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Join the West Hartford - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. West Hartford - Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Connecticut State Welcome to the NSA West Hartford Family 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? Weather-permitting, our chapter meets outside at Elizabeth Park (near the perennial garden -- 1561 Asylum Ave West Hartford, CT 06117). In cold weather months, we will meet in varying indoor locations around West Hartford. Please contact the Chapter Leader for more details! When? Meetings are held on the second week of each month at 6PM. Meetings begin July 2025! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Schuyler-Gallaway Chapter Leader Get in touch! schuyler-gallaway@att.net 860-543-3561 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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

Join the San Jose - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. San Jose ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA San Jose 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 around the San Jose, CA area. When? Meetings are held monthly on rotating Saturdays, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. For details about meetings/events please contact the Chapter Leader to confirm meeting details prior to attending. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kory Tran Chapter Leader Get in touch! koryteller@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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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

Watch videos from the National Stuttering Association featuring real voices, lived experiences, and education about stuttering and community support. Real Voices. Real Stories. Real Understanding. Explore our curated video library featuring education, lived experiences, and the real impact of community support. Play Video Play Video I Hid My Stutter… Until This Happened Play Video Play Video Storyteller: Carl’s Public Speaking Success Story Play Video Play Video Being a Supportive Spouse to a Person Who Stutters Play Video Play Video Sisters Who Stutter Share Their Stories of Courage Play Video Play Video MMA Fighter Kat Paprocki on Stuttering & Fighting for Confidence Play Video Play Video National Stuttering Association Sits Down with NASCAR Driver Mason Massey

Discover how the NSA supports people who stutter, their families, educators, and SLPs through resources, community, and life-changing events. Discover How We Support People Who Stutter Whether you are a person who stutters, the family member or friend of a PWS, or just an ally to PWS who has a special interest in stuttering, we are here for you! The NSA® is here to connect you to information, others who stutter, and SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists) who specialize in stuttering. Get started by looking through the following links! Need more information? Feel free to contact us. You are not alone! Adults The NSA is the preeminent organization for supporting people who stutter through support, education, advocacy, and research. Read More Family Programs NSA Family Programs supports young people who stutter by providing resources for the whole family and others in their support network. Read More Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) Stuttering is complicated, and treating it can be a challenge. At the NSA, we believe that SLPs can help people to successfully cope with stuttering. Read More Military Personnel We understand that military personnel face unique challenges as people who stutter. We are here to raise awareness and educate military health specialists and command staff in all of the US Armed Forces. Read More Researchers As the largest stuttering support organization in North America, we are advancing both knowledge and understanding of stuttering. Read More College/Young Adult Moving into a new stage of life – any new stage – can be scary, especially with speech challenges. Luckily there are NSA’ers who have gone before you and can offer advice for making that transition as smooth as possible. Read More Stuttering@Work Searching for a job can be stressful for a person who stutters. Do I disclose my stuttering? When and how? What about interviewing? We can help. Read More Employers With approximately 1% of the population stuttering, employers are likely to encounter people who stutter in the work force or among job applicants. Get the facts about stuttering. Read More Educators Educators play a critical role in shaping the lives of young children, including those who stutter. Understand and support them in the best way possible. Read More Pediatricians Medical professionals are often the first professionals that parents turn to when they notice disfluencies in their child’s speech. With the correct information and a basic understanding of childhood stuttering, pediatricians and family physicians can be an asset to parents in these early stages. Read More

