Misty Lackey
Misty Lackey
Therapeutic Art Instructor
Misty Lackey is a therapeutic art instructor with a lifelong passion for inspiring others to connect and communicate through the medium of artistic impression. She received her master’s in art education from the University of Florida in 2015, with the goal of garnering skills necessary to design curriculum and implement projects that bridge student’s creative art abilities with daily living skills. Misty’s journey with the Joseph Sam’s School (JSS) started in 2010 as a volunteer, and quickly turned into a full-time Paraprofessional position. In 2013, she assumed the role of therapeutic art instructor. The program consists of art lessons tailored to every student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), with art interventions that support the goal of independence.
Over the past several years, students from the fine arts program have had artwork displayed at The High Museum of Art, The Four Seasons in Midtown, Radial restaurant in Decatur, and the Peachtree City and Fayette County libraries. They have also participated in the Play Me Again Piano community collaboration, as well as countless fundraisers. In addition, JSS students have a permanent art installation in the NICU wing at Fayette Piedmont hospital consisting of twenty-three pieces centrally themed to convey the importance of encouragement, peace, hope, and light. Misty’s strengths-based perspective brings awareness to her student’s abilities, rather than their disabilities. Through multiple community collaborations, including the city of Atlanta, she continues to educate the public and advocate for her students by providing a platform that allows her student’s creativity to shine!
In her spare time, Misty teaches art to children with special needs through the Fayette County Parks and Recreation Center.
When she is not working, she enjoys power walks, yoga and being on or near the water. Misty loves to travel and experience the world with her husband Ben. They live for outdoor adventure, culture, nature, friends, family and meals that bring it all together. In addition, they love seeing movies and Independent films. Misty and Ben are compassionate individuals driven by a core desire to positively impact humanity through service.
