Remembering Professor Libby Zimmerman

Dr. Libby Zimmerman passed away on the morning of August 10, 2009 after a recurrence of cancer. Dr. Zimmerman was an associate clinical professor at Boston University School of Social Work from 1987 to 2000, where she chaired the Human Behavior Sequence, directed several federal child welfare training grants, and developed an interdisciplinary graduate course in infant mental health with faculty from other graduate programs under the umbrella of the University Partnership for Infant Toddler Professionals.

A graduate of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Ph.D., University of Michigan, MSW, and University of California, B.A., Dr. Zimmerman had a training certificate in Video Interaction Guidance and frequently incorporated video feedback into her work. Since 1973, Dr. Zimmerman was a staff member of Focus, Counseling and Consultation, Inc. in Cambridge where she was a psychotherapist and supervisor for other infant mental health professionals.

As founding Executive Director of Connected Beginnings Training Institute, Dr. Zimmerman focused on integrating research-based infant mental health training into a range of settings including childcare and Early Head Start. Prior to founding Connected Beginnings, she was a Senior Early Childhood Associate with the Early Head Start Resource Center at Zero To Three, consulting to staff in the Federal Administration for Children and Families on enhancing Early Head Start and childcare programs in New England.

Dr. Zimmerman published extensively. Her research explored how infants develop relationships with their parents and childcare teachers. She presented nationally and internationally on how the dynamic interactions between practitioners, babies, caregivers, and culture influence infant-toddler social and emotional well being.

“Libby was instrumental in advancing our child welfare training program and in educating social work students in early childhood development and parent-child communication,” says Dean Gail Steketee. “She was much loved as an educator and colleague.”