FAACT's Roundtable

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...

Professional coach, consultant and former television producer, Karen Palmer , explores change and how our mindset plays a role while sharing inspiring words of wisdom of hope for a better tomorrow. Ms. Palmer is also a parent of children with food allergies. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free and helpful links to our downloadable materials: Self-Care and Coping Skills Tips for Your and...

We explore how to hold productive conversations with elementary to college-aged children about Back-to-School while getting comfortable with uncertainty. FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health , Emery Gewirtz , MA School Psychology, provides practical and actionable tips that parents can start using right now, before school starts. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful l...

In this episode, Executive Chef Keith Norman, South Point Resort and Casino, candidly talks about managing food allergies from his unique perspective behind the stove. Chef Keith challenges us to ask our servers and food establishments not only about allergens, but what type of food allergen training have they experienced.  To keep you in the know, below are helpful links: Dining Out - FAACT resou...

We catch up with Lianne Mandelbaum , air travel food allergy advocate and Founder of the No Nut Traveler . Ms. Mandelbaum shares the latest news and a few shocking stories about passenger experiences with food allergies on airplanes including the impact of the "shame factor" of disclosing an allergen to an airline.  To keep you in the know, below are a few links: No Nut Traveler - Websit...

Ep. 27: In this episode, we take a very straightforward and deep dive into the world of Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) with board-certified allergist, Dr. Brian Vickery , who also demystifies the new peanut food allergy drug named Palforzia. In this very candid discussion, listeners will discover information to help their own conversations with their doctors to determine if OIT might be an appropriate c...

Nationally certified school nurse, Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN , whose commentary has been featured on CNN and the New York Times , and FAACT's General Council and Vice President of Civil Rights Advocacy, Amelia G. Smith, JD , discuss concerns, possible solutions and the rights of parents/caregivers of children with food allergies and/or asthma as parents tackle Back-To-School options. To keep...

Everyday we advocate for children with food allergies, but what do you do when a sector of your community needs your support? Emily Brown, Founder and CEO of Food Equality Initiative , sits down with us to discuss the new Seven Percent Fund and Coalition and how you can be part of the solution. To keep you in the know, below are a few links: Food Equality Initiative An Open Letter to the Food Alle...

Listening can be considered an art, but when you are a parent of a child with food allergies, listening becomes your most powerful tool. FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gewirtz, MA , explores how parents can learn active and mindful listening to create a safe environment for their teen to talk.  To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful links: Teens: How to Tal...

In her usual warm and down-to-earth style, FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gerwirtz, MA , gives practical tips for teens to use to talk to their parents about stress, anxiety, or depression. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful links to our downloadable materials: Food Allergy Anxiety and Depression with Emery Gerwirtz - Podcast Self-Care and Coping Skills...

In an open and sometimes vulnerable conversation, FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gerwirtz, MA , explores food allergy anxiety and depression. Learn about the differences and how it relates to food allergies, plus a few self-soothing techniques. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free and helpful links to our downloadable materials: Self-Care and Coping Skills Tips for You...

In this episode, we meet a sixth generation peanut farmer, Casey Cox , who returned home from college to help run the family farm. Not only is Casey a proud farmer, but she is proud of the peanut farmers' role in tackling the issue of peanut and food allergies with the National Peanut Board. Casey shares her personal story and the global support accomplished by her fellow farmers for the food...

Inspired by experience and an unwavering determination, Emily Brown, Founder and CEO of the Food Equality Initiative , explains how food allergies impact food insecure families. In 2014, the only food available to her family during a visit to a pantry was a mere two potatoes and one jar of salsa. Join us as we learn how to address this serious national issue. To keep you in the know, below are a f...

Welcome to Part 2 with food allergy parent and attorney, Jill Mindlin, JD candidly shares her personal experience, stories and advice for families preparing their students to leave for college. She reviews her top five tips and explains the four most important documents to consider securing before your legally adult child heads to college (18 years and older), such as, a medical power of attorney....

Food Allergy parent and attorney, Jill Mindlin, JD candidly shares her personal experience, stories and advice for families preparing their students to leave for college. She reviews her top five tips and explains the four most important documents to consider securing before your legally adult child heads to college (18 years and older), such as, a medical power of attorney.  To keep you in the kn...

Keeping your family inspired and enjoying each other can feel overwhelming due the COVID-19 Pandemic. Renowned keynote and motivational speaker , and FAACT's Teen Retreat Keynote speaker and presenter , Curtis Zimmerman , shares his powerhouse tips for keeping his family connected and moving forward during these challenging times.  To keep you in the know, below are a few links: Curtis Zimmer...

In this episode we sit down with Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH and the Director of the Center for Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR) to learn more about their current research and how CFAAR's work impacts advocates nationwide. Dr. Gupta explains how you can share your thoughts or request data to support policy and advocacy work. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free and helpful links for mor...

FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gerwirtz, MA , explores the meaning behind self-care while she offers easy tips to get you on your way to self-care, even when your time and space might be limited. Ms. Gerwirtz dives deep into how to engage coping skills for yourself and how to teach your children coping skills, as well. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free and helpful l...