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< Back David Alpuche Speaker David Alpuche is a photographer and author from Mexico City. He has been an active member of the NSA for more than a decade. He is one of the leaders in To Be Like Me, a non-profit dedicated to breaking down the barriers that exist for those with disabilities and shedding light on the positive impact of compassion. You can usually catch David playing chess, trying to learn a new language, or in the moshpit at a metal festival. David is the author of the book "1000 Answers: What Everyone Should Know about Stuttering." Previous Next

Meet Melissa Sanchez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Melissa Sanchez Conference Coordinator Originally from the Bronx, Melissa has been a dedicated member of the NSA team for over 15 years. Throughout her time, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, but her true passion lies in designing the stunning balloon displays for our 1-day events, Regional Gatherings, and Annual Conferences. Outside of work, Melissa is a proud wife and the loving mother of her vibrant 3-year-old daughter, Eleana.

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.

Meet Jim McClure, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jim McClure Seasoned Voices Committee Jim McClure is happily retired in New Mexico, where he enjoys bicycling and classical music performances. He started his professional career as a newspaper reporter and was a corporate public relations manager, independent consultant and Navy Reserve officer. Jim co-founded the NSA’s first chapter in Chicago and has served on the board of directors and advisory board. He was inducted into the NSA’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Jim currently serves as a public member of ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification.

< Back Sisters Who Stutter Spotlight: Jolie Deitchman – Owning Her Voice and Inspiring Others For Jolie Deitchman, finding the NSA was a transformation. 9 years ago, Jolie’s family joined the NSA looking for a space where she could fully be herself and meet others who stutter. They had heard about the community for a long time, and when they finally attended their first conference, something clicked. “It instantly felt like home.” Today, Jolie is a vital part of the Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) Committee, a teen-led initiative that empowers young girls who stutter to connect, uplift one another, and speak with confidence. She’s come a long way—and she’s proud of it. “My journey has been far from easy, and I am still learning and growing. However, I have become more confident with advocating for myself, and I haven’t let my stutter prevent me from doing the things I want to do.” Whether she’s presenting in class, leading Zoom calls, or simply sharing space with other girls who stutter, Jolie is proof that strength lies in embracing your voice—not hiding it. Her advice to new NSA members is heartfelt and full of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! It may seem intimidating, but everyone at the conference is going through similar things and is so kind and understanding. Go to the workshops, as they are very helpful and have taught me many valuable things. Every conversation, every hug, every workshop, because time flies at the conference, and every moment is so precious and special.” Get to know Jolie: Favorite ice cream: Cookie Dough Beach over mountains or desert TV go-to: Gossip Girl Karaoke anthem: Love Song by Sara Bareilles Pet: A chocolate lab/pit bull mix Fun fact: Can do an amazing Stitch voice from Lilo & Stitch Dream vacation: Turks and Caicos Jolie’s story is a powerful reminder that your stutter is not something to overcome—it’s something to own. Through her leadership with SWS, she’s helping more girls step into their strength and celebrate the voices they once tried to hide. Thank you, Jolie, for being a source of light, laughter, and leadership! Previous Next

< Back Holly Nover Speaker Holly Nover is a person who stutters, Speech Language Pathologist, and parent of a 14 year old boy who stutters. She currently serves as the Program Specialist for SLPs in her local school district in Florida. Holly has been a part of the NSA community since 2007 and currently serves as the Family Programs Chair on the NSA Board of Directors. Previous Next

