Peer Support Activities

‘Peer Focus’ Series (online)
  • Peer Focus is peer-driven and peer focused, an online series of “episodes” delivered live by Zoom, and available later by video recording on this page.
  • Peer Focus is informational and educational for people with prenatal alcohol exposure/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (PAE/FASD).
  • Peer Focus episodes are an hour and each focuses on a different topic.
  • Peer Focus series is hosted by the Alaska Center for FASD, with generous support and collaboration with FASD Collaborative Project.
  • See below for upcoming Peer Focus episodes with dates, times, and descriptions.

To request the Zoom link for each LIVE Zoom episode, send an email to info@alaskacenterforfasd.org.

11/24/25 – Peer Focus, Episode #1

“8 Keys for Adults with FASD” – with Gina Schumaker and Tami Eller. This episode will feature the 31-minute film ‘8 Keys for Adults with FASD’ about seven adults with prenatal alcohol exposure telling about their stories, with challenges, strengths, and recommendations for success. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the hosts. Join LIVE by Zoom on Monday, Nov. 24 (4-5pm Eastern Time / 12-1pm Alaska Time), or look for the recording later on this page.

12/6/25 – Peer Focus, Episode #2

“Structure in Daily Life” - with Tami Eller. This episode will focus on practical ideas for managing daily challenges. Setting up a structure and routine is vital for those of us impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure. We will discuss how structure and routine helps preserve our brain energy for other things that require more cognitive power. We will learn strategies to bring in new tasks into our regular routine and finish with problem-solving strategies for those times when life gets in the way of our daily routine. Join LIVE by Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 6 (2-3pm Eastern Time / 10-11am Alaska Time), or look for the recording later on this page.

12/8/25 – Peer Focus, Episode #3

“9 Core Messages: What Everyone Should Know About Prenatal Alcohol Exposure - Strengths & Challenges” - People with PAE/FASD can experience a wide range of impacts that vary from individual to individual. This episode will cover some of the challenging impacts, but also highlights the strengths and successes that people with prenatal alcohol exposure experience. Join LIVE by Zoom on Monday, Dec. 8 (4-5pm Eastern Time / 12-1pm Alaska Time), or look for the recording later on this page.

12/13/25 – Peer Focus, Episode #4

“Accepting and Understanding Our Brains” – with Tami Eller and Gina Schumaker. This episode will focus on recognizing and accepting brain differences and how to advocate for the accommodations that promote success. Join LIVE by Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 13 (2-3pm Eastern Time / 10-11am Alaska Time), or look for the recording later on this page.

To request the Zoom link for each LIVE episode, or for other information, send an email to info@alaskacenterforfasd.org.

Meet the Peer Presenters:

Gina Schumaker is a self-advocate who came to understand her story and brain-based challenges after she sought an FASD evaluation/diagnosis at age 50. Prior to diagnosis she believed that her life difficulties were her fault. She has risen above that belief and has found success as a self-employed business owner, professional speaker, and peer support advocate. She is a cast member in the ‘8 Keys for Adults with FASD’ film has provided many presentations sharing her story and bringing hope to others who experience PAE/FASD.

Tami Eller, M.S., is the Lead Behavioral Health Training Coordinator for the Center for Human Development at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She is an FASD Into Action trainer and has professional experience working with children, youth, and families. Tami has lived experience of PAE/FASD and is a strong advocate for people impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.

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Peer Stories

People with lived experience of prenatal alcohol exposure/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (PAE/FASD) represent a broad range of people from a broad range of backgrounds. Each story is unique, with unique experiences and lessons learned.
Below are some of those stories.