Meet Our Family!
Hilinski’s Hope is powered by a deeply committed team united by purpose, love, and lived experience. Kym Hilinski and Mark Hilinski, co-founders of the foundation, lead with compassion and tireless advocacy to ensure student-athletes never feel alone in their mental health journeys. Ryan Hilinski brings a student-athlete perspective and a passion for impact, helping bridge the gap between awareness and action. Longtime supporters and advocates Christine Lombardi and Tony Lombardi play integral roles in advancing the foundation’s mission through outreach, education, and community connection. Together, this team is dedicated to honoring Tyler’s legacy by creating real, lasting change in mental health support.
Kym Hilinski is a co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope and the heart behind its mission. Driven by compassion and resilience, she has become a leading advocate for student-athlete mental health, working tirelessly to ensure young people know they are seen, heard, and supported. Her dedication continues to shape the foundation’s outreach, education, and impact nationwide.
Kym Hilinski
Mark Hilinski is a co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope and a passionate voice for mental health awareness in athletics. Through leadership, storytelling, and advocacy, Mark works to change the culture surrounding mental health by encouraging open conversations and proactive support systems for student-athletes at all levels.
Mark Hilinski
Ryan Hilinski brings a powerful student-athlete perspective to Hilinski’s Hope. As a former collegiate quarterback, Ryan is deeply committed to bridging the gap between awareness and action, connecting with athletes through shared experience, mentorship, and advocacy while helping advance the foundation’s mission of hope and prevention.
Ryan Hilinski
The Lombardi’s
Christine and Tony Lombardi are dedicated members of the Hilinski’s Hope team who play an important role in supporting the foundation’s outreach and community engagement efforts. Their shared passion for mental health advocacy and continued involvement help strengthen programs, foster meaningful partnerships, and expand the foundation’s ability to create lasting impact. Andrew and Aidan are also dedicated members of our H3H team and are continuing to advocate for our mission daily!
Michelle Peevy serves as the Alabama Liaison for Hilinski’s Hope, where she passionately advocates for youth mental health awareness and community engagement across the state. Based in Montgomery, Alabama, Michelle brings dedication to expanding the impact of Hilinski’s Hope through local partnerships and support initiatives. Her commitment to empowering others and promoting mental well-being has made her an invaluable part of the team.
Stephen Hebard, PhD
Dr. Stephen Hebard brings a career-long focus on youth mental health and sport. Through his work with The Hebs Group, he helps organizations create programs that make it easier for young people, especially athletes, to seek support, drawing on a background in clinical mental health counseling, counselor training, and behavioral research. His work sits at the intersection of mental health and performance, supporting athletes and the adults around them to build resilience and well-being. He has a strong publication record in sport and mental health and specializes in designing, evaluating, and communicating impact in ways that drive adoption, investment, and scale. Stephen was also the lead program designer for Hilinski’s Hope’s Student Support Series, developing online modules that advance the mission of reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking among young people.
