Florida HIPPY Honors

Dr. Mary Lindsey Lewis

Winter 2018

Florida HIPPY Training & Technical Assistance CenterCollege of Behavioral and Community SciencesUniversity of South Florida13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MHC 2113ATampa, Florida 33612Phone (813) 974-2177Fax (813) 974-6115http://floridahippy.fmhi.usf.edu

Interim State DirectorDabaram RampersadRampersad@usf.edu

HIPPY USA1221 Bishop StreetLittle Rock, AR 72202Tel: (501) 537-7726 Fax: (501) 537-7716http://www.hippyusa.org

FLORIDA

FloridaHIPPYStateOffice

FloridaHIPPY

Dr. Mary Lindsey LewisThis edition of the Florida HIPPY newsletter is dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Lindsey Lewis who passed away suddenly on January 26, 2018. She served as the Director of the Florida HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) T&TA Center since it was opened in 1996 within the Department of Child & Family Studies at the University of South Florida. She was dedicated to the field of early childhood education, and devoted much time working to emphasize the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education. Many of her efforts were centered around mobilizing community resources to support the education of children “at risk” of school failure.

Mary received her undergraduate degree from South Carolina State University, and MEd, EdS and PhD degrees from the University of Florida. She began working at USF in 1981 as the Director of Special Services in Undergraduate Studies. In 1985, she became the Executive Director of the Hillsborough County Center of Excellence, Inc. In 1996, she became the Director of the Florida Hippy Tranining and Technical Assistance Center at the University of South Florida.

Mary was successful in sustaining HIPPY programs in Florida by procuring over $30 million dollars dedicated to HIPPY’s home-based, early intervention program helping parents create experiences for their children that lay the foundation for success in school and later life. Mary initiated a grant to the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County to create the first HIPPY program in Hillsborough County in 1990. She firmly believed that all children can learn and must have access to quality preschool education.

Mary’s passion for inclusiveness and diversity spread across national boundaries, individual abilities, and new technology. She established multiple relationships with educational organizations serving children and families. In June 2015, she was among a group who participated in a two-week pilot project in Nigeria, West Africa where they piloted their program with nineteen different communities.

Over the years, Mary served as speaker at many events including HIPPY graduations. She was involved in a variety of professional organizations and was a recipient of numerous awards and distinctions. She was honored with the Avima D. Lombard Award at the HIPPY National Leadership Conference in 2016. She served as a HIPPY National Trainer, was appointed to serve on the National HIPPY Advisory Team and was also selected to serve on the state workgroup that was responsible for setting early childhood standards for children ages birth to three years old.

We will miss Mary and will continue her work and dedication to the education of children and families in Florida

— Dabaram Rampersad, Interim Director, Florida HIPPY T&TA Center

FCIC grieves the loss of Dr. Mary Lindsey. She was an outstanding program leader, executive director, faculty member, and colleague who will be deeply missed. Her contributions to the field stretched far beyond USF. Through her efforts, young children across Florida have the readiness skills that lead to academic success. Moreover, family members have the confidence and competence to guide their children’s learning. Nationally, Mary contributed greatly to HIPPY USA and the expansion of this highly valued and effective home visiting model. In addition, Mary contributed internationally, sharing her experience and enthusiasm to promote the expansion of HIPPY programs. In addition to the loss of a great leader, we feel the loss of a wonderful colleague. Dr. Lindsey was a treasured colleague who was warm, funny, enthusiastic, caring, and supportive of her co-workers. Our lives and the lives of young children and families have been forever touched by Dr. Lindsey.

— Lise Fox, PhD, Professor and Co-Director, Florida Center for Inclusive Communities

HIPPY’s Purple HeartShe was our leader, encourager, mentor, supporter and cheerleader.

She believed in us, our children, our families and our communities.

She fought for and with us to sustain and grow our HIPPY program.

She helped us realize the impact our work has in our communities.

Her presence will remain forever because HIPPY is for life (eternal)!

She will forever be with us, her signature phrase “I Am Excellent” has become our mantra.

We will forever celebrate her life and continue her legacy because…

We Are Excellent!

—Hillsborough HIPPY Parent Involvement Project

She was a LadyTall not only in stature but also in

Compassion, Love, Patience, and Kindness She was a Lady

Well rounded in every way Intellectual, Articulate, Down to earth, Special

She was a Lady

Gifted in early childhood Knowledgeable, Credentialed,

Teaching, Guiding, Supporting, Loving She was a Lady

Miss her we all will But she lives in our hearts still.

She was a Lady

—Alachua County Public Schools/HIPPY Natalie G. Strappy, Executive Director

Jessica Ellis, Coordinator Phyllis McKnight, Supervisor

Dedication to my friend DR. MARY LINDSEY LEWISOut of all mankind, when you find a friend, you have found something more precious than treasures. There was nothing more valuable to me than my friendship with Dr. Mary Lindsey Lewis. We cannot have those wonderful long phone calls and in person conversations again so that we can laugh together, and lift my spirits when things were not going well for me. I would wonder how can you always be “excellent” every time I ask about your day. You said to me that it is not difficult if you find something positive in difficult situations. Your dedication to your mother, grandson, other family members, HIPPY, and your community gave me so much inspiration.

