Search Results

< Back Supporter Spotlight: Amber Toerien | Leading With Care, Building Community When Amber Toerien joined the National Stuttering Association in 2023, she was introduced to something that immediately felt different—a community rooted in understanding, shared experience, and genuine support. What began as a professional introduction quickly became something more meaningful. “Everything the NSA stood for resonated with me. It felt human, intentional, and grounded in real connection.” As the NSA’s Marketing Director, Amber helps guide how the organization shares its mission, resources, and stories with the world. Her work is centered on ensuring that people who stutter—and those who support them—feel welcomed, represented, and encouraged to connect. Whether someone is attending their first chapter meeting, joining a virtual event, or exploring NSA resources online, Amber’s focus is on helping that first step feel less overwhelming and more affirming. Living with high-functioning autism, Amber shares that she tends to deeply invest in work that truly matters to her. The NSA quickly became one of those spaces—a place where purpose, community, and belonging naturally intersected. “The NSA gave me a sense of community I didn’t realize I needed. The support, understanding, and shared experiences have been incredibly meaningful.” Through her role, Amber has been both challenged and supported. She credits the NSA with helping her grow personally and professionally, while also reinforcing the importance of showing up—especially when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. She believes that connection often begins with a small, courageous step. That belief shapes how she approaches her work every day: creating pathways into community, reducing barriers to participation, and making sure people know they are not alone. For anyone considering getting involved with the NSA, Amber offers this encouragement: “Show up for yourself. Whether it’s attending a chapter meeting, joining a virtual event, or simply reaching out, the NSA is a place where you can find understanding, connection, and support.” Get to Know Amber Favorite ice cream: Chocolate Nature pick: The beach Favorite rewatch: The Notebook Favorite Song: Stephen Wilson Jr. - "Stand By Me" Pets: Two dogs Hidden talent: Interior design dreams and transforming outdated homes into Pinterest-worthy spaces Dream vacation: Mexico or Malta Amber’s work reflects the heart of the NSA—community, care, and connection. Through her leadership, she helps ensure that the NSA continues to be a place where people who stutter and their supporters feel seen, heard, and supported at every stage of their journey. We’re grateful for Amber and for everything she brings to the NSA community. Previous Next

