Dia Michels speaks frequently at events around the country. She is a popular guest at lactation and women's health conferences, at schools and universities, at children's literature and writing meetings, and at children's and science museums.

Jason King, President, TTP, Elaine Menotti Program Coordinator, TTP

Turning the Page and Hendley Elementary

By sharing your work with families, you help them form a special and personal connection to your stories. We especially like your stories because they are universal, containing themes that all families, regardless of socio-economic status or ethnicity, can identify with being the middle child, being a sister, being the oldest sibling, taking a walk through the neighborhood.Thanks for helping us to empower families to believe that they too are story-tellers.

Thanks again from all of us at Turning the Page and Hendley Elementary!

Paddy Gordon, Reading Specialist

Glenridge Elementary School, Landover, MD

Our students come from many different background experiences, and you were well received by all. What a talent to be able to get fifth and sixth grade boys to put on masks in front of more than 100 of their peers!

It was exciting for our younger students to meet the authors of the books they had been reading. They enjoyed chorally reading Look What I See! Where Can I Be? from the slides. Even the ESOL students were able to participate in the group reading by chiming in with what they could read. Learning that many photographs in the book are of you and people you know helped the students make the connection that one’s own experiences are used by authors in their work.

The fourth graders truly benefited from hearing you, Kaely, discuss your experiences. Meeting an author is exciting in and of itself—meeting an author who is your age and having an opportunity to interact with her is a truly memorable experience. You are so personable and also accessible—you made it easy for the students to relate to you. They were left with the belief that being an author is an attainable goal.

Rachel Connelly, Ph.D.

Director, Women's Studies Program and Associate Professor of Economics, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME

Thank you so much for coming to Bowdoin to speak to our students. Your observations, facts and perspectives opened up new thoughts for them. They listened eagerly, jumped right into the discussion and loved the provocation. Many of our women students are preoccupied with career decisions -- your talk inspired them to think about the many aspects of breastfeeding and parenting as well.

Bettina J Pearson, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Task Force, Portland, ME

It was wonderful to have Dia do a professional development seminar for us. She gave our group of lactation professionals more context for the work we do, allowed us to connect global issues to our professional lives, and motivated us in our daily work. It was a real treat to have someone come in who could fill us in on developments in our field and inspire us to do our work better.

Lisa Eller-Smith

La Leche League of NC, Greensboro, NC

Dia was a big hit at our La Leche League of NC conference. Her delivery -- dynamic, her focus - enlightening. Dia received raves and accolades from attendees for her presentations during the weekend she spent with us. I have and will continue to recommend her as a speaker. She's one of the best I've worked with!

Patty Spanjer

Former Area Conference Supervisor, La Leche League of Georgia

Dia Michels arrived at our conference after hours of storm-delayed and canceled flights, and a long ride in an overcrowded van. She arrived less than an hour before her first talk with only her carry-on bag. Despite her ordeal, she gave a wonderful talk that night. College students and La Leche League families alike were drawn in by her friendly personality and very interesting and informative talk. The next day, during the La Leche League of Georgia Parenting Conference, she seemed to be everywhere; giving talks, talking with moms, befriending other exhibitors. She was a delightful addition to our conference.

Mandy K. Biles

Area Professional Liaison, La Leche League of Washington

Your participation in our program not only ensured a successful conference but also served to deepen our commitment to educating the health care professionals in our area with the latest up-to-date information. We were deeply honored to have had you as a part of our continuing education faculty and hope to call on your expertise in the future.

Additional comments from folk attending LLL of WA 2000 Conference

• "Dia is a wonderful speaker: funny, wise, accurate...."
• "Dia is realistic, humorous, and encouraging."
• "Dia is an excellent speaker - inspiring, informative, and relevant to this diverse audience."
• "She has a clear, engaging verbal style and I liked her personal stories."
• "She gave me the courage to help breastfeeding women fight for their rights."
• "I liked her passion, knowledge, and personal story."
• "I was very moved."
• "I liked it that she brought her baby up to the podium when she got up to speak."
• "She is very easy to listen to."
• "Dia is a wonderful, energetic speaker!"

Heather Kay

Conference Coordinator

Thank you, Dia, for speaking at our New Jersey La Leche League Area
Conference. Your opening session on Friday evening was incredible;
everyone raved about it! You helped to make our conference a success!