About Lisa Anne Novelline
Lisa Anne Novelline was raised in Massachusetts, where her path toward excellence began early. A straight-A student, she excelled in every subject, driven by a deep curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
At the same time, she discovered her passion for dance. As a child, Lisa traveled regularly into Boston to train with the Boston Ballet, even studying at the home of founder E. Virginia Williams. She performed during a remarkable era, including appearances conducted by Arthur Fiedler.
Her years of dedication—and a smile that could light up any room—led to her being cast as Clara in The Nutcracker for the Boston Ballet’s 1979, 1980, and 1981 seasons.
In 1981, Lisa’s life changed forever when her mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer and passed away within nine months. In the wake of this loss, Lisa’s dancing career came to an abrupt end.
She went on to earn a full scholarship to Phillips Academy Andover, where she hoped to continue both her academic and artistic pursuits. However, the emotional weight of being away from her family proved too great, and she returned home.
In 1985, Lisa met her future husband. From that moment on, they were inseparable. They married in 1988 and built a life centered on love, family, and shared purpose.
While raising her family, Lisa pursued her education with extraordinary determination. She earned:
An Associate of Science in Arts and Sciences from Northeastern University
A Bachelor of Science from Lesley University (4.0 GPA)
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University, summa cum laude (3.984 GPA)
A Master’s in Education from Harvard University (4.0 GPA)
Lisa was deeply spiritual and devoted to helping others grow and heal. She became a certified hypnotherapist, Reiki master, and interfaith minister, offering guidance rooted in compassion and connection.
She was also a lifelong lover of literature, building a treasured collection of antiquarian books. Her thoughtfulness extended into every aspect of her life—especially as a gift-giver, where she was known for choosing the perfect, deeply meaningful gift for each person she loved.
Lisa had a profound connection to nature. She marked the changing seasons with beautifully curated gatherings that reflected the rhythms of the natural world. Her stunning tablescapes—celebrations of beauty, balance, and intention—were even featured by Wayfair.
As an educator, Lisa taught middle school mathematics at the Edward Devotion School in Brookline, Massachusetts. She inspired her students not just to learn, but to think—to question, explore, and discover.
That belief became the foundation of her work as an author.
Lisa wrote and published the award-winning Piccadilly and Her Magical World series, encouraging children to imagine, explore ideas, and embrace possibility. Her mission was simple, yet powerful:
to teach children how to think.
Even when major publishers turned her away because they did not share that vision, Lisa remained unwavering. She chose to self-publish, determined to bring her message directly to children. She traveled, shared her work, and continued forward—because she believed deeply in what she was building.
At one point, a major children’s television network expressed interest in her books—but only if fundamental changes were made. They wanted a different protagonist. Higher stakes. A different tone.
Lisa declined.
She believed in her vision: a thoughtful, curious young girl solving problems in a world where children could safely explore complexity and embrace ambiguity.
Lisa was always thinking, always questioning, always solving. She saw potential where others saw limits—and she worked to plant seeds that would grow into future generations of critical thinkers and problem solvers.
After her passing, her family knew there was only one path forward:
to carry that mission on.
The Lisa Anne Novelline Foundation was created to honor her life, her work, and her unwavering belief in the power of young minds.
Through educational programs, scholarships, and community initiatives, the Foundation is dedicated to helping children develop the skills Lisa valued most—critical thinking, creativity, and the confidence to solve the problems of tomorrow.
Because for Lisa, it was never just about answers.
It was about learning how to think.
