FASD Hope

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Kerry (Criss) Benson is the guest of Episode 49, titled "Mocktails and More". Kerry Benson, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and co-author of the book "Drinking for Two: Nutritious Mocktails for the Mom-To-Be". Prior to becoming a dietitian, Kerry worked in a research lab for more than six years studying the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on the developing brain. This experience sparked her interest in the topic of drinking, particularly in the context of pregnancy.

In this OUT-OF-THE-BOX episode, Kerry discusses the following topics: how she learned about FASD as a researcher during her college years, the road to her becoming a Clinical Dietician, her passion in being an ally in FASD Advocacy, the story behind her BEST-SELLING book, the momentum of the Sober Movement / Sober Curious Movement and her words of hope and encouragement.

EPISODE RESOURCES - 

Kerry Benson, MS, RD

The Sober Dietitians-

https://thesoberdietitians.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesoberdietitians/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthycrayvings/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thesoberdietitians

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/thesoberdietitians/

FASD Hope - 

FASD Hope - https://www.fasdhope.com/

[email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fasdhope/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/fasdhope1/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/fasdhope1

Clubhouse- @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Episode 48 features Jennifer Donaldson, who is a returning guest to FASD Hope. Jennifer Donaldson hopes her life is a window for seeing the joy that comes from loving God and loving people and her business name is "Tailor Joy". Jennifer has worked as an educator teaching elementary school, substituting at all grade levels in regular / special education and private tutoring. Jennifer developed "Tailor Joy" to help parents, teachers and friends be ready for whatever the day may bring, through educational resources and online tutoring. 

In this encouraging and "out of the box" episode, Jennifer and Natalie (podcast host) explore the following topics: Jennifer's business venture of Tailor Joy, what Jennifer has been doing since our last interview, a few of the main learning styles,  how sensory strategies can help reinforce learning strategies and make learning fun for your child, sensory energizing vs. sensory calming strategies and words of hope for parents and caregivers.

"Show me Your ways, LORD. teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior and my hope is in You all day long." - Psalm 25: 4-5

EPISODE RESOURCES -

Tailor Joy (tutoring, educational services and more)

https://www.tailorjoy.com/

Jennifer Donaldson, owner and educator at Tailor Joy

[email protected]

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tailorjoy/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tailorjoytogether/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjdonaldson/

FASD Hope -

https://www.fasdhope.com/

Natalie Vecchione (podcast host) - [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fasdhope/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fasdhope1

Clubhouse - @natalievecc

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/fasdhope1

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates over eighteen years of lived experience.

Episode 47 showcases Robbie Seale- a mom, FASD parent advocate, FASD Educator and the Host of the NEW podcast "FASD Family Life". Robbie and her family live in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). Robbie is thrilled to begin her new journey into podcasting! FASD Family Life is a podcast for families by families raising children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She is married to her husband Rob and she is the mom of five, four of whom are adopted and have an FASD. Robbie knows that "The struggle is real, but so is success!" Synergizing her twenty years of lived experience and the best FASD research, Robbie delivers dynamic FASD training and education to parents, caregivers and frontline staff. Robbie has presented at the 2017 Canadian National FASD Conference. She has been invited to participate in numerous panels including the 2019 Inclusion Alberta Conference. Robbie has designed and delivered training for Sunday School teachers to equip them to meet the neurodiverse needs in their classrooms. She has also initiated Peer Support groups for parents raising children with diverse, neurodevelopmental challenges in schools and churches.

In this EXCITING episode, Robbie and Natalie (podcast host) explore the following topics: Robbie's familial history and her family's FASD journey, how she became a parent advocate to FASD trainer, her FASD advocacy experiences, what inspired her to become a podcaster, her hopes for 2021 and words of hope for parents and caregivers in the FASD community.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

EPISODE RESOURCES -

Robbie's new podcast, "FASD Family Life", can be found wherever you find your podcasts!