Get to know the dedicated team behind the National Stuttering Association. Meet the people driving change and support. Board Of Directors DEI Committee Seasoned Voices Committee Regional Chapter Coordinators Research Committee Sisters Who Stutter Professional Relations Committee The Team Support Circle Teen Advisory Council We Stutter @ Work Committee Young Adult Committee Board Of Directors Board Of Directors The NSA Board of Directors, leadership team, and staff proudly and steadfastly remain committed to our mission. The NSA board is composed of dynamic individuals who freely give their time, energy and creativity to advancing the strategic plan and ensuring that the NSA is able to serve the needs of its community. Source: National Stuttering Association Bylaws (amended January 2024). Contact our Board of Directors at Info@WeStutter.org CHAD MANNISI CHAIR MICHAEL BELLMAN TREASURER HOLLY NOVER FAMILY PROGRAMS CHAIR COURTNEY LUCKMAN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS CHAIR ANDREW BOWERS ADVOCACY & EDUCATION CO-CHAIR TYLER CLEMENS ADVOCACY & EDUCATION CO-CHAIR TANYA BANKS ADULT PROGRAMS CHAIR ANGELA MEDINA RESEARCH CHAIR ARNEE GOMEZ SECRETARY ILYA FILMUS LEGAL COUNSEL Staff The Team The National Stuttering Association is led by a small but dedicated team working every day to make a big impact. Together with our incredible volunteers and contractors, we create connection, raise awareness, and provide life-changing support to people who stutter and the people who love them. Long before remote work became popular, our team was already building creative and collaborative systems to work across time zones and stay connected. That flexibility and heart are part of what make the NSA so special. We are proud to introduce some of the people who help guide and grow this organization. For more about who we are, what we do, and how we move the mission forward, take a look at our 2025 Impact Report. TAMMY FLORES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMBER TOERIEN MARKETING DIRECTOR ARIEL SONN DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY & ENGAGEMENT TAYLOR WORSHAM COMMUNITY MANAGER & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR MELISSA SANCHEZ CONFERENCE COORDINATOR SARAH ONOFRI FAMILY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR MICHELLE MADSEN GEIGER GRAPHIC DESIGN Supporters Support Circle As a non-profit organization, much of our work is accomplished by a few dedicated employees, a handful of generous volunteers, and assistance from other non-staff individuals. It is solely because of these individuals’ time and effort to keep the organization moving forward and accomplishing what we do. Thank you to these wonderful individuals for their dedication to the cause! ALAN VU MARKETING COORDINATOR CHRISTY POMARO PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE ERNST AUDIO VISUAL COORDINATOR ERICA PEREZ CONFERENCE COORDINATOR MICHAEL LIBEN LEGAL COUNSEL SARAH ARMSTRONG COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CARL COFFEY CONTENT CREATOR ZACHARY SCHWABE KIDS & TWEENS PROGRAM COORDINATOR DAN HAUS KIDS & TWEENS PROGRAM COORDINATOR DAVE ROSS VOLUNTEER LEE LOWMAN VOLUNTEER JIM LOWMAN VOLUNTEER LILY PEREZ VOLUNTEER Regional Chapter Coordinators Regional Chapter Coordinators Regional Chapter Coordinators (RCCs) work closely with local Chapter Leaders, fellow RCCs, Adult & Family Programs Chairs, and Staff to ensure that our network of Local Chapters runs smoothly to provide the community and support needed at the local level. TANYA BANKS Adult Programs Chair CENTRAL NORTH & NORTHEAST REGIONS SARAH ONOFRI Family Programs Coordinator FAMILY CHAPTERS PAMELA MERTZ SOUTHEAST REGION CHRISTINE ROSE CENTRAL SOUTH REGION MARVIN WILEY, JR. NORTHWEST REGION AMANDA ELIAS MID-ATLANTIC REGION LEXI HEWITT SOUTHWEST REGION Professional Relations Committee COURTNEY LUCKMAN CAITLIN FRANCHINI Professional Relations Committee JODI REINSTEIN DR. MEGAN YOUNG The Professional Relations Committee works to foster professional connections and advocates for the interests of the NSA and its membership within the professional community. We strive to enhance the participation and engagement of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) within the NSA community. It is our goal to make sure every single SLP knows about the NSA. We provide high-quality educational content for professionals at annual conferences and ensure that resources are provided to SLPs throughout the year. Older Adults Committee Seasoned Voices Committee Adults over 50 are the NSA’s fastest-growing group, focusing on connection, mentoring, and expanding our ‘stuttering family.’ The Seasoned Voices Committee offers a mature perspective to other committees, providing insights on workshops, events, and late-life planning, fostering support and connections among those aged 50 and beyond. TANYA BANKS PAULA CAMPBELL-SCHWAB ELIZABETH EDWARDS DOUG SCOTT VICKI BENSON SCHUTTER JIM MCCLURE ELDON SOLOMON Teen Advisory Council Teen Advisory Council The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a group of motivated and respected teens that are an integral part of the NSA family. The role of the TAC is to exhibit strong leadership qualities and to serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members of Family Programs within the NSA. The TAC is also responsible for providing support and presenting a positive attitude to NSA teens and kids at the Annual Conference and throughout the year. For more information, check out our TAC Guidelines. HAZEL JOHNSON IAN SHOOK MAYA SINGAL LINUS SIMNER HAYLEY STUCKEY ROWAN ASHBY CAITNEY FILE Sisters Who Stutter Sisters Who Stutter The NSA is proud to collaborate with our affiliate, Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), a teen-founded girl group whose mission is to empower and support all girls who stutter. You’ll find us on Instagram (@SistersWhoStutter) where we inspire and uplift each other! DM us to participate in our regular Zoom calls. Together, we’re embracing the power of our voices. Join the Sisterhood! HAYLEY PRESIDENT CAITNEY CO-CHAIR MAYA CO-CHAIR HAZEL PUBLIC OUTREACH COORDINATOR ROWAN MEMBER OUTREACH COORDINATOR CHLOE MEMBER OUTREACH COORDINATOR ALYSSA PUBLIC OUTREACH COORDINATOR JOLIE DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR REAGAN DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR WeStutter @ Work Committee WeStutter@Work Committee The National Stuttering Association (NSA) is driven to improve the employment opportunities of people who stutter, and our WeStutter @ Work Committee works together to create and oversee and implement initiatives that eliminate the workplace stigmas to improve employment outcomes for people who stutter and inform, inspire and equip people who stutter to improve their workplace opportunities. Additionally, our WeStutter @ Work Committee NSA is educating employers about stuttering and encouraging companies to not only hire people who stutter but also offer them leadership roles and paths for promotion, consistent with their knowledge, skills and abilities. ARIEL SONN ABHISHEK AGARWAL PAMELA MERTZ CHRIS MONELLO-JOHNSON MADISON NICHOLS MIA WOLTMAN Research Committee Research Committee We are advancing both knowledge and understanding of stuttering through our support of research. As the largest stuttering support organization in North America, with access to large numbers of individuals and families affected by stuttering, the NSA recognizes its unique potential for helping the research community. To that end, the NSA Research Committee was established to support scholarly stuttering research while taking a vested interest in the well‐being of the NSA and its members. ANGELA MEDINA CHARLEY ADAMS DANIELLE WERLE DEREK DANIELS DOMINIQUE KENNEDY MONICA JOHNSON PAULA D'ARCANGELO RYAN MILLAGER Young Adult Committee Young Adult Committee High school or college graduation marks a new chapter. College or career? What about stuttering? Will it limit your choices? Connect with NSA® members who’ve been there. The NSA Young Adults program bridges ’20-somethings’ and ’30-somethings,’ addressing issues like job interviews, dating, and careers. Our Young Adults Committee leads Annual Conference workshops and year-round activities, from workshops to online sessions. AIDAN MARSHALL-CORT ELIZABETH MINTON BEN NORTH LYDIA WEBB CAMERON JOYCE TATUM MACHNICA DEI Committee DEI Committee The DEI Committee is dedicated to evaluating and advancing outreach and advocacy initiatives within the NSA to support underrepresented groups. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); speakers of languages other than English, and the LGBTQAI+ community. The committee will also promote diverse representations of stuttering, throughout the organization. GABRIELA PEREZ ASHLEIGH GIVENS JEREMIAH WILLIAMS ALICIA VASQUEZ JULIE MARSHALL VERONICA WASHINGTON DAVID RICHARDS

