OUR STAFF SUMMER 2011
Woodward Coaches
For the Woodward at Copper coaching staff we’ve gathered some of the best skiers, snowboarders and gymnasts in the land to teach you aerial awareness and then show you how to apply those skills to your skiing and riding. Bounce on the trampolines with Olympian Phoebe Mills, hit the big ramp with Dave Zweig, or ride through Woodward Central Terrain Park with Rick Shimpeno.
Training
All of our coaches go through intensive training (including CPR and First Aid Certification) and background checks. They are only picked because they are the best around! They all have strong work experience, great attitudes, tons of knowledge, and we trust will bring you the most quality camp experience possible. We are alcohol, drug, and tobacco free.
Meet Our Leaders (and why they are so special!)
Phoebe Mills - Program Manager
-Took up gymnastics classes when she was 6 years old, started training with Bela and Martha Karolyi at age 11
-Earned a spot on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team in Seoul, South Korea where she won a bronze medal on the balance beam.
Worked as a coach at the Okemo Mountain School from 1996-2000.
-She was also selected to coach the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) Junior National Team (JNT) from 1998-2000.
-Phoebe then began teaching gymnastics at Woodward Camp in Woodward, PA the summer of 1997, and she has returned every summer since then. She developed a basic gymnastics and aerial awareness program for snowboarders in 1998.
-Phoebe is intimately involved in the design of the new Woodward at Copper facility as well as developing the daily programs and summer camps. She is also involved with the USASA as Vice President and is currently a professional snowboard judge.
Rick Shimpeno - Assistant Program Manager
Has been working as a Professional Snowboard Coach for the past thirteen years and has coached many of the promenant snowboarders today.
-He began his career with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club in 1995, working with snowboarders of all ages and abilities.
Riders included: Gretchen Bleiler, Jason Earz Smith, and Laura Hadar.
-Rick was chosen as an assistant coach for the US Jr. National team in the year 2000 while working with the Aspen team.
-Attended the Jr. World competition in Les Menuirs, France with a team of riders from through out the United States and again in 2005 to Zermatt, Switzerland
-In 2001 Rick moved east and worked for two seasons with the Killington Mountain School Snowboard program
-In 2003 Rick moved to the Stratton Mountain School and spent five years there where he was awarded, the USSA Domestic Coach of the year award in 2005.
Rick is entrenched with the activity he loves most. Still Snowboarding and Still Loving it.
Giri Watts- Head Coach
Years Snowboarding: 11 years
Years Skateboarding: 3 years
Teaching for 7 years
Hometown: Floyd, VA
Accomplishments:Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from JMU, Trainers Accreditation through AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors), Watching a rope drop and getting pow turns to start the season.
Click to view full profiles of all our coaches!
Visiting Pros
Tons of pros skiers and riders have been dropping by. Whether its TJ Schiller trying some new tricks on the tramps or Pat Moore hosting a best grab contest in our summer on-snow terrain park...all the Pros are having a blast here! You never know who’s going to show up in The Barn...
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