Valerie Palencar

Valerie has been skating and coaching for over 25 years.  She teaches beginner through advanced skaters Free Style, Moves-in–the- Field, Figures, Performance Technique, and Choreography. She also works with skaters to improve their performance through behavioral modification and other sports psychology techniques. Currently, she teaches in North East Pennsylvania and New York.  Prior to that, she lived in New York City and was on the coaching staff of Chelsea Pier’s Sky Rink, Central Park’s Wollman Rink, and The Ice Studio. While at Chelsea Piers, she also developed and taught skaters off-ice training techniques.  Valerie assisted in the opening of the Ice Chalet’s Skating School located between the former Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.  She also was coach and skating director of the Pocono Resort, Mount Airy Lodge, where she performed in and hosted numerous skating exhibitions. 

 In New York City, Valerie skated with the Ice Theatre of New York under the artistic direction of Rob McBrien and Moira North.  Here she had the wonderful opportunity to work with many of New York City’s top skaters, coaches, and choreographers.

 Complimenting her skating, she studied dance for many years. She also studied voice and acting at HB Studios, NYC, NY and Terry Schreiber Studios, NY, NY, to name a few.  Valerie is a working member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. She has appeared as an actress as well as a skater in many national and international ad campaigns including Seagram’s Wine Coolers for the 1988 Olympics, Wei-East Cosmetics, Black Velvet Whiskey, Montreal Fashions On Ice, United Financial Management Services, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Beneficial Savings, The Money Store, and Fitness Magazine, to name a few. She also choreographed and skated for Nick-at-Night's, "Odd Couple On Ice".

Valerie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Art from Hunter College, NY, NY and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Baruch College, NY, NY.  She is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor and also works as a Behavioral Health Consultant.  She is a member of the Professional Skater’s Association.