From the NSP to NSA: Paula Campbell-Schwab’s Story

Some people are part of the foundation of the NSA community. Paula Campbell-Schwab is definitely one of them.

She’s been involved with the NSA since 1984, back when we were still calling ourselves the National Stuttering Project! She joined because she needed more than what speech therapy alone could offer.

I needed the support of other people in my community that lived nearby,” she says, “that I could call or see in person that were coping with similar communication issues.”

Paula says she’s a quiet and shy person who doesn’t like the spotlight, but anyone in the NSA community who’s met her knows how she radiates warmth and wisdom.

Over the years, the NSA became a source of transformation for her.

The NSA has opened up my world to meeting and knowing some of the most beautiful people in the world,” she says. “They loved me and challenged me to be the very best Paula I could be.”

Paula spent 26 years as a special education teacher, working in both public and private settings. She showed up, gave her heart, and made a difference in ways that can’t be measured by lesson plans or IEPs alone.

Her advice for anyone new to the NSA? Keep coming back.

“You are not alone! Keep your heart and mind open as you will learn so much about stuttering, yourself and others as you spend time in the various activities of the NSA.”

When Paula’s not reading self-help books in a cozy coffee house, you might find her watching Waking Ned Devine (again), dancing to just about any music with a good beat, or relaxing with Rocky the Havanese by her side. And one day she’s heading off to a yoga and spa retreat somewhere beautiful.

Paula’s been showing up, supporting others, and sharing her heart for over 40 years. And she’s not done yet!