Helen Josephine O'Neill

Born in Cromwell, Central Otago, NZ, of Irish parents. Trained at Teachers' College, Christchurch and taught primary schools.

Became Sister of Mercy (Sister Leonie) in 1951 and taught secondary subjects (English, French, Latin, Social Studies), as well as speech and drama until 1973. Then concentrated on speech and drama - teaching, examining for Speech New Zealand, then Trinity College London, and adjudicating until beginning PhD.

Still teach and adjudicate. Have written and self-published several books on teaching speech for all ages. Love communicating with people of all ages, performing, and creating anything!