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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE Vice-President


Janice Teodoro-Forbes, CAP, CSD ISI 1st


More Jennifer Hometown: Plano, Texas


Family: Jennifer and her boyfriend have a one-year-old black Labrador puppy.


Interests: Thrifting, brewery tours, watching sports, reading


Favorite Place to be: “Wherever my family is ...”


Song Title that Best Describes Her: “All Star” by Smash Mouth


Jennifer can be reached at Jennifer @skateisi.org or 972-735-8800


Program and Recreation Coordinator, Sprinker Recreation Center


Continuing Education at Conference = Career Building Blocks


I attended my first industry conference in May 1986 in Boston, Mass. In reality, I attended two confer- ences because fortunately it was one of several years in which the Professional Skaters Guild of America (PSGA), now known as the PSA, and the Ice Skating In- stitute of America (ISIA), now called the ISI, were held during overlapping dates at the same location.


I recall feeling overwhelmed and star struck — so many famous coaches all in one place to share with me, a fairly new instructor, what they had learned through the years. Then there was the trade show; I had never seen so many different yet related vendors in one place. There were the boot and blade companies, skating dress manufacturers, arena builders, and yes, even a Zamboni in the middle of the showroom floor. I was at the Nordstrom of figure skating! It didn’t occur to me at the time that it would be the beginning of over 30 years of attending conferences, continuing education seminars and schools and the start of friendships that continue to grow — the opportunity to learn from the best and share.


As Tanksgiving approaches, we’d


like to extend our gratitude to our


loyal members who continue to put their trust in us to help


grow their businesses and the ice sports industry.


THANK YOU from all of us at ISI!


My conference roommates and partners in crime were Patti Feeney and Jenise Jensen. Yes, there is an- other Janice and her parents were kind enough to spell her name correctly! The three of us became known as Larry, my brother Darryl and my other brother Darryl (“The Three Stooges”). Thirty years later, we are still referred to as Larry, Darryl and Darryl. Patti became my mentor back then.


I have fond memories of every conference I’ve ever at- tended, whether it be a unique on-ice session, excel- lent classroom presentation, interesting trade show, fabulous awards luncheon or fun cocktail reception. Last year’s conference was one of my favorites; every speaker I heard was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and the atmosphere was vibrant. I felt like I was at my first conference! I usually arrive home from conference inspired and that was definitely the case last year.


Ice Sports Industry skateisi @skatingisi


In earlier years, I was lucky enough to be a student of World and Olympic coach Kathy Casey. Kathy would take me around and introduce me to all her famous coaching friends, including Frank Carroll, John Nicks, Janet Champion and Debbie and Gerry Lane, just to name a few. One of the things I noticed was that those famous coaches would stay and listen to other coaches, whether it be in an on-ice session or in a classroom setting, to continue to learn as well. That left a lasting impression on me; It taught me that I, too, need to keep learning and evolving.


In July 2004, I decided to face one of my biggest fears. I attended ISI’s iAIM School (now known as ISI Univer- sity) in Marlborough, Mass. to earn my Certified Pro- gram Director designation. It was an eight-hour-a-day, week-long course, with an exam at the end. The idea of an exam petrified me and one of my very competitive classmates, David Santee, didn’t make that fear any easier to face! It turned out to be an amazing experi- ence! The lively study sessions held nightly with other students and the entertaining games that the instruc- tors shared with us to help retain the information made my nerves disappear.


All 32 students passed the test, and not so shocking, Mr. Santee was the first one to finish. Those graduates became an extension of my career and family, not just because I’m Italian! Since then, I’ve taken the Certified Skating Director course, and my next goal is to take the Certified Arena Manager (CAM) course.


In those early years of attending conference, I spent most of the time listening and learning and yes, sitting by the pool. I craved not only learning but also socializing with peers and connecting with friends I had made. Year after year, I look forward to seeing my conference fam- ily and friends. These faces from around the world are important building blocks in my career.


The connections I’ve forged at conference have made it as easy as a phone call, email or text to get answers to questions, whether they pertain to teaching, a build- ing issue, program idea or finding an arena for skaters moving to another area.


Attending meetings and classes and networking with others in the industry has truly benefited my profes- sional journey. Also, free local ISI district seminars became a convenient way to continue learning outside of the annual conference. ISI has given me the oppor- tunity to bring dynamic speakers to District 13 to share their expertise with other coaches in the Northwest.


As the years have flown by, the opportunities to vol- unteer on committees, be a seminar leader and/or speaker, and serve on the ISI board of directors and executive committee were made possible by my com- mitment to continuing education.


It’s important to pay it forward by sharing knowledge — the process starts with learning.


Learn, share, repeat! See you in D.C.!


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