The days are gone that we use to share but you will be in my heart forever.

—Barbara Samuel

Nearly three decades ago, Mary, Nan and I began to nourish a seed that grew into HIPPY Florida. During those many years, Mary was a beacon of light that charted new paths in early childhood education and opened the hearts of children and their caregivers to believe in their inner power. Her robust faith and compassion were an inspiration. Mary had the gift of listening and the power to advocate for those without a voice, frequently mobilizing community resources. Let us honor her by fostering early childhood education and boosting our efforts to grow HIPPY.

—Dr. Henry Green, Chair HIPPY USA Board of Trustees

(2000-2003)

From North Miami HIPPY — Diana Palacios, HIPPY Program Manager

Our HIPPY Program in Miami-Dade is grateful for the services Dr. Lindsey offered locally and at the state level. She always exemplified her extraordinary leadership, commitment and passion. Dr. Lindsey’s kind and giving personality contributed to her ability to mentor and coach personally and professionally no matter how long she knew you. She was an excellent leader and representative of HIPPY, not only for Florida and HIPPY USA but also internationally. She was always available and supportive of our program, providing her expertise and dedication, and making sure all children are ready for school and receiving the services needed. Dr. Lindsey’s legacy will live on and be remembered by those whose lives she deeply touched personally and professionally. She was a true example that when you love what you do, and you are passionate about it, you will undoubtedly make a difference.

From Quincy HIPPY –Lakysha Perkins, HIPPY Program Coordinator

I am writing this tribute on behalf of The Gadsden County Public Schools HIPPY Program. We want to express our appreciation to Dr. Lindsey for her hard work completing the transition of Quincy HIPPY from PAEC to Gadsden County Public Schools. We are aware that it might not have always been easy to oversee our project in a timely manner without hiccups, but her leadership and intelligence set an example for others to follow. It’s really commendable to see how she organized her time and inspired other team members to move forward. Now that she is gone it is up to us to continue to build upon her legacy. Dr. Lindsey, you are appreciated and will truly be missed. Thank you so much for all your efforts.

From Starke HIPPY –Blanchie Jonas, HIPPY Program Coordinator

We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Mary Lindsey Lewis’ passing and we want to express our most sincere sympathies to her family during this difficult time. Dr. Lindsey was a wonderful, loving, kind and caring person. She was always giving of herself to others and the programs across the State of Florida and other countries. I can truly say that I have never met a person like her. She was the kind of person that made you feel like you could accomplish any task. She made many great contributions to HIPPY and helped it move forward in numerous ways. She worked tirelessly in her effort to get and keep funds for all of the Florida HIPPY programs. Through her efforts Coordinators and Home Visitors throughout the state of Florida could serve many families. Parents were empowered and families were strengthened, making sure there would be no child left behind. Every child enrolled in HIPPY has the opportunity to succeed in their education and every parent knows they are their child’s first teacher. Dr. Lindsey was a woman of excellence! She will be greatly missed by everyone at the Starke HIPPY Program.

From St. Petersburg HIPPY — Shonyell Johnson, HIPPY Program Manager

It is easy to miss the small moments we share with each other and wonder where time went. That’s what I will miss most about Dr. Lindsay…She enjoyed every moment of life and was always EXCELLENT! I’m sure she shared many powerful moments with everyone she came in contact with and her services to others impacted the community and embodied Excellence.

All those small moments and seeds she dropped will continue to grow into Excellent memories.

From West Palm Beach HIPPY — Martha Gomez, HIPPY Program Coordinator

Since we met Dr. Lindsey we were captivated by her kindness when she spoke. Even when she had to give us an order as our boss, she said it with sweetness in her voice. She showed compassion when there was a problem, whether it was work or personal. She was a true inspiration to everyone around her. I am lucky to have known her for the time that I did. She will be greatly missed.

From Ocala HIPPY — Iris Starkes-Butler, HIPPY Program Coordinator

On behalf of the Ocala HIPPY Program, it saddens our hearts to hear of the passing of Dr. Mary Lindsey. Dr. Lindsey was a woman of integrity who inspired each of us with great knowledge to help parents become the first educator in their child’s life.

Under the direction of Dr. Lindsey, our program was recognized as “STELLAR” on April 15th, 2008.

Now that Dr. Lindsey has taken her eternal rest, we will continue to instill our HIPPY families with the wealth of knowledge each of us has learned through her teachings.

We will forever be grateful to Dr. Lindsey. As we remember Dr. Lindsey we will leave you with this: she was always Happy, Inspiring, Passionate, Positive, and Young at Heart. Her qualities spell HIPPY.

