Looking for a coach

Hello all! I have decided that in order to continue to improve, the time has come to hire a coach. I am currently looking for suggestions in choosing one. If you have or currently employ a coach that meets these qualifications please let me know.

1) Not too expensive, under 40$/ hour, preferably with a trial discount

2) Minimum rating of either 2400 USCF or 2300 Fide.

3) Main language is English, without a major foreign accent.

4) Available for lessons between 1200 and 1700 ET.

5) Uses Skype

Many thanks in advance, Nate

I had a training session with IM Tom Bartell, and it was a good experience.

Thanks for the reply hicenunc, I will certainly consider him.

I should note that most, if not all, of these requirements can be found on some of the chess.com coaches list, but you never can tell until you start the lesson whether they speak fluent English. For this reason that requirement is the most important in my opinion ;)

That's something you can easily test by having a quick chat on Skype.

I had my 2nd session with IM Zdenko Stupavsky today.

He meets criteria 1, 2, and 5.  He speaks English very well, but he has an accent.  It's no problem for me to understand him.  I guess the only way for you to know would be to have a chat  (He offers 30 minutes of free coaching).

About timing, I did my first lesson at 16:00 ET, but now it'd have to be on the weekend or earlier than your timeframe due to his job.

I like his coaching.  We've reviewed some of my games and he has found some of my weaknessess and given some very good chess books in PDF. Also, he's very quick to find good/bad moves in games, though I suppose most IMs are :)

http://www.chess.com/coach/valeri-lilov

Click on his site for rates, and look at his free videos on youtube.  He has alot of training options based on your needs and pricing.

I am very impressed with his skill as a teacher.  Knows how to take the theoretical into practical advice.

@cdowis75, I just checked out Valeri's page and he is very articulate, and writes fluent english, with good testimonials as comments. Makes me think about getting a coach... thanks Nate!

I am a big fan of Valeri and his videos, but his prices are too expensive.

@Stephen, thanks for the recommendation, I will certainly consider him.

Tom Bartell is a cool guy.  He's very good at beating GMs too and certainly analyzes well although he struggles a bit sometimes against 2250 players  [I've heard his life goal is to beat me several times.].  Seems to know a lot about chess although opening theory not so much, he's talented that way, and plays lots of positions.  I don't think he studies much with engine analysis, or so I've heard.