Jillian Lee
CanSkate & StarSkate Coach
Jillian Lee began skating at just two years old with the Barrie Figure Skating Club and Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie, Ontario. Coming from a strong skating family, with a mother who was a figure skating coach and a father who was a hockey coach, Jillian found herself on the ice from a very young age and quickly fell in love with figure skating. Growing up, she was inspired by incredible skaters and coaches who helped shape her passion for the sport. Training at the renowned Mariposa School of Skating and Barrie Figure Skating Club, she developed not only as an athlete and performer, but also as a person.
One of the most extraordinary highlights of Jillian’s skating career was the opportunity to perform professionally with Disney On Ice for seven years. As a principal performer, she had the honour of portraying Rapunzel, a dream role that allowed her to combine her love of skating, performance, and storytelling. Traveling the world, skating in front of thousands of people each night, and seeing the smiles of children and families in the audience was truly magical. It was a dream come true and an experience she will always cherish with immense gratitude.
As a skater, Jillian especially loved spirals and other field movements, which allowed her to showcase the flexibility she worked so hard to develop. She was inspired by skating idols Tara Lipinski and Sasha Cohen, whose artistry and elegance influenced her own skating journey. These experiences helped shape her appreciation for the creativity, expression, and passion that make skating so special.
Jillian joined the Saint John Skating Club in October 2025 and began her coaching journey as a CanSkate Coach. She holds her CanSkate Coach certification and has recently completed her Regional Coach training. As she continues working toward her certification, Jillian is gaining experience working with STAR 1-5 skaters and looks forward to furthering her coaching career.
What Jillian enjoys most about coaching is helping young skaters discover the same joy and passion that skating has brought to her own life. Watching skaters gain confidence, discover their strengths, and achieve skills they have been working hard on is incredibly rewarding. She especially loves seeing the excitement and pride on their faces when they accomplish something new. Coaching has given her a new perspective on skating, allowing her to experience the joy of being a mentor and helping others grow. It has taught her the importance of patience, celebrating small wins, and continuing to learn alongside the skaters she coaches.
Jillian’s mother, who coached for over 40 years before her passing, remains one of her greatest inspirations. Her passion for the sport and dedication to her students left a lasting impression, and Jillian hopes to inspire her own skaters in the same way. She feels her mother’s presence every time she steps on the ice and is grateful for the opportunity to continue her legacy through coaching. Her skating journey has been one of passion, dedication, and growth, and she hopes to help each skater discover their own confidence, creativity, and love for the sport.
Jillian encourages young skaters to always hold on to the joy that first brought them onto the ice. She recognizes that there will be challenging days, but she believes that with patience, self-belief, and a willingness to have fun, skaters can continue to grow and build confidence in incredible ways. A lot of heart goes into this sport, and through it, you can create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Jillian believes that “Skating isn’t just about technique — it’s about expression, creativity, and passion.”
Outside of skating, Jillian enjoys creative hobbies such as painting, sewing, and home décor projects. She loves finding ways to bring the same sense of joy, artistry, and creativity into everything she does, and spending time with her family is what matters most to her.
Jillian is grateful to be part of the Saint John Skating Club and to share her love of skating with such a welcoming and supportive community. She looks forward to continuing to grow as a coach and helping skaters discover the joy, confidence, and lifelong memories that skating can bring.