Debbie Downs has been teaching Adapted P.E. for 18 years for SPS. Before Springfield she was a P.E. teacher in Bolivar, Missouri. Debbie graduated from Missouri State University in 1986 with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. She went on to complete her Masters degree in Exercise Science in 1995 from the University of Central Missouri. Along with teaching, Debbie is the head volleyball coach at Kickapoo High School. Debbie has two black labs, Calvin and Chase, that she loves dearly. In her spare time she enjoys cycling, working in her yard and visiting her family in Farmington, Missouri.
Chris Vandergrift has been teaching Adapted P.E. for 6 years for SPS. Chris graduated from Missouri State University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education. In 2011 Chris graduated with his Masters in Secondary Administration from Missouri State University. He is currently completing his Specialists degree from Missouri State University and hopes one day to be a superintendent. Along with teaching, Chris also coaches 7th grade football at Carver Middle School. In his spare time Chris enjoys working out, taking road trips, and spending time with friends.
Cindy Deskin has been teaching Adapted P.E. for 17 years for SPS. Before Springfield she was a P.E. teacher for Catholic High School in Springfield, Missouri. Cindy was named the Missouri State Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2010. Along with teaching, Cindy is also on the Advisory Board of Springfield's Women's Intersports Network (WIN). WIN strives to empower women and girls to stay active and participate in life long sports and fitness. In her spare time Cindy enjoys cooking, being outside, and spending time with her family.
Leslie Hanchey has been teaching Adapted P.E. for 2 years for SPS. Leslie graduated from Missouri State University in 2010 with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education. She is currently completing her Masters work through William Woods University in Administration. Along with teaching, Leslie also coaches middle school basketball and track, and high school basketball at Kickapoo High School. In her spare time Leslie enjoys working out, spending time with her family, and watching movies.
Courtney Schaeg is in her first year of teaching Adapted P.E. for SPS. Courtney graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education in 2011. Courtney enjoys hunting with her boyfriend and dog Boo, working out, and going home to see her family in St. Louis. Courtney plans on getting her Masters in Administration after this school year.
