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Meet Cameron Joyce, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Cameron Joyce Young Adults Committee Cameron lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Avery and works as a senior associate at JPMorgan. Originally from South Carolina, he holds degrees in economics and computer science from Wofford College and is pursuing a graduate degree in AI at UT Austin. Passionate about mentoring students and young professionals who stutter, he also enjoys mountain biking, beekeeping, and watching Formula 1. Cameron has served on the Young Adult Committee since 2022 and is a chapter leader of the Charlotte, NC chapter.

Join the Mesquite stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Mesquite FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Texas State Welcome to the NSA Mesquite 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? 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? Mesquite ISD Student Support Center – 714 East Kimbrough Street (Room #B104) Mesquite, Texas 75149 When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursdays of each September, November, February, and April from 6:30-7:30PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Karin Manchack Chapter Leader Get in touch! kmanchack@mesquiteisd.org 972-882-8717 - 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

Looking for stuttering support? Use the NSA Chapter Locator to connect with local groups, meet others who stutter, and find community. Congratulations! You’ve taken the incredible first step on your journey by connecting with your local NSA Chapter. The backbone of the NSA, our local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. No matter what point you’re at in your stuttering journey, experience the life-changing power of attending a local chapter where you can share your story, bond with fellow people who stutter and allies, and embrace the support of our ever-growing community. Chapter Locator Map Use the Chapter Locator map below to find the chapter closest to you. Search by your address, zipcode, or Type of Chapter Meeting.

The National Stuttering Association® (NSA)  is proud to be the largest stuttering support organization in the world — but we are not alone in this mission. Around the globe, countless organizations are dedicated to supporting people who stutter (PWS), their families, and the professionals who work with them. From specialized therapy programs and advocacy networks to youth camps and online communities, these associations share one goal: to empower people who stutter to speak freely, connect deeply, and live authentically. Below is a collection of national and international stuttering organizations and resources  that offer education, community, and inspiration. Please note that this is not a complete list, but rather a sampling of the many incredible groups doing this work. U.S.-Based Stuttering Organizations American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (ABFFD) Speech-language pathologists who hold Board Certification in Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)  have completed advanced training and clinical experience in working with people who stutter. You can find a list of certified specialists at stutteringspecialists.org . American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) With offices in New York City  and Atlanta, GA , AIS provides individualized and group therapy in-person and online. Their approach integrates avoidance reduction, mindfulness, stuttering modification, and cognitive-behavioral principles. They also offer one-week immersion programs and themed workshops. Financial assistance is available for clients in need. stutteringtreatment.org American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA is the national professional association for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Its Special Interest Division 4: Fluency and Fluency Disorders  is dedicated to advancing research, education, and treatment for stuttering. asha.org A Free Voice Founded in 2018, A Free Voice  is a U.S.