Learn how Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Elementary School Principal Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith Briefly describe your daily job duties. I recently graduated with my doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and am currently an elementary school principal in Joliet, Illinois. I talk to students, teachers, parent, and community members all day in an effort to improve student achievement and engagement at Carl Sandburg School. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I am quite good at being a covert stutterer. If I do stutter during an interview, I allow people to assume that it’s because I’m nervous even though I’m not. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. All of us are struggling with something deeply personal. Mine just happens to make its appearance when I open my mouth. After attending my first National Stuttering Association annual conference, I made a commitment to no longer be a covert stutterer. I’ve been open with my stuttering ever since. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I earned my doctorate degree at the end of my first year as a principal, which is typically the toughest year. My staff and students surprised me with a huge celebration, secretly inviting my whole family and my professors! My students made presentations and my staff presented me with a picture of the entire staff and student body! It was amazing! What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to continue to work as an educational leader, preferably as an education professor working with new teachers, specializing in trauma informed classrooms. 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 yourself. I used to think that my stutter was a curse, something to hide from everyone, including myself. I have since realized that my stutter is my greatest gift. It’s one of the things that makes me uniquely qualified to do what I do and that is to inspire children, educators, and families to do the impossible, whatever it may be for them. Some days, I feel I’ve done the impossible for myself.

Join the Sacramento - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Sacramento ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA Sacramento 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. When? Meetings are virtual and are held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7PM. Please contact Chapter Leaders for more information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Amber Kennedy, Jeremiah C. Williams & Robert Cox Chapter Leaders Get in touch! nsasacramentochapter@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! 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? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. 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 Older Adults Committee Spotlight: Jim McClure – A Legacy of Leadership and Lifelong Advocacy Few people have impacted the NSA quite like Jim McClure has. With 41 years of unwavering involvement, Jim has become a cornerstone of the NSA and a national voice for people who stutter. His story began in Chicago, where he helped organize a self-help group that eventually affiliated with the NSA (then the NSP). His dedication to community, advocacy, and awareness grew from there. “I’ve made a second—or maybe third—career out of stuttering advocacy,” Jim says with pride. Over the years, he has used his expertise to serve the NSA, the Stuttering Specialty Board, and ASHA’s Certification Council, pushing for greater representation, understanding, and professional accountability for people who stutter. One of Jim’s most notable contributions was organizing a publicity campaign around the release of The King’s Speech. His work significantly boosted the NSA’s visibility and sparked national conversations about stuttering, identity, and support. “Learning to take risks with my speech helped my career, and using my professional skills to help the NSA has been a source of satisfaction.” Today, Jim continues his leadership as a member of the Older Adults Committee, helping offer mentorship and a mature perspective to our growing group of members aged 50 and older. His advice to those new to the NSA? “Use the opportunity of conferences and chapter meetings to venture into uncomfortable speaking situations and master them.” Get to know Jim: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate swirl Nature pick: Desert Favorite film to rewatch: Master and Commander Pet status: Emotional support human to a cat Fun fact: Jim spent 25 years serving in the U.S. Navy Jim’s contributions to the stuttering community span decades, platforms, and lives. Thank you, Jim, for your lifetime of leadership, compassion, and bold dedication to the NSA! Previous Next

Join the Beaumont - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Beaumont ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Texas State Welcome to the NSA Beaumont 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? Virtual meetings are held on Zoom. When? Virtual meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00PM. Meetings are held on Zoom. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leader. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Stefanie Becerril Chapter Leader Get in touch! sbecerril1@lamar.edu (409) 880-8174 - 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? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. 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 Tampa - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Tampa ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Tampa 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 at the University of South Florida (3711 USF Citrus Drive, Tampa, FL 33620) in Building PCD, Room 2036. When you get to PCD building, you can park in lot 9A or lot 46. Park in spots labeled PSY-CSD. Parking permits are not needed. Walk inside to the Communication Sciences building, take the elevator to the second floor, and go to room 2036. If you get lost, you can call or text: 813-974-6190. When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Ethan Mazur & Nathan Maxfield Chapter Leaders Get in touch! hashtagstutter@gmail.com nmaxfield@usf.edu (813) 974-6190 - 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? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. 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 Nicole Terhune Presenter Nicole (Kulmaczewski) Terhune, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, clinical educator, and advocate with a strong focus on stutter-affirming care. She teaches graduate students how to provide evidence-based, stutter-affirming therapy that centers autonomy, identity, and the client’s lived experience. Her work emphasizes collaborative goal setting, counseling competencies, and the therapeutic alliance as essential components of effective stuttering treatment. Next

