HBCC Parenting Class Begins Saturday, January 10, 2026 Click Here for Info

Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child
Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child
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HBCC Parent Support Phone Consultation

If you would like to know more about Coaching or Therapy, contact us to inquire about a FREE consult with one of our Team members. 

Ready to implement CPS with Support? Schedule with one of o

Elisa Brown, MSW

Master of Social Work

CPS Certified Trainer

Lisa Pierro, ICF ACC

 Life Coach 

Certified Coach

CPS Trained

Dr. Diane Lew

Debra Ann Afarian

 Education Advocate 

CPS Certified

Debra Ann Afarian

Dr. Jolee Hibbard, PsyD

Debra Ann Afarian

HBCC Founder

Parent Coach

CPS Certified

Dr. Jolee Hibbard, PsyD

Dr. Jolee Hibbard, PsyD

Dr. Jolee Hibbard, PsyD

 Psychologist

CPS Trained

Coaching/Therapy Inquiry

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Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child

145 West Main Street, Tustin, California 92780, United States

(714) 695-1057

Bios for our HBCC Support Team

Debra Ann Afarian, Founder HBCC

Parent Coach - CPS Certified

Debra Ann helps parents navigate and understand complex, challenging behaviors in children, youth, and young adults. Through compassionate, individualized coaching, she supports parents in transforming stress and frustration into confidence and clarity—guiding them toward a practical roadmap that helps every family member reach their potential.


Approach

Guided by the belief that “kids (and adults) do well if they can, with a foundation built on the skill-building Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach, I help adults support children using a backbone of connection, understanding, and compassion — rather than modifying behaviors through the usage of rewards, consequences and coercion — I believe that compliance is about skill, not will and with every challenging moment there is a possibility of growth when parents learn to confidently lead with compassion, curiosity and a coach approach, especially with the neurodiverse and behaviorally challenging children, youth and young adults.


Supporting Parents & Neurodivergent Communities

With a foundation in the skill-building principles of CPS, Debra Ann works with parents, caregivers, and professionals to strengthen communication methods—so that children can develop the lagging skills needed for more adaptive and cooperative behavior. Her coaching focuses on helping adults move from control to collaboration, fostering mutual respect, trust, and emotional safety within families. Passionate about supporting neurodivergent and behaviorally complex children, Debra Ann empowers caregivers to understand the “why” behind behaviors, reduce conflict, and confidently lead with calm, connected authority.


Experience You Can Trust

Debra Ann has been teaching the Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach for more than two decades, equipping parents, educators, and professionals to replace coercive discipline with skill-building collaboration.

Originally from Boston and once a “frequent flyer” for challenging behaviors, Debra Ann understands firsthand what it means to feel misunderstood and unheard. Discovering CPS was life-changing—and since then, she has dedicated her career to helping families find hope, connection, and real transformation.


In addition to certifications in ADHD, and expertise in Substance Use Disorders and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Debra Ann brings the lived experience, professional insight, and a coach’s heart to every interaction—helping families move from frustration to understanding and from disconnection to growth.


Let's start with a conversation. Debra Ann offers a free consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how we can work together. Complete the contact form above and we will get back to you.

Elisa Brown, MSW

Parent Coach – CPS Certified Trainer

Elisa is a Certified Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) Trainer. She helps parents understand the factors contributing to their child’s behavior and works with them to foster connection, improve communication, and increase confidence in their parenting. Elisa’s coaching supports families in reducing stress and creating greater harmony and cooperation at home.


Approach

Elisa’s coaching approach is aligned with the Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) philosophy—the foundation of HBCC’s mission—and influenced by her background in social work. Relatable and strengths-based in her style, she works collaboratively with parents to develop meaningful goals, create a safe and supportive space for open conversation, and integrate client feedback throughout the process. Incorporating systems thinking, Elisa considers family dynamics and the broader environments that shape a child’s experience, helping parents identify actionable steps they can take to support growth and foster hope for positive change. She helps parents reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and discover more compassionate, collaborative ways of navigating challenges with their children. 