Explore stuttering support for kids. Join programs, find resources, and connect with others in a safe and fun environment. Sometimes being a kid who stutters can feel lonely. The NSA® is here to let you know that you are not alone! There are approximately 3 million people who stutter living in the United States. Although you may not know very many people who stutter (maybe you’ve never met even one other person who stutters!), they are out there, and they have experienced many of the same feelings and challenges you are experiencing right now and they are ready to help! Learn About Stuttering Being a kid who stutters can be challenging and difficult sometimes. Stuttering is one of those things that not many people understand. You can learn more about stuttering and help other people understand it better, too. Follow the links to become a stuttering “expert” and how to handle difficult situations. WHAT IS STUTTERING? FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO STUTTER BACK TO SCHOOL Kids Games & Activities Print out these activities to share with your parents, siblings, and friends, or work on them with your speech-language pathologist! Matching Game Scavenger Hunt Finish That Sentence! True or False Advertising Challenge Word Search Roll the dice Match the Words Screenplay Join a Chapter or Attend an Event The NSA hosts a variety of events throughout the year and across the country, including our Local Chapter meetings, Annual Conference, and Family Fun Days. These events bring together children and teens who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists for learning, support, and growth in a safe, fun environment. LOCAL FAMILY CHAPTERS NSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPCOMING EVENTS

Join the NSA Young Adults Committee to connect with peers, share experiences, and build a supportive stuttering community. NSA Young Adults Committee Welcome to the NSA Young Adults! We are here to help you navigate the changes and transitions in life that you will face… from going to college, to finding your first job, to moving out on your own, and more. How will stuttering affect the choices you make? Will you allow it to hold you back from what you really want to accomplish? Our NSA Young Adults program bridges the gap between us and focuses on issues that young adults who stutter may face including job interviews, dating, career, and more. Our Young Adults Committee spearheads our Young Adult programming, both during the Annual Conference and throughout the year, by brainstorming and organizing workshops, events, and outings, hosting online sessions, participating in the NSA Young Adults Facebook group, and much more. BEN NORTH AIDAN MARSHALL-CORT TATUM MACHNICA CAMERON JOYCE ELIZABETH MINTON LYDIA WEBB

