Helen Freeman is a native Arizonan, having been born and raised in Phoenix. She is married to Gregg Freeman and they are the parents of 10 gifted children who are now all grown with families of gifted children of their own who are scattered all over the United States. She received a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from Brigham Young University. After moving to Camp Verde, Az, in 1977, and with a houseful of incredible children, she spent her time raising them as a stay-at-home mom, finding ways to give learning experiences for her children by being involved as a volunteer in their school activities and on school Parent Advisory Councils. She also served for 25 years as a Cub Scout leader and trainer, eventually earning Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award in the Verde District. In addition, she founded and directed the Camp Verde Kids’ Chorus, a local children’s community chorus so her children and their friends could have the opportunity to sing and perform and develop their musical talents when there was no music program at the schools.
She also coordinated the yearly Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in Camp Verde and produced and directed many musicals for the schools and community. When her children were all in school, Helen became the Gifted Coordinator/Teacher at Camp Verde Elementary school, where she had the privilege of working for 11 years. During this time she received her Gifted Endorsement and became acquainted with AAGT. Helen was elected to the Camp Verde Unified School District Governing Board, where she still serves and is her 13th year as a board member. Being elected to the Board required her to leave the job she loved to take on a new position as the General Music teacher at American Heritage Academy in Camp Verde. She worked there until she retired in 2018 to be able to spend more time as a grandmother (29 grandchildren so far). She still has a passion for all things gifted.