Teams Manager - Sean WarmanSean Warman’s life’s work has been a whole hearted dedication to alpine skiing. Following a degree in Geology, earth’s magnetic pull seemed to have plans that wouldn’t allow time spent in the office. Warman moved to New York’s hills, working through the certification ranks of PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America).
A dedicated coaching career immediately became a series of winter seasons. Starting as resort videographer (the other passion) Warman spent nine seasons in what might be the world’s most elite ski school - Portillo, Chile. Soon, Warman rose to the elite cut of the nation’s best of the best - the PSIA Alpine National Demonstration Team.
After over 30 seasons of ski coaching, Warman’s resume reads along with a who’s who in the technical skiing world. He had worked with the US Ski Team, Junior athletes, and ski instructors aspiring to the top ranks of the profession. Whether on World Cup podiums or in the current selection of the America’s National Demo Team, Sean Warman’s knowledge and insight continue to drive success in the world of alpine skiing. Currently, Sean merges his passion of film and sport in Images and Concepts – education DVD’s and video imagery that have revolutionized how athletes learn.
Ryan returns to the Northstar Race Teams Program for his 3rd season. He is no rookie to the professional coaching arena. He ignited his passion for racing at ASC, which led him to racing for the prestigious Sierra Collage Ski Team. His illustrious 20 year coaching career started at the Auburn Ski Club. He was then recruited to head up the Sierra College Ski Team and revitalize the program. Under Ryan's helm, the Sierra Collage Ski Team reached levels not seen in it's past, including 4th in the nation with athletes on the podium. Ryan Joined the Northstar Ski Team where he developed a stellar J3 program, guiding athletes to the podium in JO qualifiers and four to the Junior Olympics.
U10/U12 Farwest Race Team Head Coach - Kristina RevelloKristina began racing at the age of 5 in McCall, ID. She then climbed the ranks as an Elite FIS athlete to represent the Western Region Elite Ski Team. She has competed throughout the US, Canada, and Europe as a member of the United States National Development System. She completed her career as a competitor for the University of Nevada, Reno. Kristina started her coaching at Sugar Bowl before moving to Oregon to be the head coach of Mt. Hood Academy. This will mark her 4th year as a coach at Northstar California. She complements her race coaching experience with USSA and PSIA certifications and is also a Western Region ACC member.
Race Development Ski Team Lead Coach - Valerie ForsytheFrom: Palmdale CA
Education: Antelope Valley College and the School of Life Work Experience: Administrative Assistant & Mother Ski/Snowboard
Experience: Skiing since 1994, with a 5 year break in which I took up snowboarding.
Off Season Work: I run Camp Forsyth over the summer for my kids and their friends
Hobbies: Scrapbooking, bike riding, boating, running, pretty much anything outdoors
Pioneer Head Coach - Susan Straw Education: University Nevada Reno BA Business Marketing
Work Experience: Worked at Northstar for many many, years in many depts. for the past 10 years I have been working for the Race crew and/ or the Ski and Snowboard Team
Ski/Snowboard Experience: For the past 17 years I have had my own 4 kids go through the development and Far west competitive ski program.
Team: Pioneer Team
Off Season work: Professional Mom
Hobbies: Yoga, Running and Paddle boarding
Freeride Head Coach - Ryan ChristoffersonReturning for another season as the head coach for the Freeride team, Ryan got his start as a racer for Alpental-Snoqualmie Ski Team. He has been teaching and coaching for 13 years. Ryan has reached the pinnacle of ski teaching being named a freestyle specialist for 2012–2016 PSIA Alpine Team. He is also a member of the tech team for PSIA-AASI's Western Division with PSIA level 3 freestyle accreditation. He represents the cutting edge of freestyle education.
