Helen was elected AAMS President in November 2025 and continues to chair the Australian Journal of Mission Studies (AJMS).
Helen was married to the late Peter Stewart and is the mother of two adult children, Ainslie Peszynski and Tim Hodgson. She has four grandchildren: Alex (18), Erika (15), Keith (14) and Fleur (11).
Ainslie is an Assistant Principal and is married to Associate Professor Konrad Peszynski. Tim is a Reverend Doctor with the Uniting Church and serves as a Wing Commander in the Royal Australian Air Force. He is married to Reverend Sue Page, the Associate Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod in South Australia.
Helen spent forty years as a passionate educator in leading primary schools. After retiring, she briefly worked at La Trobe University (Bendigo) assessing student teachers. She also served as Chair of Council at Glen Waverley Uniting Church for five years.
Inspired by observing her son’s theological studies at the United Faculty of Theology, Helen pursued her own theological education at the Yarra Theological Union (YTU), affiliated with the University of Divinity. She was deeply influenced by the SVDs and other priests whose hospitality, compassion and dedication to service inspired her.
Helen completed a Master of Arts (Theology) and is grateful for the exceptional formation she received at YTU. She acknowledges the significant influence of Fr Larry Nemer, Fr Jacob Kavunkal, Fr Greg Brett, and Fr Michael Kelly in shaping her theological understanding. She also thanks Fr Peter Woodruff, who became her spiritual mentor offering crucial support during her years caring for her husband Peter as his health declined.
Helen has served for several years as Chair of the Australian Journal for Mission Studies (AJMS) and as a member of the Australian Association for Mission Studies (AAMS), including a twelve-month term as President (2017–2018).
With enthusiasm, passion and humility, Helen accepts the role of AAMS President for November 2025 to November 2026.