Learn how Logan Hall,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Management Consulting Logan Hall Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a consultant, I am constantly working with clients, whether it be communicating status of deliverables over video calls, coordinating with my team members, or celebrating milestones in person over drinks and food. Speaking verbally is a core part of the job. Initially, this was daunting. But instead, it forced me to practice techniques I learned in speech therapy, and put them to use. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Giving presentations to either clients or internal teams can be challenging. It requires practice of speaking through the material, notating words or phrases that give me trouble, and applying techniques I’ve learned through speech therapy to overcome those hurdles. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to stay in consulting for the next 10-15 years. I may eventually want to work for a large auto manufacturer, like Porsche, Volkswagen Group, or BMW. I have a passion for cars and would like to bring the experience I’ve gained in consulting to auto manufacturing. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I disclose that I have a speech difference in several situations, including when I interviewed for this job. Anytime I am speaking in front of a large audience, a new client, or a new team I have not previously worked with, I disclose by saying something along the lines of “Bear with me as I speak during the course of this call or meeting, as I have a speech difference. You may hear me have blocks or struggle getting words out, but it’s a totally normal part of who I am”. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I recently presented my stuttering journey to an internal diversity and inclusion (D&I) group that focuses on disabilities. I spoke about my struggles, what I did to overcome them, and guidance for others that are also going through the same thing. At first, it was daunting to speak in front of such a large audience (100+ people), but knowing that everyone on that call was caring and understanding made it not only bearable, but enjoyable. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Being someone who stutters forces you to work harder. You are constantly thinking of how you will say things. That heightened thought process can carry over to normal day to day tasks, such as critical thinking, planning, meeting with clients, and general task execution. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t be afraid to fail. The fact that you made it past the hiring process and have been onboarded shows that the recruiters saw beyond your speech difference and know that you can be a valuable asset to your company. Performing day to day tasks that are “normal” to others, such as making phone calls, giving presentations, etc. may be challenging at first. But the more you are exposed to speaking situations, the more you can practice speech therapy techniques, and the more confident you will become overall.

< Back Thales De Nardo Speaker Thales De Nardo, PhD, CCC-SLP is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western Carolina University. He is the founder and director of the Catamount Intensive Stuttering Program (CISP). The CISP offers a comprehensive approach to stuttering management, integrating stuttering modification and cognitive behavioral therapy to address stuttering, avoidance behaviors, and attitudes about communication in teens and adults. Dr. De Nardo's research focuses on the psychosocial impact of stuttering and the development of clinical strategies to enhance daily communication. Previous Next

< Back Adrienne McHenry Speaker Adrienne is a person who stutters after having a seizure at the age of 3. She is a semi-retired dental hygienist and currently works as a yoga instructor and fitness influencer. As someone who used to hide her stutter, she is now discovering a new light of sharing her story and seeing the world through a new lense. Previous Next

< Back Wes Meador Keynote Speaker Wes Meador is a passionate advocate, speaker, and four-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior, proudly representing the stuttering community on and off the course. Professionally, Wes serves as the Facilities and Mailroom Operations Manager at LWCC, where he leads with a commitment to excellence, inclusion, and service. He was honored as the National Stuttering Advocate of the Year in 2023 and continues to use his voice to empower others to embrace their stories, overcome challenges, and thrive. Whether in the workplace, on stage, or on screen, Wes is driven by a single belief: our voices matter. Previous Next

Meet Carl Coffey , a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Carl Coffey Content Creator Carl Coffey, a dedicated advocate and active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA), resides in Bowling Green, KY, with his wife Brittany and their lively household of four-legged companions. His journey with the NSA began in 2013, when he attended his first chapter meeting in Richmond, VA, his hometown. This pivotal moment marked the start of his commitment to fostering community and support for individuals who stutter. Professionally, Carl has built a strong career in program management and process improvement. His expertise lies in creating efficient systems and delivering impactful results, qualities that align with his ability to connect with and support others in meaningful ways. His background in improving processes has not only enhanced his professional life but also resonates in his contributions to the NSA and its mission. Outside of work, Carl is a passionate vinyl record collector, always on the hunt for unique finds to add to his collection. An avid pickleball player, he enjoys the camaraderie and competitiveness of the sport. Carl also has a deep appreciation for bourbon, spending time discovering new varieties and learning about the rich history of this iconic spirit. Whether in his professional endeavors, personal hobbies, or involvement with the NSA, Carl brings dedication, curiosity, and a warm sense of community to all he does. His story is a testament to the power of connection, both with people and passions, and his journey continues to inspire those around him.

< Back Gigi Gioscia Speaker Gigi is Miss Linda's daughter and NSA member Ethan's sister and has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She also was an assistant teacher at the family's dance studio during her teen years and currently takes an adult class there as well. She graduated from Boston University last year and is currently teaching physics at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Massachusetts. Previous Next