- Kathy Monacella, Author -
Kathy Monacella is a primary-school teacher who lives in the Victorian town of Warragul. She’s committed to student learning that’s inclusive of all learning needs and education. She’s had the pleasure of taking up many enriching and rewarding opportunities while undertaking various educational roles for close to thirty years.
Both education and being Pia’s great-aunt are extremely close to her heart and were her inspiration for writing the Princess Pia picture storybook as a way to not only increase awareness of BPAN but raise funds for Pia and donate a portion of the sale proceeds to research into the condition.
When Kathy isn’t working, she appreciates spending quality time with her son Clayton, daughter Alexia, husband Mario and their special family dog Harry. She also values spending precious time with her sisters Lily, Spomenka and Ivanka and all the members of her extended family, including her nephews, nieces, great- nephews and great-nieces. Last but not least, catching up with her special friends is a cherished way in which she keeps herself smiling.
- penny levett, illustrator -
Penny Levett has a Diploma of Graphic Design and Marketing and completed two years of training in fine arts. She was always keen on drawing and illustrating. Once Penny started focusing on painting, she enjoyed both the challenges and the joys of working with watercolour.
Penny’s artistic career has evolved to include small artworks and miniature painting, in which she uses her love of drawing, detailed patterns and rich colour to tell intimate stories. A secret dream has been to illustrate children’s books.
Penny’s background in layout and design has resulted in attention to detail and new artistic pathways through promotion. Involved in many art-exhibitions over the years, a defining achievement has been her acceptance into the Miniature Societies of New South Wales and Tasmania. Penny never stops being inspired by her colleagues’ creativity and imagination and is pushed forward to continuously achieve and improve her miniature work.
Before illustrating Princess Pia, Penny felt greatly privileged to be invited to design, illustrate and produce a one-hundred-page book, in collaboration with CHARGE Syndrome Association, aimed at educating families and friends about children experiencing degrees of this Syndrome
When Penny was recommended to Kathy Monacella for the task of illustrating Princess Pia, on seeing photos of Pia, she didn’t hesitate. Both projects have been very rewarding and humbling.
Penny hopes that anyone who reads Pia’s story so far enjoys it and will join her in wishing Pia and her amazing family the very best for the future.
