Not Alone- An Interview with Andrew Bremser and Nick Vecchione - Episode 6

Welcome to the sixth episode of “FASD Informed”, sponsored and produced by the nonprofit NCFASD Informed. This episode is titled "Not Alone". FASD Informed podcast host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews two guests in this episode- Andrew Bremser and Nick Vecchione. Andrew Bremser served as a Scout Sniper section-leader in the United States Marine Corps. After three deployments in five years, Andrew transitioned into civilian life where he earned his BS in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University in 2017 and his MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2019.Nick Vecchione, who is Natalie’s son, recently graduated from homeschooling and he continues to study his trade as an apprentice in woodworking and carpentry. Nick is an aspiring, young woodworker/carpenter who lives with an FASD. Andrew became Nick’s first carpentry & woodworking apprenticeship teacher in 2018 and he quickly learned about working with individuals an FASD and the prevalence of FASD in the US. Andrew became inspired to serve as a board member on NCFASD Informed. In this episode, we have a candid conversation, including the following topics:-  How the Bremser and Vecchione families met, and how Andrew and Nick’s unique journeys allowed them to form an instant connection.- The importance of trust and building connections when working with individuals with brain based diagnoses. -   The importance of breaking down directions and recognizing when a method of instruction is not working. and how “The burden of connection lies on the teacher.”- Why woodworking and carpentry are a good fit for individuals with an FASD or other brain based diagnoses. - Nick’s advice and hope for teens / young adults living with an FASD or other brain based diagnoses. Resources-Andrew can be reached at:joshshopefoundation.org NCFASD Informed-ncfasdinformed.org Podcast Host- Natalie Vecchionenatalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org