-based nonprofit led by people who stutter and others with speech differences. Through local workshops and public awareness campaigns, it aims to challenge stigma, promote acceptance, and build understanding. AFreeVoice.org FRIENDS: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter FRIENDS creates a loving, empowering space for children and teens who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists. Programs include annual conferences, regional workshops, and parent support sessions. friendswhostutter.org SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young SAY’s mission is to empower young people who stutter and inspire the world to listen with compassion and respect. SAY offers creative arts programs, summer camps, and storytelling opportunities where every voice is valued. say.org Spero Stuttering Spero provides education, advocacy, and community engagement to support individuals and families affected by stuttering. Their focus includes equipping professionals with resources to better serve the stuttering community. sperostuttering.org Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA) The SFA offers free resources, books, videos, and educational materials for people who stutter and professionals. It also supports research and advocacy efforts aimed at understanding and destigmatizing stuttering. stutteringhelp.org International Stuttering Organizations British Stammering Association (BSA) Also known as Stamma , the British Stammering Association is the leading UK organization run by and for people who stammer. It provides advocacy, community programs, and a national helpline. stammering.org Canadian Stuttering Association (CSA) CSA is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that promotes awareness, education, and support for people who stutter and their families across Canada. stutter.ca International Stuttering Association (ISA) The ISA unites stuttering associations from around the world to foster understanding, share resources, and collaborate on initiatives like International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) . stutterisa.org Philippine Stuttering Association (PSA) The Philippine Stuttering Association  is a nonprofit community dedicated to promoting acceptance, education, and awareness for people who stutter in the Philippines. Through workshops, support meetings, and outreach, PSA provides safe spaces for individuals and families to connect and share their experiences. facebook.com/PhilippineStutteringAssociation Lebanese Stuttering Association (LSA) The Lebanon Stuttering Association , (an affiliate of the National Stuttering Association) supports people who stutter and their families throughout Lebanon. The organization promotes stuttering awareness, peer connection, and advocacy through both in-person and virtual programs, helping individuals build confidence and find community. Online Communities, Podcasts & Personal Projects Make Room for the Stuttering / Women Who Stutter: Our Stories Created by a person who stutters, this blog and podcast explore the many ways stuttering intersects with identity, resilience, and empowerment. Women Who Stutter: Our Stories  provides a unique space for women to share their experiences and voices. stutterrockstar.com Passing Twice A supportive network for LGBTQIA+ people who stutter and their allies. Passing Twice  builds community through shared stories, online discussions, and annual meetups. passingtwice.org StutterTalk A long-running podcast that features open, honest conversations about stuttering. The hosts—people who stutter themselves—interview community members, experts, and advocates around the world. stuttertalk.com Stutter Social An innovative online community that connects people who stutter through virtual hangouts. Participants meet via video to practice communication, share stories, and form lasting friendships. stuttersocial.com Stuttering may be a shared experience, but each person’s journey is unique. Whether you’re searching for a therapist, peer group, or advocacy network, these organizations offer meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. The National Stuttering Association®  encourages you to explore these resources, find a community that feels right for you, and remember: if you stutter, you are not alone. Visit WeStutter.org  to find an NSA Chapter near you or join one of our virtual support meetings today.

