Karen Bressler

About

Professional Profile:
I grew up skating with my sister on frozen ponds on Long Island, NY. I always loved ice skating and the freedom felt gliding across the ice. My 7th birthday present request was an ice skating lesson and the rest is history! I quickly advanced into competitive skating. As a North Atlantic Regional competitor, I was the Juvenile Girls silver medalist and Intermediate Ladies Pewter medalist. After qualifying for the final round of the Novice Ladies event, a knee injury forced me to withdraw, and spent an entire year off the ice. Determined to reach my goals, I came back to train and test Junior and Senior (figures and Freeskate back then), compete in open competitions, and was featured in several ice shows.
I entered the world of coaching at just 18, and have never called it a “job” because it is my passion. I taught throughout college, marriage, the birth of 3 daughters, and presently as a grandmother.

Becoming The Skating Academy Manager of the Foxboro Campus in 2011, allowed me to spread my love for skating to the students of The Skating Academy. I have enjoyed watching our program grow with a successful Learn to Skate and Bridge program where skaters joined our skating club branching off into free skate, ice dance, synchronized skating and Theatre on Ice.

I enjoy most of all, spending time with my family. Our family is growing, with marriages and grandchildren, and we treasure the memories we make along the way. Our happy place is Cape Cod, where we enjoy the beach and bike trails.

Formal Education:
BS Animal Science (Pre-Vet) University of Massachusetts, Amherst, cum laude

Coaching Philosophy:
I love to share my passion for skating by creating a positive environment and encourage my students to be the best they can be! I strive to develop well rounded athletes that learn both on and off the ice. Building confidence and self esteem, teaching sportsmanship and life long skills are of most importance to me. I enjoy helping skaters reach their ultimate potential by establishing objectives to help them reach their goals, whatever they may be.

Experience

Coaching Since:
1980

PSA Ratings:
Registered Figures and Free Skate; Certified Moves in the Field; Certified Group Instruction

PSA Rankings:
Level 2 – Singles

Students’ Competitive Achievements:
Coached students through Senior Moves, Senior Free Skate and Senior Ice Dance tests
New England Regional competitors
State Games of America competitors and medalists
Coached individual synchronized skaters for sectional, national and international teams such as Team Excel, Hayden (Junior World Team members, Team USA members) and The Colonials (Junior World Team members, Team USA members)
Lake Placid Ice Dance Championship competitors

Last 4 Years – Students’ Competitive Achievements:
Coached students through Senior Moves, Senior Free Skate and Senior Ice Dance tests
New England Regional competitors
Coached individual synchronized skaters for sectional and national teams
Lake Placid Ice Dance Championship competitors

Disciplines:
Free Skate, Moves in the Field, Choreography, Ice Dance, Skating Skills, Adult Lessons, Group Classes

Competitive Background:
USFS Triple Gold Medalist in Figures, Freestyle and Adult Dance
North Atlantic Regional Competitor- Juvenile Girls (Silver), Intermediate Ladies (Pewter), Novice Ladies (Final Round)
Middle Atlantic competitor and medalist
Nassau County Championships competitor and medalist through Senior Ladies
Lake Placid Ice Dance Championships competitor- Intermediate (Bronze)

Show History:
Featured soloist in Newbridge Road Park FSC ice shows
Featured soloist at Grossinger’s Resort annual ice shows
Featured soloist at Kutcher’s Resort annual ice shows
Ice Chips Creative Team member and volunteer

Awards

Coaching Awards, Accomplishments & Seminars:

Skating Awards, & Accomplishments:
USFS Triple Gold Medalist (Figures, Freestyle and Adult Dance)

Affiliation with U.S. Figure Skating, PSA, ISU:
Foxboro Campus Manager of The Skating Academy (since 2011)
June Challenge Cup Basic Skills Competition Co-Chairperson (since 2011)
Sk8 to Eliminate top fundraiser
Member, U.S. Figure Skating
Member, PSA
The Skating Academy Foxboro Campus Manager (since 2011), June Challenge Cup Basic Skills Competition Co-Chair (since 2011), Sk8 to Eliminate Cancer fundraiser

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