Search Results

Learn how Kunal Mahajan,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. VP – Middle Market Leveraged Finance Kunal Mahajan Briefly describe your daily job duties. I work in the Middle Market Leveraged Finance group which consists of providing financing to private equity companies to finance their acquisitions. My primary duties consist of managing all aspects of the deal process which includes researching and conducting due diligence on different companies across different industries, communicating with clients, and presenting in front of credit committees to get a deal approved. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Presentations are the most challenging aspect of my job as a person who stutters. As the lead underwriter on a transaction, I am responsible for presenting in various committee meetings and am expected to be the expert on a transaction to get the deal approved. That pressure makes me feel that I have to give the perfect presentation and I become very anxious that my stutter will prevent me from doing so. How supported at work do you feel by your co-workers, supervisor(s) and the company itself? SMBC and my co-workers have supported me completely throughout my entire tenure with the firm. When I expressed my concerns to my managers that I was afraid I would be letting them down by stuttering during my presentations and when talking to clients, they assured me that they do not care whether I stutter or not. They said they are just focused on ensuring I am prepared for the presentations and are only concerned about what I have to say. When I told them how important becoming an effective communicator was to me, they supported me in my pursuit of programs such as Toastmasters, the Dale Carnegie Leadership Program, and getting me a private public speaking coach to work with on a one-on-one basis to improve my communication and presentation skills. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? No, I never did. However, I wish I did because my bosses thought I was just very nervous during my interview because they did not realize that I had a stuttering disability. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Being a person who stutters and being open and authentic with my team about it has brought us closer together. They have been able to see how trusting I am of them and it has created an environment within our team where we all can be open and honest with each other and help support each other. My stutter has also made me become an employee who is very focused on helping others. Having gone through so much hardship with my stutter and having had many people who have been compassionate and supported me, that has made me want to do good for others. I am very focused on mentoring people within my team to help them grow and am involved in running initiatives at the firm for helping other people with disabilities get the support they need in the work place. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Hosting a Mock Interview Event for People Who Stutter in January of 2019 at our offices in NYC was my proudest moment at SMBC. We had 30 people who stutter from across the country come to the event to work on their interview skills. Members of the SMBC senior management team served as mock interviewers and provided interviewees feedback. I was proud that I was able to help bring together a life changing day for everyone in the room and that I work for an institution that is so accepting to people of disabilities.

Meet Elizabeth Minton, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Elizabeth Minton Young Adults Committee Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for the stuttering community and an active member of the National Stuttering Association's Young Adults Committee. A rising senior at Western Carolina University, she is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, building on her foundation with an earlier degree in Communication Studies. Her academic journey reflects her deep interest in understanding the complexities of stuttering and her dedication to making a difference. Elizabeth’s ultimate goal is twofold: to educate others about stuttering, breaking down misconceptions and fostering understanding, and to contribute to research efforts aimed at uncovering the causes of stuttering. Her commitment to these objectives showcases her drive to not only support the current community but also pave the way for advancements that could benefit future generations. As part of the Young Adults Committee, Elizabeth brings her passion, insight, and determination to advocate for awareness and inclusion. Her enthusiasm for learning and her dedication to the stuttering community make her a vital part of the NSA’s mission. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others and further the conversation around stuttering, both in academic and public spheres.

Join the San Francisco & Peninsula stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. San Francisco & Peninsula ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA San Francisco & Peninsula Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Virtual meetings are held on Zoom. When? Virtual meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leaders. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Antar Sturm & Everlyn Kamau Chapter Leaders Get in touch! SFNSAChapter@gmail.com (571) 277-6906 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

