Coaches
Edmonton Aurora coaches work as a team to deliver their strengths to the athletes they coach. Athletes in our competitive programs will receive coaching from many of the coaches listed below during the 2022-2023 Season:
Artistic Swimming Coaches
Anastasiia Cherniak
Youth Team Coach
Belinda Van Papeveld (she/her)
Team Coach
Kennedy Walker (she/her)
Pre-competition Coach
Head Coach: Vanessa Keenan ~ She/her/hers (headcoach@aurorasynchro.org)
Vanessa Keenan, also known as The Online Synchro Coach, is an alumni athlete, coach, and Head Coach with the Edmonton Auroras. She obtained her Masters of Arts (specializing in coaching) and Bachelor of Physical Education (with Distinction) from the University of Alberta. Her mentor coaches include past Olympic coaches Sheilagh Croxon (University) and Leslie Sproule(Level 4 coaching certification)
Vanessa is also Certified in the Breath-Hold Safety Program, EasyFlexibility Training Certification, Zaichik Stretching Technique, and Certified Module 4, Alixa Flexibility. Vanessa lives just north of the city of Edmonton where she and her husband are raising their 3 children.
Meghan Sit ~ She/her/hers (13-15 National Stream Lead Coach)
Meghan is a retired Aurora national stream athlete currently studying at the University of Alberta. Meghan has coached in our provincial programs for six seasons and is in her second year coaching national stream. Meghan is fully certified in her Introduction to Competition coaching level and recently became trained at the Competition Development level. She has coached PS 10U, 12U, and 13-15 age groups. In 2018, Meghan's duet and solo had podium finishes at Provincial Wildrose competitions. In 2020, her soloist made the podium in 11-12. Meghan is Level 1 in Alixa flexibility.
Olena Cherniak
Recreational coach
My name is Olena Cherniak, and I am just starting off in my career as a coach. When I was little, I was inspired by coaches who encouraged me and always found a way to make practices fun, and now I hope to be that kind of coach for others.
My coaching philosophy is that swimming should be challenging but also fun. I believe the best results come when athletes love the process and feel excited to come to practice. I want to inspire a love for synchronized swimming, helping swimmers appreciate both the art and athleticism, not just the competition.
I have been a synchronized swimmer since I was eight, which has given me a strong foundation in technique, teamwork, and dedication. I’ve also assisted in practices, helping younger swimmers gain confidence in the water.
Outside of swimming, I am passionate about Ukrainian dance, which complements my love for movement and creativity.
My goal as a coach is to help swimmers discover how amazing the sport can feel and to believe in themselves every step of the way.
Keltie Purvis
Maycee Litoski
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