I began my figure skating career in 1978 at the age of 9 years. In 1986, I received my Springbok Colours from NOCSA (National Olympic Committee of South Africa), now known as SASCOC for participating in the 1986 SA Games. I then started my coaching career in 1990.
As a coach, I received my Senior Protea Colours from SASCOC in 2000 and have received it multiple times since then. I have trained skaters from entry level right up until World Championship participation, and have proudly been Coach and Team Leader to several Four Continents and World Championship events.
I am the current Chairperson of SAFSCC (South African Figure Skating Coaches Commission) and I am on the committee of the NTC (National Technical Committee). I was also part of the working group that headed up the LTPD (Long Term Participant Development) Program
Education is very important to me and I have trained extensively internationally with some of the worlds finest Olympic and World Championship coaches, to develop my broad base of coaching knowledge. It is because of my sheer passion and enjoyment of this beautiful sport that the last 30 years of coaching have flown by in a heartbeat. I am excited for SA School of Skating, and I have no doubt, that this new decade is going to be just as rewarding.
Lejeanne Hennessy
National Coach
Head coach SA School of Skating
Lejeanne Hennessy (Marais) is a 6 time South African National Champion and has represented South Africa at multiple World Championship and International events. She has been awarded Senior Protea colours for figure skating. Her passion for figure skating started at the young age of 2 years old and she has never looked back since. Lejeanne retired from competitive skating in 2015 and began coaching at Gauteng North. Lejeanne has attended numerous international training events where she has developed a broad base of skating knowledge. Since beginning her coaching career she has since coached several skaters to reach a National level.
Lejeanne is also a mom and has her Degree in Architecture. She is driven, dedicated and passionate and it is her goal to inspire and motivate her skaters to reach their full potential on a National and international level.
Christel Viljoen
Competitive Club Coach/TAP
Christel has been skating for over 17 years. She is a former Provincial and National champion in her age category.
Christel has represented South Africa internationally in Germany, France, South Korea and Iceland. She will again be competing in March at an international competition in Italy with her coach Lejeanne.
Christel has completed her Certificate in Sport Science and Coaching at TUKS. She is a level 3 first aider.
Christel is not only a singles coach but also has a passion for Solo Ice dance and is our SASS Solo ice dance coach.
Megan Timmerman
Competitive Club Coach/TAP
Megan has been skating for over 15 years and has competed at a National level since 2008.
Megan is a passionate and friendly person who will always be there to help. She is an excellent dancer as well as a competitive acrobat. Her amazing flexibility is something to envy. She will be heading up our flexibility/stretching classes this year.
Megan will be representing Gauteng North at the National Championships this year. She has her level 5 skating skills qualification
Melissa Venter
Competitive Club Coach/TAP
Melissa has been skating for over 15 years and has competed at a National level. Melissa has her level 5 in skating skills. She is passionate about figure skating and works tirelessly at achieving her competitive goals.
Outside of figure skating Melissa has been dancing for more than 17 years.
Melissa is currently studying Medical Science at TUKS and has her Level 2 in first aid.
Melissa loves the fun and challenging side of figure skating and is passionate to grow her coaching career and to help skaters reach their goals.
