Get acquainted with our coaches

Christine Castillo is a U.S. Figure Skating certified coach and the Skating Director of Heart Mountain Figure Skating Club. Inspired by her childhood idol Peggy Fleming, Christine first stepped on the ice at age five and has been skating for over 30 years as a competitor, performer and now, dedicated coach.

Christine is passionate about advancing the sport of figure skating and nurturing a culture of excellence and personal growth on and off the ice among her students. Her Complete Skater Development™ program supports the whole athlete by integrating on and off-ice training, nutrition, mental and emotional wellness, sportsmanship, and character development.

A cornerstone of her coaching philosophy is instilling proper foundational techniques that enable skaters to confidently acquire and master jumps, spins, footwork, effortless movement, and choreography.

Christine works with skaters of all ages and levels, specializing in skating skills, freestyle, and choreography with a focus on competitive-track athletes. 

Elizabeth Vail brings over 40 years of coaching experience and a deep love for the sport. 

A U.S. and Canadian Gold Medalist in dance and figure tests, she competed across North America—including Toronto, Buffalo, and the North Atlantic Region.

Elizabeth’s coaching career includes working with SABAH (Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped) and organizing numerous ice shows as both a performer and producer. She emphasizes strong edge work and technical precision, helping skaters master elements like spins, jumps, and choreography with confidence.

Above all, Elizabeth is passionate about inspiring skaters of all ages to enjoy the journey, build solid foundations, and reach their fullest potential on and off the ice.

Michael Chack began skating at the age of five and went on to have an impressive competitive career, spending 13 years on the U.S. Figure Skating Team, including 10 years as a member of the U.S. International Team. 

His achievements include:

 - U.S. Novice and Junior Men’s National Champion

- U.S. Senior Men’s National Bronze Medalist

- World Team Member

- Two-time U.S. Olympic Team Alternate

- International Gold Medalist

Following his amateur career, Michael toured professionally for 15 years, performing as a soloist with renowned productions such as Holiday on Ice and Disney on Ice.

As a coach and choreographer for over 25 years, he has worked with skaters at every level—from regional and sectional competitors to national, international, world, and Olympic athletes. 

He brings to his coaching a multidisciplinary background in sports medicine, biomechanics, strength training, and dance, contributing to a holistic and highly technical approach to athlete development.

Anita Hartshorn is a three-time U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist and a USFS Master-rated coach with international credentials. As one half of the World Professional Pair Champion team with partner Frank Sweiding, Anita toured the globe performing in world-class productions including Champions on Ice, Stars on Ice Europe, and Art on Ice. Together, they appeared in major televised specials and were featured in both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. With a background in dance and decades of experience in both performance and coaching, Anita brings grace, discipline, and showmanship to every student she teaches. She also serves as Casting Director for Glacier Ice Shows and has led seminars worldwide. 

Frank Sweiding is a three-time U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist, ISU gold medalist, and USFS Master-rated coach. Alongside his skating and coaching partner Anita Hartshorn, Frank captured the title of World Professional Pair Champion and headlined international productions such as Gershwin on Ice, Magic on Ice, and the Olympic Ceremonies in Salt Lake City. Their celebrated pair career included appearances in elite tours and global TV specials, earning acclaim for their power, chemistry, and creative performance. Frank holds a teaching degree from Northeastern Illinois University, serves as President of Glacier Ice Shows, and brings a wealth of technical and artistic knowledge to skaters at all levels.

Jill  Ahlbrecht is a quadruple gold medalist with United Skates Figure  Skating in the disciplines of Freestyle, Figures, Solo Dance, and Moves  in the Field. She is the 2023 US Figure Skating Adult National Solo  Dance Champion, and the two-time winner of the World Figure  Championships in 2015 and 2016. Jill comes to us from Denver, Colorado  and has been coaching skating full time since 2010. She is beyond  excited to part of the Great Falls Figure Skating community, and loves  to share her passion for figure skating with skaters of all ages. 

Stephanie Kazior coaches primarily in Great Falls, MT after serving in the United States Marine  Corps. Stephanie has a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with a  minor in Physical Education from Northeastern Illinois University.  Stephanie was a long time member of the Windy City FSC in Chicago  Illinois. Stephanie's skating career started with synchronized skating  with the Chicago Skates. Stephanie later went on to coaching the  pre-juvenile synchro team and assisting in getting them to place in the  top 3 at Midwestern Sectionals in 2014 and 2015. She later skated for  the Open Collegiate team for Northwestern Illinois University. Stephanie  continues to compete at the adult level 

Ashley  Clark has been teaching for 15+ years and loves teaching all levels and  ages the fun and beauty of ice skating! Ashley has been performing  professionally for over 20 years all over the world, and is a 3x USFS  Gold Medalist & US Pro Open Champion. She grew up training in  Colorado under Christy Krall & Billy Schneider, and now resides in  Sun Valley, Idaho where she teaches and choreographs year round, as well  as running her own Holistic Health & Wellness business for  athletes.  Coaches: Freestyle, choreography, MIF, Learn to Skate &  Yoga on Ice. She is also a certified Aerial & Hatha Yoga Instructor. 

Beata Handra is a U.S. Olympian, four-time U.S. National medalist in Ice Dance, and an internationally recognized figure skating coach and choreographer. Known for her expressive artistry and exceptional technique and precision, Beata represented Team USA with grace and distinction throughout her competitive career.

With more than 30 years of coaching experience, Beata specializes in ice dance, skating skills, choreography, musical interpretation, and presentation. She works with skaters of all levels to build strong foundational skills while encouraging confidence, creativity, and joy in performance.

As an Affiliate Coach at HMFSC, Beata contributes her world-class expertise through workshops, clinics, choreography sessions as well as virtual and in-person private lessons, helping skaters refine their style and evolve their skating to deepen their connection to the music and the ice.