After graduating as a theatre major from Bennett College, Millbrook, New York in 1966, Helene worked at the White House as Assistant to the First Lady’s Press Secretary.  In 1969 she moved to Texas with President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson and became Press Secretary, Social Secretary and Personal Assistant to Lady Bird Johnson.

In 1973 Helene was named Protocol Officer for Citibank.  While in New York she maintained her lifelong interest in theatre, joining the Board of Directors of Ensemble Studio Theatre and continued her involvement even after moving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 1990.  There she joined the Board of the Jackson Hole Community Theatre.  In addition, Helene is a photographer who has had both one woman and group shows.

After moving to Ojai, California in 1998 Helene got involved volunteering for the newly formed Ojai Playwrights Conference, created to develop and advance unproduced plays of artistic excellence by both established and emerging playwrights.  Helene eventually joined their board and in the fall of 2000 became co-chair, serving in that position for eight years.  She continues to serve on the board as a member and life-long supporter of theatre.