Barbara Helveston

Educator

Barbara Helveston graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations. After working at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee and the Houston Chronicle, she realized her passion for teaching and learning, earning a Master's Degree in Gifted Education from ULL. 

She has spent 25 years educating Gifted and Talented students in Lafayette Parish Schools. Her educational philosophy focuses on sparking students' interests to help them grow as critical and creative thinkers through immersive and enriching art experiences. She has worked extensively in the field of Social & Emotional learning and strives to empower students to become risk-takers, gain confidence and improve their art literacy through fun and engaging opportunities in the classroom and museum settings. 

Her intercontinental travels have encouraged her own love of art, history, geography, culture and humanities and she enjoys cultivating curiosity in herself and others. She sits on several community boards, plays tennis and loves spending time with friends and family.