In this month’s webinar, we takle one of the most challenging conversations for individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Host, Andrew Keeping embarks on a frank and open discussion with three of the world’s leading FASD advocates. All three are members of the acclaimed International Adult Leadership Collaborative of FASD Changemakers. As recent guest speakers at the International FASD Conference in Seattle 2025 they discuss their presentations on STIGMA and the reactions and responses they received.
Maggie May, was diagnosed at the age of five with FAS in foster care. She was born in and has lived her entire life in Ireland. She is a well-known speaker on FASD, moderates several on-line groups including the largest global online support group for teens and adults with FASD and provides online mentoring to teens with FASD in several countries. Maggie has been a member of the ALC for 3 years. She works FASD Awareness. She is an expert advisory committee member for the development of a health app for adults with FASD by the University of Rochester, USA. Maggie’s goal is to help those with FASD to find their own voices, and the courage to be who they are and achieve what they want to do.
CJ Lutke, was diagnosed with full FAS as an infant and adopted by her foster family at age five, along with an older brother and sister who also have FASD. She is a well-known speaker on FASD, having presented at and participated in many conferences, seminars, training sessions and other events over 20 years. CJ is a systems changer and advocate, provides advice and consultation and participates as an advisor and team member for different research projects. She sits on various committees, provides mentoring to younger adults with FASD and is the author of an on-line blog that is hosted by NOFASD Australia which is followed globally. As well, CJ has been a member of the Adult Leadership Committee (ALC) of FASD Changemakers for 15 year and was one of its founders. She was the co-lead on their first ground-breaking Lay of the Land Survey on the health and physical issues of adults with FASD that has received wide international attention and was published in 2020. CJ is the lead author on their second Lay of the Land Survey on the Quality of Life of Adults with FASD, preliminary results which were released in March of 2021 to wide attention and is currently being written for publication. CJ is the adoptive mother of a 10-year-old son who also has FASD. CJ believes that those with FASD must challenge perceptions about possibilities and outcomes, find their purpose and change the future. Her goal is to help others with FASD find their voice and to understand that we are greater when we work together.
Justin Shepherd: Creator and Director of TV pilot Stiffed, the Creator and Owner of ViniVidi Productions and the Co-creator/co-owner of Reel Creators Production Company. He recently completed The FASD Project film with Make It Better Productions, a accompany he set up to do FASD film work. Justin is the newest member of the ALC. His goal is to use the power of film and digital content media to help raise awareness around humanitarian, civil rights, public health and social justice issues with respect, legitimacy, scientific accuracy and compassion.