Connie Achtenberg

Background:

Connie has been an active AAFSC member since 1998. She is a nine-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 being a medalist 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 and in Arizona under Greg Zuerlein, Chris Reed, Peter Breen and Naomi Lang. She also continues to take ballet at Ballet Chelsea and has been involved in their performances. 

She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Music and played piano. 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, helped host Intercollegiate Nationals and produced the ice shows. While at Michigan, she 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 helping them progress through the Basic Skills curriculum and taking them into the USFS testing structure and competitions. 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 holding 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.