Communications Coordinator - Inger NormanWith over 15 years of sports marketing experience, Inger spent 10 of those years at Clif Bar & Company as the Women's Sport Marketing Manager for the Luna Brand Team. Inger stays busy in the summer running her own event, Lake Tahoe's All-Women's Sport Camp (www.allwomensportcamp.com) and returns this winter to lead all aspects of Communications for the Teams Programs. She will be here to aid the flow of communication between our programs, our coaches, and our families. Please feel free to contact her directly at: inorman@vailresorts.com
Administrative Assistant - Kayla FevingerWe are grateful this year to have the additional support of a new Administrative Assistant. Kayla will play a key role in operations and work to make our programs run more smoothly. From what little she tells anyone, we know Kayla is from Nevada City, CA, went to college at Chico State, majored in World Religion studies (yea - don't ask her about that in an interview), cries at night wanting her old job back and wishes Calgon would take her away after all the grief she receives due to payroll issues. But we're psyched she's here ;-)
Allison Ace – U14 Far West Lead CoachFrom: Beach Lake, PA
Education: B.S Finance, Penn State University/M.T.A. Sport Management, George Washington University (May 2013)
Work Experience: Coached at Elk Mtn. (PA), Tussey Mountain (PA), Ski Sundown (CT), Mount Southington (CT), Coronet Peak (New Zealand), Mount Hotham (Australia), Squaw Valley (CA)
Ski Experience: Raced USSA and PARA at Elk Mtn., PA and USCSA in college at Penn State
Off Season Work: Coaching
Hobbies: Skiing, Snowboarding, Traveling
I from Nevada City Ca. I am in my last semester at Sierra Nevada College with a major in psychology and a minor in management. I am PSIA level one certified instructor. I instructed four seasons at Sugarbowl and this is my forth season at Northstar. I am ARE level one avalanche certified and is a certified wilderness first responder. In the off season I work for Action Water Sports in Incline Village.
From: Grew up ski racing out of Modesto, CA to Truckee, CA.
Education: Graduated from Western State Colorado University (Gunnison, CO) with B.A. Business Management and Marketing, Psychology minor. PSIA Level 1, Children’s Specialists 1. Some of the best Coaches a long the way.
Work Experience: Coached USCSA, NCAA, FIS, USSA, BAC and Tahoe League athletes over my racing career. 3rd year coaching Development. Coach of the Year 10/11 season at Sugar Bowl.
Ski/Snowboard Experience: I grow up learning how to ski when I turned 3. Shred Killington Vermont on plastic Mickey Mouse “skis.” Riding every season since, I continued racing FIS to college NCAA. Now, Skiing is still a big park of my life.
Off Season work: Jack of all trades most of the time; during the summer months I am the Maintenance Manager at River View Homes looking after 38 home sites in Truckee.
Hobbies: I love to ride Ski / Mt Bike / Moto every day I can. In between, I try to pack as much living into a day as possible. Hiking, fishing, cliff jumping, cooking new dishes, collecting minerals in travels, and wrenching on things.
Brian Norman - Freeride Lead CoachFrom Big Bear Lake California
"I grew up skiing at Snow Summit, racing for their development teams and race teams. After college I moved back to Big Bear to instruct skiing. I instructed skiing there for four years. I obtained my PSIA level 2 certification, while also gaining my PSIA freestyle certification while working in Big Bear. I moved to Tahoe last October to come to Northstar to coach the freeride program. Last summer I worked at Old Greenwood golf course, it was working there that rekindled my love for golf. During the offseason I enjoy playing golf, soccer, hiking and playing with my new puppy 'the Dude'."
Cheyanne Sawyer: All-Mountain Lead CoachFrom: Great Barrington, MA
Education: Currently attending Sierra Nevada College. Studying Ski Business and Resort Management
Work Experience: Ski/Snowboard Instructor, Marketing Assistant, Babysitter/Nanny
Ski/Snowboard Experience: I raced for my home mountain until I was nine, and started snowboarding when I was ten. I joined my high school race team when I was a freshman, and raced throughout my high school career. From the time I was old enough to work I taught snowboarding on my home mountain on the weekends/holidays. I took most afternoons off of school my junior and senior year to freeride!
Off Season work: LOTS of babysitting/nannying! Whatever, other odd jobs I can find to make money.