Supporting Families & Neurodivergent Communities

Elisa is passionate about supporting families raising neurodivergent children and those facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Drawing on her lived experience as a parent and her background in clinical social work, she creates safe, judgment-free spaces where parents feel understood, supported, and empowered. Her work focuses on helping families build empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills that promote effective communication and emotional well-being at home and in the broader community.


Experience You Can Trust

Elisa holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. She is a Registered Associate Social Worker (ASW131623) on the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.


Elisa’s experience includes delivering Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) parent training and individualized coaching, helping caregivers improve communication, self-regulation, and confidence in their parenting. She has also facilitated role-play workshops, guided parents in developing trauma-informed school behavior plans, and provided CPS trainings for educators, clinicians, and administrators to promote understanding across systems of care. Her clinical background spans work with children, adolescents, and families in outpatient, academic, and community settings, where she integrated evidence-based practices into her work.


Let's start with a conversation. Elisa offers a free consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how we can work together. Complete the contact form above and we will get back to you.

Dr. Jolee Hibbard, PsyD

Psychologist - CPS Trained

I partner with individuals and families to create personalized treatment plans that illuminate the path forward. My approach is grounded in a core belief: strong, authentic connections are essential to healing.


My Approach

Using evidence-based therapies—including Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS), EMDR and acceptance and commitment therapy—I help clients build the skills and insights needed to create meaningful change. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, and trauma.


Supporting Families & Neurodivergent Communities

I specialize in helping parents, caregivers, and spouses of individuals with mental health concerns. My focus is on equipping you to better care for yourself, advocate effectively for your loved one's needs, and communicate with clarity and compassion.


As a parent myself, I understand the unique challenges families face. I'm the author of The Language of Advocacy workbook and workshop series, teaching parents how to speak up for their children. I have also served on the board of Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC) and currently facilitate support groups through NAMI Orange County.


Experience You Can Trust

I hold doctoral and master's degrees in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University and Pepperdine University, with training at Pacific Clinics, UC Irvine Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. My research includes co-authoring a case study on effective trauma treatment modalities. I am a contracted provider with several EAP providers including Lyra, Spring Health, BHS, and CuraLink.


Let's start with a conversation. I offer a free consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how we can work together.  Complete the contact form above and we will get back to you.

Lisa Pierro ICF ACC

Life Coach - Certified Coach - CPS Trained

Lisa Pierro is a Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, author, and creator of Calming Your Inner Critic to Stay Regulated. She helps parents of challenging kids, adults with ADHD, and individuals seeking self-growth transform reactive patterns into calm, connected responses that bring more peace and understanding into their relationships.


Approach

Lisa’s coaching approach is deeply aligned with the Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) philosophy, the foundation of Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC). She has completed advanced CPS training through Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, integrating its principles of empathy, skill-building, and collaboration into her coaching practice.


Supporting Families & Neurodivergent Communities

Lisa is passionate about helping parents, caregivers, and individuals better understand themselves and their loved ones. Her work focuses on cultivating self-regulation, self-compassion, and effective communication—skills that strengthen relationships and promote emotional well-being.


Drawing from her own parenting experience and years of group facilitation, Lisa helps families move from reactivity to connection, supporting both children and adults in developing the tools needed to thrive within their unique neurodiverse dynamics.


Experience You Can Trust

Grounded in decades of professional leadership and community involvement, Lisa brings warmth, understanding, and practical wisdom to her work. A lifelong learner, she has completed extensive training through Positive Intelligence®, Wisdom of the Whole Coaching, and advanced studies in embodiment and energy-focused approaches. She continues to expand her expertise through ongoing ADHD coach certification.


Lisa believes that each of us is worthy and capable of rediscovering the calm and compassion that live beneath our protective layers—because when we reconnect with our authentic, caring selves, we change not only how we show up, but also the energy in our homes and relationships.


Let's start with a conversation. Lisa offers a free consultation to discuss your unique needs and explore how we can work together.  Complete the contact form above and we will get back to you.

 Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation whose mission is to enable children experiencing behavioral health challenges to lead more productive and inclusive lives.  We work to transform these children's lives by deepening adults’ understanding of their behaviors, and promoting effective interventions that focus on connectedness, collaboration, and inclusion. 


© 2024 Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child 501(c)(3)

Non-Profit I.D. #46-3240447 - All Rights Reserved.

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