Active & Previously Approved Stuttering Research Studies These research studies have been reviewed and approved by the NSA Research Committee. You can learn more about each study and how you can contribute. Active Stuttering Research Studies Research Title Researcher(s) Expires Audiovisual Integration in People Who Stutter Dr. David Jenson 6/22/2026 Systematic client feedback in speech-language treatment Dr. Kerry Ebert 6/5/2026 An online compassionate imagery intervention for people who stutter/stammer: A feasibility study Benjamin Farmer 9/30/2025 Genetic and metabolic bases of developmental stuttering Dr. Joan Orpella 6/22/2026 Linguistic preferences in adults who stutter Dr. Mahmoud Elsherif 10/16/2026 Development of authentic avatars for clinical education in stuttering Dr. Shelley Brundage 6/5/2026 Social Anxiety, Worry, and the Experience of Stuttering Dr. Seth Tichenor 6/5/2026 Network Connectivity and Temporal Processing in Adolescents Who Stutter Dr. Shanley Treleaven 2/23/2026 Stuttering Mindsets   Megan Arney 10/28/2025 Hope, Humor & Self-Stigma in Adults Who Stutter   Dr. Laura Plexico 10/22/2025 Sequencing & Initiation in Speech Production   Dr. Frank Guenther 10/22/2025 Real-Time Listener Reactions & Stuttering Courtney Margulis 10/22/2025 Parent Survey: Preschoolers Who Stutter   Ryan Millager 10/22/2025 AI Accessibility for People Who Stutter Dr. J. Scott Yaruss 6/17/2025 Impact of Support Group Conferences on Teens Joy Kling 6/16/2025 Social Network Analysis in Adults Who Stutter Dr. Naomi Rodgers 6/14/2025 Quantifying Variability in Stuttering in the Real World Dr. J. Scott Yaruss 6/14/2025 Listener Perception and Childhood Stuttering Haley Warner 5/01/2025 If you have any questions about the research process or would like to know more about a specific project, please contact the NSARC Chair Angela Medina, Ph.D., CCC-SLP . Previously Approved Recruitment Projects (2022–2024) Research Title Researcher(s) Approved Until Rhythm Production and Processing in Children and Adults Who Stutter Janina Boecher 10/22/2024 Exploring Sensorimotor and Interoceptive Awareness in Stuttering Hazel Malcolm 10/22/2024 Multiple Stigmas, Social Identities, and Stuttering Dr. James Mancinelli 10/22/2024 Temporal Processing in Adults Who Stutter Samira Anderson 10/22/2024 Parents of Individuals Who Stutter: Experiences & Stages of Change Sadaf Salehi 10/22/2024 Acknowledging Stuttering with Preschoolers Dr. Cara Singer 10/22/2024 Social Isolation and the Experience of Stuttering Seth Tichenor 10/22/2024 Transitions to Life After High School Dr. Naomi Rodgers 06/22/2024 Migrants to the U.S. Who Stutter Dr. Victoria Reynolds 06/20/2024 Effectiveness of a Mindfulness App Juhee Kim 06/20/2024 Variability in Fluency and Psychological Impact Eddie Brown 06/19/2024 Trait Mindfulness and the Experience of Stuttering Megan Arney 06/19/2024 Anticipation of Stuttering and the PAiS Robert Bies 02/22/2024 Understanding the Experience of Stuttering and Cluttering Dr. J. Scott Yaruss 06/14/2024 Neural Oscillations and Speech Perception in Stuttering Dr. Shanley Treleaven 06/20/2024 What Do People Who Stutter Want From Speech Therapy?   Matthew Phillips 07/24/2024   Linguistic and Cognitive Factors in Stuttering Dr. Zoi Gkalitsiou 02/22/2024 Spanish-Language Support Group Study Dr. Angela Medina 02/14/2024 Fluency and Flow Study   Dr. Jeanne Nakamura 10/06/2023 LGBTQ+ Perspectives on Stuttering Dr. James Mancinelli 10/06/2023 Attentional Bias and Control in Adults Who Stutter Dr. Katerina Ntourou 10/06/2023 Articulatory Characteristics of Stuttering Ms. Yijing Lu 08/19/2023 Designing Community Resource Interactions Jeremy Huang 07/28/2023 Phonological Performance in Children Who Stutter   Roa’a Al-Sulaiman 02/21/2023 Information Processing in Speakers Who Stutter Dr. Naomi Eichorn 12/02/2022 Mindfulness and Compassion in People Who Stutter Dr. Michael Boyle 10/11/2022 Managing Stuttering During Job Interviews   Ms. Charity Yarzebinski 10/10/2022 Stuttering and Emotion in Daily Lives Ms. Xiaofan Lei 07/15/2022 Language Production in Adults Who Stutter Dr. Si On Yoon 06/02/2022 Temporal Dynamics of Stuttered Speech Dr. Eric Jackson 06/02/2022 Pseudo-stuttering Assignments for SLP Students Ms. Ammaarah 03/23/2022 Stuttering Severity Instrument—Fifth Edition Dr. Melissa Morey 03/16/2022 Aging and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter Dr. Nathan Maxfield 03/16/2022 Intersectionality of Stuttering in U.S. Latinos Ms. Carolina Beita-Ell 03/16/2022 Client Perceptions of Stuttering Therapy Mr. Samuel Moses 03/16/2022 LGBTQ+ Experiences of People Who Stutter Dr. Derek Daniels 03/16/2022 For any questions about research, or to learn more about specific projects, please contact the NSARC Chair Angela Medina, Ph.D., CCC-SLP .

