The Authors

Kids Light Up Books by Wendy Mason & Lisa Maravelis

Wendy and Lisa are co-authors of the picture storybook series for young children, ‘When I’m Shining with Light’. These books form part of the Kids Light Up © project, a forum for educational information which teaches resilience as its foundational basis. Kids Light Up © specifically emphasises positive values and qualities so kids can thrive.

Kids Light up books Australia

Wendy Mason

Wendy is currently the Director of Early Learning at an Independent School in Melbourne. Her teaching experience spans the breadth of Early Childhood services, Primary schools and as a lecturer at TAFE. She has been involved in early childhood education for over 30 years.

Engaging with the professional development arena, Wendy is in demand nationally as a speaker at education conferences and events. She presented ‘Building Resilience in the Early Years’ at the Resilient Kids conference. She is also a contributing author in collaboration with other authors from the Raising Resilient Kids conference.

Whilst working collaboratively with early childhood educators Wendy has presented workshops to inspire quality programs on topics such as developing resilience, building sustainable practises, encouraging hands-on learning, benefits of nature play, emotional well-being, creating beautiful learning spaces and teaching social skills.

Wendy conceptualised and created ‘Music for Young Children’ and ‘SPLASH into Music’. This innovative children’s music program has original songs to support teaching children important life skills and send a positive message about self through singing, movement, dance and using instruments. She has also written and produced a music CD resource and presented her program in various Early Childhood settings.

Wendy is passionate about children having a strong sense of wonder and curiosity about the world we live in. She values the uniqueness of childhood and encourages hands on learning through exploration, discovery and play.

Wendy Mason

M.Ed., Grad. Dip.(Mus), B.Ed.(Prim), Dip.Teach.(E.Ch.)

Kids Light Up Book Lisa Maravellis

Lisa Maravelis

A counsellor and youth worker for over 25 years, Lisa has extensive experience supporting children, young people and families. A former case worker in the community sector, Lisa found her passion working with ‘complex cases’ which included assisting and advocating for homeless and disadvantaged children, young people and families.

Lisa currently works as a school counsellor at a K-12 Independent school in Melbourne where she is responsible for the welfare of students, parents and teachers, and she pioneers programs for primary and secondary students. She also works as a Carers Counsellor for a not-for-profit organisation to equip, encourage and empower those who support children on the Autism Spectrum to flourish.

Lisa is passionate about encouraging and developing the potential in children and young people, and their families, and giving them the tools they need to be the best they can be. She believes in the capacity of people to grow and become more resilient one positive choice at a time.

Lisa has an amazing son and understands the joys and challenges of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum.

Lisa Maravelis
B.A. (Youth Affairs), Grad. Cert. (Counselling), Masters (Counselling)