It is a simplistic way of doing things, but she mentioned HTML, so I assumed that was what she new best (not that I know much else either)
Anyway, I've never really had any problems with the functions-- they do what they're supposed to, but that's it. There are also simple ways to use mailto while hiding the email address behind it so bots (generally) can't see it, though, I've never had problems with those either, whether protected or not.
If none of our suggestions work for you, remember that you've got the whole of the internet at your paws! Vigilance in searching will surely find you what you need =^__^=