Staff < Illumination Arts Publishing

Meet the Staff

	John M. Thompson John Thompson, our president, began his eclectic career as a Certified Public Accountant. Named the Outstanding Graduate in the Business Department at Washington State University, he earned an M.S. Degree in Accounting from Arizona State University. Following a business career that included forming a CPA practice as well as business/real estate acquisition and operation, he joined with Marisa Lovesong to launch Illumination Arts in 1987. After publishing two metaphysical titles, they decided to specialize in children's books. John also serves as CEO of Inspire Every Child, a charitable foundation which provides inspiring children's books to kids in need. He can be reached at jthompson@illumin.com.
	Arrieana Thompson Arrieana Thompson is vice president of Illumination Arts. She serves as creative consultant, team editor, and trade show assistant. She also acts as donation coordinator for the Inspire Every Child foundation. Arrieana's mission is to reveal the inherent beauty of our environment and to nurture all life forms residing on this planet. She is a professional Interior Design Consultant and owner of Spirit Path Design. Specializing in GREEN Interior Design, Arrieana is a proponent of Integrative Design, incorporating environmental & sustainable design principles into each project. Holding a BA from the University of Villanova, she received her Interior Design Degree from Bellevue Community College. A former certified Feng Shui practitioner, Arrieana is currently enrolled in the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program. She can be contacted at arrieanat@gmail.com.
	Ruth Thompson Illumination Arts is truly a family affair. Ruth Thompson is our Editorial Director and John’s mother. A retired librarian of Kelso High School in Kelso, WA, she now works from her home office in Longview, WA. Ruth graduated from Whitman College with a degree in English Literature and took all the theatre courses they offered. Her thespian talents have won her many awards for both acting and directing. Ruth’s husband was the principal at R.A. Long High School in Longview. “I have four wonderful children, including John, for whom I still work at age 90,” Ruth says. "I also have six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren."
	Catherine Sangster Catherine Sangster, our office manager, joined Illumination Arts after retiring as Office Manager and Research Analyst for the Washington State Senate Transportation Committee. She greatly enjoys the challenges and rewards of children's publishing, especially the opportunity to share our inspiring books with telephone customers. Cathy's close-knit family includes her husband Marty, five children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A graduate of the Evergreen State College, Cathy is an ardent reader. She also loves golfing and cooking, in that order. She can be reached at cathy@illumin.com.
	Jennifer Murray Jennifer Murray is the Executive Assistant to the President, as well as our go-to gal to fill in wherever needed. Having grown up as an Army brat, she has travel all over the world. Though she calls Alaska home, Jennifer moved to Seattle in 1999 to attend The Art Institute of Seattle. Jennifer's main focus is raising her 6-year-old daughter. In what little spare time she has left over, Jennifer enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and being a PTA chairperson. She can be reached at jennifer@illumin.com.
	Kelsey Maloney Kelsey Maloney is our Assistant Editor, Promotions Designer, and Webmaster. A recent graduate of Whitman College, she interned with us during the summer after her junior year, and we haven't been able to get rid of her since! Kelsey also functions as our entire IT department. When not sitting in front of a computer screen, Kelsey enjoys reading and baking cookies. She can be reached at kelsey@illumin.com.
	Molly Murrah Molly Murrah is our independent graphic designer. The owner of Murrah & Company of Kirkland, WA, she has designed all but four of our inspiring children's books. A graduate of Bucknell University, Molly was Art & Production Manager at Millennium Design Communications in New York City before moving to Seattle in 1982. In addition to the many awards her Illumination Arts titles have won, Molly has been honored for her innovative approach on a wide variety of design projects. She can be reached at mollym@murrahco.com and additional samples of her work can be viewed at www.murrahco.com.