How families talk about stuttering—whether intentional or not—shapes how children who stutter feel about their voices, their worth, and their ability to communicate. If there’s one thing children are good at, it’s internalizing (even when something has nothing to do with them, such as divorce). So if a child repeatedly hears or sees from others, even implicitly, that stuttering is bad, that it’s something to fix or hide, they may begin to internalize feelings and beliefs of shame and defectiveness. This can lead to anxiety, complete avoidance, or overwhelming reluctance to speak in certain situations for the sake of self-preservation.  On the other hand, if stuttering is treated as a natural part of a child's speech, they can begin to feel confident in who they are. This can help develop healthy internal narratives around stuttering and encourage them to speak up in all situations.  Reframing how we talk about stuttering is a significant first step toward creating a more supportive home environment. Here’s how to start.  Affirming Language You Can Use Small but mindful shifts in language can significantly impact your child who stutters for the better. Affirming phrases tell them they are valued and supported as a person, regardless of how quickly they speak. Here are some examples: “Take a deep breath.” → “I’m listening. Take your time.” “Slow down.” → “Thanks for sharing that with me.” “You stuttered, let’s try that again.” → “That was a great thought.” “You don’t have to talk.” → “You’re welcome to speak however you like.” “When Liam speaks with strangers, I will nod along as he talks, which signals to him that he’s OK. If people finish his sentence for him, I’ll often say, ‘Hm, maybe. Liam, is that what you wanted to say?’ By asking curiously, it cues the listener that maybe he didn’t get to say what he intended and gently points out that they interrupted him.” — Katie Aus, mother of Liam, a 13-year-old person who stutters You are your child’s biggest role model and example. You are showing them how they should be treated. These phrases communicate patience and respect. They help children understand that their voice is welcome in all conversations. Building a Supportive Communication Environment A truly supportive environment isn’t defined by fluency—it’s rooted in building confidence and fostering meaningful communication. And that kind of environment matters everywhere: at home, in the workplace, among friends, and beyond.  Here are some strategies to help create safe and empathetic communication at home: Model calm conversation. When conversations feel calm and unhurried, it can be easier for your child to participate without feeling rushed to respond. Practice full-body listening. Give your child your full attention. Maintain eye contact, nod, and show that you are engaged. Avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences as much as possible.  Celebrate ideas, not delivery. Focus on what your child says. Express interest in their ideas, observations, and stories without commenting on how they speak. Avoid praising them for their fluency. Validate the emotions. If your child appears frustrated or upset, acknowledge and validate that. Say things like “That sounded hard” or “I understand that was frustrating for you” without immediately trying to fix it. Stuttering can, and often does, affect more than just someone’s speech. It may impact how a child relates to peers and how they express themselves in different situations. Your consistent support can build their emotional resilience and self-trust, which are absolute must-have traits for anyone who stutters. “Connecting Liam with the NSA through the Annual Conference has had the biggest impact on his becoming more comfortable with his speech. I often remind him that just like he had never met anyone who stuttered before the Conference, when people interact with him, he might be the first person they’ve met who stutters. I remind him that it’s normal for people to be curious and to use their questions to tell people what he’d like them to know about stuttering.” — Katie Aus What If You Stutter Too? Some parents of children who stutter are people who stutter themselves. If that’s you, you may carry your own memories of struggle, shame, or being totally misunderstood. You may still be working through those feelings and memories—and that’s actually completely normal. Your experience is valuable. If you feel ready, sharing your story with your child can be extremely helpful in helping them feel less alone in their stuttering experience. It also models self-acceptance and can create a strong foundation of shared understanding.  “I grew up surrounded by stuttering in my family—both my dad and my brother stutter. Because of that, I never felt completely alone in my experience. My family always reminded me that I was more than my stutter and that it didn’t define my abilities. I also learned from them that I am an effective communicator, even if I don’t sound like the ‘typical’ speaker. That support helped me embrace my voice with pride and confidence.” — Glorida Urrego, a person who stutters You don't need to have everything figured out to be a great parent! Being open and willing to grow matters more than you know. “I’m a parent who stutters and the mother of a 4-year-old boy. Stuttering isn’t something we’ve had a big conversation about—it’s just a natural part of who I am. Sometimes he corrects me, and that’s okay. I simply tell him, ‘That’s how Mommy talks.’ I don’t feel the need to point it out or label it—he understands that my stutter is just one piece of me. My hope is that through this, he learns empathy, patience, and compassion for others.” — Dana Koprowski, a parent who stutters What Matters Most Children who stutter do not need perfect words. They need people who listen. They need to know that they are safe to speak as they are. They need to know that their thoughts are worth hearing and that the worth of their voice is not defined by fluency. “I create a sheet for his teachers with ways they can help him be successful in school. In the younger grades, we did little gifts for his classmates who advocated for him. He had an IEP when he was in public school and I made sure that all of his accommodations were included and focused on acceptance instead of strategies.” — Katie Aus Reframing how stuttering is talked about at home is one of the most impactful steps a parent can take. It turns communication into a space of belonging. You have the power to make that difference.  The National Stuttering Association (NSA)  supports you every step of the way. Click here for helpful information about stuttering and tailored resources for parents and families!