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robbie.seale.1

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-seale-92954b169/

Clubhouse- @fasdfamilylife

Email - [email protected]

FASD Hope -

https://www.fasdhope.com/

Natalie Vecchione (podcast host) - [email protected]

Instagram - @fasdhope

Facebook - @fasdhope1

Pinterest - @fasdhope1

Clubhouse - @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast series about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Episode 46 highlights the "Proof Alliance Virtual Benefit 2021" and this episode's guests are Sara Messelt and Adrienne Oesterle.  Sara Messelt is the Executive Director of Proof Alliance (formerly MOFAS) and she has served as the Executive Director for Proof for 20 years. Adrienne Oesterle has been extensively involved with Proof Alliance since 2018 and she currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors and chairs the annual fundraising event.  This year's Proof Alliance Benefit will be Virtual and held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 6:30-7:30 pm Central Time and the benefit will be held via YouTube livestream. During the one hour virtual event, attendees will hear from individuals and families whose lives have been affected by FASD.

In this episode, Sara and Adrienne discuss the following: Adrienne's work with Proof Alliance, updates on Proof Alliance virtual events and building a Virtual FASD community, details about the 2021 Proof Alliance Benefit, how this benefit will be different than previous years, how to sign up to participate in the 2021 Proof Alliance Virtual Benefit and words of hope for those in the FASD Community.

EPISODE RESOURCES - 

Proof Alliance 2021 Benefit-

https://www.proofalliance.org/benefit/

Proof Alliance -

https://www.proofalliance.org

FASD Hope -

https://www.fasdhope.com/

[email protected]

Instagram -  @fasdhope

Facebook -  @fasdhope1

Pinterest -  @fasdhope1

Clubhouse-  @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast series about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Episode 45 of FASD Hope is titled "Adjusting the Legacy: The Dadcast". John Vecchione (FASD Hope Co-Founder) speaks with Dave Devine, a teacher and the dad of a daughter with an FASD. Dave discusses his family's journey and the challenges involved in shifting from traditional parenting to the brain based / neurobehavioral approach of parenting a child with an FASD (or other brain-based diagnosis). Dave and John also discuss this challenge when coming from familial backgrounds which have very strong, traditional foundations. Later in this episode, John and Natalie (podcast host) explore what is involved when shifting from traditional parenting to the neurobehavioral approach of parenting. Finally, John gives dads (and moms, too) some words of wisdom for making that shift in parenting in a way that focuses accommodations and thinking about "brain first", when it comes to FASD (and other brain-based diagnoses).

"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:34

FASD Hope-

https://www.fasdhope.com/

[email protected]

Instagram - @fasdhope

Facebook - @fasdhope1

Pinterest - @fasdhope1

Clubhouse - @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast series about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Episode 44 features Peggy Ployhar, Founder and CEO of SPED Homeschool. Peggy is a leader in the special education homeschooling community and a frequent writer and speaker on specialized education homeschooling topics. After working as a special needs consultant for both the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) and the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC), Peggy founded SPED Homeschool in 2017, an organization that empowers families across the globe to homeschool children with specialized educational needs. Peggy also hosts the popular live broadcast and podcast, "Empowering Homeschool Conversations", a weekly talk show where her guests address relevant topics and issues related to homeschooling for unique learners.

In this REASSURING and HOPEFUL episode, Peggy and Natalie (podcast host) discuss the following topics: Peggy's background and her connection with the FASD community, what led her family to homeschool, when she went from homeschool mom to special needs homeschool leader, resources offered by SPED Homeschool and words of hope and encouragement. 