Learn how David Haas,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Executive Director David Haas Briefly describe your daily job duties. I run a nonprofit called Sarah’s Guest House. We are a healthcare hospitality home that provides lodging, transportation, meals and comfort to patients and families of patients receiving medical care in Central New York. I oversee all operations including directing staff and leading our organization. This includes developing and furthering community relationships, fundraising, managing house operations and developing and administering a budget. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I am constantly challenged in my job when speaking. Each day, I must communicate with my staff, our volunteers, and the 1,000+ guests who stay at our house annually. Not to mention our partners, donors, and supporters. I often speak in the community about our organization. This requires me to present at local hospitals, churches, events, and anytime outreach is needed. At times I am only given a few minutes to tell someone or a group of people about our organization and I must make sure I am using my time wisely and articulating our mission properly. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients and or customers? I did self-disclose. My resume noted that I am the leader of the Syracuse chapter of the National Stuttering Association, and I spoke about it during my interviews. I knew the job would require the Executive Director to be the face of the organization and be comfortable speaking in front of large groups of individuals on behalf of Sarah’s Guest House. I described my plethora of experience speaking to local audiences about stuttering including giving a TEDx Talk in 2014. I don’t always disclose my fluency disorder to everyone I speak with. It depends on my day and the situation. If I feel an additional amount of pressure (on top of the usual everyday pressure), I may say that I a person who stutters, “please be patient as I articulate my message.” This is especially true if it’s an important meeting and I’m asking someone to make a donation or pledge to Sarah’s Guest House and I want their full attention. I almost always mention my stuttering when presenting in the community or speaking at an event. I believe this helps put both my audience and myself at ease so they are not wondering why I might be struggling to communicate in a way they might be used to hearing. This also offers me an opportunity to educate the public in regards to stuttering, which I believe I am called to do. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. The guests who stay at Sarah’s Guest House are typically going through one of the most difficult situations in their life when they decide to stay with us. It is of dire importance that we as staff and volunteers are able to show an ability to understand and share the feelings of another – to be empathic. I believe that there is no group of people more empathic than individuals who stutter. I also believe that in a fast-paced, perfection seeking world, being the leader of an organization as a person who stutters allows me to flip the script. My staff, volunteers, board members, and those around me know that I am not seeking perfection, but rather a commitment to do the best we can in a manner that shows respect for our duties and those we are serving. What is your proudest moment at your current company? This past year was one of the hardest in my career. Leading a healthcare organization during the middle of a pandemic was very stressful. Our largest fundraising event had to be cancelled and we had to pivot plans to raise enough funds to continue operating the house. This led us to holding several smaller virtual fundraisers during 2020 including a one-week digital campaign we called ‘Fund the House.’ This unique campaign raised over $30,000 in one week utilizing only social media. Our campaign was nominated and selected as the Central New York Business Journal’s NONPROFIT AWARDS Outstanding Fundraising Event of 2020 with the award criteria being “running an innovative and unique event which engaged donors, board members, volunteers and staff to further the organization’s mission.” What are your long-term career aspirations? I am in the career I feel I was called to be in. I have always known I have wanted to give back to the public and my community. I hope to be blessed enough to do so for many more years. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? It’s interesting, when I was younger and even into my early 20s, I never talked about stuttering. It wasn’t until I was introduced to the National Stuttering Association while in graduate school that I felt I needed to be more open with myself and others. I decided I wasn’t going to let my stutter control me any longer. My life took a 180-degree turn and I began down a path that led me to being able to use my voice to advocate for others. I know everyone who stutters, stutters differently, and has a different story. But I would encourage you to never sell yourself short. Always advocate for yourself and be open with those around you. You are the next leader and you have an opportunity to educate others – go for it!

Join the Baton Rouge stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Baton Rouge ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH Official NSA Chapter - Louisiana State Welcome to the Baton Rouge Adult Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Meetings are held at the Independence Park Library located at 7711 Goodwood BIvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. When? Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Leon Buford Chapter Leader Get in touch! noelmba24@gmail.com - - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

< Back Kaela Coye Speaker Kaela Coye is most importantly a woman who stutters, and a first year Speech-Language Pathology graduate student who is passionate about advocating for people who stutter in any realm of life, but especially students who stutter navigating the school system. Denver 2025 is Kaela's fourth conference, and she looks forward to getting together with the stuttering community each year. Previous Next

Join the Fort Myers stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Fort Myers ADULT AND FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Fort Myers Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Adult and Family What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road Room A (LK) Fort Myers, FL 33919 When? Meetings are held at Lakes Regional Library, 3rd Wednesday at 6 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Adriana Richardson Chapter Leader Get in touch! SWFLstuttercommunity@gmail.com (239) 200-5611 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

< Back Tanya Banks Speaker Tanya Banks has been an active member of the NSA since 1998. She is the Chapter Leader of Detroit/Royal Oak and Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North region. She is also the Adult Programs Chair on the Board of Directors. She was recognized as NSA Chapter Leader of the Year in 2013. Her chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in 2023, and she was also recognized as Regional Chapter Coordinator of the Year in 2023. She has worked as a customer service representative for 22 years and credits finding her voice to the NSA. She is an avid angel collector, enjoys inspirational music and old comedy shows. Previous Next

