Annette Kunzman co-founded FASD Network of Southern California in 2010 and was integral in establishing it as a non-profit organization in 2014. She has served as Secretary and Treasurer and currently as President. Annette holds a Master’s in Management degree from Northwestern University and received her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska. She was certified as a Chartered Financial Analyst in 1988.
Following a long career in commercial lending and investment management, Annette retired in 2006 to focus full-time on raising her young sons with Fetal Alcohol. In 2019, Annette was named to the California Department of Education’s Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
We know caregivers spend years knowing their child is struggling, but not getting the support or appropriate diagnosis they need. Annette is no different. She poignantly shares her story of her sons’ early years but more importantly, many will be interested in her journey of how she shared their diagnosis with them, the timeline of their gradual acceptance and transition to adulthood. In this podcast, we also touch on:
“I have so much to be grateful for. The hardest part is they are both so lonely. They don’t have friends.”
And while Annette may feel her sons are lonely, she and her husband are still there when needed. You will hear how each son is carving his way into the world and finding their connections. A mother never stops worrying. Despite some turbulent times, Annette and her husband continue to be a haven for their sons. This was a neat update for me as I stayed with her family during a talking tour of the States. If you are looking for some great advice and insight into transitioning, please check out this emotional but heartwarming podcast.
Show Notes:
Email: annettek@fasdsocalnetwork.org
Web: http://www.fasdsocalnetwork.org
Support the Show.
HOPE SHREDS: Strumming Through the FASD Struggles with Demi!
Engaging Reluctant Dads: Strategies for Shared Success
How to Live with Less Fear and Frustration about the Future
Why Accepting Help...Helps! Unveiling Aaron Howlett’s Journey from Acceptance to Advocacy in FASD
From Edge of Collapse to Community Compass: Mary’s Triumph Over FASD Adversity | Episode 150
Episode #149: The Alex Duthie Episode
#148 Discover the Impact: Transforming FASD with Peer Mentorship
Episode #147: Legal Lifelines: Advocating for FASD in the Justice System
Episode #146: Navigating the Swear Storms: Understanding FASD and Swearing
Episode #145: The Shout-Out Special: Celebrating FASD Wins!
Episode #144: Unlocking Growth: How the FASD Brain Evolves and Why Your Efforts Matter
Episode #143: Making Waves: A Step-by-Step Guide to Igniting FASD Advocacy in Your City
Episode #142: Amanda Burley - How to Make and Keep Friends with FASD
Episode #141 Discover A New Mental Health Tool with Emma Jewell.
Episode #140: Audrey McFarlane – Pioneering Progress in FASD
Episode #139: How FASD Coaching Can Unlock Breakthroughs with Behaviors
Episode #138 Unlearning to Reconnect: Stacia Stribling's FASD Caregiving Journey from Professor to Not for Profit.
#137 Burnout to Breakthrough: Angela's Journey of FASD Hope
#136 Too Cool for School: The No-BS Guide to Getting Educators on Your Side
AHA! My FASD Lightbulb Moments - Flipping the Switch on Understanding and Empathy
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
The No-Frills Teacher Podcast
Heal, Survive & Thrive!
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast