“We had behavioral concerns for our 4 year old son. Every concern we had, Mia addressed in an open and kind way. She helped us see what we were missing. Mia made us feel like normal parents. And that we were not alone with the concerns we did have. Supportive. Understanding. Loving. Overall a very calm and non-invasive way of helping. Mia is direct but not too direct. Never forceful. Great advice and suggestions, but made you feel like you were still in control. We love Mia.”
- P (Rockford, IL)
“I am a retired LCSW with 50 years of practice behind me now. Reading your article this morning, as I have other articles you have written, I felt a special sense about you that allows you to learn from your own and others’ personal experiences and make that center to your efforts to make people aware of who they are and what they do. It is what we all try to achieve and you do it instinctually, warmly and in a way we all can feel and understand. When you use an educational medium, as you do, it is not education, but conversation. Talking to people so that they can see themselves, understand, and hopefully benefit from it is a gift. You look into yourself and find that in a way that others can understand and accept. Geo Eliot wrote about conversation, and I paraphrase, ‘that an inexpressible part of life is the comfort of being able to express yourself to others, and they to you, without holding back, knowing that the conversation will allow each to hold that which is worth keeping and, with a breath of kindness, to harmlessly blow the rest away’. Talking of yourself (them as well) with a clear but soft meaning to anyone who reads it is a gift. You have it. Please continue to use it and I will continue to recommend to others that they read you, perhaps even to others they care about. You are a joy.”
- S (Rockford, IL)
“Your talk at PGUMC was really, really good on so many levels. I think I will be coming to your session in April. Know that I have already used your items with [my son] and the results were instant and amazing!”
- T (Poplar Grove, IL)
“Despite having no children, I enjoy reading your well written column. You approach the topics with such intelligence, logic and heart. It simply makes sense.”
- A (Rockford, IL)
“The retreat was relaxing, fun and inspirational. You thought of every little detail when planning a self-care retreat for women. It was obvious that you cared about every woman there, and you worked to make it a meaningful and worthwhile experience for each one. I could feel your love and presence, and it set the tone for the weekend.”
- L (Rockford, IL)
“The workshop on Self-compassion was the best. It was also the hardest, however it gave me strong insight about what I need to do to move forward in a positive way.”
- J (Rockford, IL)
“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your column this morning. What you said is so meaningful and inspirational to me.”
- D (Poplar Grove, IL)
“Miss Mia has helped us in so many ways. Our granddaughter lives part time with us and part time with her mother due to a pending divorce. There was alot of stress and arguing over what was best for her when we met with Miss Mia the first time. She has helped bring peace to the situation and a better life to our precious 6 year old angel. She has mediated, advised, educated, comforted, and supported all of us. (Our grandchild) now is happy, and secure and I truly believe it is because of Miss Mia’s approach & experience. Before her she started acting out & was struggling trying to figure out her new life. We love her and will continue to have her come visit it is always better after she leaves! She is like family.”
- D (Janesville, WI)
“Went to Designer Discipline last night. What a fun & inspiring night! Ms. Mia facilitated and led an open discussion/teaching session on real stuggles, successes and tools in approaching our children. The focus was on fostering an environment of honesty, but with respect to the temperament and development of each child as an individual. She’s a natural at creating space for dynamic group conversation and relating it back to the topic at hand. Makes for a great road trip on hump day!”
- M (Rockford, IL)
“I had the privilege of participating in a retreat hosted by Ms. Mia. She brought 7 people together in a comfortable open environment. Ms. Mia Retreats included: workshops, serene surroundings, spa services, live music, and most of all a place to reflect on myself. Ms Mia provided a foundation that allowed us to open up and share during her workshops. I didn’t know this group of women before the retreat, but I left there feeling connected to them emotionally.”
- T (Cherry Valley, IL)
“Ms. Mia is an awesome person and I really believe kids feel so comfortable with her. We have wonderful sessions. My son has improved with the information and exercises she gives us. She is a wonderful woman and [my son] truly adores her and is so comfortable with her. I liked the togetherness experiences and the exercises the best.”
- D (Madison, WI)
“Harmony is key and Ms. Mia is gentle, nurturing and candid with her wisdom. Who ever grows out of being nurtured candidly?”
- J (Loves Park, IL)
“Personalized curriculum for your own preferences and lifestyle. I would recommend highly for anyone wanting to make life with kids easier.”
- S (Oregon, WI)
“I highly recommend Mia Raether as a Family Life Educator. Mia is the mother of three sons, and an experienced teacher, trained in a Montessori setting. Her responsibilities as a primary teacher of 32 3-5 year olds has given her the background in working with children and getting them to want to cooperate in various settings. Mia has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially children. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly superior.”
- D (Brooklyn, WI)
“Mia is the type of friend you don’t want to lose once you get to know her – extremely compassionate, strong and intelligent. Undoubtedly, her clients will feel the same if they are fortunate enough to gain her as a mentor and friend as well. Her wisdom has incredible range – from the plant kingdom to child communication. She’s what you might call a ‘child whisperer,’ as I’ve seen the great respect she garners from children and the way they communicate on a mature level despite their age. One instance I can offer is when I guided Mia, her son and his friends on an a canoe trip with various unexpected obstacles. Through log jams and rapids, she kept the kids together, safe and involved in the decision making process. I can see that also being her approach to the challenges she helps families navigate. Go Miss Mia!”
- T (Oregon, IL)
“I was fortunate enough to meet and work with Mia in an intensive gardener training program last year. She was consciences and insightful in her work and study. Excellent gardeners inherently have a sense of nurturing and understanding, they possess great observation skills and respond by considering the whole picture. Mia and I have worked in a community garden setting with underserved youth. Her comfort and ease with children was exceptional; their response to her was immediate and one of trust. She is a gifted educator and so very talented in building positive relationships.”
- M (Rockford, IL)