"He must increase, but I must decrease." - John 3:30

EPISODE RESOURCES -

SPED Homeschool

http://spedhomeschool.com/

Peggy Ployhar, Founder and CEO

SPED Homeschool on YouTube-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZXj7jqL2ooiwe46bm-G4A

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SPEDHomeschoolPage

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spedhomeschool/

FASD Hope -

https://www.fasdhope.com/

Natalie Vecchione (podcast host)

[email protected]

Instagram - @fasdhope

Facebook - @fasdhope1

Pinterest - @fasdhope1

Clubhouse - @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Episode 43 highlights Sara Swan, a returning guest (and a favorite guest of Natalie Vecchione, FASD Hope podcast host). Sara Swan is the founder of Looking Forward Life Coaching, a nonprofit organization that provides person-centered, life coaching. Sara has been teaching for over twenty years and her specialty, throughout her extensive teaching career has been transitioning students (in special education) out of high school and into the community. She has also mentored several high school and college-age individuals as they headed into adulthood and still remains a part of their lives. Sara is the guardian of her uncle, who is a person with intellectual disabilities, and helps him make decisions to better the quality of his life. Sara created Looking Forward Life Coaching because she saw a need with her students that were falling between the cracks. Looking Forward Life Coaching changes the stumbling blocks of life into stepping stones towards success.

In this ENGAGING and ENCOURAGING episode, Sara and Natalie discuss the following topics: update since last interview, their experiences of being moms to young-adult sons, how parents can help teens with brain-based diagnoses learn their skills / gifts, reassurance for parents of teens / young adults with FASD / brain-based diagnoses, how parents can encourage those teens and young adults to make "baby steps" towards their futures, the benefits of having a Gap Year and her words of hope.

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10: 24-25

EPISODE RESOURCES - 

Looking Forward Life Coaching

https://lookingforwardlc.org/

Sara Swan, Founder and Executive Director

[email protected]

Facebook @lookingforwardlc

Instagram @lookingforwardlc

CAREER INVENTORY LINKS-

https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/interest-assessment.aspx

https://uhcc.hawaii.edu/jobcenter/riasec_multiLang.php

FASD Hope-

https://www.fasdhope.com/

Natalie Vecchione (podcast host) - [email protected]

Instagram - @fasdhope

Facebook - @fasdhope1

Pinterest - @fasdhope1

Clubhouse - @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Jen Parke is a Social Worker and Social Work Supervisor in Child Welfare. While working full time in the field of Social Work, as a single mom, Jen also pursued her Masters Degree in Social Work. Jen has a podcast, "Adventures of a New You", and she offers coaching and support for social workers to overcome feeling overwhelmed and to begin feeling bold and brave.

In this thoughtful conversation, Natalie (podcast host) and Jen explore the following topics: Jen's background in Social Work, her current work experiences in Social Work, how Natalie's being a guest on Jen's podcast changed Jen's perspective about FASD from Natalie, how  social workers may view prenatal alcohol exposure versus drug exposure, Jen's podcast "Adventures of a New You" and Jen's words of hope (with a end of the episode surprise cameo!). 

EPISODE RESOURCES -

www.adventuresofanewyou.com

Podcast - Adventures of a New You

https://www.buzzsprout.com/221186

Instagram - @adventuresofanewyou

Facebook - @adventuresofanewyou

Pinterest - @adventuresofanewyou

FASD Hope -

http://www.fasdhope.com

Natalie Vecchione (podcast host)

[email protected]

Instagram - @fasdhope

Facebook- @fasdhope1

Pinterest - @fasdhope1

Clubhouse - @natalievecc

FASD Hope is a podcast about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over eighteen years of lived experience.

Linda Rosenbaum, author of "Not Exactly As Planned: A Memoir of Adoption, Secrets and Abiding Love" is the featured guest of Episode 40. Linda Rosenbaum was born in Detroit, Michigan and graduated  from George Washington University in Washington, DC. She moved to Toronto, Canada and married her husband, Robin Christmas. Linda and her husband have been married for 36 years and they have 2 children, whom they adopted. Their son Michael, is 33 and lives with an FASD. Their adult daughter, Sarah, is 31. Linda and her family live in a small community on a tiny island that is a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Linda is a writer, editor and she has worked in both television and films. Above all, she is a wife, mother and an advocate for people living with FASD.