Coaches & Private Lessons

Alex McCaslin

Alex has been skating for 17 years. Her parents signed her up for Learn to Skate classes right here in Eugene when she was 4 years old and has been skating with Eugene Figure Skating Club ever since.

She has passed her Silver Skating Skills test and is working through the solo patterned ice dance tests while studying human physiology and chemistry at the University of Oregon. She loves to read, ski, and is an avid cat lover – especially the orange kind.

She loves working with teen and adult skaters and strives to instill a life-long love of skating to all of her students.

Alex is a current Learn to Skate Instructor and is available for private lessons upon request.

Ally Kuznia

Ally is a Ph.D. student at the University of Oregon and has been skating for 21 years. She is a double gold medalist in moves in the field and freestyle and is currently working her way through the solo patterned ice dance tests. Ally primarily coaches advanced adults and teenage students. Her favorite part about coaching is helping her students build confidence and strength in their bodies on and off the ice. Ally is also expanding her coaching to include beginner ice dance. 

Ally has limited private lesson availability and is currently only taking students who want to work on higher level jumps (axel and above) or who want to begin testing in ice dance categories.

Dominik Estrada

Dominik is a former professional and University of Oregon Hockey player and a current member of the Mexico National Hockey Team. 
He is certified through USA Hockey as a Level 4 Coach and also through KJPS as a certified power and technical skating instructor. 

Dominik works with skaters of all ages and levels, focusing on edge control, proper power skating mechanics, on-ice and off-ice strength and conditioning in addition to proper alignment and body awareness with many players from around the world moving on to play AAA youth hockey, Juniors, ACHA and NCAA, and even professionally.

Dominik is a Learn to Skate Instructor and is available for private lessons upon request.

Elaine Pruett

Elaine is a seasoned skater and coach and has been with the Eugene Figure skating Club since 2015. Born and raised in England, she first stepped on to the ice at age 9 and instantly fell in love with figure skating. After years of training and regional competition, she auditioned for Disney on Ice and went on to tour the world as a professional skater.

Her 25-year professional career with Disney on Ice and Feld Entertainment included 17 years performing as a chorus and principal character skater, and the remaining years as Head Wardrobe, Costume Show Support, and In-House Production Manager. She has also worked in live entertainment with Ringling Bros Circus, Disney Live, Paw Patrol Live, and Big Apple Circus in New York.  

Elaine shares her love of skating combining fun, creativity, and strong fundamentals across all skating levels to help skaters grow in technique, artistry, and confidence.

Elaine is a Learn to Skate Instructor and offers private lessons upon request.

Mikayla Goodi

Mikayla began skating at two years old as part of physical therapy and quickly fell in love with the sport. Eighteen years later, that same passion continues to drive her as both a competitor and coach. She has trained under Olympic-level coaches and competed for over a decade throughout California at the state, regional, and sectional levels.

With more than seven years of coaching experience, Mikayla has worked with skaters of all ages and abilities, specializing in advanced spin technique, foot and edge work, and technical choreography. Her lessons emphasize precision, performance quality, and creative expression. Her approach blends strong fundamentals with personality, encouraging each skater to grow in confidence and move with joy throughout their skating journey.

Currently a senior at University of Oregon, Mikayla plans to combine her passion for creativity and technology in her future career.  

Mikayla is a Learn to Skate Instructor and offers private lessons.

Natalie Brooks

Natalie has been skating since she was three years old in our community and has tested in skating skills and dance through USFS. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from Oregon State University and has a career in the healthcare industry. 

Natalie is a Learn to Skate Instructor and a member of the EFSC Board of Directors.

Rhiana Bretl

After watching the Winter Olympics at a young age, Rhiana was inspired to start skating at the age of 5. She has competed at the state, regional, and sectional levels, and earned her double gold medals in freestyle and moves in the field at 14. Rhiana is pursuing a degree in Human Physiology at UO and plans to work with athletes. She has taught at several skating clubs in the PNW and loves working with skaters of all ages, especially those interested in jumps.

Rhiana is a Learn to Skate Instructor and is available for private lessons upon request.

Violette Browner

Violette has over ten years of competitive figure skating experience in the Pacific Northwest, training under nationally recognized coaches. She has earned her US Figure Skating Gold Skating with Honors and Gold Singles with Distinction.

As a coach, Violette focuses on building strong technical foundations while encouraging creativity and confidence on the ice. She specializes in program development, jump technique, and spin execution, helping skaters use refined skills in expressive performances.

Violette is a Learn to Skate Instructor and available for private lessons upon request.

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn has been with the Eugene Figure Skating Club since its inception over 30 years ago. She has an extensive skating background including her Adult Silver Figures and Adult Silver Free Skate tests. Carolyn currently is and has been a Gold Test level judge for over 20 years. She states, “Sharing my passion for skating with others on and off the ice is most wonderful.”

Carolyn is currently a substitute instructor for Learn to Skate.

Denise Beban

Denise started skating on outdoor ponds & creeks in the Chicago suburbs and turned it into a competitive sport when her family moved to the PNW. She was one of the first coaches on staff at Lane County Ice in 1990 (before it became The Rink Exchange) and coached several ISI West Coast Champions before leaving the area for university. She returned to Eugene and the rink in 2018 as a Learn to Skate Instructor and currently serves as the volunteer lesson program coordinator and sits on the EFSC Board of Directors.

Jennifer Anderson

Jennifer was a USFS Intermediate rank skater with the Highland Skating Club in Seattle, and has experience teaching Learn to Skate, ISI, and USFS skaters. 

Jennifer is currently a substitute instructor for Learn to Skate.