While reading Olivia Yao’s resume, one expects to meet someone in her mid to late 20’s based on accomplishments she has amassed so far. On a weekly basis, this high-school senior dedicates 30 + hours to activities which include robotics, symphony practice, presenting at conferences, collaborating with Ice Theatre of New York, and coaching Essex Special Skaters. Beginning her figure skating journey at 4 years old with the Essex Learn to Skate program, she excelled so rapidly, that she passed basic skill 1 to FS 2 in one year. By the age of 8, she had completed Senior Moves in the Field. Olivia is among one of the youngest in the US to achieve this. Not surprisingly, she is a double gold medalist in both disciplines.
In the Spotlight – Michael Ferraioli and Marie DeFalco
Michael Ferraioli and Marie DeFalco – Chosen to Perform during the Skating Spectacular at U.S. Championships in Saint Paul, Minnesota on January 24, 2016 by U.S. Figure Skating’s Chair of the Special Olympics and Therapeutic Skating Committee. READ MORE
In the Spotlight – Rosie Tovi
Local Figure Skating coach and professional member of Essex Skating Club of New Jersey, Inc., Rosanna (Rosie) Tovi is giving skating a larger stage on which to perform. Rosie is a former competitive and professional figure skater who represented the USA as a member of The U.S. International Figure Skating Team, and World Professional Team. READ MORE
In the Spotlight – Ashley Tomich
Long time Essex Club member and former Synchroettes team member Ashley Tomich was recently awarded a USFS Memorial Fund Academic Scholarship. This prestigious award is granted to current and former skaters who are enrolled at an accredited college or university and are still actively involved in figure skating. READ MORE
In the Spotlight: Katherine Kalaris
Dawn Cushin McGowen coached Katherine through her Senior Moves in the Field and Senior Freestyle tests at South Mountain. She also completed all her Silver dances with David Lipowitz and then left us in 2003 to attend Dartmouth College. There she continued her skating career as a competitor on the undefeated Dartmouth Figure Skating Club Collegiate Team, which won 4 National Collegiate Team Championships. At the 2007 Collegiate Nationals, Katherine won the Junior Ladies Long Program and was inducted into the Dartmouth Athletic Hall of Fame.
We contacted Katherine recently. Click here to see what Katherine has been up to!