Join the Columbia stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Columbia ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - South Carolina State Welcome to the NSA Columbia Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? Hybrid Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Montgomery Speech Language Hearing Clinic (Close-Hipp Building – Suite #220) – 1705 College Street Columbia, SC 29208. Meetings are hybrid and can also be attended online. When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Charley Adams & Aisha Haynes Chapter Leaders Get in touch! charley@sc.edu (803) 777-2605 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

Celebrate achievements at the NSA Annual Conference Awards. Recognizing excellence and contributions within the stuttering community. Each year during our Annual Conference, we present a wide variety of awards to individuals and groups within our community that have risen above and beyond, and deserve special recognition. YEAR HOST CITY CHAPTER FAMILY CHAPTER CHAPTER LEADER REGIONAL COORDINATOR SLP VOLUNTEER PARENT MEMBER (COMBINED W/VOLUNTEER) YOUTH CONFERENCE DEDICATION 2025 Denver, CO Philadelphia, PA Lafayette, LA - Marvin Wiley - - - Mitch Guerra 2024 St. Louis, MO Washington, DC - Tim Flynn & Aidan Marshall-Cort - Mike Molino - - - 2023 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Royal Oak, MI - Anahbel Augustin, Lori Colletti & Kerri Berard Family Tanya Banks Jim & Lee Lowman - Matt Scadden (community Builder) Marvin Wiley 2022 Newport Beach, CA Houston, TX St. Louis, MO Sufian Hammad & Emily Anderson Mike Molino & Steven Moates Dan Haus & Emily Webb Jamie Saunders - - 2021 Austin, TX Raleigh, NC Seattle, WA John Moore Jeff Olevson Matt Phillips & Caden Short Annemarie Whitesel - - 2020 NSA@Home (Virtual Event) - - Dannette Fitzgerald Tiffani Kittilstved - - - - 2019 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - - - - - - - Fred Murray 2018 Chicago, IL San Diego, CA - Danra Kazenski Kevin Chambers John Moore - - Annie Bradberry 2017 Dallas, TX Boston, MA - Sivan Aulov & David Apulche Steven Kaufman Jeff Fett - - Michael Sugarman 2016 Atlanta, GA New York, NY - Kevin Chambers Tom Scharstein Michelle Geiger - - Hanan Hurwitz 2015 Baltimore, MD Austin, TX - Katie Gore Bob Rochefort Stavros Ladeas - - - 2014 Washington, DC St. Cloud, MN - Grace Gregory Jeff Olevson Nina Zito Melanie Rogers - - 2013 Scottsdale, AZ Cincinnati South, OH Arizona, AZ Tanya Banks Landon Murray Cameron Francek Julie North - - 2012 St. Petersburg Rochester, NY Orange County, CA Hannah Laday Bernie Weiner Sarah Onofri Debbie Nicolai - Fred Murray 2011 Fort Worth, TX Nashville, TN - Evan Sherman Charley Adams Mike Bauer Pattie Wood Gloria Klumb Lee Reeves 2010 Cleveland, OH Albany, NY - Behnaz Abolmaali - Bernie Weiner Steph Coppen Steve Kaufman Gerald Maguire 2009 Scottsdale, AZ Tampa, FL - Nancy Barcal - Pam Mertz Lois Hare Vicki Schutter - 2008 Parsippany, NJ Lafayette, LA - Jeff Olevson - Steven Kaufman no one Madison Garcia Nina Reeves 2007 Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX - Gloria Klunb - Gary Rentschler-Bonnie Weiss Julie Whitaker - - 2006 Long Beach, CA Central Arizona, AZ - Zan Green Lynn Bejnar Vikesh Anand Cindy Marks & Marc Rosenbaum Lynn Bejnar The Liben Family 2005 Chicago, IL Madison, WI - Lou Madonna Rich Schwerdt Russ Hicks None Jim McClure - 2004 Baltimore, MD Seattle, WA - Bernie Weiner & Jim Abbott Rich Schwerdt - Chris Montalbano Cathy Olish - 2003 Nashville, TN Sacramento, CA - Gial Wilson Lew Judy Johnson - Tim Bryant Joseph Diaz Jim McClure 2002 Anaheim, CA Royal Oak, MI - Nora O'Conner Elaine Saitta - Sindy Liben Bonnie Weiss Walt Manning, Ph.D. 2001 Boston, MA Buffalo, NY - Bernie Weiner & Jim Abbott Rich Schwerdt - Michele Murphy Bill Nimelman Harry Lerner 2000 Chicago, IL Boston - North, MA - Lucy Reed Rich Schwerdt - Shirley & Robby Robbins Russ Hicks J. David Williams 1999 Seattle, WA Orange County, CA - Ed Giordano Cathy Dully - Mildred Ottaway Marty Jezer - 1998 Atlanta, GA Utah, UT - Lynn Bejnar Jeff Shames - Lee Caggaino Darrell Dodge Michael Sugarman 1996 - - - - - - - - John Ahlbach Hall of Fame In addition to our annual conference awards, the National Stuttering Association Hall of Fame was created to honor individuals who have shown an unfailing commitment over time to the NSA and to the stuttering community as a whole. Past inductees are as follows: 2025 – Heather Najman 2024 – Paula Campbell-Schwab 2023 – Paul Castellano 2022 – Pamela Mertz 2021 – Bill Smith 2020 – Doug Scott 2019 – Scott Yaruss 2018 – Bernie Weiner 2017 – Games Family 2016 – Bob Quesal 2015 – No Award given 2014 – No Award given 2013 – No Award given 2012 – No Award given 2011 – Russ Hicks 2010 – Nina Reeves 2009 – Judith Kuster 2008 – No Award given 2007 – Annie Bradberry, NSA Executive Director (1993–2003) & Jim McClure 2006 – No Award given 2005 – Marty Jezer 2004 – Annie Glenn 2003 – Lee Reeves, NSA Chairman (1997–2003) 2002 – Eugene Cooper, Ph.D. 2001 – Vivian Sheehan 2000 – John Harrison & John Paul “Scatman” Larkin 1999 – No Award given 1998 – Michael Sugarman, NSA Co-Founder 1996 – John Ahlbach, NSA Executive Director (1981–1995) Other inductees to the NSA Hall of Fame include: Fred Murray, Mel Hoffman, Rich Wells, Herb Goldberg, Dorvan Breitenfeldt.

