BA in psychology neuroscience and behaviour Human Resources Graduate Certificate Competed Nationally in Junior Ladies
Why are you passionate about teaching for FLEXAFIT?:
I’m passionate about teaching for FLEXAFIT because I love seeing the improvement in skaters after joining this program on and off the ice. It’s amazing to see them encourage each other and challenge themselves. I wish I would have had something similar to this program as a young competitive skater and throughout my career to help build my strength and prevent the many injuries I faced.
FUN FACT...
I started skating when I was three years old and fell in love with the sport right away. My focus in skating was always on my jumps; I always loved the feeling of landing a new jump for the first time and then again, landing it for the first time in competition. My favourite jump to work on was triple lutz.
Taylor SMITH
CERTIFICATIONS
FLEXAFIT Certified Trainer Professional Show Skater
Skate Canada Figure Skating Coach
Competed in Junior ladies
Currently completing a BA degree in Creative Industries with minor in Entrepreneurship
Certified Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Ryerson University Rookie of the year all sports and OUA medalist
Why are you passionate about teaching for FLEXAFIT?:
I am passionate about teaching for Flexafit because as a competitive and professional figure skater I know how difficult but rewarding this sport can be. I started skating the age of 3 and never wanted to stop since. My favorite thing about figure skating is that I can be creative, athletic and as graceful as I want. Figure skating is more than a sport for me, it is a passion and a creative space. Being a trainer for Flexafit allows me to teach figure skaters all aspects of skating, including mental health and physical health. With my experience, I find joy in teaching others things that I have learned throughout my career, and aim to pass on the knowledge and love for skating.
FUN FACT:
I skated professionally with Disney On Ice for 3 years and got the opportunity to travel around North America and Europe playing many Disney Characters. This was my dream since I was 8!
PLYOMETRICS TRAINERS
Your TRAINERS
Susan MARAIS, Lejeanne HENNESSY
SUSAN
International ranked figure skating coach
Advanced first Aid
ISU Level 1 coach
Committee Member of SAFSCC
Certified ISSA Personal Trainer
FLEXAFIT Certified Trainer
FLEXAFIT South Africa
LEJEANNE
National ranked figure skating coach
Advanced first Aid
ISU Level 1 coach
FLEXAFIT Certified Trainer
FLEXAFIT South Africa
Bachelor Degree of Architecture (MTech)
FUN FACT...
Susan Marais, an International World Championship Coach with more than 30 years’ experience and Lejeanne Hennessy, a National Coach; 6 times SA National Champion and World Championship competitor, have partnered up with a vision dedicated to figure skating excellence. Together they run FLEXAFIT South Africa.
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. Lejeanne has a strong design backround and graduated top of her class for her Bachelors degree in Architecture.
Susan Marais had achieved her Senior Protea Colours from SASCOC in 2000 and has received it multiple times since then.
She has trained skaters from entry-level right up until World Championship participation and has proudly been Coach and Team Leader to several Four Continents and World Championship events.
Susan and Lejeanne have attended numerous international training events where they have developed a broad base of skating knowledge.
