Our Coaches
The Northern Skating Academy aims to build a solid team who work hard to deliver programming under our pillars of
Positivity, Respect, Support, Health, & FUN!
Following the Long Term Athletic Development model, our team aims to meet and exceed Skate Canada’s standards.
We all share the vision of inspiring our athletes to be engaged through developing quality programs and relationships with our skaters, coaches, and volunteers in order to continue to build and grow our sport in our community.
Maddie Burton
(They/Them)
I have been on the ice since before I was born, and have been skating since I could walk! Skating is and has always been a core part of my life. My goal as a coach and mentor within our community is to share my love and passion for the sport with skaters of every age, level, and ability. I believe every athlete should have a space in our sport in a supportive and caring environment.
In my time as a skater I achieved my Gold tests in all four Skate Canada disciplines, and I continue to enjoy my time on the ice as an Adult Skater. Outside of the sport I enjoy sewing, baking, yoga, hiking, and relaxing at camp!
Holly Baril
Holly has been involved in figure skating for over 20 years. Holly started her coaching career in Timmins as a club and private coach for a number of years. She experienced great success with her skaters not just on the ice, but off the ice as well, where Holly had the opportunity to be a part of her skaters' development into their teenage years and adulthood. Along with coaching figure skating, Holly has also taught and assisted a number of hockey teams to improve their skating skills.
In 1999, Holly was approached to take over and develop the Special Olympic Figure Skating program in Timmins. This program proved to be a great success in the Timmins area, where the club grew from 2 skaters to 7 skaters before Holly moved to Sudbury.
Holly has had 10 years of experience working with and coaching Special Olympic athletes, as well as participating in numerous competitions with the Regional Games, Provincial Games, National Games, and she also had a spot as a Team Canada Coach for the World Games.
Taylor Watkins
Taylor began her skating journey at the Valley East Figure Skating Club at the age of 8, quickly igniting a passion for the sport. This enthusiasm propelled her to the Sudbury Figure Skating Club, where she pursued competitive figure skating and successfully completing her Senior Silver Dances and Junior Silver Freeskate. A highlight of her career came in 2014 when she proudly represented Northern Ontarioat the Provincial Championships.
Throughout her skating career, Taylor also embraced the role of program assistant, which deepened her love for the sport. For the past four years, she has been coaching with the NSA, sharing her expertise and passion for skating. In addition to her coaching, Taylor actively participates in the NSA adult skating program, continuing to develop her skills on the ice.
When she’s not at the rink, Taylor enjoys a variety of activities that keep her balanced and energized. You can often find her at the yoga studio, taking walks with her two dogs, Rex and Luna, hitting the slopes for downhill skiing in the winter, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Caitlynn McCaig
Lisa Burton
With over 30 years of coaching experience, Lisa provides quality knowledge and expertise wherever she can on and off of the ice. Lisa’s passion for the sport drives her to continue to update her craft whenever new information is available, having now completed the new NCCP CanPowerSkate program delivery standards, and any new Skate Canada module that is released. As technology develops, so too does Lisa's technique of delivering quality programming. Lisa can be trusted to be up to date on the most current techniques being used to develop skaters in her fun, challenging, and light hearted manner that her skaters know and love.
Sarah Hancharyk
Caitlyn McLeod
