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< Back Anne Williams Speaker Anne Zappi Williams, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF is a clinical educator and member of the graduate faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her interests include stuttering, counseling, speech sound disorders, ASD, language and literacy development, and interprofessional collaboration. She presented at ASHA, LSHA, RiteCare, WSCO and NSA conferences and authored publications in professional journals. She serves as co-leader of the National Stuttering Association Family Chapter in Lafayette, LA. Previous Next

Meet Aryanna Tillman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Aryanna Tillman Sisters Who Stutter Vice President Aryanna, a vibrant 15-year-old, serves as the Vice President of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), a teen-founded initiative under the National Stuttering Association (NSA). SWS is dedicated to empowering and supporting girls who stutter, creating a safe and inclusive space for them to connect, share experiences, and embrace their unique voices. As Vice President, Aryanna plays a key role in inspiring confidence and fostering community among her peers, embodying the values and mission of both SWS and the NSA. Since the age of 6, Aryanna has been passionate about cheerleading, a sport that reflects her enthusiasm, determination, and ability to work as part of a team. In addition to her leadership and athletic pursuits, Aryanna enjoys exploring her creativity through photography, capturing moments that tell stories. She also loves baking delicious treats and spending time babysitting, showcasing her nurturing and thoughtful personality. After high school, Aryanna aspires to make a difference in the medical field, with ambitions of becoming a cancer nurse or doctor. Her drive to help others aligns with her commitment to advocacy and leadership within SWS. With her compassion, creativity, and determination, Aryanna is poised to make a meaningful impact both within the stuttering community and beyond.

Meet Alicia Vasquez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alicia Vasquez DEI Committee Alicia Vasquez is a proud Latina woman with a stutter who has been actively involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2022. Growing up as a Latina with a stutter in a predominantly white community shaped Alicia’s unique perspective and fueled her passion for fostering awareness, inclusion, and diversity in every space she occupies. Her experiences have driven her to advocate for representation and understanding, particularly within the stuttering community. Alicia’s dedication to amplifying diverse voices and creating inclusive environments makes her a natural fit for her new role within the NSA’s diversity initiatives. She is excited to bring her lived experiences and passion to this new committee, working collaboratively to take the NSA’s commitment to diversity and representation to the next level. Her goal is to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered within the NSA community. Beyond her advocacy work, Alicia enjoys connecting with others, sharing her story, and inspiring meaningful change. Her efforts highlight the importance of intersectionality and the strength that comes from embracing one’s identity. Alicia’s contributions are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the stuttering community and beyond.

Join the Greensboro - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Greensboro Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - North Carolina State Welcome to the NSA Greensboro 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? UNCG Speech & Hearing Center – 300 Ferguson Building Room #322 (524 Highland Avenue Greensboro, NC 27412) When? Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kelly Harrington & Abbey Cameron Chapter Leaders Get in touch! KTHarrin@uncg.edu , abbey1275468@gmail.com (336) 334-3924 - 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

Meet Amber Toerien, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Amber Toerien Marketing Director Amber Toerien has been part of the NSA community since 2023, bringing passion and dedication to her role as Marketing Director. Living with high-functioning autism, Amber’s connection to the NSA is deeply personal and natural. She champions the NSA’s mission by leading impactful digital campaigns that amplify awareness and support for people who stutter. Amber believes in showing up for yourself and says, “The support and connection you’ll find here can be life-changing.” When she’s not championing the NSA mission, you’ll find Amber reimagining interior spaces, taking long beach walks with her dogs, or belting out “Jolene” at karaoke nights.

Meet Jolie Deitchman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jolie Deitchman Sisters Who Stutter Digital Marketing Coordinator Jolie Deitchman is the Digital Marketing Coordinator and Secretary of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), where she supports digital storytelling, content coordination, and online engagement that amplifies the voices of girls and women who stutter. She is also an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) and a Teen Advisory Council (TAC) leader, advocating for inclusive, youth-centered spaces within the stuttering community. Jolie began stuttering at the age of three and has since grown into a confident advocate who uses her lived experience to help shape meaningful, relatable content for peers. In her marketing role, she contributes to social media planning, messaging, and community outreach, helping SWS connect with teens through authentic, empowering communication. A high school cheerleader, Jolie brings energy, creativity, and positivity into everything she does. She is passionate about representation, confidence-building, and using digital platforms to create connection and belonging. Outside of her advocacy and marketing work, Jolie enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with dogs, and indulging her love for Italian food. With her enthusiasm, empathy, and growing leadership skills, Jolie is helping strengthen the digital presence and impact of Sisters Who Stutter while inspiring other teens to use their voices—exactly as they are.

Meet Michael Bellman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Michael Bellman Treasurer Michael discovered the NSA through the engagement of one of his sons, who happens to stutter, and was so impressed by the benefits the organization provided, he wanted to find ways to be more involved and support the association with its mission. Professionally, Michael has had a career as an entrepreneur and founder / partner of many companies, across multiple industries, including retail, AI technology, graphic design, installation, distribution, auto sports, food service, and fitness, having run businesses in the US, Canada, China, and Japan. Michael has previously served on a number of industry boards and board of directors for youth and family services organizations. Michael lives in Southern California with his wife of 25 years and two sons. He enjoys travel, running, food, books, and music. Term began February 2023

Meet Christine Rose, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Christine Rose Regional Chapter Coordinator - Central South Region Arkansas, lowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Christine Rose is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works as a graduate clinical instructor at St. Louis University. She is committed to raising awareness of stuttering as a verbal diversity and destigmatizing stuttering in society. Christine co-leads a National Stuttering Association Caregiver virtual support group with Jamie Saunders, MSW, a licensed social worker and a parent of a person who stutters. The group’s mission is to invite parents and caregivers to express their hopes and fears and share the wisdom of their journeys as they support their loved ones who stutter. Christine lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and she enjoys spending time with her children and husband.

