join team shine!
Let’s team up to empower your little star. Our health education company creates unique learning experiences for you and your child. Discover lifelong healthy habits with Team Shine!
who are we?
Team Coaches: As pediatricians and founders, Dr. Amanda & Dr. Kathy serve as your experienced mentors.
Team Captain: As your trusted friend, Lumie teaches in interactive and fun ways.
Teammates: Become active team players! See yourselves in the story by creating personalized avatars.
team superstar: Our creative kid expert panel fired up their imaginations to help us deliver the best kid-approved books!
Team Guide: Your resource of healthy habits (Lumie’s Lessons) help you empower your child.
Team Playbook: Your exclusive activity workbook to practice Lumie’s Lessons with your child (coming soon!)
Our Story: launching team shine
In 2007, we became instant teammates during pediatric residency at Northwestern University in Chicago. After graduation, we had separate career paths until we reconnected in New York City in 2021. Despite the changes in the world, we picked up right where we left off. A “walk & talk” along the Hudson River revealed a surprising discovery - we each coped with high-functioning anxiety since early childhood. As doctors, we understand high-functioning anxiety often goes unnoticed (even amongst good friends!). A huge weight lifted as we realized we were not alone - now we had each other. Individually, we were strong and successful women. Together, we were even stronger! Could we team up and help others feel less alone? As pediatricians, how could we best help children learn lifelong wellness tools at an early age? And thus, our idea to create a health education company dedicated to teaching children healthy habits was born!
Meet Team Shine
Dr. amanda ficacelli
Board Certified Pediatrician
& Co-Founder
Dr. Amanda has over twelve years experience working in private practice in Chicago and New York City. Her compassionate care fostered a supportive office environment: children felt at ease during visits, while parents felt empowered with health education. The pandemic reshaped her focus, inspiring her to prioritize children’s mental health and well-being. In 2023, she transitioned from practice to advocacy, finding joy in promoting community wellness.
Dr. Amanda's Training Undergraduate: B.S., Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Connecticut (1998-2002) Medical School: M.D., Drexel University College of Medicine (2003-2007) Scholars Program: Medical Humanities Scholar, Drexel University College of Medicine (2003-2007) Pediatric Residency: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (2007-2010) Awards: Castle Connolly Rising Star, Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Exceptional Women in Medicine - awarded to the top 7% of all US practicing physicians, embodying excellence in both clinical care and interpersonal skills (2019-2023)
dr. kathy derue
Board Certified Pediatric Sleep Physican
& Co-Founder
Dr. Kathy loves helping children and families get a better night’s sleep. She strongly believes that proper sleep, nutrition, and movement are critical for overall wellness. In 2016, she transitioned out of clinical practice to care for her mother with Alzheimer’s Disease. Inspired by her clinical and personal experiences, Dr. Kathy is passionate about educating families on how to improve their overall health and mental well-being.
Dr. Kathy's Training Undergraduate: B.S., Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1996-2000) Work Experience: Microbiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2000-2003) Medical School: M.D., Medical College of Georgia (2003-2007) Pediatric Residency: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (2007-2010) Fellowship: Sleep Medicine, University of Michigan (2010-2011) Masters: M.S., Biostatistics and Clinical Research Design, University of Michigan (2011-2013)
xenia zagor
Illustrator
Xenia is an experienced children’s book illustrator specializing in digital hand-drawn illustrations. Her work, created using Photoshop, Procreate, and Illustrator, is characterized by vibrant colors and engaging narratives. She is committed to fostering a productive and collaborative partnership on all projects. She has a big dream to open both an art studio and dance classes for kids, as creativity and movement are the most enjoyable things in the world!
Lumie
Educator and Supporter
Meet Lumie, your child’s new best friend and a proud member of Team Shine! Always ready for a cuddle, Lumie is a comforting companion when your child feels nervous. An avid reader and explorer of imaginary worlds, Lumie turns every moment into an exciting adventure. As a natural teacher, Lumie inspires kids to discover healthy habits in fun and creative ways, helping them shine bright every day!
Our favorite things
Team Shine | Book | Color | Animal | Rainy Day Activity | Game | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lumie | Healthy Habits, Brave Me! | Yellow | Starfish | Coloring | Musical Chairs | Soccer |
Xenia | Harry Potter Series | Blue | Capybara | Walking Outside | Dixit | Dance |
Kathy | Where The Sidewalk Ends | Blue | Dog | Reading | Hide & Seek | Softball |
Amanda | The Poky Little Puppy | Green | Turtle | Reading | Parachute | Yoga |