Helene was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula in central California, a beautiful area that served as an inspiration to set her onto a creative path for life. From a very early age she showed a keen interest in art, starting with drawing and painting and exploring different mediums for her self-expression. As a young adult she studied art in college, though did not complete her education with a degree.

Blessed with proficient drawing and illustration skills, Helene has explored a number of artistic mediums. In the early 70's, she turned her attention to fiber and fabrics, with a focus on quilting and embroidery. Quilting was experiencing a renaissance in popularity and making a gradual transition from utilitarian craft to an art form. Helene found herself intrigued by the medium; its challenges and possibilities. For the last 40 years or so, fiber and quilting has been her primary medium. Helene has a love for exhibiting her work, and has expanded her interest to include teaching her skills and knowledge to others, to inspire a new generation of quilters and fiber artists.

In 1991, Helene's family moved to Portland where they bought a home on two acres of property in a semi-rural part of Clackamas County. Helene began teaching fiber and quilting classes in 1999. Over the years, she has won many awards at local, regional and national quilt shows and the recognition served her well in promoting herself as a teacher, in 2006 Helene was nominated for  the Teacher of the Year award by Professional Quilter Magazine, though the final crown went to another teacher. Helen has furthered her interest, by delving into designing commercial quilting patterns, and currently has a line of patterns that are published by Story Quilts.

In addition to art and quilting, Helene's passions are for gourmet cooking, books ("the only place I can get into worse trouble than a fabric store" ) films, and music.