Learn how Aidan Marshall-Cort,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Manager & Personal Trainer Aidan Marshall-Cort Upper Marlboro, MD Manager & Personal Trainer Fitness Together Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Manager at my facility, my job involves overseeing a team of 5-6 Personal Trainers that handle upward to 100 different clients every week. Ensuring every individual client has a goal specific program and proper path of progression that is tracked through bi-monthly assessments. Effectively supervise an atmosphere of teamwork and communication between my team and our clientele. I also take part in the Sales and Marketing of our business with phone calls to prospective clients, discussing their goals and our services before handling an in-person introductory consultation with the individual. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My career has challenged me every step of the way as a person who stutters – communication is a fundamental part of my role not only in regards to my clientele but also to my team members as well. When it came to first meeting all of our clientele, introductions were a challenge and produced a lot of anxiety every time I saw someone new on my schedule. As I accepted more responsibility, my role absorbed new tasks that centered around initiating conversation through phone calls or first-time in-person encounters – all things I’ve always feared through my journey with stuttering. However, these experiences have only pushed me outside of my comfort zone and inevitably turned me into an effective communicator and leader that felt more confident with my stutter! What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspirations is to become a Chief Wellness Officer (CWO). A CWO is an individual who works in an organization, company, etc. who is responsible for employing many different strategies and resources that can positively benefit the employees or workers well-being. This can affect them mentally, physically, financially, etc. Wellness is a multifaceted compass that can be attributed to many different areas of life. Even though mental health is seen as the forefront of concern, there are other areas that can increasing stress and anxiety in one’s day-to-day life. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Yes, I did – self-disclosure is a way of taking control of your stutter. I have learned through my time in the stuttering community that a lot of fear and anxiety may come from the expectation to mask our stuttering so that we may appear fluent and therefore make others comfortable when speaking to us. However, this constant need to hide who we are as People Who Stutter can only increase fear in speaking situations which ultimately leads to higher levels of feelings of shame and guilt when we show moments of disfluency. When you eliminate that expectation to hide who you are, you don’t only eliminate that pressure we may feel but you also allow yourself to be who you are. I know it can be easier said than done, I disclose my stutter when I first meet most individuals – mutual friends, co-workers, clients, etc. – because it allows me to be myself without fear or guilt from the start and show what Aidan is saying, may take a little more time, but nonetheless still matters. What is your proudest moment at your current company? It is very difficult to pick one proud moment as everyday we are changing people’s lives. When I work my clients, my goal is not only for them to leave feeling physically better but also mentally and emotionally. A lot of my work involves being able to listen, adapt, and respond to what I encounter from my clientele everyday. It’s not always the main focus we are keeping in mind is an ache or soreness but it may be an interruption of the emotional or mental state. Seeing a client come in and inform me of some progress in their everyday life or some achievement in other areas is a consistent brightness to my day and re-affirms the love and passion in what I do. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I always saw my stutter as a hinderance in my life until I learned how much I see it as my own superpower. Stuttering’s relationship with the Stutterer can subjective as everyone may experience it differently – I found mine to be an obstacle, something I was ashamed of and attributed it to a lot of my shortcomings. Through a lot self-reflection and journeys outside my comfort zone, I’ve learned how much it reflects values I hold dear to this day. My stutter has made me someone who is empathetic with a developed emotional intelligence, patient similar to how those are with me, and allows me to be vulnerable with people I encounter in my life and at work. Due to my career, I encounter all walks of life and my stutter has taught me skills and values that allows me to connect on a multitude of levels. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? We have the superpower to be open and vulnerable with those in our lives. Stuttering affects 1% of the population on our planet, you have the opportunity to educate those around you in your daily life and inevitably make the experience of another stutterer after you, easier. Progress is never a straight line, there will be days where we are sad and feel defeated – it is okay to have those moments and feelings, they are natural; it only matters how we bounce back and learn from them. You’ve got this and you’re doing a great job, go out there and let the world hear your voice 🙂

Join the National Stuttering Association’s “Where Are They Now” series by sharing your story as a past Graduate Student Research Award recipient. Highlight your achievements and how GSRA funding advanced your stuttering research career in accessible, community-friendly language. GSRA Recipient Spotlight: Your Research Journey The National Stuttering Association is collecting updates from past Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) recipients for our “Where Are They Now” series. These stories celebrate your achievements and show how GSRA funding supports the future of stuttering research. Please write your answers in in accessible, non-technical language so all of our community can understand the real-world impact of your work. About You First name* Last name* Your title* Email* Your place of employment * About Your GSRA Experience What year did you receive the GSRA, and what was the focus of your project?* How did GSRA funding support your work at that stage? (e.g., data collection, travel to conferences, equipment, etc.)* Did receiving the award open any doors for you, such as collaborations, mentorships, or professional opportunities?* Your Career Path Since Then What milestones have you reached since completing your GSRA project? (e.g., defended your dissertation, earned your PhD, postdoc work, publications)* Have you presented your GSRA-related work at conferences or published it in journals? If so, where?* Where are you working now, and what does your role involve?* How does your current work connect to the stuttering community or communication sciences?* Other A recent photo of yourself (for the feature)* Upload Photo Any links to your professional page, lab, or published work you’d like us to include * SUBMIT