Meet William Webster, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. William Webster Research Committee Standing Member Dr. William Webster is a retired university professor, a former Dean, and a person who stutters. During the first 22 years of his career, he was a professor and chair of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada with an active research program focused on brain mechanisms underlying stuttering. The results of that research have been published in more than 20 journal articles and several book chapters and have been presented at a number of conferences. He co-authored with Marie Poulos in 1989 a clinical manual entitled, “Facilitating fluency: Transfer strategies for adult stuttering treatment programs” (Tucson, AZ: Communication Skill Builders). In 1991, he was appointed Dean of Social Sciences at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario, followed in 2002 as Director of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) in London, Ontario. He is currently completing a book to be entitled, “Stuttering and the brain: Reflections on my journey.”

< Back Previous Jennifer Downs Presenter Jennifer Downs is a mother to a person who stutters (PWS) and understands firsthand the importance of support and encouragement through the NSA. With Nashville, Tennessee, being her family's hometown, her son attended college out of state and faced his own specific challenges along the way. Family and friends can play a special role in a PWS’s support system during the college years. Over the past 6 years of her son’s college journey, Jennifer has learned helpful (and not so helpful) ways to lend support when needed. Next

Meet Jeffrey Dale, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jeffrey Dale Information Technology Jeffrey Dale is a dedicated supporter of the National Stuttering Association (NSA), leveraging his expertise in information technology to meet the organization's needs. With a passion for using technology to make a positive impact, Jeffrey has been working with non-profits since 2015, bringing innovative solutions and reliable support to mission-driven organizations like the NSA. An alumnus of the University of California, Irvine, Jeffrey combines his technical skills with a deep appreciation for community engagement. His commitment to helping the NSA reflects his belief in the power of connection and the importance of providing resources for people who stutter. Now based in Colorado, Jeffrey finds inspiration in the beauty of the mountains. In his free time, he enjoys hiking through scenic trails, snowboarding on snowy peaks, and capturing stunning landscapes through photography. His adventurous spirit and creative eye complement his professional expertise, making him a valuable contributor to the NSA's mission. Jeffrey is proud to support the NSA and its community, helping to ensure that its technological needs are met with care and efficiency. His dedication to empowering others through his skills embodies the values of collaboration and service that drive the NSA forward.

< Back Previous David Potts Presenter David Potts is a research scientist at the Dow Chemical Company. He is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a lifelong stutterer. He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2018 and his PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2024, both in chemical engineering. His work focuses on developing catalysts to speed up and make chemical reactions more environmentally friendly. David moved to Michigan in 2024 and is a member of the National Stuttering Association East Lansing Chapter. He attended his first Annual Conference in 2025. He is passionate about mentorship, outreach, and making scientific fields more accessible to others who stutter. Next

< Back Seasoned Voices Committee Spotlight: Patrice Nolan Fox — Strength, Storytelling & Support The National Stuttering Association’s Seasoned Voices Committee continues growing, bringing together people over 50 looking for connection, mentorship, and shared experience. One of the inspiring voices within that group is Patrice Nolan Fox, a longtime member whose impact spans two decades. Patrice’s NSA journey began 20 years ago when a friend told her she’d love the community and should come to a meeting. That one invitation led to a life-changing experience. “They were right—I loved it. The NSA has helped me become much more open about my stuttering.” Patrice is not only a person who stutters but also a speech-language pathologist, giving her a unique dual perspective in our community. She’s spent 37 years as an educator, helping others learn and grow while learning a lot about herself. She serves on the Seasoned Voices Committee, which offers mature perspectives to the NSA’s broader goals—bringing insight to workshops, events, and resources designed to support people navigating life over 50. Patrice is incredibly passionate about creating a space where adults can feel empowered to embrace their voices—at any age. “Be open and don’t be afraid,” she advises new members. Fun facts: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough Favorite TV show: Here Come the Brides Pet: A sweet kitty named Peaches Fun fact: She loves to act! Dream vacation: Scottsdale, Arizona Whether she’s offering support to a new member, mentoring others, or sharing her story as both an SLP and a person who stutters, Patrice embodies what it means to be a powerful part of the NSA family. Thank you, Patrice, for your dedication, openness, and unwavering support. You make our community stronger! Previous Next