AVIMA
Had a vision. Transcended academic and professional boundaries. Was an outstanding communicator. Never tired. Demanded the best from everyone. Did not see obstacles; she saw challenges.
Dr. Miriam Westheimer, Friend and Colleague
Dr. Avima Lombard, Ed.D.
HIPPY Founder
After graduating from Cornell University, Dr. Avima D. Lombard attended Columbia University Teacher’s College, where she received her master’s degree in 1950. She continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a doctorate of education in 1968.
While at UCLA, Dr. Lombard served as the Assistant Director of Preschool Research Projects and worked as an Evaluation Coordinator for the UCLA Head Start Evaluation and Research Office. Dr. Lombard had an extensive career as a professor, researcher, and published author. Her publications included Success Begins at Home: The Past, Present, and Future of the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters and numerous other research papers.
In addition to presenting extensively around the world, Dr. Lombard taught as an adjunct Assistant Professor of Education at Columbia University Teachers College in 1981. Dr. Lombard also served as a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and as the Director of Early Childhood Research and Projects for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Research Institute for Innovation in Education.
In the mid-60's Dr. Lombard founded HIPPY, beginning as Haetgar (HIPPY), in Israel and later expanded it around the world to Germany, New Zealand, the United States, and several other countries.
Perhaps most important to her, Dr. Lombard was the proud mother of three children and a grandmother of 17 grandchildren. And, as the mother of HIPPY, she was friend and mentor of numerous HIPPY coordinators, home visitors and state and national leaders around the world.
Honoring Dr. Lombard
During HIPPY USA's National Biennial Conference, we recognize a HIPPY staff person at the local, state or national level who demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of young children and their families with the bi-annual Avima Lombard Awards Gala.
In 2018, as a part of HIPPY USA's 30th-anniversary celebration, HIPPY launched the Avima Lombard Society, a giving circle for major donors that helps with the long-term sustainability of our work and provides a source of unrestricted funds that are utilized where most needed.
Founding members include:
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Adam S. and Clarie M. Kohler
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Eli C. and Linda G. Frank
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Jonathan and Marjorie Margolies
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Keith and Robin Frank
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Scott and Carolyn Layman Gordon
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Brian and Staci Raley