Tisha DeKeno
Staff Coach – Figure Skating Department
Tisha has coached figure skating since 1998, and was recognized as a U.S. National Level Coach in 2001 currently holding a PSA Coach Level V (Pre-Gold / Junior) ranking. She has coached and choreographed national and international champions and competitors, served as Team Leader for the Chevrolet Team 2006 Novice Seminar at the 2001 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and directed and choreographed numerous annual ice shows.
Her coaching background and fundamentals are based on her elite training under National, World, and Olympic Coaches: Diana Ronayne, Alex McGowan, Julianne Berlin, and Debbie Stoery. She trained in the Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI areas and completed extensive off-ice training, including classical ballet with Madame Inesse Alexandrov (Bolshoi Ballet graduate), jazz dance at Gus Giordano’s Dance Chicago, and strength and conditioning with Al Vermeil, former strength and power coach of the 1990’s World Champion Chicago Bulls.
Her coaching philosophy centers on developing each skater into the strongest possible athlete and individual, instilling life skills that carry over both on and off the ice.
- 12 years competitive experience at the regional, sectional, and national levels
- 1990 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Novice Ladies, 9th place
- U.S. and Canadian Gold Medals in Figures
- U.S. Silver Medal in Freestyle
- 2001 Recognized by U.S. Figure Skating as a National Level Coach
- Team Leader, Chevrolet Team 2006 Novice Seminar, 2001 U.S. Figure Skating Championships
- PSA Ranking Coach Level V (Pre-Gold/ Junior)
- Director of Figure Skating, Outpost Ice Arena, Albuquerque, NM
Tisha is an elite figure skating coach who specializes in developing the complete athlete – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Combining a psychology degree with high-level technical expertise, she designs individualized training plans that build strong fundamentals on the ice while also strengthening confidence, focus, and resilience. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates physical conditioning, mental skills training, and emotional support, Tisha helps skaters set clear goals, overcome performance blocks, and thrive in both practice and competition. In addition, she includes parents and guardians into the training process, guiding them to understand how they can play a role in the success of their skater. Skaters who train with her learn not only to skate their best, enjoy the process, and carry these skills far beyond the rink.
- Tisha grew up in Skokie, IL.
- At age 18, she left to attend college at St. Louis University. Her coaching career began in St. Louis, then was offered to coach back in the Chicago, IL area.
- After marriage, life brought her to Southern California, then Albuquerque, NM.
- In January 2026, she relocated to Arizona.
Ready to Skate?
Lessons are booked and payment is made directly to the individual coach.
Freestyle skating session and skate rental is not included in the price of a private lesson.
For additional information, questions and to get signed up, please fill out the contact form.