Join the Piedmont Triad North West North Carolina - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Piedmont Triad North West North Carolina ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - North Carolina State Welcome to the NSA Piedmont Triad North West North Carolina 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? Meetings are held virtually. Please contact the Chapter Leader for the meeting link. When? Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00PM Eastern. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Benjamin Chad Johnson Chapter Leader Get in touch! benjaminchadjohnson@gmail.com (773) 573-6692 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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

Join the Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter FAMILY CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter Welcome to the NSA Parents and Caregivers Virtual 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? 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? Meetings are held virtually. When? Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM Eastern. Check the NSA Events page to RSVP. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Christine Rose & Mike Gioscia Chapter Leaders Get in touch! mikegioscia@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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Brittany Dahl,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Brittany Dahl Briefly describe your daily job duties. Treating and caring for critically ill patients in the intensive care units at UK Hospital. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Speaking to a variety of people every day unsure of their experiences with a person who stutters. The mental exhaustion of stuttering in a very stressful working environment. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am a Mom of two little girls 5 years old and younger, and the time demands of my current position can be difficult for work-life balance. Moving towards a position with more “regular hours” in the future is my priority at this time. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did not self-disclose in the hiring process. I guess at that time, now 11 years ago, I considered myself a “convert stutterer”. Throughout my life I had only heard a handful of individuals disclose. I didn’t personally know anyone who stuttered until I was at least 28 years old. The benefits of disclosing are wonderful for mental psyche. I am still new to it, but there are days where I am experiencing A LOT of struggle and embracing “saying what I what to say”. A disclosure to my attendings or coworkers before rounds, “I am a person who stutters. If any information needs to be clarified, let me know”. I am still struggling with a brief disclosure to the less formal conversations. Like the snickers from people in causal interactions, or the “looks” when people hear an interruption in fluency. What is your proudest moment at your current company? During my 11 year career as a nurse, I have been a clinical instructor, co-director of APP fellowship and assistant professor for pathophysiology. When I see former students or trainees who have chosen to work in the intensive care setting or who are thriving in their current careers, I am proud to be a part of their journey. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. When speaking to family members about critical, life or death topics, a brief disclosure I feel shows empathy and vulnerability. I am sharing something personal about myself, let me help you through one of the worst times in your life. I am excellent listener and I am very observant, both are key to providing holistic care to my patients. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? As a person who stutters, remember your best attribute is resiliency. You can do anything. I have helped in research publications and even written a book chapter. I never imagined a little girl who stutters from a small town in Kentucky would ever have this amount of career success at the age of 32. Again, you can do anything. Keep pushing through the laughs, the snickers and “the looks”. The years of my shame lead to anxiety and depression. Through therapy, medication and the support of my family, I made the decision to start speech therapy at the age of 31 and start to accept my stutter. Keep learning and evolving to slowly accept your voice, your unique communication.

