Meet Chloe, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Chloe Sisters Who Stutter Member Outreach Coordinator & Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Chloe is a junior in high school from Los Angeles, California. She is an active member of her school’s debate team, where she competes and also mentors younger teammates. Chloe serves as the business manager for her school newspaper and helps lead a tutoring program for underserved elementary students in her community. She plans to pursue studies in economics and disability studies, driven by her enthusiasm for math and business and her curiosity about the Social Model of Disability. Chloe is also excited to attend her first NSA conference this summer!

Learn how Dr. Russell Zimmer,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Music Teacher, Trumpet Player/Instructor Dr. Russell Zimmer Briefly describe your daily job duties. My daily job duties involve teaching and interacting with nearly three hundred middle school students in addition to a handful of private trumpet students. Although not daily, I also perform trumpet professionally in a variety of musical settings from classical to jazz. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a person who stutters, one of the most challenging parts of my job is maintaining fluency strategies to help deliver effective and clear instruction to my students, especially through difficult and more stressful days. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? No, I try to not make stuttering something that defines me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. As a teacher, it helps me feel more sympathetic and connected towards students’ various needs. I can also serve as a positive example for students that our character flaws (or strengths!) can make us a stronger individual with a special superpower that others may not have. What is your proudest moment at your current company? The proudest moment so far would have been the first performance of the middle school band with me as the director. There was a lot of anticipation built up with “the new teacher” and unknown expectations of how the band would sound under my direction. The performance had the largest audience to date with (unfortunately) family and friends standing outside trying to hear the band (over 500 audience members). That night I successfully conducted four ensembles totally 300 students for a total of two and half hours by myself. I prepared performance notes which I read aloud and let the adrenaline help lead me through fluency, using pauses in a structured and meaningful manner. I was dumbfounded by the positive response from the parents afterwards. What are your long-term career aspirations? I started my career somewhat late, not fully anticipating where I would be. I feel that I have reached a peak of where I see myself career-wise. I see myself possibly working at the college level at some point, but I am enjoying being an influential force for the developing, somewhat chaotic, middle school mind. In addition to being a teacher and performer, I see myself writing a couple of books related to music and overcoming life challenges. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Like many others have said, don’t let stuttering define you. I found it helpful to treat speaking like with music practice. The concept of “practice makes permanent” rings truth in all aspects of life. Find time to mindfully practice speaking in a constructive manner and time to center oneself. It’s important to truly “let go” of some of our inner struggles and focus on doing your job to the best of your abilities.

Learn how Leah Graham,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Social Worker Leah Graham Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am responsible for determining and maintaining eligibility for Subsidized Childcare Assistance. I maintain a caseload of roughly 250 families and I’m responsible for making updates to their cases and to their care. My day to day responsibilities include interacting with parents and childcare providers in an effort to provide care to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Talking on the phone is definitely the most challenging part of my job. Every situation is different so having to recall the various State or County policies, apply it to the situation or case and then relay the information to the parent or provider in a way that can be easily understood sometimes poses a challenge. It is also challenging to portray confidence over the phone. I sometimes feel like people may think I am not sure of what I am talking about. To combat that, I always reiterate or summarize what I said back to whoever I am speaking to. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients and or customers? I did disclose that I stutter during the job hiring process. At my interview I actually brought the Employers resource brochure that the NSA has on its website for people who stutter and passed it out to the interviewers. I love that brochure so much because it really paints an accurate picture of what it’s like having a person who stutters as an employee. The brochure highlights many positive traits people who stutter possess without sounding cheesy or unbelievable. I also verbally disclosed that I stutter and welcomed any questions. Since COVID-19 we have been taking applications over the phone and I have started saying a blanket statement of: “Before we get started, I just want to let you know that I stutter, if something is unclear, please just let me know and I will be more than happy to repeat it”. I love that statement because I am not apologizing for stuttering, I am simply focused on making sure the information is relayed and that my client understands. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering itself is just so vulnerable. I believe that openly stuttering really offers a piece of authenticity that I am not sure I would otherwise possess. In the Human Services field, connection is important. Being able to connect with clients, coworkers and other members of the community is such a huge plus and I attribute my ability to do so to stuttering. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Oh man, my proudest moment was definitely hosting a Zoom call at work for National Stuttering Awareness Day this year. I talked about stuttering and stuttering in the workplace. The call was everything I hoped it would be and more. My co-workers were engaged and asked some really amazing and profound questions. It was really cool seeing my two worlds collide. What are your long-term career aspirations? Because of my stutter I remember being younger and marking lawyer off of my “what I want to be when I grow up list”. There was no question that being a lawyer and a person who stutters just did not mix. But now I am studying for the LSAT! I want to be a lawyer. For 5 years I have been enforcing State policy, now I want to create it. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? BE KIND TO YOURSELF. That is my advice. Just be kind to yourself. I know that I am not 100% confident in myself as a person who stutters every second of every day, and I have learned that that is OK! Being a person who stutters while trying to achieve success in the workplace is not easy. Picture the Spongebob meme where he is wiping off his forehead and leaning against a wall, THAT’S ME SOMEDAYS! And guess what? It is ok. Wipe your forehead and lean against that wall because some days, we need it.