Hobbies: Anything outdoorsy, hiking, backpacking, knitting, getting crafty.
Clayton Bena – Snowboard CoachFrom: Truckee California
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Psychology, First Aid and CPR certified
Work Experience: Experience In multiple youth program as well as served in the United States Coast Guard. Currently, working as a T.A. In a local probationary school.
Snowboard Experience: Second year as a coach with Northstar. Over 13 years experience as a competitive rider at Northstar. Was on the snowboard team at Northstar for three years.
Off Season: TA for probation school.
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, fishing, soccer, music, dirt biking, skydiving
Cooper Brown - All-MountainFrom: Incline Village, NV
Education: Business and Real Estate Investments and development
Work Experience: Experienced (I dont know what the correct answer is)
Ski Experience: 20+ years
Team: Diamond Peak Ski Team, Northstar Ski Team
Off Season work/ Job: Lead Concierge - Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Hobbies: Sky diving, snowmobiling, Back packing
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado.
Education: Colorado Mt. College.
Work Experience: Auto Body Tech, Professional Snowmobile guide.
Ski Experience: Level 3 alpine, Level 3 Freestyle ski, Level 1 snowboarding, Level 1 Tele marking, 8 years of certified coaching, Poorboys Productions and MSP filmer.
Team: Coached the Northstar freestyle comp team for 2 yrs.
Off Season work: Bar tending.
Hobbies: Summer triathlons and marathons, video editing, photography.
Darcy Norman - Alpine Race Development TeamFrom: Originally from Grande Priairie, AB Canada. Currently living in Truckee, CA
Work Experience: Director, Performance Innovation Team – Athletes’ Performance. Darcy has works at Athletes’ Performance as a Performance Specialist and Rehab Coach for global soccer powerhouse, FC Bayern Munchen, and HTC Highroad Pro Cycling Team. He's currently Assistant Fitness/Rehab Coach for the German National Soccer Team and leads AP’s Performance Innovation Team to help understand, create and develop new technologies to help athletes and consumers better understand their potential. Darcy lectures at conferences and classrooms around the world on Prehab and Rehabilitation methods. Darcy's a licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Darcy has used to his wellness, rehabilitation, and injury-prevention knowledge to help patients and junior, collegiate, amateur, Olympic, professional, and elite athletes. His personal experience with sports includes competing in alpine skiing, mountain biking, marathons and (on and off road) triathlons.
Ski/Snowboard Experience:
1. Competed FIS in all 4 disciplines with points in the 50s and 60s
2. Competed in Alpine Skiing in College for Washington State University 2 years.
3. Coached at Team Alpental Snolqualmie Ski Team All Levels for 3 years.
4. 4th year coaching at Northstar in the Alpine Race Devo Program.
Hobbies: Staying active with various outdoor activities, traveling, and enjoying time with the family.
Dave Valentine - Alpine Race Development TeamFrom: Potomac, MD
Education: B.S. degree from Virginia Tech in Environmental Science (2008)
Work Experience: Environmental Scientist Consultant (ERG, Inc. 2008-2010); Stormwater Inspector & Environmental Restoration Specialist (IERS, Inc. 2011-present)
Ski/Snowboard Experience:
• Learned to ski 5yr old @ Snowbird, UT. As a kid, got to ski 1-week/year (mostly Park City Utah)
• Joined Northstar Kid's Ski School Instructor (2010-present)
• Became Level 1-Certified Ski Instructor (2011)
• Starting Coaching for Northstar Pioneer program (2010-2011)
• Race Development Coach (2011-present)
• Team Race Development
Off Season work: Stormwater Inspector & Environmental Restoration Specialist (IERS, Inc. 2011-present)
Hobbies: Backcountry Skiing, Hiking/Bouldering, Trailrunning, Paddleboarding, Football, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Fitness Training
Dennis Foster - Pioneer CoachFrom: Long Island NY till age 10 moved to CA.
Education: One year junior college Union Trade school, PHD on how to turn the ski (JUST KIDDING)
Work: Jouneyman Flooring Installer, Ca. licensed flooring contractor, Local retail store, flooring sales and service 1990-2006.