Join the NSA Young Adults Committee. Submit your application to connect, lead, and make an impact in the stuttering community. Young Adults Committee Application We are seeking Young Adults who stutter to apply to serve on our NSA Young Adult Planning and Organizing Committee. The duties of a Young Adults Committee member include, but are not limited to: Being inclusive to all people no matter their age, color, national origin, citizenship status, fluency, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. ‘Inclusive’ means to reasonably treat all others with respect and dignity, without regard to immutable characteristics. Attending the National Stuttering Association (NSA) Annual Conference. Exceptions to this rule may be granted for good cause shown by the Committee member. Interacting with various groups and individuals as a part of the NSA and in accordance with the NSA’s mission. Having access to email, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Facebook. Attending virtual committee meetings, when prior notice is given by the Committee Chair. Assisting in the creation and execution of Young Adults workshops and social events for the NSA Annual Conference. Sharing the responsibility of leading various Young Adult workshops and social events at the Annual Conference. Assisting in the maintenance of the NSA Young Adult Facebook group, which requires frequently posting reviewed articles/videos and other materials and discussion topics. Sharing the responsibility of leading virtual Young Adult sessions. Collaborating and following through with other committee members on fundraising ideas/efforts. Prompt, efficient, and respectful communication with the Committee Chair and other NSA Staff, Board members, and personnel. Please note that committee members serve a one-year volunteer term that runs from September to August. Substantial compliance with the above written guidelines will presumptively entitle the Committee member to a term renewal, except that Committee members always serve at the non-reviewable discretion of the Committee Chair, the Executive Director of the NSA, and ultimately the NSA Board of Directors, in ascending order of authority. This is a strictly volunteer position. Interested applicants should complete all sections of this application to be considered for a volunteer position on the Young Adult Committee. Application submissions close on February 23, 2026. Young Adults Committee Application * First name * Last name * Address * Email * Do you live in the United States? Yes No * What is your relationship to stuttering? I am a person who stutters I am an ally / family member I am a professional (SLP, researcher, etc.) Other * Are you currently able to commit 2-4 hours per month to the committee based on the aforementioned responsibility? Yes, I have capacity to participate regularly I have limited capacity at this time No, I am not able to commit at this time How are you currently engaged with the National Stuttering Association? (Check all that apply) Annual Conference Local chapter Virtual programs Social media / online community New to NSA Personal Experience / Expertise * Please describe any personal, professional, or advocacy experience that may benefit the NSA Young Adult Committee. Interest in Young Adult Committee * Why do you feel now is a good time for you to serve on the Young Adult Committee? Suggested Workshops & Activities * What ideas from workshops to social activities do you have that will improve the Young Adult experience at our Annual Conference? What workshops or activities would YOU like to attend? Building Community * What ideas do you have for encouraging interaction among all NSA Young Adults throughout the year? Relevant Materials to Upload If you have any about your experience (resume, newsletter/news article, etc.) that you would like to share, please do! (You can attach .doc, .pdf, .png, and .jpg files) * File upload Upload File Accepted file types: doc, pdf, png, jpg, Max. file size: 10 MB. SUBMIT

Shop with impact! Purchase an NSA Gift Card to explore exclusive merchandise while supporting programs for individuals who stutter. A gift that gives back. NSA Gift Card $25 The NSA Gift Card can be used for WeStutter merchandise, with every purchase directly supporting the National Stuttering Association’s programs, advocacy, and resources for people who stutter. Amount $25 $50 $100 $150 $200 $500 $1,000 Other amount Quantity BUY NOW

Learn how to advocate for insurance coverage for stuttering therapy. Understand policy exclusions, how to appeal denials, and how to educate employers and insurance providers. Insurance Coverage for Stuttering Obtaining insurance coverage for stuttering treatment can be challenging for many families. Insurance reimbursement for speech and language services is often limited, and in some cases, these services are excluded entirely from benefits plans. Unfortunately, many policies include specific exclusions for stuttering due to outdated information or misunderstanding of the condition. As a result, people who stutter frequently experience claim denials or discover that stuttering treatment is not covered at all. The National Stuttering Association works to raise awareness about the importance of speech therapy coverage and encourages individuals, families, and professionals to advocate for equitable insurance benefits. How to Advocate for Coverage Advocating for appropriate insurance coverage for stuttering can take place on many levels. You can make a significant difference by taking the following steps. 1. Appeal Denied Claims If your claim for stuttering treatment is denied, appeal the decision . Most insurance companies have multiple levels of appeal. Provide documentation from your speech-language pathologist, including diagnosis codes and detailed therapy goals. Persistence can often lead to a favorable outcome. 2. Review and Discuss Your Plan Contact your employer or insurance provider to confirm whether speech therapy services are included in your coverage. If they are not, ask your employer to consider adding these benefits. Sharing educational resources about stuttering and its neurological basis can help correct misconceptions and demonstrate the need for inclusion. 3. Contact Your State Insurance Commission If your appeals are unsuccessful, reach out to your state insurance commission or local legislators. Explain why speech therapy for stuttering should be covered under general medical or communication disorder benefits. Your advocacy helps shape future policy decisions. 4. Promote Public Awareness Educating the public about stuttering helps eliminate stigma and supports long-term policy change. Share accurate information through community organizations, local media, or social platforms. Public understanding creates momentum for change in how insurance companies view stuttering treatment. Know Your Coverage Before Starting Therapy Insurance plans vary greatly in how much they cover for speech therapy services. Before beginning treatment, review your specific benefits carefully. Confirm the number of sessions covered, the need for prior authorization, and whether you are required to see an in-network provider. Understanding your policy helps prevent unexpected costs and allows you to plan effectively for therapy. If you are unsure about your benefits or need assistance, the National Stuttering Association can connect you with resources and advocacy tools to help you navigate the process. Last Updated: October 2025 Author: National Stuttering Association Marketing & Education Team with contributions from Nicole Kulmaczewski, MS, CCC-SLP and Jacqueline Toscano, SLP.D. CCC-SLP. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

