FAACT's Roundtable

In today's episode, we meet Soheila Maleki, Ph. D, a research chemist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in New Orleans. Ms. Maleki's work focuses specifically on peanut and tree nuts. We explore the type of research her lab conducts and how everyone from the peanut farmer to researchers are involved in addressing food allergy in the United States. To keep you in the know, her...

In this episode, Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD, sits down with us to share a lively and detailed review of the updated USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We explore the recommendations for feeding infants allergens in hopes of preventing food allergies and discuss tips on how to safely feed allergens to infants. To keep you in the know, here are a few helpful links: USDA Dietary Guidelin...

In this episode we hear directly from two college students, Maya Konoff (Syracuse University) and Emma Sorrentino (University of Vermont) , who are enjoying traditional college life while managing food allergies. Hear their very candid and authentic thoughts about campus dining, roommates, and dating. To keep you in the know, we invite you to explore these resources: FAACT College and University R...

As the adult population with food allergy continues to grow, we sit down with two adults with food allergies to learn how they navigate their work and personal lives. Joining us is Linda Menighan, FAACT Vice President of Programs, and Emery Gewirtz Brown, FAACT Director of Behavioral Health . These two community leaders take us on a lively tour of several new 'Adults with Food Allergies'...

Meet the newest FAACT Leadership team member, Kristin M. Osborne, FAACT's Vice President of Education, as we explore special activities to celebrate Valentine's Day with food allergies. Hear about Random Acts of Valentine's Day Kindness to creating new and inclusive memories with your family and friends. We welcome Kristin and her extensive background as she joins the FAACT Leadersh...

In this episode, you'll enjoy getting to know precocious 12-year-old Brennan, who candidly discusses his challenges and successes in managing food allergies. As a FAACT Camp TAG and Teen Retreat veteran, Brennan provides a glimpse from an attendee's perspective of these two signature events. Joined by his mother, Shannon, they share stories of bullying and triumph.  Links from topics men...

In this episode, we sit down with FAACT President, CEO and Founder, Eleanor Garrow-Holding, as she reflects on 2020 with her eye on 2021. Eleanor authentically shares her personal experience discovering her son's food allergy, EoE, and asthma and how those early experiences helped to shape the FAACT organization we know today. Programs  mentioned in podcast: FAACT's Camp TAG FAACT's...

In this episode, we sit down with FAACT's Medical Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Shahzad Mustafa, to explore the world of COVID-19 vaccinations as he explains how vaccinations work and why the current vaccinations offered are safe - even for people living with food allergies and asthma. Podcasts with Dr. Shahzad Mustafa: Understanding COVID-19, Part 1  Understanding COVID-19, Part 2  Food Allergy...

Pandemic parenting has been a challenge! Today, we sit down with FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gewirtz, MA, School Psychology ,  as we explore what emotions kids might be feeling right now and how to help establish fun winter goals, routines, and tips to perk up the pandemic winter blues. Listen to Emery's top three tips for engagement, including how to help your child rem...

In this episode, FAACT-recognized support group leader,  and FAACT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board Member, Ashley Smith, explores fresh ideas for creating memories for all budgets and locations. Ashley discusses how to keep grandparents involved even when they are living across the country and how to focus on love, creativity, and inclusion of all family members.  No prior crafting...

In this episode, FAACT-recognized support group leader,  and FAACT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board Member, Carolina Soto, MSW, shares how to safely manage the holidays as we balance precious, cultural traditions with food allergy management. Carolina explores the importance of finding support and why we need one another. To keep you in the know, below are helpful links: FAACT's...

This holiday season, we explore how to set a positive intention, learn how to say "No" with grace and honesty, and how to "take in the good" with Emery Gewirtz, FAACT Director of Behavioral Health . The holidays can be tough, but with tools packed with science-based tips, you'll be prepared for a joyful season. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful l...

