Helen studied marine biology, gaining a B.Sc. from Liverpool and a PhD from St Andrews. She then moved into practical conservation work with the Scottish Conservation Projects Trust, working with people from all walks of life. Through this experience, Helen was inspired to go to Jordanhill teacher training college in Glasgow (Strathclyde University) and found she loved being in the classroom. Since then, she has gained extensive boarding school experience at Wymondham College (UK), Schule Schloss Salem (Germany), UWC Adriatic and has been at UWC Robert College Bosch College since its foundation in 2014 – as Director of Student Life and Vice Rektor, teacher of ESS and Biology, House Tutor and Personal Tutor.  Helen then took on the position of Rektor of the College in August 2024.

Hahnian philosophy has underpinned Helen's approach to education. Having gained the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award when at school in England, she joined many of Salem's Outward Bound trips for the 9th grade and was involved in a number of Round Square International Service Projects. Helen's inspiration and passion for UWC have been unwavering over the last two decades and UWC encompasses everything she values and strives towards in teaching students about life.