Julia Pesek is 18 years old and has been skating for over 14 years. She is a double gold medalist in Moves in the Field and Dance. Julia is pursuing a career as a professional figure skater and hopes to be performing in shows all around the U.S.

Private Lessons: Taking new students

Carly Sprenger competitively figure skated for 10 years, and has been a Learn to Skate coach since then! She is a junior at Purdue University studying Marketing and Concentrating in Data Analytics and Finance. She is a part of the Women in Business club and the figure skating club!

Tatum is 18 years old and has been skating for 11 years. She is a recent graduate of Webster Groves High School and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall. Some of her accomplishments in skating include earning 3 USFS gold medals and being competitive at the Novice USFS level. 

Hi, my name is Matthew Klotz. I'm from Saint Louis Missouri and played hockey for 13 years including 4 years for Duchesne High School. I am currently attending the University of Missouri Columbia and study biochemistry and philosophy as a pre-med student. I have coached Learn to Skate for 4 years and specialize in youth hockey. I also have 3 years of experience coaching Learn to Play and Continue to Play programs. I am currently giving private lessons for youth hockey covering skating, positional play, and general hockey skills. My goal as a coach is to teach foundational skills that will help skaters further down the line and prepare them for future challenges. 

Hi! My name is Lauren Garrett, and I have been figure skating for 17 years, and coaching for 3 years. I am a sophomore at Mizzou studying elementary education, and I also skate for the Mizzou club synchronized skating team.