Cheryl Orr, Assistant Principal, Heber Springs Elementary School
Heber Springs, Arkansas, USA

What a wonderful honor it was to meet Avima and have the opportunity to participate in one of her training sessions in Israel! Being part of that week of training and also being part of the first USA training for HIPPY, instilled in me such a great love and respect for the HIPPY program and for Avima's vision. As I started my own program, then served as a state trainer and national trainer, I kept hearing her words in my head, "We have to straighten the line." She knew the program would be successful if it was delivered in the manner that it was created. It was her mission to make sure that the integrity of the program was maintained.

I have witnessed so many families touched by the effectiveness of the positive aspects of this program. From the first year I worked with my families, I have seen so much growth not just in the children's academic skills but in the positive connections between the adults and the home-based educators. Since our program is based in a school setting, this has been such a benefit to have our families come to kindergarten with the knowledge of educating their child and having a positive attitude towards the school.

I am grateful for Avima's dream and for her steadfast effort to educate young children and make a difference in the family unit. As HIPPY grows, her life will continue to influence others.