ATHLETE REGISTRATION OPENS
9/3/26 FOR THE ICE FACTORY
Our Volunteer Team
The organization draws upon a wide range of people with varying areas of talents and expertise to support participants on and off the ice. Some of these people might include, but are not limited to: high school students, college and university students, teachers from K-12 and colleges, figure skaters and hockey players and coaches, business owners and managers, human service professionals including physical and occupational therapists, BCBA and ABA therapists, doctors, lawyers and other professionals.
Volunteer Expectations Include:
Gliding Stars of Central Florida, Inc. (“Gliding Stars”) is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for athletes physical, emotional and social development while providing basic ice skating skills and techniques in a one-to-one setting.
* Figure Skating: 14-16 sessions on or off ice for a 2 hour timeframe 3:30pm-5:00pm most Sundays; Hockey: 8 sessions, same day and timeframe. (a minimum of 6-8 volunteer sessions are required)
* Adherence of all Orlando Ice Den Skate facility rules
* Gliding Stars of Central Florida Code of Conduct and Registration form signature and completion (link above)
* Minimum 10 years of age and older
* Some skate experience is expected but not required for on-ice volunteer opportunities
* United States Figure Skating Registration for on-ice volunteers - USFS Learn to Skate # requested
* Gliding Stars of Central Florida Training Certification
* Off-ice volunteer interests are needed and should email: director@glidingstarsflorida.com
Proud Volunteer Partners with:
Holly Maher
Holly brings her previous experience as a USFS Learn to Skate Director/Coach from Ohio for her third season with Gliding Stars. She enjoys theme parks and cruises with her family and has been instrumental in our Showcase Choreography and weekly skills development training. She is certified within United States Figure Skating Association, First Aid/CPR Safety.
Rey Betancourt
Rey Betancourt is a dedicated volunteer and adaptive hockey coach with Gliding Stars of Central Florida who brings passion, patience, and encouragement to every session. As an enthusiastic hockey player, he is committed to helping athletes of all abilities feel confident, supported, and included on the ice. He has completed specialized training in USA Hockey Coaching Level 1, Disabled Hockey, SafeSport, Concussion Awareness, BLS/CPR, and Special Olympics Protective Behaviors and Young Athletes.
Matt Burkhead
Matt Burkhead joins Gliding Stars as an on-ice volunteer instructor for skating and hockey. He loves coaching our Gliding Stars athletes, encouraging them to have fun, build confidence, and enjoy hockey in a supportive and inclusive environment. He has completed specialized training in USA Hockey Coaching Level 1, Disabled Hockey, SafeSport, Concussion Awareness, BLS/CPR, and Special Olympics Protective Behaviors and Young Athletes.
Rachel McKenzie
Rachel is a Junior at Lake Highland Preparatory and has volunteered with Gliding Stars for the past 4 years. She continues to be a bright spirit and a friend to each of our athletes on ice and serves multiple volunteer organizations across Orlando, FL with more than 500+ volunteer hours . She is certified with American Heart Association First Aid/CPR.
Olivia Miskiv
Olivia is a student-athlete and volunteer who supports her family and her brother with autism through Gliding Stars and multiple Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs as a volunteer and leader on and off the ice. She is an active runner in both track and cross country and loves supporting the special needs community with 300+ volunteer hours. She is certified with American Heart Association First Aid/CPR.
David King
David is a parent of one of our athletes, he is a director and the secretary. As our Ice Show MC and DJ in the booth, he insists our athletes revel in their accomplishments and strive for excellence.
Terri Miskiv
Terri has been involved with Gliding Stars for 10 years. Her passion and advocacy for the special needs community is constantly strengthened from her son with autism and her family whom is always by her side.
Christopher Torchia
Chris has been involved with Gliding Stars since 2007, and now serves as a director and the treasurer. “I am constantly inspired by all those who participate in Gliding Stars.”