Ski Experience: Began skiing at age 12. Started racing age 13 for the Heavenly Valley Blue Angels and in Far West until I decided to relocate to Jackson Hole Wyoming in 1970 where I started my ski instructor experience. Received my first PSIA associate certification in 1972 . Assistant head coach for the Truckee Buddy Werner program 1986-1991. I was recruited by Don Yuhas in 2007 at Northstar. The rest is history.
Team: Pioneer Coach
Work: I am semi-retired. I still do floor covering related consulting for Tahoe Forest Hospital, I am also a certified independent Inspector for the Floor Covering manufacturers with consumer related complaints. Kind of like being a referee. I determine who is at fault when a consumer has a claim.
Hobbies: Keeping my wife happy! Love to board surf, cycling both Mtn. and road, travel as much as possible to surf in warm water and relax. I still surf in the Santa Cruz area and take coastal trips to Southern Ca. Visit family as much as possible.
Education: B.S. Health Education w/ an ephasis in Community Development
Work Experience:
• 2006-2011 Manager & Beverage Director of Pizza Antica in Mill Valley, CA
• 5+ years of Medical Office Administration experience and over 4 years of Peer Health Education and Outreach in San Francisco, Ca
Ski/Snowboard Experience: Have been skiing for 25 years and Snowboarding for 15 years. Raced for Alpine Meadows in the late 90s. Have been coaching ski & snowboarding since Fall 2011. Level 1 Ski certification from PSIA
Team: Northstar Pioneer
Off Season work: Server/bartender in various places in Lake Tahoe
Hobbies: Skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, running, paddle boarding, hiking, yoga, wine education.
Holly Shankland – All Mtn. Lead CoachFrom: Cadillac, Michigan
Education: International Business, University of Redlands
Work Experience: Photographer and Coach - www.hollyshankland.com
Ski and Snowboard Experience: Recreational Skier 18 years, Competitive Ski Racing 8 years, Snowboarding 11 years.
Off Season: Wedding Photographer / Travel - www.hollyshankland.com
Hobbies: Surf, Music, Travel and Photographing the journey.
From: Reno, Nevada
Education: BS in Business Marketing University of Connecticut (1984)
Ski/Snowboard Experience: Started skiing at Dodge Ridge, CA. Skied and worked at Pico Ski Area in Rutland, VT. Ski Patrolled at Sugarbush, VT
Off Season work: Own and operate a small advertising/publishing agency- Just Imagine Marketing and Design for the last 13 years. www.justimaginemktg.com
Hobbies: Raising two teenagers- Jacob and Lewis Falconer, running, biking, camping, anything outdoors.
From: White Salmon, Washington
Education: B.S. in Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University in 2008
Work Experience: Worked as a wildlife researcher for 4 years studying mule deer, American martens, wolverines, red foxes and various other furry forest creatures before settling in Truckee
Ski Experience: PSIA Level 1 certified instructor; teaching/coaching skiing since Fall 2010; skier since age 6
Team: Pioneers!
Off Season work: Recreation Leader at Tahoe Donner
Hobbies: Rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, travelling, baking and skiing of course!
From: Vernon, NJ
Education: Montserrat College of Art, Sculpture
Work Experience: 15 years instructing and coaching @ Mountain Creek, Squaw Valley, Mammoth Mountain and Northstar and High Cascade Snowboard camp
Ski/Snowboard Experience: 15 years snowboarding
Off Season work: High Cascade Snowboard Camp Coach, Chase Painting
Hobbies: Bicycles, Skateboards, Art Projects, Music and Books... and I'm trying learn how to surf!
