Our Story

The Huntington Beach Pupil Services Association (HBPSA) was established in the 1970's by a group of like-minded Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) professionals and specialists in the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD). United by a commitment to wellness and equity, they worked to ensure students’ and families’ unique needs were recognized and protected through the collective bargaining process, allowing the professionals who support them to do their work with competence and compassion. 

What began as a small group of dedicated specialists, grew into a member-run association committed to advocating for both students and the professionals who serve them. HBPSA’s founding members built the organization from the ground up—organizing grassroots efforts, navigating state labor processes, and submitting proof of support to the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to gain formal recognition as a separate and independent union. 

In 2007, a new era of devoted members initiated a period of organizational refinement. They meticulously polished by-laws, recreated a comprehensive operational structure, and implemented updated democratic processes to ensure the association was prepared for future growth and impact. 

Their vision, dedication, and collaboration laid the foundation for an organization that continues to place students and families at the center while supporting the wellbeing, professionalism, and voice of its members.

Moving Forward

As we move forward, it is important that we honor and remember the work of those who came before us—the dedicated members who built HBPSA from the very beginning. Their vision and perseverance created a lasting foundation for advocacy, collaboration, and professional respect.

Today, HBPSA remains small but mighty, continuing to champion the needs of students, families, and the professionals who support them. We invite you to offer your time, energy, and ideas to help strengthen our collective voice. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference.

Be part of our effort. Together, we can continue the legacy of service, integrity, and support that defines HBPSA.

2004/2005 - Carol Pilgrim

2005/2006 - Joan Elliott

2006/2007 - Karen Wisniewski

2007/2008 - Claudia Gomez

2008/2009 - Claudia Gomez

2009/2010 - Nancy Lough and Hillary Bryan

2010/2011 - Nancy Lough and Kathy Cadigan

2011/2012 - Kathy Cadigan

2012/2013 - Hillary Bryan and Tom Mushaney

2013/2014 - Tim Baker

2014/2015 - Dennis Herzog

2015/2016 - Ashely Stewart

2016/2017 - Diana Miler

2017/2018 - Dennis Herzog and Tom Mushaney

2018/2019 - Tom Mushaney

2019/2020 - Linda Temple

2020/2021 - Tom Mushaney

2021/2022 - Orlina Melendez

2022/2023 - Claudia Gomez

2023/2024 - Claudia Gomez

2024/2025 - Krista Khodaie Wagnon

2025/2026 - Deborah Ward

"If I have seen further than others, 

it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants."

--Sir Isaac Newton