Helen Cope spent most of her life in North Carolina and Virgina. In 1998, Helen and her family made the cross-country move to Penn Valley. Helen's husband is a fomer travel agent and they have a 17 year old son and 13 year old daughter. The entire family loves the climate, beauty, and diversity of California. During school breaks the family heads out to camp and explore areas of the west coast.

Helen taught sixth grade for six years in Staunton, Virgina. Upon moving to California she taught sixth grade at Pleasant Valley School, substituted in Nevada County Schools, and happily ended up at Clear Creek. For five years she taught seventh and eighth grades and is now teaching second grade. Helen loves the small size of Clear Creek School and the family-like closeness of the staff members. Both of her children attended Clear Creek School. Helen is also the Student Council advisor and helps with the Penn Valley Youth Chamber of Commerce.