Helene has a B.Sc. in mathematics and computer science from the University of South Africa. She completed Waldorf in-service training at TWS in 1990. She has also completed courses in Waldorf Education and Social Development and Leadership at the Rudolf Steiner Centre (Toronto), Sunbridge College (New York), and Rudolf Steiner College (California).

She has taught High School mathematics since 1989, and has been a class teacher, taking one class from Grades 6 to 8, and another from Grade 1 to Grade 8. She returned to teach High School math in 2003.

Helene's three children attended Waldorf schools in Johannesburg, Chicago and Toronto from Kindergarten through OAC. She was an active parent in all three schools, serving as Class Parent, Parent Association Member, and Board Member. She was a member of the TWS Board for eight years, and TWS Faculty Chair for four years. She is currently the High School Faculty Chair.