Connie Achtenberg

Background:

Connie has been an active AAFSC member since 1998. She is an international competitor and ten-time National Solo Ice Dance Series Final qualifier and has competed at the highest levels in Senior Combined and International Pattern dance as well as medaling at the US Adult Figure Skating Championships. In addition to receiving instruction in Ann Arbor, she has also trained at Detroit Skating Club, Arctic FSC under Olympic coach Greg Zuerlein and in Arizona with Olympian Naomi Lang. She also continues to take ballet and mime/physical acting classes at Ballet Chelsea and has been involved in their performances.

Connie graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Music. While at U of M, she continued to be active in skating and was the Vice President of Freestyle for the University of Michigan Figure Skating Club and helped the team qualify for three Intercollegiate Team National Championships. 

Experience:

Connie has been teaching group lessons since 2012 at Yost Ice Arena, Chelsea Arctic Coliseum, Farmington Hills Ice Arena and AAFSC. She enjoys working with skaters of all levels and ages including beginners and adults and loves helping them progress through the Basic Skills curriculum and taking them into the USFS testing structure and competitions. She also enjoys working with hockey players on skating skills, edge work, balance, and power. She takes a holistic approach to coaching and wants to help skaters reach their goals while also enjoying the sport and the journey of their progress. She is a USFS coach and a Professional Skaters Association member with Basic Accreditation rating and Master Sport Science exam. She remains active in the skating community as an official with a USFS Regional and Tech Accounting appointment, and has served as a judge at many Basic Skills competitions. 

She has a passion for strength training and its benefits with athletic performance on the ice. She is currently studying for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam and is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.