Melissa Vriner - Support Coach
Melissa Vriner was a competitive and professional figure skater for 23 years. A U.S. Collegiate Champion, national competitor and a U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist in free skating, moves in the field and pairs. She holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Delaware and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Hugo Chouinard - Musical Consultant & Designer
Hugo Chouinard has been immersed into the skating world since the age of 5, creating over 49,000 programs in 27 years. He founded the studio in 1993 and was one of the first skating music designers to create computer-generated mixes.
Mei Gee - Protective Wear Designer
Mei Gee designs custom protective wear for skaters, including specialty crash pads to provide additional protection where falls are mostly likely to occur.
Kate McSwain - Co-Executive Director of American Ice Theatre
Kate McSwain is an international figure skating choreographer, earning her Master Rating in Choreography from the Professional Skaters Association in 2017 and her AIT Certification in 2012. She is also certified in Pilates, has extensive training in multiple styles of dance, and over a decade of experience teaching yoga. Kate was the Assistant Director of the 2016 ISU World Championship Opening Ceremonies in Boston, and co-choreographer for the 2014 US Figure Skating National Championship Opening Ceremonies. She resides in Boston but travels frequently both nationally and internationally to teach AIT movement seminars, choreograph for competitive skaters, and consult with Theatre on Ice programs and synchronized skating teams. Kate has a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Colorado.
Patti Larkin - Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center
Patti Larkin is a skate technician at Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics. Patti obtained her degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics at UT Southwestern, and performed her residency at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children - specializing in all pediatric orthopedic issues. Patti has her American Board Certification in Orthotics. After spending almost 20 years directly in the Orthotic field, Patti retired as an Orthotist and opened Houston Skate & Dance Shop, now known as Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center and is now recognized as one of the elite skate fitters in the country, Patti is a regular contributor to both Figure Skater Magazine and USFSA Skating Magazine. She has skaters from throughout the nation and across the world visit her on a regular basis for personalized skate fitting and troubleshooting issues.