Meet Dr. Megan Young, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Dr. Megan Young Professional Relations Committee Dr. Megan Young is a dedicated and accomplished speech-language pathologist and Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University. With a deep commitment to advancing understanding and support for people who stutter, Megan has been an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2019. Her passion for making a meaningful impact in the stuttering community is reflected in her research, which delves into the psychosocial aspects of stuttering, the lived experiences of individuals who stutter, and the pursuit of employment equity for adults who stutter. Through her work, Megan strives to break down barriers and foster greater inclusion and understanding in workplaces and society as a whole. Megan’s academic and clinical expertise is complemented by her dedication to mentorship and advocacy. She is known for creating a supportive environment for her students and actively engaging in initiatives that amplify the voices of those who stutter. Her research has contributed valuable insights to the field, helping to bridge the gap between clinical practice and the real-world challenges faced by people who stutter. Megan resides in Las Cruces, NM, where she enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband and two cats. Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds joy in music, experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new destinations, and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Whether hiking through the scenic landscapes of New Mexico or engaging in creative pursuits, Megan’s well-rounded interests enrich her perspective and fuel her dedication to her work. Her passion for creating positive change makes her a valued member of the NSA and the broader speech-language pathology community.

Meet Adam Karr, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Adam Karr TAC Adam Karr is a dedicated senior at Menlo School in Atherton, California, and an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) community. This upcoming conference will mark his fourth time attending, and he is proudly serving his second year on the Teen Advisory Council (TAC). Adam’s involvement in the NSA reflects his passion for creating connections and supporting others in their stuttering journeys. Outside of his work with the NSA, Adam is a well-rounded individual with a wide array of interests. He enjoys playing basketball and volleyball, finding joy in teamwork and the thrill of competition. When he’s not on the court, Adam loves diving into fiction novels, exploring new worlds through literature, and spending quality time with his family. At school, Adam excels academically and is particularly drawn to History, Biology, and Latin—subjects that fuel his curiosity and love of learning. His enthusiasm for knowledge and personal growth shines through in all he does. Adam is eagerly looking forward to welcoming attendees at the upcoming NSA conference. With his warm personality, commitment to the community, and excitement for the event, Adam is ready to help others feel supported and inspired as they navigate their own stuttering journeys.

< Back Teen Advisory Council Spotlight: Rowan Ashby – Confidence, Connection, and Community The NSA’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) comprises passionate and motivated young leaders who serve as mentors and role models for their peers—and Rowan Ashby is a shining example of that spirit. Rowan joined the NSA two years ago, looking for a place to feel understood and supported. What they found was not only a welcoming community but also the confidence to lead, inspire, and dream big. “The NSA has given me newfound confidence,” Rowan shares. “I joined to find a community of people who understood and supported me.” Now an active member of TAC, Rowan works year-round to support fellow teens and create safe, empowering spaces—especially at the Annual Conference, where TAC members help kids and teens connect and grow. Looking ahead, Rowan hopes to start a support group for people who stutter on Long Island, expanding the NSA's reach and building community where it's needed most. Their advice to new members? “There are people who understand you and will accept you as you are.” And when Rowan’s not mentoring others or speaking up for change, they’re diving into some pretty amazing passions: Favorite ice cream: Cookies and cream Pets: One cat and one dog Musical talent: Has played the cello for over 10 years Achievement: Two-time New York State Champion in swimming Rowan’s courage, dedication, and leadership are helping shape a stronger, more inclusive NSA for teens everywhere. Thank you, Rowan, for leading with heart! Previous Next

Meet John Ontiveros, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. John Ontiveros WS@W Committee John Ontiveros resides in Ventura, CA and is a person who stutters. Like many other people who stutter, John spent most of his life hindered by low self-esteem and limiting beliefs due to his disfluency. He also struggled greatly with accepting his stutter. However, all of that began to change at the beginning of 2017. It was then that John took a major step towards self-realization by walking into his first adult chapter meeting. He found that first experience so rewarding that he began to continue to attend chapter meetings over the next few years. The realization that he wasn’t alone as a person who stutters, along with learning from and being inspired by other people who stutter, helped John to heal and overcome his negative self-image and limiting beliefs. He also slowly began to accept his stutter, which is something he previously did not think was possible. John attended his first conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2019 and had an amazing experience. He now makes it a point to attend every year. As a result of the profound effects the NSA had on his life, John later felt the need to give back and impact the lives of other people who stutter. One of the things that John is most passionate about is helping people who stutter find workplace success. This is one of the things John also struggled with in the past. In 2021 he volunteered to co-lead the We Stutter @ Work committee. He very much enjoys helping people who stutter prepare for interviews as well as increasing employer education and awareness about stuttering. John also enjoys practicing yoga, salsa dancing, cooking, and has just recently picked up surfing.