The NSA Young Adults program offers support, resources, and connection for people who stutter ages 18–30. Find community and encouragement here. You’ve graduated high school…now what? You may be going to college or maybe starting a new job. You might move out of your parent’s house or may be hitting the road to do some traveling. But what about stuttering? How will it affect the choices you make? Will you allow it to hold you back from what you really want to accomplish? Stuttering is a part of who you are, but it should not dictate the decisions you make for your future as a young adult. The NSA® has resources, written by college students and young adults, to help you best navigate this stage in your life. Young Adult Resources Transitioning To College Whether you are attending a college in your hometown or moving across the country, your life is changing in new and exciting ways. New teachers, new classmates, new friends, and new freedoms. And of course, new speech challenges Job Hunting and Interviewing The NSA is driven to improve the employment opportunities of people who stutter. Our WeStutter@Work program offers people who stutter-free career advice through webinars, practice job interviews, and career profiles. Connect with others who stutter online Our NSA Young Adults Facebook group is a closed, moderated space, open only to 20- and 30-somethings who stutter, and offers a safe environment to ask questions and bounce ideas on all things relevant to this stage of life. Being Your Best Advocate Being your best advocate is an important practice that helps to build confidence while promoting understanding and acceptance for yourself and stuttering in everyday life. Join a Local NSA Chapter The NSA provides a wide network of stuttering support groups that help people who stutter build self-confidence, practice speaking in a safe environment, socialize with others, and explore new ways to cope with stuttering. Speech Therapy as a Young Adult Whether you have years of experience or are considering attending for the first time, speech therapy as a young adult has a number of benefits. Learn More About Stuttering Finding My Voice, Building a Community: Codi Lamb’s Story Myths about Stuttering Causes of Stuttering Facts About Stuttering Stuttering Treatment Options What Is Stuttering?

Join the Charlottesville stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Charlottesville ADULT, FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Virginia State Welcome to the NSA Charlottesville Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Adult, Family What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? UVA – Ruffner (417 Emmet Street South #Room 106, Charlottesville, VA 22904) When? Meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? CJ Hedgepeth & Claire Barbao Chapter Leaders Get in touch! cjhedgepeth123@yahoo.com - - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter