Dawn M. Kersula is a lactation specialist and perinatal educator at a hospital in Vermont. She has worked with birthing and breastfeeding families for more than twenty-five years and has published over thirty articles pertaining to this specialty area. She sees inpatient mother-baby dyads for breastfeeding help; she also founded and staffs the outpatient lactation clinic at the hospital. As president of the Vermont Lactation Consultants Association, she works closely with the Vermont State Breastfeeding Network to offer training and conferences around the state, and has worked on several legislative initiatives which have resulted in pro-breastfeeding legislation in Vermont.

Dawn's passion and commitment is evidenced through her certification in Lamaze International Childbirth Education (LCCE), active involvement with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC) and appointment as a fellow with the American College of Childbirth Educators (FACCE). Her master's research focused on PTSD after traumatic childbirth and, in her role as a perinatal psychologist, she continues to have a special interest in the developmental transition to motherhood. A regular speaker at international childbirth conferences, she also coordinates her hospital's perinatal education programs and offers a weekly support group for new moms and their babies.