Helen was born in Amityville, NY and grew up in Huntington, Long Island with a brief stay in Northridge, California. She attended The American University in Washington, DC and has lived in the Washington area since then. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, she began her career in 1973 as a counselor in the Helen Smith Girls Home, a residential facility for teenage girls referred the Department of Social Services as well as Juvenile Court. The group home was part of Boy’s and Girl’s Homes of Montgomery County, which still exists today under the name Hearts and Homes for Youth. During her early career she also served as the Director of the Helen Smith Girls Home and as the Project Coordinator for Project 70001, a youth employment program in Montgomery County.

Throughout her career Helen has dedicated herself to addressing issues relating to missing and exploited children, school safety, juvenile justice, and law enforcement and community-based training and collaborations. She was fortunate to have worked with families of missing children, authoring several publications to support those who have been the victim of such tragedies. “When Your Child is Missing: A Family Survival Guide” received the Blue Pencil award from the National Association of Government Communicators for writing excellence. She helped to develop the national AMBER Alert program, create the first National AMBER Alert criteria and national AMBER Alert system, and establish a national training and technical assistance program serving the country. She has also managed many national training initiatives designed to improve the skills, capabilities, and knowledge of those who work with children and families.

In early 2020, Helen retired from Fox Valley Technical College, where she had worked as a Program Manager for more than 15 years. She lived in Rockville. MD for more than 35 years and recently moved to Crofton where she lives with her husband. Helen raised two sons who currently reside Virginia Beach area, both of whom have dedicated their careers in service to others. Helen adores spending time with her four grandchildren, who affectionately call her Nino.

Helen was excited to learn about Kindness Grows Here and is even more excited to be part of this exceptional group of individuals who not only understand the importance of kindness, but are spreading it throughout their daily lives.