Luke Adams - Snowboard Start Lab CoachFrom: Chico, CA
Education: California State University, Chico, Class of 2011: Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Philosophy, Certificate to Teach Logic and Critical Thinking
Work Experience: Assistant Manager and Wakeboard Instructor for the Forebay Aquatic Center, Student Coordinator and Trip Leader for Adventure Outings
Ski/Snowboard Experience: Lvl. 1 AASI Certification, 11th season snowboarding, 2nd season coaching for Start Lab and the Burton Academy at Northstar
Off Season Work: Wakeboard and Surf Instructor, Summer Camp Counselor, Organic Gardener, Carpenter and Handyman, Vagabond Surfer
Hobbies: Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Surfing, Stand Up Paddle-boarding, Whitewater Kayaking, Yoga, Playing Guitar, Reading.
Mark SternlichtFrom: Schenectady, NY
Education: BSME (Union College), MS & Ph.D. (Pathology, UCLA)
Work Experience: Former academic research scientist (UCSF), current full-time Sr. Scientist at a Bay-Area Biotech Firm, parent
Ski/Snowboard Experience: Former USSA, FIS & Collegiate racer (& bamboo dinosaur, Killington Ski Team), PSIA level 2 & Child Specialist certified
Team: Pioneer
Off-Season work: Medical Research (in-season too), occasional community service volunteer
Hobbies: Cooking / eating, whatever my son’s into
From: Truckee, California
Education: TMCC and Oregon State
Work experience: Golf Course Management and Ski Coach
Ski snow experience: Four years at Northstar as a Devo coach and one year at sugar bowl as a Devo coach
Off season work: Golf Course Assistant Superintendent (year round)
Hobbies: golf, basketball, and playing wii with my kids
Rich Aprile - Masters Head CoachOriginally from New York, Rich has been a West Coast native since 1988. After serving in the U.S. Air Force 1982-1988. He had a 20 year career in the High Tech Industry in the Bay Area, Rich then decided it was time to pursue his passions of skiing & golf. Moving to Truckee full time in 2000, he ran the Alpine Meadows program and later became Head Coach for the Mt Rose Falcons. He has coached his share of World Cup & Olympic athletes. He has concentrated on the Masters program where he has coached numerous National Champions. In 2009, Rich entered the PGA Academy program to become a PGA teaching pro. Normally, a 3-5 year program, Rich set a program record with a 9 month completion. He is the Chairman for the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open Pro-Am. Rich is a 2 time graduate of USSA's National Coaches Academy and is a USSA Alpine Official, Technical Delegate, Referee, and Chief of Course. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration.
Russ Lorang - Alpine Devo Race CoachEducation: Clolfax High School/Sugarbowl Academy
Work Experience: Worked at Sugar Bowl Academy 2 seasons
Ski Experience: Raced for SBA, Junior nationals, FIS, UNIs, NorAm Ski Cross, Rahlves Banzai Tour
Hobbies: Heavy Construction and living that Tahoe good life
Ruthie Nicholas - Pioneer Team LeadFrom: Redwood City, CA
Education: Woodside High and College of San Mateo
Work Experience: 2 years as Assistant Lead to the Pioneer Ski Team
Ski/Snowboard Experience: 15 years of passionate skiing, Ski Team mom of 3 boys and CPR certified.
Team: Pioneer Ski Team
Off Season work: Realtor Dickson Realty
Hobbies: Skiing, Water Skiing, boating and cooking.
Shahin Lampe - Pioneer Team CoachFrom: San Clemente, CA. I have lived with my husband and 3 kids in Incline Village for 11 years
Education: Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Level 1 ski certification, CPR and First Aid
Work Experience: I have worked as a Vocational Rehab counselor for the State of CA for 10 years. For the past 14 years I have been a preschool teacher and for the past 2 years I have taught skiing at Northstar.
Off Season Work: Preschool teacher and being a mom
Hobbies: Boating, camping, wake boarding, motorcycle riding, mountain biking riding and hiking, paddle boarding and surfing
Tanya Gregg - Pioneer Team CoachFrom: Jackson, Wy.
Work Experience: Second year coaching
Ski experience: Been skiing since the age of 3.