In this episode, Executive Chef, Keith Norman, with South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, helps us get ready for holiday cooking by sharing tips for preparing ahead of time and how to safely cook a turkey.  Chef Keith shares his passion for our food allergy community through his cooking and food allergy aware television appearances. To keep you in the know, below are helpful links: FAACT's Shine...

As parents of children with food allergies, we know a strong parent-teacher relationship is key. In this information-packed episode, we sit down with Keynote speaker, Author, former California Teacher of the Year, the Rappin' Mathematician, and the Founder of Multiplication Nation, Alex Kajitani , to explore how to keep those important lines of communication open with our children's teac...

In this episode, we explore the science behind how food manufacturers detect allergens with Melanie Downs, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Food Science and Technology. Learn about spectrometry and how testing food samples sometimes uses the same technology used in COVID-19 rapid testing. Dr. Downs explains what type of research is conducted at the Food...

In this episode, Curtis Zimmerman , renowned keynote and motivational speaker , and FAACT's Teen Retreat Keynote speaker and presenter , discusses how to change your mindset to conquer the phase of life in a pandemic during which he calls the 'Next Normal'. You'll discover fresh approaches to your relationships and family time. To keep you in the know, below are a few links: Cu...

We sit down with AllerGenis CEO and Board Member, Jim Garner , to explore history of food allergy diagnosis and new emerging innovations for diagnosing food allergies and predicting positive outcomes for Oral Immunotherapies.  Technology for diagnosing food allergies has not changed in over 30 years, therefore,  you will not want to miss this conversation. You'll want to listen to the end to...

FAACT Ambassador , singer, songwriter, and musical artist, Kendall Renee , recently released a new music video and song which touches the heart of those living with food allergies and/or disabilities. We sit down with Kendall to learn about how her food allergies and feeding tube don't slow her down and actually inspire her to live life to the fullest. Listen in to find inspiration and a smil...

In this episode, we sit down with Alerje Founder and CEO, Javier Evelyn, to learn more about how innovation is pushing forward new discoveries to improve the quality of life for people living with food allergies. Javier is on the edge of "shouting out from mountain tops" about new advances taking place, and he drops "bread crumbs" for listeners to follow. He is also a member of...

FAACT's Medical Advisory Board Chair, Shahzad Mustafa, MD , sits down with us six months after our first podcast addressing the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Mustafa, in his usual warm and caring style, discusses the upcoming flu season, decision fatigue, managing an allergic reaction at home, and why self-care is critical. He also shares insight into what FAACT's Diversity, Eq...

Thomas Silvera tragically lost his son, Elijah, to a food allergic reaction. Now, Thomas and his family are changing the lives of thousands of children with food allergies globally. We sit down with Thomas to learn about his family's latest endeavors and newest announcements. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free and helpful links to our downloadable materials: Elijah-Alavi Foundatio...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into how to achieve success using FAACT's new 'My Food Allergy Resilience Kit' with FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gewirtz . The kit conceptualizes resilience into a relatable concrete tool, which includes guidelines, colorful downloads, worksheets, and more. Parents will reach for this kit often and enjoy the simple activities...

We’re speaking with inspirational author, advocate, and TV and radio personality, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino , about how she uses her voice to impact others. Elizabeth, a FAACT Spokesperson, has penned a new children's food allergy book to support students with food allergies. She recently released a journal to inspire calm and self-discovery during these turbulent times. To keep you in the k...

Resilience won't take away problems, but resilient kids know how to tackle life's challenges, know when to say no, and don't define themselves by their problems. FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health , Emery Gewirtz , MA, School Psychology , shares how to foster these skills in your children in this episode. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful links: Po...

In this episode, we explore diversity, equity, and inclusion with the founder of Living in Empathy, LLC, Erin Matthews, LCSW , and Nima Novak, MS, CCC-SLP, COO and co-facilitator of Living in Empathy, LLC. Erin and Nima offer a unique program which helps white people unpack whiteness while taking steps to authentic action. Each FAACT team member has participated in this program to enhance personal...