Who We Are
Skate Ontario is a unique body which was incorporated in 1982 as the sole Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) recognized by the Ontario Government for figure skating in the Province of Ontario. Our organization is comprised of 325+ Member Clubs and Skating Schools. We provide developmental and competitive opportunities for approximately 75,000 participants including competitive, recreational and Special Olympic skaters as well as coaches, officials, and volunteers.
Skate Ontario is an organization dedicated to delivering the best programs and events to support skating for fun, fitness and achievement.
Skate Ontario is committed to supporting a safe, inclusive and respectful skating environment across the province.
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Alison Simms has been involved in the skating world since enrolling in the Kitchener-Waterloo Skating Club’s CanSkate program in the 1970s. In 2010, she started volunteering at KWSC by supporting events, competitions and Learn-to-Skate programs and also became the KWSC Representative to the Grand River Skating Council and the Fundraising Lead for the KWSC Ice Show. She also served on the club’s board between 2013 and 2021.
Alison has received numerous accolades for her service to KWSC, including the KWSC Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012, the KSA Volunteer Recognition Award in 2014 and the Jack Coker Award in 2017. Her skills in finance, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and leadership are of great benefit to the organizations she is involved with.
Alison holds a Specialist in Labour Management Relations from the University of Toronto and has worked both in professional recruitment, sales, administration and management.
Clark has a background in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto. He has broad experience in the tech field, and is currently the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of a data analytics company focusing on analysis of complex data to provide insights for the pharmaceutical industry. He has past experience as a board member at the club level for many years, working in both a governance and operations role, as well as being a LOC chair working alongside Skate Ontario for numerous skating competitions.
Claudia holds a BSc, CPA, MBA, and the ICD.D designation from the Rotman School of Business Institute of Corporate Directors, bringing strong expertise in finance, governance, and strategy. She most recently served as Finance Head of Sandvik AB’s Canadian operations, overseeing financial control, taxation, acquisitions, and reporting for over 800 employees, and was recognized as a transformational leader while serving on the Boards of three Canadian Sandvik companies.
Claudia is passionate about athletics and now involved in skating through her daughter’s participation with the Georgetown Skating Club.
Lenny received a Diploma in Business and Marketing, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce degree, while still competing in figure skating. He is the 2003 Canadian pairs champion and competed at the 2002 Olympics. He also has two financial planning designations, including the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), to support his career as a Financial Planner.
Having participated in a number of committees for Skate Canada, Lenny has had the opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into the processes, concerns and challenges currently facing the sport of figure skating, particularly in the areas of fundraising and alumni engagement.
Lenny’s experience as an athlete, official and parent of two children in competitive sport make him an invaluable member of the Skate Ontario Board.
In 2014, Rachel graduated Magna Cum Laude in Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration and a Minor in Dance from Middle Tennessee State University while on a full Division I athletic scholarship. She then graduated from Western Law School in 2018 and completed the lawyer licensing process in June 2019, and has since been practicing with Gardiner Roberts LLP’s Business Law Group and Financial Services Group.
While a student-athlete, Rachel served in an athlete leadership role on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee on behalf of the cross country and track and field teams. In voting on proposed NCAA legislation, reviewing and evaluating rules and recommending prospective policies, the seed was planted for her commitment to remaining engaged in the policy side of sport.
Rachel is an expert in areas such as legal compliance, sound policy development, administration and general corporate counselling. Her competencies are greatly beneficial to the good governance, administration, strategic planning and ultimate success of Skate Ontario.
Tugba Karademir brings extensive experience as an athlete, coach, official, and governance leader to the Skate Ontario Board of Directors. As a two-time Olympian, eight-time World Championship competitor, and nine-time European Championship competitor, her lifelong involvement in skating has provided her with a deep understanding of the sport and its participants.
Tugba holds an Honours Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa. A former litigation lawyer, she currently serves as a Vice-Chair of a Tribunal, where she oversees adjudicators and ensures compliance with legislative and procedural requirements.
She also serves on several non-profit boards and committees, including Skate Ontario's Governance Committee, bringing expertise in governance, strategic planning, policy development, and board succession planning. Tugba is passionate about fostering an athlete-centered, inclusive, and healthy sport environment and is committed to supporting the continued growth and success of skating in Ontario.
Margie has been involved in figure skating for her entire life, first as a skater, and then as a judge and volunteer. She completed her degree in 1989 and began working at the Ontario Council, Canadian Figure Skating Association (predecessor to Skate Ontario) that same year. She then completed an MBA and embarked on a career in banking and insurance.
Margie has participated in a large number of committees and boards in the not-for-profit sector, including many skating boards and committees. During her time with the Ontario Council, Skate Canada, she became very familiar with the process of obtaining government funding for various skating programs. In this position she was required to use her leadership and organization skills on committees for the development and delivery of coaching, volunteer and skater programs.
Margie has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph.
Amanda holds a degree in Applied Economics from Queen's University, and is actively involved in several volunteer organizations, applying her skills in teamwork and leadership. She holds a Certificate in Risk Management from the University of Toronto and an Insurance Broker license. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in finance, risk management, and analytical thinking.
Her volunteer experience includes acting as Logistics Coordinator on the Queens Student Diversity Project. Amanda’s competencies in governance, risk management, finance, and client relationship management align greatly with the needs of the Skate Ontario Board of Directors.
Clifford Mushquash is a Registered Social Worker and community leader with more than 15 years of volunteer experience in the non-profit sector. As President & CEO of Bimijiwan Nibi Mental Wellness, he provides mental health and addictions counselling, facilitates educational programming, and supports organizations in advancing meaningful truth and reconciliation initiatives. Clifford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University.
Clifford brings extensive governance experience through his service on several boards and committees, including the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, where he serves as Vice Chair and Chair of the Governance Committee, and Skate Canada’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Operating Committee. His expertise in governance, strategic planning, fiduciary oversight, stakeholder engagement, and equity-focused leadership aligns strongly with the needs of the Skate Ontario Board of Directors.