< Back Kate Tyler Storyteller Kate Tyler is a pathologist and researcher based in Southern California, with a focus on diagnostics and lifelong learning. A proud person who stutters, Kate brings authenticity, curiosity, and a touch of humor to every room she’s in. Outside the lab, she’s a devoted cat mom, Discord community leader, and unapologetic defender of French fries in burritos. Previous Next

Join the Bethlehem - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Bethlehem FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Pennsylvania State Welcome to the NSA Bethlehem 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? Sports Medicine Rehab Center – 1441 Schoenersville Road (Room #271) Bethlehem, PA 18018 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kristin Lyn Chapter Leader Get in touch! kristinlynn610@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

Join the Baltimore - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Baltimore FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Maryland State Welcome to the NSA Baltimore 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? Kennedy Krieger Institute Outpatient Center Conference Room 202 801 North Broadway Baltimore, MD 21205 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM EST. Our first meeting is 1/7/2026! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kate Smidl Chapter Leader Get in touch! smidl@kennedykrieger.org (513) 582-6947 - 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 Exton - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Exton ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Pennsylvania State Welcome to the NSA Exton 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? 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? Exton, PA When? Meetings are held virtually on the third Monday of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM. Reach out to the Chapter Leader for meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Lexi Hewitt Chapter Leader Get in touch! NSAExton@gmail.com - https://forms.gle/7oNx34Y1PoTwak1E8 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

< Back Young Adults Committee Spotlight: Aidan Marshall-Cort – Finding Confidence, Community, and a Calling For Aidan Marshall-Cort, finding the NSA in 2021 was a transformation. It all started with a moment of inspiration. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and craving connection, Aidan attended a talk at the University of Maryland led by NBA player and fellow person who stutters, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Seeing someone so open about their stutter—and someone who looked and sounded like him—sparked something inside. “It was one of my largest life-changing experiences. It made me realize that I needed this community in my life.” Aidan Googled the NSA, found the Washington, DC, Chapter, and the rest is history. Since then, he’s become a key leader in both the Young Adults Committee and his local chapter, creating spaces where 20- and 30-somethings can explore careers, dating, communication, and connection. He shares that the NSA has given him more than a community—it’s provided mentors, friends, and the confidence to step into leadership. In 2024, he and his co-chair, Tim Flynn, were honored with the Chapter Leader/Chapter of the Year award, celebrating the incredible growth of the DC Chapter under their guidance. “Since I've joined and become a leader in the area, it's been wonderful seeing it grow and develop into one of the big hubs for the stuttering community in the U.S.” Outside of his NSA work, Aidan is a student at the University of Maryland, College Park, with plans to apply to Ph.D. programs in neuroscience. He’s as passionate about the brain as he is about stuttering advocacy. His heartfelt advice to newcomers: “In a world where we may feel everlasting anxiousness and/or self-consciousness, the NSA provides space and community where you can be your authentic self, void of the aforementioned. A space where you can be understood, seen, and always supported. Take advantage of that - connect, be outside your comfort zone, meet people from all around the world, and find the true joy and spontaneity of communication we seek so often.” Get to know Aidan: Favorite ice cream: Brownie Batter Nature preference: Mountains Favorite rewatch: Mad Men Current jam: Emergence by Sleep Token Dream pet: German Shepherd Fun fact: He’s a cinephile who adores films from the 1920s–60s Dream destination: Santorini, Greek Islands Aidan is proof that leadership starts with vulnerability and grows through connection. His journey inspires young adults to navigate life, speech, and self-expression—and do it with pride. Thank you, Aidan! Previous Next