Meet Our Coaches

Note: Please contact the coaches for their available ice time lesson slots. You can also inquire about their rates for lessons. 

Molly Burmeister :: USFS & PSA coach

My name is Molly Burmeister. I recently graduated with my master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Minnesota State University – Mankato and am working on starting my own Mental Performance Consulting business. For the last four years, I have been a Home Club coach with the New Ulm Figure Skating Club (NUFSC), coaching skaters of all ages and skill levels in both USFS and ISI. In addition to finishing up school and coaching, I also worked at Caravel Autism Health as a Behavior Technician.

For thirteen years, I skated as a member of Burnsville MN Valley Figure Skating Club and was an Upper Great Lakes Regional Competitor. I also skated with the District 196 Figure Skating Team – Icettes for six years, where I competed ISI Freestyle 8, as well as on their varsity synchro team. Through my years of skating, I achieved USFS Gold Medal status in Moves in the Field and Freestyle. I began my coaching career with Apple Valley Learn to Skate in 2014 as well as coached BMVFSC’s Junior Club. During my undergraduate and graduate studies at MNSU – Mankato, I coached for NUFSC, doing individual and group instruction in freestyle, moves in the field, on-ice and off-ice conditioning, and choreography for competitions and ice shows. While at NUFSC, I coached skaters through ISI and USFS levels.

My coaching style combines my personal experience and knowledge of the techniques and dynamics of figure skating, along with my extensive studies of how the mind effects the body in sport and performance. I place a high emphasis on technique with my skaters to advance their skills. As important as it is to develop physical skills in figure skating, I believe that it is just as important to train the mental skills needed to perform successfully. I work with my skaters to set goals, increase their confidence, and manage mistakes in their skating. Figure skating can teach many life lessons beyond the ice, and my goal is to help each skater reach their potential both on and off the ice!

Contact Information:: (651) 261-1389 :: mollyburmeister@yahoo.com

Melissa Deuel :: 

Melissa Deuel has enjoyed her return to the New Prague Figure skating coaching staff in 2023. Prior to teaching figure skating in New Prague, Melissa previously taught in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Forest Lake and Chisago Lakes. She has worked with skaters of all ages and levels for the past 26 years. In her last competition, Melissa Placed first in interpretive and second in program at Adult Nationals when her first born child was 7 months old. During the past 8 years, she has been involved with American Ice Theater and developed a passion to see skaters reach their full potential not only as athletes, but also as artists. 

Outside of figure skating, Melissa’s primary career is serving as a pastor in Castle Rock and with her husband at Crossroads Church of Elko New Market, where they have been residents since 2006. Her three children, Aurora, Benjamin and Tirzah attend New Prague area schools. She is also the president of a nonprofit ministry, called Yours Faithfully. Off the ice, Melissa loves to camp in the BWCA, snowboard, read and cheer on her children in their various activities. 

Watching each student discover their potential on the ice continues to be a highlight in teaching with the NPFS Club.

Contact Information:: (612)756-4867 :: mdeuel@elkonewmarketchurch.com

Morgan Brandt :: 

My name is Morgan Brandt. I recently graduated from St. Catherine University with my undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science, and now I’m currently continuing my education there for a doctorate in physical therapy. 

This will be my second year coaching with NPAFSC! Prior to coaching, I was a club member for 9 years. During that time I passed my Senior Moves in the Field (now Gold Skating Skills). My love for skating has only grown since starting to coach!  

I love helping skaters find joy and confidence out on the ice! The spring skating show is always a highlight for me! 

Contact Information :: (952) 239-1038 :: mmb.brandt@gmail.com