Meet Our Dedicated Pickleball Coaching Team

Pernille Halbro

Founder & Head Pro

Pernille leads Pickleball Impact Zone with a purpose-driven approach to coaching and community building. Her passion for player development, tactical training, and creating a welcoming environment has made her a trusted leader in the Stamford pickleball community. Whether working with beginners, advanced players, or juniors, Pernille brings energy, expertise, and heart to every session.

Specialties: Tactical Training • Advanced Coaching • Juniors • Clinics
Fun Fact: She has a gift for turning strangers into friends on the court.

Christina Hare

Instructor

Christina brings positivity, patience, and a big smile to every lesson. With a natural ability to connect with players, she makes beginners feel instantly comfortable and confident. Her warm, encouraging coaching style creates a supportive environment where players learn, grow, and enjoy every minute on court.

Specialties: Beginners • Juniors • Fundamentals • Confidence Building
Fun Fact: Christina celebrates every player’s success — no win is too small.

Doug Edwards

Instructor & USA Pickleball Ambassador

Doug fell in love with pickleball just over three years ago and quickly became an IFP-certified instructor. He is the founder and president of the Stamford Pickleball Club and works closely with Stamford Parks & Recreation to expand court access for the community. As a USA Pickleball Ambassador and the Regional Director of Tournament Operations, Doug is dedicated to growing the sport both locally and nationally.

An Army Veteran and electrical engineer, he brings discipline, passion, and decades of leadership to the court. He has lived in Stamford for 24 years and has been married to his wife Chom — also an avid player — for 49 years.

Specialties: Community Development • Adult Coaching • Tournament Operations • Ambassador Leadership
Fun Fact: Doug helped champion multiple new pickleball court initiatives in Stamford.

Javier Fraga

Instructor

Javier grew up on the tennis courts of Puerto Rico and has been a multi-sport athlete for more than 20 years. From cycling and racquetball to rock climbing and sim racing, he’s done it all — but pickleball reignited his love for racket sports. With decades of corporate leadership experience, Javier brings a calm, engaging, and confidence-building coaching style that supports players of all levels, kids included.

Specialties: Footwork • Strategy • Resets • Intermediate & Advanced Play • Juniors
Fun Fact: Javier has tried nearly every sport imaginable — and brings that athletic versatility to his coaching.

Michael Bookchin

Instructor

Michael discovered pickleball through a group lesson with Pernille and has been hooked ever since. With a lifelong background in table tennis, he brings quick reflexes and soft-touch instincts to the court. Michael has coached multiple sports — from youth soccer and softball to adult volleyball — and brings that same fun, skill-focused energy to pickleball. In 2024, he earned his Certified Pickleball Instructor credential through the International Foundation of Player Academy.

Specialties: Beginners • Senior Players • Soft Game • Fundamentals
Fun Fact: His table tennis skills transfer surprisingly well to pickleball!

Nancy Matles

Instructor

Nancy is the warm, welcoming heart of the Pickleball Impact Zone community. She has a special gift for making new players feel included, supported, and excited to learn. Her friendly, patient approach is perfect for beginners, advanced players, and juniors alike. Nancy turns nerves into confidence and courts into community.

Specialties: Beginner Coaching • Community Building • Children and Adult-Friendly Play • Juniors
Fun Fact: If someone is laughing on court, Nancy is usually nearby.

Erik Wolf

Instructor

Erik brings a calm, friendly, and encouraging approach to every session, making him a great fit for beginners and players looking to build a strong foundation. He focuses on helping new players feel confident, comfortable, and excited about learning the game. Erik keeps things simple, clear, and fun — creating an easy learning environment where players can relax, improve, and enjoy themselves.

Specialties: Beginner Development • Fundamentals • Confidence Building • Supportive Coaching
Fun Fact: Erik loves seeing players smile when they hit great shots they didn’t know they could make.

Kelli Postemski

Customer Experience Specialist

Kelli is the friendly face making sure every player feels welcomed and supported the moment they walk through the door. She loves helping people connect on the court and ensuring every experience is smooth, positive, and fun. Outside of pickleball, Kelli enjoys family adventures — from exploring new places to cheering on her son at the race track. She also loves peaceful beach walks, relaxing with a good book, and enjoying a well-deserved moment of quiet whenever she can.

Specialties: Customer Experience • Community Support • Player Engagement
Fun Fact: Kelli can turn even the busiest day into a warm, welcoming experience for everyone she meets.