Desert Lights Gymnastics

Desert Lights Coaches

	Lisa Spini EDUCATION Arizona State University, BA in Education EXPERIENCE 30 years as a gymnastics coach of all levels. 15 years as an Elite coach ACCOMPLISHMENTS Produced 10 USA National Team members; member of the USAG State Gymnastics Board for 12 years; National Team coach and taught at National training camps; nominated as Coach and Choreographer of the Year by the Elite Coaches Association; Elite judge for 12 years; 2001/2002 Arizona Judge of the Year; 2005 Arizona Coach of the Year GOALS/PHILOSOPHY To have a successful business full of hard working, happy gymnasts and to help each gymnast make and achieve realistic goals and be the best gymnast she can be. Strive to be a positive role model.
	Neela Nelson EDUCATION Arizona State University, Physical Education and Dance Major EXPERIENCE 38 years as a gymnastics coach, 18 years as a club owner; 26 years as a dance instructor; and 33 years as a gymnastics judge ACCOMPLISHMENTS Elite coach and judge for 16 years; coach of 13 National Team members' and coach of Level 10 State Champions GOALS/PHILOSOPHY To have a successful business full of hard working, happy gymnasts and to help each gymnast make and achieve realistic goals and be the best gymnast she can be. Strive to be a positive role model.
	Bruce McGehee EDUCATION University of Washington, Physical Education; Clover Park Technical School, Business; Phoenix College, Design Major EXPERIENCE Head Coach/Director, Washington Gymnastics Academy in Seattle, Washington ACCOMPLISHMENTS Elite coach and judge for 16 years; coach of 13 National Team members' and coach of Level 10 State Champions GOALS/PHILOSOPHY To have a successful business full of hard working, happy gymnasts and to help each gymnast make and achieve realistic goals and be the best gymnast she can be. Strive to be a positive role model.
	Chris George EDUCATION Pike HS in Indianapolis, Indiana; attended Indiana State University with a Pro Pilot Tech major EXPERIENCE Gymnast for 2 years; coached for 14 years; coached at Lake Owen, Wisconsin for 7 years ACCOMPLISHMENTS As a gymnast in 1993, I was 3rd place at the Indiana State meet and 10th on floor at Nationals. As a coach, I have had a lot of personal accomplishments, but feel my biggest accomplishments are yet to come. In 2002, I coached the Vault Champion for Level 9 Western Championships. In life, my biggest accomplishment was when I was about 1 year old: I learned to walk. GOALS/PHILOSOPHY To offer the gymnasts as much as I can offer, allowing them to enjoy the sport and apply it toward life and every day occurences; to teach each gymnast the best I can in a fun environment.
	Bob Peterson EDUCATION Scottsdale HS, Scottsdale Community College EXPERIENCE 27 years as a gymnastics coach, club owner, administrator, and recently appointed assistant coach of the ASU women's gymnastics team ACCOMPLISHMENTS Former USA National Team Coach; trained numerous State, Regional and National Champions; Arizona Women's Gymnastics Association President from 1986 through 1988; winner of the US Elite Coaches Association Rookie Elite Coach of the Year Award in 1990. GOALS/PHILOSOPHY I believe that a good self image is the way to achievement. When we teach our children to believe in themselves, we open the doors to allow them to attain their highest potential.
	Janelle McDonald EDUCATION AA degree with an emphasis in Business; currently attending ASU for a BS in Kinesiology EXPERIENCE I have been involved in gymnastics for over eleven years ; competed as a Club, Jr. High and High School gymnast; coaching for over 6 years and am also a certified judge; and am an USAG professional member and safety certified. ACCOMPLISHMENTS I come to the gym each day with the goal of making each gymnast I work with the best then can be!
	Angie Perry EDUCATION Currently attending Arizona State University EXPERIENCE 4 years coaching from Pre-school to Compulsory ACCOMPLISHMENTS I was a Level 8 AZ State Champion, Level 9 AZ State Bar Champion and Western Qualifier GOALS/PHILOSOPHY To obtain my degree. There is always more than one path to your destination; keep going till you find yours.
	Shilo Mead EDUCATION Mountain Pointe HS and Mesa Community College EXPERIENCE I have literally grown up in the gymnastics world, around gyms, coaches, judges, competitions, the politics, and everything in between! I have been coaching for approximately 10 years and have an extensive dance background. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Seeing the excitement on a gymnast's face when she has learned a new skill, an dhelping our young athletes develop confidence and realizing their potential. GOALS/PHILOSOPHY I want the girls to have fun, but I also want them to understand that hard work and dedication go hand in hand with the things you love and being successful at everything you do!
	Kim Graves EXPERIENCE 8 years coaching, Coach Levels 1- 6. 10 years competition - progressed to Level 9 and competed for high school. GOALS/PHILOSOPHY I have been working with the Level 4's for a few years and am so excited for the opportunity they have had to compete for the Desert Lights Team.
	David Bentley EDUCATION Highland Park High & Kansas University EXPERIENCE 20 years of coaching Hot Shots to Elite gymnastics. Also trained Olympic & professional athletes in track, baseball, football, volleyball, dance & cheer. ACCOMPLISHMENTS All City State Track & Gymnastics, John Davis Award for Outstanding Athlete, All Conference in Track & Field. GOALS/PHILOSOPHY To help everyone I work with to become the best they were created to be. "It's not who you are or what you have that defines you, but what you do to help others that changes a generation."
	Zaria Lockhart EDUCATION Capistrano Valley High School - Mission Viejo, CA EXPERIENCE 13 years competition - was Level 9 Training 10. 4 years coaching. ACCOMPLISHMENTS I was Level 8 State Vault Champion - qualified many times to Regionals. I would say my biggest accomplishment to date is my daughter! GOALS/PHILOSOPHY My goal is to see every gymnast reach their full potential. I want every gymnast I coach to know that no matter how hard the workout was, it will pay off in the end.

Desert Lights Staff

Christy Robinette

EXPERIENCE
Has worked with Lisa Spini for 16 years - 5 at Arizona Twisters with Roe and Lisa, and 11 at Desert Lights. Most importantly, she has been a gymnastics mom for 15 years. Now that her daughter Rhonda is finished with gymnastics, she is the gymnastics mom for all the Desert Lights' gymnasts.

I have seen first hand how wonderful this sport is to so many young girls, no matter how far they take it. The lessons and the skills they acquire are so valuable and makes them very confident, well-rounded young ladies. It has been a privilege to be part of such a quality program; the best in the nation. Good luck to all of you this year!