UTC Ice cultivates an environment with a strong sense of community, where skaters, families, and staff feel supported and connected. Our coaching staff reflects that quality by working collaboratively, mentoring one another, and fostering positive relationships with skaters and parents. This spirit of teamwork and encouragement helps create a welcoming atmosphere that inspires growth both on and off the ice.

Our Senior Pros are experienced coaches who demonstrate strong technical expertise, independence, and leadership, often mentoring newer staff and guiding higher-level skaters. They typically work with skaters who are competing and those preparing for their U.S. Figure Skating (USFS) tests, providing advanced instruction and ensuring proper readiness for both performance and progression through the testing structure. They are heavily involved and represent our Skating Academy program and La Jolla Figure Skating Club in competitions, shows, and rink events as a senior leader and trusted figure.

Heather is extremely grateful to be able to direct a figure skating program that combines fun, athleticism, and good sportsmanship all in one building! She believes that every time a skater steps into the building, they should feel at home and part of a family. She has truly enjoyed her former competitive years and loves to teach the valuable lessons of persistence, independence, and determination that figure skating has taught her to all the students she gets to work with.

Terry’s dedication and love for figure skating is reflected in her coaching and choreography. She loves passing on her passion for the sport to the young and the young at heart. Her motto is “You never know what you can accomplish until you try” and she will always do her best to pass her skills on to you.

Tony has gratitude for all of the wonderful opportunities figure skating has provided for him and he enjoys passing on his knowledge and love of skating to future stars and all who share his passion for the sport.

Brooke is passionate about sharing her love of figure skating with her students and helping them grow within the sport to reach their full potential. Using her competitive experience along with years of technical training from coaches who competed in the Olympics and performed with Disney on Ice, she hopes to provide her students with the technique and confidence to achieve their goals!

Joan Cristobal specializes in blending technical precision with artistry, helping skaters develop both strong foundations and expressive performance. She mentors athletes on competitive pathways, preparing them for the challenges of competition with a focus on mental toughness and confidence. In addition to coaching, Joan is an accomplished photographer, capturing figure skating, lifestyle, and commercial work. Her teaching style fosters resilience, creativity, and growth both on and off the ice.

Brent Holdburg is a former Team USA ice dancer who competed at the highest levels of the sport, earning a 7th-place finish at the 2006 U.S. National Championships in Senior Ice Dance and achieving a world ranking of 17th. Trained under Olympic and World Champion coaches, Brent brings elite-level knowledge and passion to his coaching. With over two decades of experience, he has guided athletes from the grassroots level to the national and international stage, including multiple U.S. National Champions and World competitors.

A Junior Pro is a developing coach who supports group classes and beginner skaters while learning how to coach effectively and hone their profession. This role allows them to build foundational skills under the guidance of senior staff, especially if they aspire to one day coach skaters through USFS testing and into competition.

At UTC Ice, we offer our own unique Junior Pro Certification Program designed to support brand-new skaters as they enter the profession of coaching. This program provides a structured pathway for growth by requiring Junior Pros to volunteer their time as assistant coaches in classes under the guidance of Senior Pros. They also work directly with the Skating Director to learn essential coaching skills such as creating lesson plans, effective communication with skaters and parents, learning to properly conduct private lessons, and understanding the professional standards of our program. This experience helps Junior Pros hone their craft and prepare for future opportunities, whether in coaching skaters through U.S. Figure Skating tests or guiding athletes into competition.

Zoe is a competitive figure skater with U.S. Figure Skating test achievements in Freestyle and Skating Skills. Her goal is to inspire young skaters by blending technical development, performance artistry, and a deeper understanding of how the body moves.

Kelly has been skating for 8 years, starting her journey right here at UTC Ice (fitted for her first pair of skates by Mrs. Heather!). Outside the rink, she enjoys visiting cafes, spending time with friends, and crocheting in her free time. Kelly brings both skating experience and a warm, approachable energy to her coaching, inspiring students to enjoy the sport while working toward their goals.

Ryanne has practically lived on the ice her entire life. With a sister who figure skated and a brother who played hockey, the rink quickly became her second home. Her skating journey has led to incredible opportunities, including being featured on the news to promote an outdoor rink in Los Angeles, representing Team USA at an international Theater on Ice competition in France, and even training alongside Olympians.

Rachel grew up skating and competing around Los Angeles specializing in showcase skating and training strong skating skills. She brings a unique blend of competitive experience, leadership, and passion for both skating and science, making her a dynamic and inspiring coach. As both a scientist and a skater, Rachel inspires her students to embrace curiosity, confidence, and creativity on and off the ice.

Sera began skating at 4 years old right here at UTC Ice. By age 10, she trained in Los Angeles skating alongside Olympic athletes. As a double gold medalist in Skating Skills and Freeskate, she showcases both her technical skill and dedication to the sport. Sera brings passion, discipline, and international experience to her coaching, inspiring young skaters to chase their dreams both on and off the ice.