Meet the Team
Dia L. Michels
Founder and Publisher
Dia L. Michels founded Platypus Media in 2000 with the goal of creating books that focus on attachment parenting and community. She loves working with the authors and selecting illustrators, and really enjoys developing and licensing world language editions of the books Platypus Media publishes.
In addition to editing and publishing manuscripts, she has written or coauthored over a dozen books for children and adults. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Dutch, Bengali, Hebrew, Haitian Creole, and Washoe. A popular speaker, Dia presents at healthcare, parenting, and education conferences across the country. She is the mother of three grown children, who still keep her busy with their crazy lives. She also has several cats, and her partner in crime is a sassy corgi named Izzi, who loves to take naps under her desk.
Favorite Children's Book:
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee
Tommy at the Grocery Store by Bill Grossman
Ali Trujillo
Operations and Finance Manager
Ali keeps Platypus Media running by managing day-to-day operations and logistics. He works with the publisher to implement systems to streamline operations and finances. Ali also works on production coordination, proofreading, and translating Spanish titles.
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Prior to joining Platypus Media, Ali worked at World Wildlife Fund as senior assistant for the food waste program where he managed contract processes for private sector consultants. At WWF Ali also collaborated in admin meetings with clients and colleagues on conservation efforts. He also worked at R Street Institute, a DC-based think tank as a finance and operations associate. Previously he was a production coordinator at Asia Pacific Offset, an international print management company.
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Ali lives in Washington, DC.
Favorite Children's Book:
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Hannah Thelen
Editorial and Production Director
Hannah just likes to be included, whether it's in the development, editing, and design of books, the translation of manuscripts, or the creation of sweet, sweet workflow spreadsheets. She received her BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University, where she also minored in print design and technology (and dance). Hannah currently lives in Washington, DC, with a hyperactive rescue kitten named after a pizza restaurant.
Favorite Children's Books:
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields
Caitlin Burnham
Managing Editor and Marketing Director
Caitlin loves all things books, which makes having a hand in the editorial, design, licensing, and marketing phases of book development a dream come true. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English, and a minor in studio art. Caitlin lives in Washington, DC, where she's constantly visiting her neighborhood's Little Free Libraries and working on new sticker designs for her Etsy shop.
Favorite Children's Books:
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Violet Antonick
Associate Editor and Outreach Coordinator
Violet traveled extensively in search of metamorphosis, stories, and inspiration, culminating in an honors degree in English from the University of Vermont. Shaping her path, she transitioned from roles as an indie bookseller and digital marketer to elevating her expertise at the Columbia Publishing Course in Oxford. At present, she expertly intertwines her deep passion for literature and editorial work with strategic outreach initiatives for Platypus Media.
Her commitment to transforming the literary landscape is evident in her multifaceted dedication to writing, reading, and promoting literacy. Violet's narrative is not merely a personal odyssey but a testament to her unwavering commitment to enriching the literary world.
Favorite Children's Books:
The Barnabus Project by the Fan Brothers
The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey by Jason Chin
Paradise Sands: A Story of Enchantment By Levi Pinfold
Sofía Ramírez
Administrative Assistant / Order Fulfillment Specialist
Sofía, a graduate in Political Science and Economics from FAU, effortlessly combines their academic expertise with a strong dedication to children's education at Platypus Media. Not limited to traditional classrooms, they actively nurture curiosity and a love for reading in young minds. This commitment extends to Sofía's home, a cozy apartment brimming with books and stationary. Their passion for knowledge goes beyond academia, involving engagement with various art forms, creating an environment where every interaction becomes a chance for personal growth.
Believing in continuous learning, Sofía encourages adults to approach education with the same enthusiasm as children, recognizing that the journey of learning is ongoing. Sofía's journey is characterized by the intersection of academic excellence, a sincere connection to fostering young minds, and an enduring love for education.
Favorite Children's Books:
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
La Edad de Oro by José Martí
Der Prinz und die Blume by Ingrid Mylo
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Darwin Castillo
Information and Technology Coordinator
Darwin has many talents that keep the company afloat, like building and repairing computers, troubleshooting technical difficulties, designing and building storage solutions, and generally fixing everyone's problems. He also has experience in graphic design and home renovation. In his free time, Darwin enjoys mountaineering across the US.
Favorite Book:
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Sienna Sullivan
Social Media Marketing Associate
Sienna is a rising senior at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia studying professional writing and psychology. In the office, you can find her editing and proofreading copy, collaborating on concept development, dabbling in website design, and creating killer one-liners. When she's not at work, you can find Sienna innocently ignoring her lengthy TBR list at a newly discovered book store.
Favorite Children's Books:
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
Izzi Michels
Head of Security
Izzi is Platypus Media's floofiest team member. As the head of security, she spends her time alternating between napping in various positions under Dia's desk and barking at any potential security threats. Outside of the office, Izzi enjoys even more long naps, eating treats, and rolling in the adoration of anyone who stops to pet her on the street.