Get to Know Me: My Life with FASD
Lena L.
This is Lena’s story of faith, perseverance, and optimism in the face of a disability. Although Lena was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) as a small child, the absence of sufficient knowledge about FAS and ineffective communication on behalf of her family and healthcare system hindered Lena from understanding her disability until adulthood. It was at 26 years of age, after the suggestions of a social worker that Lena finally came to understand her ...
Gabby and Joe Esmeyer
My name is Gabby Esmeyer, I am 13-years-old and I have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. That is why I am here today to talk to you about my FAS. FAS affects my life in many ways. I cannot jump or run very well and my motor skills aren’t as ...
Elizabeth B.
Elizabeth B. is the Owner and Director of Thames Centre Service Dogs of Ontario, Canada, an organization that trains service dogs for children with special needs including FASD. She is a mother and step-mother of five children and partner of ten years. She is an author, public speaker, consultant, and advocate for service dogs and their handlers and has been working with dogs for twenty years. Brianna Montgomery: Hello Elizabeth! It is such a ...
Erin D.
Erin D. is a 25-year-old with FAS. She was adopted by a great Christian family after being in foster care. She is a very creative and friendly person and loves to use her hands to make things like her jewelry. Discover Erin's jewelry at http://www.madaboutbeading.blogspot.com/. Brianna Montgomery: Welcome and thank you for agreeing to speak with me today. Let's get started! Tell me a little bit about yourself and having FASD. Erin D.: I grew ...
Erica B.
Erica B. is a 31-year-old from Minnesota living with FASD. She was born to a single mother struggling with alcoholism and grew up with a wonderful adoptive family. She currently holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science from the University of South Dakota and holds a graduate certificate in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Counseling. Erica is currently studying to take the CSAC-A exam and is working as a nanny for one-year-old ...
Lucy K.
Lucy K. is a 16-year-old from Northern Virginia. Brianna Montgomery: Welcome Lucy, thank you for agreeing to speak with me today. I am very interested in learning more about you. Let's start first with some fun questions, what kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite singer or band? Lucy K.: I like Beyonce and Weird Al. BM: That's an interesting combination. I saw Weird Al in concert when I was younger, he was great. ...
Chanel T.
Chanel T. is a 21-year-old Veterinary Technician from St. Petersburg, Florida. Her greatest passions in life are dogs and parrots, of which she owns two: dog Elizabeth Taylor and parrot Johnny Angel. She is also passionate about educating others about preventing FASD and ensuring that no one else is affected by this lifelong disability. Brianna Montgomery: Welcome, Chanel! It is so nice to meet you. Thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview. I look ...
Morgan F.
Morgan F. is a young Alaska Native living with FASD. He is Tlingit and of the Eagle Moiety. He enjoys playing the Native American flute and sharing his experience of having FASD with others. Four years ago he founded One Heart Creations to raise awareness of FAS and FASD. Morgan recently spoke with NOFAS Program Manager, Brianna Montgomery. Brianna Montgomery: Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. We are so excited to learn more ...
Tracy C.
Tracy C. is a 26 year old from San Diego, California, who was diagnosed at age two with FAS. She attends a community based day program and does volunteer work for various organizations. For many years Tracy has participated in FAS research at the Center for Behavioral Teratology at San Diego State University led by renowned scientist Dr. Edward Riley. An MRI image of Tracy's brain depicting the hallmark effects of prenatal alcohol exposure is ...
Frances M.
Frances M. is a 50 year old woman that was born and raised in Washington Heights in New York City. She grew up in a family of four and is the youngest of one sister and two brothers. Frances now lives in Fort Lee, New Jersey with her very dear friend Mary. Frances recently talked with NOFAS Program Manager, Brianna Montgomery. Brianna Montgomery: Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed; it is a pleasure to have you ...
Jasmine S.
Jasmine S. is the 19 year old daughter of Mickey and Dianne. She graduated Scotia Glenville High School in June 2008. Jasmine was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Effects when she was 3 years old. Jasmine was a general session speaker, along with her mother Dianne and sister Elizabeth, for the Sharing Personal Stories panel at the 2008 Building FASD State Systems meeting. Jasmine is interested in bringing her voice to the SAMHSA FASD Center for ...
Karli S.
Karli S. is a thirty-seven year old women with FAS. She was dianosed at age 16. Karli has volunteered with NOFAS for nearly 15 years and she illustrated the NOFAS logo. She has received numerous awards for her advocacy for FASD including a Point of Light award presented by former President George Herbert Walker Bush. Karli sat down with Brianna Montgomery on a recent visit to NOFAS. Brianna Montgomery: Welcome Karli. I am glad that you were ...
Taylor A.
Taylor A. is a 17 year old teenager with FASD, who was born in Vermont in June 1992. He was put up for adoption by his birth mother, who was an alcoholic, and was adopted the next day by his current parents. Unlike others with an FASD, he does not have any of the facial characteristics that are attributed to the disorder. Others sometimes find it hard to believe that he has a disability because ...
Rob W.
In 1973, Rob W. was the first infant diagnosed with FAS in the United States. Having a diagnosis at birth has been extremely helpful to both Rob and his parents. Although there were no conferences, books or videos on FAS in 1973, having the diagnosis helped his parents think and parent differently. As Rob grew older he wanted to become part of the solution to the FASD puzzle. He has been involved in the areas of ...