Arete Employee Spotlight: Empowering Futures Through Compassion and Devotion

Meet Mary Helen, the Heart Behind Arete’s Scholarship Program. As Scholarship Program Director, Mary Helen touches countless lives every day. With unwavering dedication, she helps families access life-changing educational opportunities for their children, opening doors to brighter futures and lifelong dreams.

Since joining Arete in October 2014, Mary Helen has embraced every moment as a chance to empower students and families, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, Mary Helen holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education/Early Childhood. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Education with a focus on Deaf and Hard of Hearing from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. And her journey of growth continues—she’s currently completing a two-year program through the Highlands College Leadership Institute in Birmingham, AL, where she’ll earn a certificate in Christian Leadership in the fall of 2025.

Outside of work, Mary Helen finds joy in home renovation projects, camping adventures, and getting lost in a good book. One day, she even hopes to write a book of her own!

We are truly blessed to have Mary Helen on our team. Her compassion, wisdom, and steadfast commitment inspire everyone she meets.