Photo Credit:
Photo credit
Chiara Sparanese
Dana L Church
BIO
Biography

I am an author and such a nerd when it comes to animals that I have a PhD in animal cognition: the study of how animals think. I am passionate about making science fun and accessible for both children and adults. My first book, The Beekeepers: How Humans Changed the World of Bumble Bees, was published by Scholastic Focus in March 2021. I have two middle-grade nonfiction books scheduled for release in 2024: Animal Minds: What Are They Thinking? with Orca Book Publishers (February), and The Monarch Effect: Surviving Poison, Predators, and People with Scholastic Focus (April).

ADDRESS
City: Waterloo, Province/Territory: Ontario
EMAIL
GENRE
Nonfiction
LANGUAGES
English
PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Title
The Beekeepers: How Humans Changed the World of Bumble Bees
Publisher
Scholastic Focus
Year
2021
LINKS
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Presentation details
Audience Size
Audience size
Any
Presentation Length
1 hour
Presentation Description
Presentation description

Dana’s presentations include background about how she was originally terrified of bees but then eventually fell in love with them. She also answers questions such as, What are bumble bees, anyway? Why are they important? Are bees in trouble? How do scientists study bees? What can we do to help save the bees? She loves answering questions from the audience. Dana can also chat about her journey to becoming a published author, her writing process, and what it’s like to write nonfiction.

Presentation Fee(s)
In-person rates: $250 for one one-hour session, $450 for two, $675 for three, plus a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside Waterloo. Virtual visit rates: $200 for one one-hour session, $150 for each additional session on the same day.
School presentation details
Audience Size
Any
Intended Audience
Grades 2–6
Presentation Length
1 hour
Presentation Description
Presentation description

Dana’s presentations include background about how she was originally terrified of bees but then eventually fell in love with them. She also answers questions such as, What are bumble bees, anyway? Why are they important? Are bees in trouble? How do scientists study bees? What can we do to help save the bees? She loves answering questions from the audience. Dana can also chat about her journey to becoming a published author, her writing process, and what it’s like to write nonfiction.

Presentation Fee(s)
In-person rates: $250 for one one-hour session, $450 for two, $675 for three, plus a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside Waterloo. Virtual visit rates: $200 for one one-hour session, $150 for each additional session on the same day.
Programs & Interests
Interested in participating Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program:
All members are eligible for the Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program. Are you interested in participating in this pro
Yes
Interested in participating in the Northern Ontario WITS program:
The Union’s Northern Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program funds in-person visits to northern Ontario schools when possible. Ar
Yes