< Back Previous Daniel Mittleman Presenter Daniel Mittleman is the Co-Chapter Leader of the National Stuttering Association Treasure Coast, Florida Chapter, which he co-founded with his wife, Angela. An experienced trial attorney, Daniel has conducted more than 60 jury trials and litigated a wide range of cases, including capital life felonies and complex illegal gambling prosecutions. Throughout his career as a public servant, he has remained committed to improving access to justice and strengthening the court system. Daniel is dedicated to ensuring that every voice (especially those often overlooked or misunderstood) is heard and respected. Next

Meet Holly Nover, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Holly Nover Family Programs Chair Holly is a person who stutters, a parent of a child that stutters, and a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) who has been active with the NSA since 2007. Professionally, Holly has earned two master’s degrees: Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. She has worked as a SLP in the medical, private, and public-school settings and currently works in a public school district serving as the District Program Specialist for SLPs. She has served as a Lead SLP in her school district and was named Speech Language Pathologist of the year by the Jacksonville Area Speech Pathology Association in 2009. She has presented on stuttering at the local, state, and national levels. Holly lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband and is the mother of two boys and a Labrador Retriever. She enjoys watching sporting events, traveling to tropical locations, puzzles, spending time at the beach, and organizing. Holly is a loyal Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Term began May 2021

< Back Previous Veronica Washington Presenter Veronica is the founder of The PAUSE Initiative, a movement that empowers individuals with communication differences to celebrate their voices. Her son, Logan, is a person who stutters. She currently works in dementia research at Johns Hopkins University and has a long-standing passion for supporting vulnerable and neurodiverse populations. Guided by a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she hopes to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In her free time, Veronica enjoys building relationships, listening to music, spending quality time with family and friends, reading books with unexpected twists, and taking walks by the water. Next

Meet Dr. Eddie Brown, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Dr. Eddie Brown Young Adults Committee Dr. Eddie Brown received his Ph.D. from the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and his master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Eddie is a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist who has been involved with the National Stuttering Association since childhood. Upon graduating in May, he joined The Ohio State University as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Flaum Center for Stuttering. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Emma, and their two Springer Spaniels, Annie and Winston. Outside of work, he is an avid soccer fan and proudly supports Chelsea.

Meet Tyler Clemens, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Tyler Clemens Advocacy & Education Co-Chair Tyler Clemens is a person who stutters, advocate for disability and inclusion, and a business leader serving Southern California. Tyler struggled with developing his voice as a leader due to his stutter and has worked diligently to develop a growth mindset to thrive in discomfort. Tyler is a District Manager for Starbucks and also co-chairs the Disability Advocacy Network for the US business. Previously, Tyler worked for GameStop for 15 years and created the employee resource group “visABLE” focusing on disabilities and impairments that were both visible and invisible in his role as a District Manager. Tyler lives in Temecula, married to his wife of 19 years, and has three children. In his free time Tyler loves going to Disneyland, playing guitar, and doing everything with his family. Term began June 2024

< Back Previous Ryleigh Bowers Presenter Ryleigh Bowers is an incoming high school sophomore with a passion for theater, dance, and vocal performance. She is returning for her second year volunteering with the NSA Family Programs. While she is not a person who stutters, she has developed a deep understanding of stuttering through living with and learning from her father, who stutters. Next

Meet Veronica Washington, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Veronica Washington DEI Committee Veronica is the founder of The PAUSE Initiative, a movement that empowers individuals with communication differences to celebrate their voices. Her son, Logan, is a person who stutters. She currently works in dementia research at Johns Hopkins University and has a long-standing passion for supporting vulnerable and neurodiverse populations. Guided by a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she hopes to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In her free time, Veronica enjoys building relationships, listening to music, spending quality time with family and friends, reading books with unexpected twists, and taking walks by the water.

Join the Greenville - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Greenville ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - South Carolina State Welcome to the NSA Greenville Chapter! The Greenville Chapter meets on the first Thursday of every month online over Zoom or in-person at A to Z Speech Therapy. Our meetings are social gatherings where we discuss issues related to living life as a person who stutters. Expect to gain new life perspectives on stuttering by seeing, hearing, and learning from others who stutter. Come join us at our next meeting. Scroll below to learn more. How do you typically meet? Hybrid 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? Online meetings are over Zoom (email the Chapter Leader for the link). In-person meetings are at A to Z Speech Therapy (1547 Wade Hampton Blvd. Greenville, SC 29609). When? First Thursday of every month. In-person meetings (6:30 to 8:00 pm). Online meetings (7:00 to 8:15 pm) Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? John Moore Chapter Leader Get in touch! john@brandautopsy.com (512) 633-4086 https://www.westutterupstate.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! What are NSA Local Chapters? Local chapters are the heartbeat of the NSA — powerful spaces where you can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported. Whether you’re an adult who stutters or part of a family navigating stuttering together, we have a chapter for you. Learn more about NSA Chapters and find a meeting close to home! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? How can I find a local NSA chapter? What happens at an NSA meeting? Who attends an NSA Chapter? Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Don’t see an answer to your question? How do I start a local NSA chapter? How do I start a local NSA chapter? 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 Previous Cathy Olish-Maciejewski Presenter Cathy Olish-Maciejewski is from Grosse Ile, Michigan, and works in Human Resources in the Executive Recruiting organization at Ford Motor Company. She is a covert person who stutters and has been a member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for over 25 years. During this time, she served on the NSA Board of Directors for 7 years, was a Chapter Leader, and has led at least 60 workshops at NSA Conferences. She loves spending time with her husband and two boys, organizing, and photography. Next