Angie Lacy

Angie Lacy serves as our Lily Pad and Tadpoles teacher. She is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She has been a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 30 years; specializing in the birth to three population. She also currently works as an Occupational Therapist for the Indiana First Steps program. Angie has a long time affiliation with Downey Cooperative Preschool; attending Downey herself as a child and as a co-op parent for her four children. As a co-op parent, she held a variety of positions, including president, secretary, and membership chairperson. Angie also founded and runs a nonprofit organization called Project Play, Inc; which provides toys and books to children who need them. She has a strong belief in the power of learning through play. Angie enjoys being outside, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Mindy Dant

Mindy Dant is a graduate of Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduating she spent six years teaching kindergarten. Mindy began her experience at Downey as a co-op parent when her oldest child was part of the Polliwog class and spent 9 years as a co-op parent while her three children attended Downey. During that time she held roles such as class rep, president, co-president, and treasurer. In 2017 she began teaching in the Frogs class. She transitioned into teaching the Leapfrog Kindergarten class beginning in 2024 and is currently piloting our mixed age Frogs/Leapfrogs program. Mindy whole-heartily believes in the “learn through play” motto and cooperative model of Downey. She works to create activities and experiences that encourage children to inquire, explore, and play freely. Mindy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, being in nature, going on bike rides, and discovering new and interesting children’s books.

Peggy Smith

Miss Peggy Smith is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Elementary
Education and a specialization in Special Education. She has worked in the early
childhood setting for the past ten years in the public-school setting. She began teaching
as a kindergarten teacher and eventually transitioned to special education. She loves to
witness our youngest learners grow and learn through play. Peggy is eager to begin her
co-op journey as both the Polliwog teacher and co-op parent this year at Downey.
Peggy loves being in nature, drinking coffee and reading with her twin daughters.