Love
Behind the Scenes at LitSteps
Love of Books
Helen discovered the magic of books and stories at an early age. For every problem she encounters, she turns to books for the answers. In stressful times, books are her refuge. In tedious moments, books bring her joy.
When her career as an early education teacher began, she used books to build close-knit classroom communities and to connect with her students. Over two decades of teaching, Helen passed her love of reading on to hundreds of children. When she became a parent, she inspired that same love of books in her own child. Now she helps other caregivers do the same.
Inspiration behind LitSteps
Helen has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Third, and Fourth grade. She has worked with English Language Learners, Special Education students, struggling readers, and students reading above grade level. She also taught Pre-K through Sixth grade Art.
This varied experience gave her a deep understanding of literacy stages and development. Her belief that all children deserve a quality literacy education - one that both inspires and enhances their lives - is the driving force behind LitSteps.
A Foundation in Early Literacy
Helen has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Third, and Fourth grade. She has worked with English Language Learners, Special Education students, struggling readers, and students reading above grade level. She also taught Pre-K through Sixth grade Art.
This varied experience gave her a deep understanding of literacy stages and development. Her belief that all children deserve a quality literacy education — one that both inspires and enhances their lives — is the driving force behind LitSteps.
Background
Helen grew up in New York City, born to immigrant parents, and attended a Greek-American school from Kindergarten through middle school. She graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Fine Arts from SUNY Albany.
While pursuing a degree in advertising and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she realized something: she loved education. That realization led her to earn a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University.
Helen spent over twenty years teaching for Fairfax County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. During that time, she continued deepening her expertise in early literacy, attending both the Reading and Writing Institutes at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Parent
Helen and her husband have one son. Books and a shared love of stories cemented their close relationship early on. Stories continue to be a source of wonder and inspiration in their family life. She also has two dogs who happily cuddle next to her while she reads long into the night.
Teacher
Helen has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First grade, Third grade, Fourth grade, English Language Learners, Special Education students, Reading, and was a Pre-K through Sixth grade Art. This varied experience has given her a deep understanding of literacy stages and develpoment. Her belief that all children deserve a quality literacy education that both inspires and enhances their lives is the driving force behind LitSteps.
Creator
If Helen had to describe herself using one word, it would be eclectic. She values individuality, creativity, and connection above all else.
She studied fine arts and creative writing in college and has spent countless hours pursuing both. Today, she writes and illustrates for children. Her vibrant and playful illustrations are featured throughout LitSteps products.
(To see more of her illustrations please visit Helen Deasy's Illustration Portfolio.)
The Story of the Piglits
You may be wondering how the Piglits got starring roles in the LitSteps world.
During Helen’s first year as a Kindergarten teacher, one of her students gave her an adorable stuffed pig. She placed it proudly on her desk. Before the school year ended, more pigs began appearing. Pigs of all sizes and kinds were enthusiastically added to the display. Her pig collection grew year after year.
Though she has since gifted most of those pigs to the children in her life, she still keeps that very first pig. The Piglits symbolize her dedication to inspiring young children through literacy — and her belief that learning should feel joyful, playful, and memorable.
She also thinks pigs are clever… and very cute.
