Leadership Team
At the heart of the leadership team is a genuine love of skiing, including all aspects of the sport – doing it, learning it, teaching it. But it's not just about passion. We're a curious and hard working bunch, with mountains of experience and extensive industry knowledge and relationships. Our diverse collective experience – spanning decades in education development, teaching, scientific study, and ski school leadership – positions us at the forefront of ski professional training and development. Each member brings their own story, expertise, and dedication to the sport.
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As the summer continues we will be announcing more of the PSIE Leadership Team so watch this space...
about
derek tate
Derek has been teaching skiing for over 35 years and during that time has worked with all ages and abilities from beginner, to advanced recreational skiers, instructors and competitive athletes.
In 1992/93 he completed a post graduate diploma in sports coaching which included a strong sports psychology component. In 2019 he graduated, with distinction, from the Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from Buckinghamshire New University and since then has continued incorporating psychology into all of his coaching (life, business, leadership, sport etc.) combined with his passion for the outdoors and being in the mountains.
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Derek has always been passionate about training and examining ski instructors and has not only worked as a trainer and examiner but has been heavily involved in the writing and creation of resources and development of certification pathways. He has also attended five Interski Congresses representing Ireland.
about
jamie kagan
Jamie's ski instructing career began in 2003 in Banff, and then Silverstar BC, where he earned his Level 4 certification. His expertise spans globally, including certifications with BASI, IASI, Swiss Brevet Federal, and the Euro Ski Pro.
Recent experience includes being Head of Education for IASI and he represented Ireland at Interski 2019 in Pamporovo, Bulgaria and Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland where he was both demo team coach and technical demonstrator.
He is co-founder of Sommet et Neige SARL in Haute Nendaz, Switzerland. This ski school and instructor training center focuses on excellence in training and global instructor placement. Jamie is excited to reunite with mentors from Canada in this new journey.
about
stefania rocchi
Stefania has been involved in the Snowsports Industry since she was a child when she was competing in ski racing, in Italy. In 2016, she graduated in Management Engineering from the Politecnico of Milan and her studies allowed her to develop organizational and managerial skills. Her career as a ski instructor began in the winter 2019/20 in Switzerland where she started her professional pathway through IASI, which led her to obtain the Level 4 Certification. During these years, Stefi has been teaching clients of all ages and abilities with enthusiasm and she trains gap course students and professional ski instructors, helping and supporting them to achieve their goals.
Her experience as a trainer led her to become an examiner for IASI and she represented Ireland at Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland, as both demo team and technical demonstrator.
Stefi is co-owner of Sommet et Neige in Haute Nendaz, Switzerland holding the roles of Operational Director for the ski school and training center.
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Stefi's goal is to share her passion for winter sports and the outdoors, creating new opportunities for others to become a professional in the world of sport.
about
joshua duncan-smith
In 2011 Josh was fortunate to find his vocation for teaching while working in a small ski school in the Swiss Alps. Since then his passion has provided a rewarding career as a ski instructor and ski instructor trainer/examiner.
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Josh is a fully qualified ski instructor, holding the top certifications from Italy (AMSI), Professional Ski Instructors of Europe (PSIE), Canada (CSIA), Ireland (IASI), and New Zealand (NZSIA). He is also a current Demo Team member and senior examiner for the NZSIA. Josh also holds the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation (CSCF) development level race coach and the CTT Euro speed and mountain security tests.
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His work throughout the year consists of private lessons where he teaches a wide range of guests of all abilities while also training skiers to attain their maximum potential and certifying them for the Rookie Academy, PSIE, and NZSIA.
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His YouTube channel ‘Josh Duncan Smith’ is where he regularly post videos demonstrating ski techniques. Two of his most popular series's are the 'How To Ski' and 'Ski Tips In A Minute'. Josh’s other notable industry experience; placing in the top 25 of the Hansol Korean interski competition, fore running the Carve technical ski championships, making the finals of the 2017 and 2019 Hokkaido technical ski championships, and winning the 2015 Whistler technical ski championships.
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Josh is a global ambassador for Carve Sport Korea, Zip Fit, Fischer, Komperdell, andSHRED optics.