A Tribute to my dear friend MARY LINDSEY LEWIS

MMatriarch, Motivational, Modest, Marvelous, Meek, Mentor

A Awesome, Accomplished, Altruistic, Absolute, Articulate

R Righteous, Responsible, Reflective, Regal, Rational

Y Youthful, Yearly Dedication to HIPPY, Yielding

You were truly loved and one of the Almighty’s greatest, gracious

creatures. When he made you, He said, “That is good,” so he called you home

to be with Him.

Your Friend Always Gail Jones

From the Nigerian Team— Representative from the Lagos Project (June, 2015)

It was a great shock to us in Lagos, Nigeria when we were told of the sudden death of Dr. Mary Lindsey on Friday 26th January 2018. We find it difficult to belief that she is gone...

Dr. Lindsey was a woman who would cross all odds to ensure that she did her best at any time. During her time with us here in Lagos she felt at home working all round the clock to indoctrinate us with “HIPPY” DNA. She loves to make people happy. She was also a giver.

She will be greatly missed by all here in Nigeria. May her soul rest in peace.

From Kwara State University, Nigeria — Dr. Temitayo Ogunsanwo

Professor, Department of Early Childhood Education

It was really shocking news. Dr. Lindsey celebrated her 71st birthday with us in Nigeria when she came for a pilot project in 2015 and we all admired her as she looked more than ten years younger than her age. I never knew I would not see her again as I was still looking forward to seeing her and enjoying her HIPPY training. I really enjoyed her company as we really had fun during the training.

Dr. Lindsey will be sorely missed.

There really are no words… —Lidia L. Clarke, MAEd, Florida HIPPY Advisory Committee Chair

There are really no words to describe our loss In your absence carrying your legacy will be our cross Your servant leadership and inspiring demeanor has demonstrated for all how important it is to validate children who feel Sometimes Big and Sometimes Small Your shoes we will never fill, and memories of you will serve as warm hugs

There are no words to really convey how thankful we are for having you each day Your commitment; unmatched, your drive limitless It’s your example that will guide us through the many tests There really are no words more important than Thank You to express how much, we appreciate your encouragement and special touch

It is in your spirit that we move forward in providing EXCELLENT services to children and families across the state.

The many faces of Dr. Mary Lindsey Lewis —Gayle Hart

There are so many wonderful memories of Mary. My first experiences were with the very professional Dr. Lindsey. Later, I came to know Mary, the humanitarian, who had us trainers gather hotel soaps, etc., to take with her on the pilgrimages to Africa. Then, there was Mary, the devoted daughter, who regularly drove miles to see, and see about, her mother. And who shared her wedding day with a birthday celebration (that she also planned) for her mother and her aunt. I also can’t forget Mary, the selfless mother and grandmother that included her love for her daughter and son combined with a dedication to Caleb. I have admiration for the inspirational Mary, who persevered to earn a terminal degree, despite being a single mother.

On a personal basis, I shall always remember the compassionate Mary who invited me to sit with her and Marian Shead Jackson at the HIPPY Conference dinner when my usual “buddies” were busy. But, my best memory is of Mary, a good friend. Mary, who supported me when I faced professional challenges; Mary who made a golden retirement treasure chest for me, with her own hands – a chest that I shall always treasure; and most memorable, Mary, who is the only non-family adult who ever got on their knees to pray with me.

There were many faces of Mary and ALL of them made my life richer!

Our sincerest gratitude —Liliana Reyes,

Aslan Martinez Reyes (6 yrs old), and our family

It is an honor for my family and me to have met Mrs. Mary Lindsey Lewis, thanks to the HIPPY program since 2015 when my son Aslan Martinez and I entered to participate. With her departure to a better life and in the company of the Lord, she leaves behind a very important legacy of memories, values, leadership and above all compassion for others. Her love, enthusiasm and charisma made HIPPY a program that reached many homes, the majority of them with scarce resources. Through HIPPY she provided brilliant opportunities, a foundation of learning and the tranquility of a better tomorrow for many children and their families. She was a woman committed to social work and child development.

Among some of the most outstanding times we shared with Dr. Lindsey was HIPPY Graduation Day in August, 2016. Receiving her smile, shaking her hand and of course receiving a diploma gave us immense joy and satisfaction with this great achievement. Some other wonderful moments with her include the reading challenge. She knew first hand our testimony of learning, safety improvement and my son’s passion for reading about trains and how they function. Then we were invited to participate in the 2017 HIPPY State Annual Convention, where we shared very pleasant moments and our HIPPY story.

She always remembered my son’s growing passion for trains and his desire to be an engineer. So much so that when she saw a flyer of an upcoming family event held at the Railroad station in Tampa, she did not hesitate to look for ways to share this information with us.

Our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Lindsey, wishing her blessings of light in her eternal rest. To her family we send a warm embrace with faith and union in the love of God.

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Supported by funds from The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and Florida’s Office of Early Learning in collaboration with the University of South Florida.

Events, activities, programs, and facilities of the University of South Florida are available to all without regard to race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national

origin, disability, age, Vietnam or disabled veteran status as provided by law and in accordance with the University’s respect for personal dignity.

Dr. Mary Lindsey Lewis

A life that touches others goes on forever.

It’s hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.