Influential Woman · Environmental health and food safety authoring and education
Michelle A. Laliberte
Book Creator and Publisher, Liberte Bell Press
Akron, OH 44312
Her Story
About Michelle A.
Michelle A. Laliberte is an author, educator, and publisher based in Akron, Ohio, whose career spans nearly four decades at the intersection of environmental science and public health education. After running her own environmental consulting practice for roughly 20 years — work that included water, soil, and air testing across the Cleveland-Akron region — she shifted her focus following a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2001, channeling her scientific background into educating the public about food safety, chemical toxins, and alternatives to pharmaceutical medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Communications from Ashford University in 2013, having begun her studies at the University of Cincinnati.
Through her imprint, Liberty Bell Press, Laliberte has released seven traditionally published books and twenty-three additional designed works, including journals, coloring books, and educational materials for children, alongside numerous articles for science and lifestyle magazines. Her YouTube channel, Liberte Bell Food Chemistry Exposed, extends this mission by breaking down hidden chemicals in the food supply for a general audience, while a second channel, Mrs. Shells' Stories, brings her storytelling into animated, family-friendly content for kids. Her writing has earned her Writer's Digest recognition in both children's fiction and nonfiction, and she has served as a member and former regional advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Beyond her published work, Laliberte has given back to her community through volunteer efforts with muscular dystrophy charities and by conducting satisfaction surveys for the Ohio Department of Aging. Drawing inspiration from figures like Erin Brockovich and Barbara O'Neill, she continues to build a body of work rooted in transparency, scientific integrity, and a desire to help others make informed, healthier choices — all while balancing her career with raising her children as a single mother, an achievement she counts among her proudest.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle A.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to nearly 40 years of applied experience in environmental work, paired with the writing and communication skills I've built over my career as an author and educator. Going back to finish my degree later in life and staying committed to continuous learning has also shaped who I am today. More than anything, I'm driven by a genuine desire to help people live healthier lives, and I take real pride in having raised confident, capable children as a single mother — being among the first women in my family to earn a college degree.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've drawn a lot of inspiration from women like Erin Brockovich and Barbara O'Neill, whose work in environmental advocacy and health education shaped how I approach my own career. Their example pushed me to pursue my writing seriously, which has led to seven traditionally published books and 23 designed books covering science and education topics for children.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to be strong, stay grounded in science, and never be afraid to speak the truth. Use what you know to help others, and don't forget to lift up and support other women as you go — you truly can make a difference by exposing the truth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is the censorship public-health content often faces on digital platforms, along with entrenched pharmaceutical interests that can limit access to holistic alternatives, and the amount of misinformation circulating out there. That said, there's real opportunity in the strong public appetite for trustworthy health information — people want practical alternatives, and I'm able to reach them through carefully used digital tools by sharing my story and exposing the truth to help keep people safe and healthy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Helping others is at the center of everything I do, along with a commitment to truth and transparency, especially when it comes to food and the toxins we're exposed to. My multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2001 redirected my career from environmental consulting toward holistic health education, and that shift has only deepened my focus on informing the public about healthy food choices and alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. Family, faith, lifelong learning, and resilience round out the values that guide me, both professionally and personally.
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