Starting a business from scratch takes hard work. Utilizing that business to help your community takes heart.
This month’s featured NAFCS alums have drawn on both to accomplish their goals- and in doing so, they are supporting local students and educators.
Spain and a certain Spaniard enchanted Dr. Danielle Limeberry Periago (NAHS 1996) while she studied abroad during college, but it was a high school teacher who paved the way for this fateful trip. Now the local orthodontist uses her talents and resources to give kids opportunities to follow their dreams.
Marcy Grove Doering (FCHS 1990) and her husband, Rich, signed the lease for their Legacy Pizza and Bakery location a week before COVID-19 closures hit. Their perseverance and dedication to their vision made their restaurant a success. Hosting frequent Spirit Nights, the couple raises much-needed funds for area PTOs and other nonprofits.
Big thanks to both grads for supporting NAFC schools and for showing students that they, too, have the power to reach their goals.
Excerpt from the April 2025 Legacy Ledger (Issue 56):
Amanda Beamm, Guest Contributor
Marcy Grove Doering (FCHS ’90)
When Marcy and Rich Doering began dreaming up names for their new restaurant, one word stood out.
Legacy.
Rich, a chef with more than 45 years of culinary world experience, liked that it would honor his many mentors who had passed down their craft and traditions.
For Marcy, it reminded her of how her family used food to unite people.
Legacy Pizza and Bakery was born.
“It’s about feeding people. It’s about food being our love language. And that’s what my family did,” Marcy, a 1990 Floyd Central High School grad, said. “We’re so much better together as a society than separated. And that’s the legacy.”
Stop by the restaurant across New Albany High School on Vincennes St., and you’ll witness this tradition in action. Chances are she and Rich are sponsoring a local PTO or another nonprofit’s Spirit Day, donating a percentage of the sales back to the cause. As a preschool teacher for 17 years, the New Albany resident understands the dedication and sacrifices of educators. For her, giving back was never a question.
“There are so many people in this world that don’t understand how much PTOs do for the teachers,” Marcy said. “Teachers are some of the hardest working people out there.”
Marcy began working in the restaurant industry during high school at the iconic Zesto Ice Cream in New Albany, where she learned all about cleaning, customer service and quality. Nearing college graduation, she began serving in the dine-in restaurant scene at Bravo’s in downtown Louisville, where Rich was a line cook. But it wasn’t until they were sent to help out Ramsi Kamar at his new venture, Ramsi’s Cafe on the World, that they began dating. The couple married in 1996.
While her husband continued his epicurean journey, Marcy was employed by the Floyd County Prosecutor’s Office as a victim’s advocate after graduating college. She shifted to a career in education after the arrival of her two sons- Max, now 25, and Sam, 22.
Rich had always dreamed of opening up his own restaurant. With the boys grown, the couple decided it was time to make it happen. With a small nest egg from savings, they each quit their jobs in 2019 and focused on their soon-to-be-opened business.
Pizza, with its comfort and affordability, would be their specialty. In his hometown of York, PA, Rich grew up learning the art of hand-tossed pizza from those with Sicilian and Italian roots, who cherished hard work, family and good food. But the couple would also feature other items on their menu- pasta, sandwiches, salads, and desserts are just a few of the selections available.
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Dr. Danielle Limeberry Periago (NAHS ‘96)
Not long ago, a mother sat teary-eyed in Dr. Danielle Periago’s New Albany orthodontics office. As is often the case for first-generation immigrants, children must translate English into their parents’ native language, so that they can make an informed decision.
Fluent in Spanish, Danielle spoke directly with the mother; no go-between needed. Overcome with emotion, the woman broke down and cried.
“The parents are so grateful to actually be able to communicate directly with the doctor and not have to go through their kids. It’s huge for them,” the 1996 New Albany High School alum said. “(The mother said) it’s just so wonderful to be able to hear directly from you what my child’s care is going to be, instead of having to rely on what my kid is telling me.”
Learning Spanish hasn’t just benefited Danielle’s career; it changed her life. While studying abroad in Spain during college, she met her future husband, Juan. Twenty-five years and three kids later, the local business owner offers support and guidance to students blazing their own trails.
And it all began with a New Albany High School Spanish teacher.
Meet Cheryl Neafus, the educator Danielle credits for shaping her future.
“She had the biggest effect on my life… she just opened my mind to the world and different cultures,” said Danielle, who majored in Spanish at Tulsa’s Oral Roberts University. “(Studying in Spain and meeting Juan) was because of her. I know that sounds crazy. But she came to my wedding. She just imparted so much to me from her class.”
Danielle also participated in numerous extracurricular activities during her high school days. While academics always remained a priority, dancing with the NAHS Bulldolls and joining the Fellowship of Christian Athletes empowered Danielle. Through both, she developed leadership and public speaking skills that she continues to use.
From an early age, the 46-year-old was attracted to the medical profession. Looking for a work-life balance, Danielle opted to enter the University of Louisville Dental School and graduated in 2005. Following her orthodontics residency, she started Periago Orthodontics in 2007.
“I just loved ortho. It’s very fast-paced, which I like. You see a lot of patients a day. But the best part is the interaction with my patients. I get to watch these kids grow up,” Danielle said.
Building those relationships with kids and their families has also allowed Danielle to give back to her patients and the community. Check out any major events at our local schools and you’ll most likely see Dr. Periago listed as a primary sponsor. In addition, she raised thousands of dollars for the New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation by serving on its inaugural Legacy NAFC Royal Court. And we can’t forget her countless hours mentoring students who visit her practice.
“I just have such a big heart for these kids. You see and hear what they do when they’re in your office, and they tell you what they’re interested in,” the doctor said. “I want to see these kids thrive. I see where their passions are, and I want to help support them.”
With offices in New Albany, Floyds Knobs and Corydon, Danielle has made an indelible impact on Southern Indiana youth, bringing her journey of giving full circle.
“I love our community. I really do. I’m happy to support our school system because I just think it’s so important,” Danielle said. “I’m blessed that the community allows me to do that. And I’ve had so much great support from our community. I’m just so grateful.”
Read the entire April 2025 Legacy Ledger (Issue 56):