Helen completed her Bachelors Degree in Art Education at The College of Fine Arts (COFA) at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia in 1984.  She taught Painting and Art History in Sydney for many years and was the Head of the Art Department at Loreto Kirribilli in Sydney.  In 1988 Helen was awarded an International Fellowship from the American Association of University Women to study Art Therapy.  She completed a Masters Degree in Art Therapy at the George Washington University in 1990.  Helen continued her academic development by completing a Masters of Social Work at Catholic University in 1997.  She has also trained extensively in play therapy and is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor with the International Play Therapy Association.  Helen has been in private practice for many years, working from her own practice in McLean, Virginia. Helen is an artist by training.  She has explored her own creative process with painting and clay, exhibiting professionally throughout her life.