Off season work: Preschool teacher
Hobbies: Horseback riding, arts and crafts, and anything that involves snow:)
Tanya Milelli - Alpine Devo Race CoachFrom: Morristown, NJ
Education: BA in Political Science from George Washington University, Masters in International Law from the University of Sydney
Work Experience: Tanya has been working in the ski industry for twelve years. After a short season at a small hill in Pennsylvania Tanya moved to Lake Tahoe for bigger mountains and more snow. She spent five years at Heavenly working with the Ski School and coaching J5 racers with the Heavenly Ski Foundation. During that time Tanya followed the snow and traveled to the southern hemisphere where she worked as a ski instructor and race coach at Perisher Blue Ski Resort in Australia. Tanya later moved to Northstar where she has been since 2007. She has coached the J4/5 Far West Team and Masters program and currently works with the Development Ski Team.
Ski/Snowboard Experience: Tanya has been on skis since age three and grew up skiing on the east coast in PA and NY. While attending boarding school in Lake Placid, NY Tanya called Whiteface Mountain home. Tanya moved to the Tahoe Basin in 2002 and has not gone back east to ski since. She has earned her PSIA Level 2 and Children's Specialist certifications as well as her USSA Level 100 race certification.
Off Season work: Tanya works for the American Red Cross managing disaster response operations. She serves as a government liaison working with state and federal emergency management agencies to develop and execute response operations. Tanya has served on national response operations including Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in NY and also managed the response to the Reno Air Race crash in 2011.
Hobbies: Surfing, mountain biking and just about anything else outdoors.
Tim Kawcak - U10/12 Farwest Alpine Race CoachLvl 400 USSCA: Full Certified PSIA Lvl III Tech Team Member,First USSCA Coaching certification 1990
Lvl I PSIA 1995: Regional USSCA Coaching Certification 1995
Lvl II PSIA 1996: National Level Coaches Certification 1998
Lvl III PSIA 2000: PSIA Tech Team Certification 2010
• J-4/5 & J-3 Coach, Northstar Ski Team 2009 to current
• Utility Coach, Diamond Peak Ski Team 2004-2008
• Head Coach, Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation 2001-2004
• Coach Mt. Rose Falcons, Multiple age groups 1998-2001
• Head Coach, Mt. Rose Falcons 1995-1998
• J-4/5 Coach, Mt. Rose Falcons 1994-1995
Vice President, Kawcak Masonry Inc. 1984 to current; Specializing in all types of Masonry work from Custom Residnetial to Mid-Sized Commercial
www.kawcakmasongry.com
Troy Ford - Pioneer Team Coach
From: Belmont, California
Education: Sierra Nevada College
Work Experience: First Job was as a Mountain bike sales man. Then worked at a ski rental shop. Currently In the summers I am a Northstar Mountain Bike Academy Instructor.
Ski experience: Started skiing when I was 2 years old at Squaw Valley. Only raced for a few years.
Off season work: In the off season I stay in Tahoe working for Northstar with the Bike Academy. Teaching people how to better their mountain biking skills.
Hobbies: My hobbies are Racing mountain bikes professionally in the summer and skiing in the summer.
Vic DeMaio - Freeride CoachEducation: Studied Health & Physical Education at Montclair State University, Graduated Dec 2011.
Work Experience:
• Tumbleweeds Gymnastics, Minden, NV: 2012- Current. Huck and Chuck Coach.
• E fit & Spots, Stateline, NV: 2012- Jan 2013. Ski/ Snowboard Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Lake Tahoe School, Incline Village, CA: 2012- Current. Substitute-Health/ Physical Education
• Caldwell Community Center, Caldwell, New Jersey, Camp Caldwell: Summer 2011. Sports Director
• The Pingry School, Martinsville, NJ-Summer Program: Summer 2010. Sports Director
Ski/Snowboard Experience:
• USSA Regonal finals JIV, JIII Skiing 2001-2004
• JR Olympic Selection USSA JIII Skiing - 2004
• Killington Mountain School - 2004
• Red Bull Super Hit- Best Trick 2010
Off Season work: Tumbleweeds Gymnastics Huck and Chuck Coach
Hobbies: Skiing, Filming, Editing, Training, Competing in triathlons, Crocheting hats, Cliff Jumping in the summer.
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