Our Coaches

Kayley Grant, Skating Director

Kayley currently serves as the Skating Director for the Des Moines Figure Skating Club Learn to Skate Program in partnership with the City of West Des Moines and MidAmerican Energy RecPlex. Kayley holds a US Figure Skating Core Certification and Coach ICE. With over 20 years of experience coaching, Kayley coaches basic skills to competitive level skaters. Kayley enjoys baking, crafts, and plays the piano. Kayley can be reached at [email protected]

Maren Bettis

Maren has been coaching for over 10 years and holds her US Figure Skating Core Certification and Coach ICE. Maren specializes in hockey and basic skills as well as competitive level skaters. Maren’s goal as a coach is to make lessons fun and engaging while encouraging growth both on and off the ice. Outside of skating, Maren enjoys country concerts and anything DIY. Maren can be reached at [email protected]

Darlene Lewis

Darlene has over 20 years of coaching and competitive skating experience. She is a US Figure Skating Master Accredited Coach (Skating Skills), the highest level of coaching achievement. In addition, she holds the following US Figure Skating designations: Level 1 Accredited Coach (Singles Skating), Core Certification and Coach ICE. Darlene loves sharing her passion for figure skating with her students of all ages from beginner to advanced, making lessons both fun and rewarding with the goal to develop strong skating skills and the life lessons learned along the way. Away from the ice, Darlene enjoys singing, going to concerts, and watching Marvel movies. Darlene can be reached at [email protected]

Parker Manning

With over 20 years of individual skating experience, Parker reached Bronze level and has a passion for the sport since an early age. With a US Figure Skating Core Certification and Coach ICE. Parker enjoys focusing on jump techniques. Outside of skating, he enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and skiing. Parker can be reached at [email protected]

Dhari Piekarska

As a trained dancer and skater, Dhari shares her love of both on the ice with her students. Dhari holds her US Figure Skating core certification and Coach ICE. When she is not dancing or skating, Dhari enjoys baking, pilates, and dress design. Dhari can be reached at [email protected].

Kayla Poffenberger

Kayla has been coaching since 2017 and holds her US Figure Skating Coach Core Certification and Coach ICE. She received a bachelors in Exercise Science and Biology from Central College. Kayla enjoys helping skaters of all ages engage in physical activity and reach their goals. Outside of skating she enjoys hiking and kayaking. Kayla can be reached at [email protected]

Laura Ratcliff

Laura has been coaching for over 15 years and holds her US Figure Skating Core certification and Coach ICE. As a individual skater, Laura achieved Gold Skating Skills and Pre-Gold Freeskate. Laura's goal as a coach is to ensure that every skater finds fulfillment and excitement in their journey, both on and off the ice. Originally from Minnesota, Laura enjoys spending time staying active swimming, and playing Hockey and Lacrosse with her two sons and husband. Laura can be reached at [email protected]

Kassi Wessing

Kassi started skating as a young child and was a DMFSC Alumni prior to returning to skating. Kassi holds her US Figure Skating Core certification and Coach ICE. Outside of skating, Kassi enjoys spending time with her family at the lake and cheering on the Chiefs.

OUR COACHES