Uncrowned Community Builders

Dr. Lacey was born in Brooklyn, New York and relocated to Buffalo in 1974 to pursue her college education. Dr. Lacey earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary/Special Education from Canisius College; her Master of Science degree in Exceptional Education from Buffalo State College; and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in American Studies/Women's Studies from the University at Buffalo. Dr. Lacey is a certified teacher and administrator in New York State. Her professional and personal experience as an educator and entrepreneur for over 25 years reflects her scholarly commitment to student success, lifelong learning and community service.

Dr. Lacey's philosophy of teaching is based on her belief that "all students can learn" with the application of multiple intelligences theory and implementation of effective research-based instructional strategies that improve student's academic and affective learning skills. As an observer and participant, Dr. Lacey has researched the connection between student's academic performance and the performing arts and believes in supporting student's learning styles.

She is the founder of S.M.A.R.T. Services which provides mentoring and tutoring services for students. As a college professor, she teaches students with and without disabilities and promotes student achievement in English language arts and performing arts. Her doctoral dissertation and subsequent book documented the ethnography/oral history of drill and step team performance and contributed to the discourse on African American youth dance culture. The book titled "Feet Don't Fail Me Now: Devastating Divas on a Drill and Step Team" gives voice to the contemporary style of drill and step from the perspectives of African American female youth who perform this unique dance phenomenon. The book provides a historical context for drill and step and also has a DVD supplement of the local annual Drill-A-Rama competition. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences.

Dr. Lacey is a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and attends Zion Dominion Global Ministries. One of her favorite bible verses is "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths." ( Proverbs 3: 5, 6)

Her hobbies are playing the piano and Djembe drums, and her interests include reading and traveling. She thanks God for her "uncrowned queen" and mother, Shirley Washington, for her untiring love, inspiration and prayers. Dr. Lacey is married to James C. Lacey, Jr. ( owner-operator of Mr. Kones Ice Cream) and they are the proud parents of three children, Jamelle Brooke, Brienna June and Barrett James. "To God be the Glory for all the things He has done."