Review the guidelines for participating in the NSA Teen Advisory Council. Empower teens to lead in the stuttering community. Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Guidelines, Roles, and Responsibilities TAC Guidelines Council Composition: The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) will consist of 7 to 10 members. Members are selected annually, or as positions become available, through an interview process led by the TAC Committee Chair, TAC members, and the NSA Family Programs Coordinator. Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must be at least 15 years old. Candidates must have attended at least one NSA conference. Candidates should have demonstrated leadership experience within their community, school, or other affiliations. Membership Expectations: TAC members serve at the discretion of the Executive Director and the Family Programs Coordinator. Members who do not actively fulfill their roles may be asked to resign by the Executive Director, Family Programs Coordinator, or TAC Committee Chair. Social Media Engagement: Members must join and actively participate in the various social media platforms. Regular posting and supportive engagement with peers on these platforms is required. Communication Requirements: TAC members must agree to be diligent in reading and responding to correspondence (email, text, and social media) from the Executive Director, Family Programs Coordinator, TAC Committee Chair, other TAC members, and the those in the stuttering community in a timely manner (no more than 2 business days). Failure to honor commitments may result in probation or a request for resignation. Roles and Responsibilities 1. Serve as Liaison: Act as a liaison for NSA internet groups, engaging in discussions related to TAC or teen events. 2. Social Media Activity: Remain active on relevant NSA Teen social media platforms. 3. Teen Talks Participation: Participate in and host NSA Teen Talks, providing support and guidance to peers. 4. Mentorship: Serve as mentors to NSA kids, tweens, and teens, offering support and leadership. 5. Engagement with NSA Community: Be available to the NSA and NSA Family Programs community, exemplifying leadership and mentorship. Attend all Annual Conferences during your term unless an exception is granted for good cause. 6. Role Model Conduct: Act as a role model during the Annual Conference and any NSA events, exhibiting exemplary conduct. Refrain from inappropriate language or behavior and maintain awareness of your surroundings. 7. Conference Responsibilities: Workshop Development: Each TAC member will develop at least one workshop to be presented at the conference and will submit their workshop by the deadline specified by the conference planning committee. Event Coordination: Coordinate with the Family Programs Coordinator on workshop scheduling. Social Events: TAC will lead a teen icebreaker on the first day of the conference. Participation and Support: Volunteer in at least one kids/tweens workshop each day and attend all scheduled teen workshops. Encourage participation and provide support to attendees who may be struggling to find their place. TAC Committee Chair Eligibility: The TAC Committee Chair must be between 18 and 20 years old and have served on the TAC for at least 1 year. Term and Election: The Chair is elected by TAC members and serves a 2-year term. Responsibilities: The TAC Committee Chair is responsible for overseeing the TAC and all teen functions of the NSA for and at the conference such as workshop development and presentation, and peer relations and mentoring. Additionally, they are responsible for facilitating TAC outreach initiatives throughout the year. Chain of Command > Family Programs Coordinator > TAC Committee Chair > TAC Members

Learn about the NSA Teen Advisory Council, where teens who stutter connect, lead, and inspire. Join us today. The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a dynamic group of highly motivated and respected teens who are an integral part of the National Stuttering Association® (NSA®) family. TAC members are selected for their strong leadership qualities and their ability to serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members within the NSA Family Programs. Their primary role is to provide support, encouragement, and positive guidance to NSA teens and kids, both at the Annual Conference and throughout the year. CONTACT THE TAC TAC's Mission and Role: The TAC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the NSA by fostering a supportive environment where teens who stutter can connect, share experiences, and grow together. TAC members are expected to embody the NSA's mission and values, representing the organization with excellence in all their interactions. They are featured on the NSA website and may also appear in various communications and publications, highlighting their contributions and impact within the NSA community. Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Committee Chair: The TAC Committee Chair must be 18-20 years old and have served on the TAC for a minimum of 1 year. The TAC Committee Chair is elected by the TAC and shall serve a 2-year term. The TAC Committee Chair is responsible for overseeing the TAC and all teen functions of the NSA for and at the conference such as workshop development and presentation, and peer relations and mentoring. Additionally, they are responsible for facilitating TAC outreach initiatives throughout the year. Family Programs Coordinator: The TAC is overseen by the Family Programs Coordinator, who facilitate TAC meetings and guide the council in achieving larger objectives. These include organizing one-day teen events, planning conference programming for teens, coordinating nationwide social events, and leading advocacy and engagement projects. The Family Programs Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the TAC and its initiatives. TAC Members: TAC members are selected for their strong leadership qualities and their ability to serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members within the NSA Family Programs. Their primary role is to provide support, encouragement, and positive guidance to NSA teens and kids, both at the Annual Conference and throughout the year. LINUS SIMNER HAYLEY STUCKEY CAITNEY FILE ROWAN ASHBY MAYA SINGAL IAN SHOOK HAZEL JOHNSON TAC Interview Process: When a position on the TAC becomes available, interviews are conducted via video call. A selection committee, consisting of the Family Programs Coordinator, TAC Chair, and/or current TAC members, will interview candidates. If there are no openings in a given year, interviews will be postponed until the following year. The availability of TAC openings will be communicated to the teen membership by the Family Programs Coordinator and the TAC Chair. The TAC is proud to be a vital part of the NSA’s efforts to support, empower, and inspire the next generation of leaders within the stuttering community. For more information and to learn how to get involved, check out our TAC Guidelines. TAC APPLICATION