Our Coaches

Coach, Anita Barrington

I am an NCCP Trained CanSkate Coach. It brings me great joy to share my passion for figure skating by coaching our CanSkate students. My goal each lesson is to teach in a fun, encouraging way where each student receives individual help as well as group instruction. I regularly attend Adult Skating Seminars to continually upgrade my learning, as well as participate in online courses offered by Skate Canada. My interest in figure skating occurred when I was 7 years of age on an outdoor rink at Commonwealth School. There I observed a girl attempting a one foot spin and a waltz jump. That was the day I knew I wanted to learn how to figure skate. Many years later as an adult I began my dream of pursuing figure skating. Today I play the trumpet in the Brockville Community Band, sing classical music in the Brockville Community Choir and play the keyboard at church. I also enjoy painting with watercolours and oils, and gardening in the summer. I am happily married, have 2 adult children and 3 adorable grandchildren. I am thrilled to now teach my grandchildren how to skate and hopefully pass along my love of the sport to them.

Coach, Rylee Dennis

I started skating at 3 years old in Prescott. I later transitioned to Skate Brockville early in my teens. I achieved Gold level and competed often and frequently represented Eastern Ontario at Provincials. I spent 4 years living in Quebec and studying at Bishop's University where I secured a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and law. Moving back to Brockville, I knew I wanted to get involved in skating again, coaching was the perfect way to inspire and carry on the love of skating I have. Last summer I completed the CanSkate coach training and am hoping to do the course for Star 1-4 this summer. Outside of the rink and work I can be found with my two dogs, going out with friends and family or at the gym!

Coach, Maiya Contreras-Nigro

Maiya is one of our Skate Canada CanSkate coaches and teaches the CanSkate & Teen/Adult Learn to Skate programs.

Maiya started figure skating and volunteering with CanSkate when she was 8 years old and fell in love with the sport right away! Over the years she has won numerous awards both for her accomplishments as a StarSkater at Skate Ontario Provincial Series competitions as well as a program assistant.

Maiya also qualified for the Ontario Provincial Championships in 2021 and was recognized by Skate Brockville as a model program assistant for CanSkate in 2023. She loves teaching others and sharing her love for skating.

When Maiya is not at the rink, you can find her doing her homeschool studies and projects, rehearsing for a Brockville Operatic Society production or training with her swim team.

Coach, George Waddell

We were thrilled to add George to our coaching team this year; partnering and coaching our star 3+ skaters for dance. George Waddell With his skating partner, Sasha Fear, he is the 2020 Nebelhorn Trophy silver medalist and the 2020 Budapest Trophy bronze medalist. At the junior level, he is a two-time British junior national champion (2018, 2019) and has competed in the final segment at the 2019 World Junior Championships. George is currently a Law student at Queen's University and in addition to partnering Skate Brockville skaters for High Dance Assessments, he also partners skaters in the Kingston area clubs.

Coach, Lexi

Lexi Laushway began her skating journey at a young age with Skate Brockville and has grown into a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the club.

This season marks Lexi’s first year as a CanSkate coach, where she has taken on a leadership role running the Saturday CanSkate session. She has created a positive, welcoming environment for young skaters, helping them build confidence while developing their fundamental skills.

In addition to her group coaching, Lexi has also provided one-on-one instruction within the CanSkate program, including working closely with Bronte to support her individual progress.

Lexi is currently a Grade 11 student at Brockville Collegiate Institute. Outside of skating, she enjoys travelling with her family and spending time with friends.

Coach, Jessica Almond

I started skating at 5 years old and found my love for the sport. After taking a break to attend university and begin my nursing career, I knew I had to get back to the rink in some form. I started as a PA with Skate Brockville in 2023. Finally, I was able to complete my CanSkate and Regional coaching courses summer 2025, in anticipation of hitting the ice as a coach this season. Returning to the ice in this capacity has taught me a lot while being exceptionally rewarding.

Outside of the rink, I am kept busy with my young family and exploring what our community has to offer. I look forward to teaching our sons how to skate and pass along a love for the rink to them!