Executive Board of Directors

---

As Founder and CEO of Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC), I’ve been honored to plant the seeds of the Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS)* philosophy throughout Orange County, California since 2008. 

Guided by the belief that “kids (and adults) do well if they can,” HBCC helps families, schools, and professionals support children in building the skills they need—rather than modifying behaviors—especially in neurodiverse and behaviorally challenging children, youth and young adults.

My passion for this work is deeply personal. Originally from Boston and once a “frequent flyer” for challenging behaviors myself, I understand firsthand what it feels like to be misunderstood. Discovering CPS was truly life-changing—it offered a compassionate, skill-building approach that focuses on connection, understanding, and collaboration rather than punishment or control. That discovery inspired me to bring CPS to Southern California where I currently live and create a community where outcomes are improved, and lives are changed through empathy, education, and empowerment.

Since its founding, HBCC has grown into a thriving network of Certified Partners who share this mission. Together, we offer Parent Classes, Support Groups, Therapy, Workshops, Advocacy, and Professional Trainings designed to integrate CPS and trauma-informed practices into homes, schools, and agencies.

Our work at HBCC helps children and adults alike strengthen flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional regulation—skills essential for lasting success and well-being.

At HBCC, we believe compliance is about skill, not will. Every challenging moment holds the possibility of growth when we lead with compassion and curiosity.

Outside of HBCC, I cherish time with my husband, our two sons and their wives, our dog, and our close-knit family. I find joy in reading, gardening, hiking, being outdoors, and embracing each new season of life as we look forward to becoming grandparents.

  Hillary is an entrepreneur, and her professional background includes interior design, property development and management, as well as philanthropic pursuits.  

As a parent of a twice exceptional (2e) child that had behavioral challenges, she began using Collaborative Problem Solving®(CPS) after she and her husband took parenting courses at HBCC. Their family had tried many things to improve the difficult behaviors in the past without any success. This led her on a journey to become an advocate for the neurodiverse, 2e, and children who learn differently.  Hillary is currently working towards becoming certified through Think:Kids to teach other parents about CPS. 

Hillary has a flair for networking, an eye for detail, and a strong determination to help other parents of differently wired kids. She resides in Costa Mesa, CA with her husband and son and daughter. Her son attends 2e4Me Academy, which is a CPS based school, where she also serves as a board member and volunteer.

 Dr. Jolee Hibbard is a licensed clinical psychologist, an HBCC volunteer support group facilitator, and board member serving as secretary. She also volunteers with NAMI and is the mother of two teens.  She first learned of the Collaborative Problem Solving model over 10 years ago when she attended a parent training class. Due to the positive effects Dr. Hibbard saw in her own family, she began using this model with families in her psychology practice. Dr. Hibbard has a master's in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and a Doctor of Psychology degree from Azusa Pacific University.  

During her practicum training experience, she worked at UCI Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Outpatient Program conducting assessments and Pacific Clinic's Youth Intensive Outpatient program running groups for adolescents and parents. In her predoctoral training she worked at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles with rotations in autism assessment and neuropsych assessment.

In her private practice, Dr. Hibbard works with adolescents, adults, and families utilizing assessment and evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, family systems, and acceptance and commitment therapies, to assist clients in improving their lives.

Collaborative Problem Solving continues to provide positive results in all parts of her personal & work life. 

 Raffy Afarian is a Product Development Engineer with over 37 years of experience at Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles, and later his MBA from California State University, Fullerton. His technical expertise, business acumen, and passion for creating a better world for all children inspired him to co-found Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC) alongside his wife, Debra Ann (DA), where he continues to support the organization wholeheartedly with his time and dedication.

Their partnership embodies the phrase “opposites attract.” DA comes from a 5th-generation Irish American family influenced by military and working-class values, while Raffy was raised in a 1st-generation Armenian immigrant household steeped in Middle Eastern traditions, where food heals all and success is expected. Together, they’ve built a family centered on love, learning, and purpose, raising two sons who inspired their journey into understanding neurodiversity and twice-exceptionality (2e).

When faced with the challenges of raising neurodiverse children, Raffy and DA dove deeply into research and advocacy, realizing they could help others navigate similar paths. What began in 2009 as a small effort to connect with a few families has grown into HBCC — a thriving organization dedicated to changing how society understands and supports children with behavioral challenges.

Raffy enjoys soccer, golf, off-roading, reading, cooking, and family life. He often says he’s never met a kitchen appliance he didn’t like!