Meet Ashleigh Givens, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ashleigh Givens DEI Committee Ashleigh is a fashion photographer and multimedia artist currently residing in Detroit, Michigan and a recent graduate of the College for Creative Studies. In her free time she enjoys traveling (next up: Japan!), reading books on art and design, going to concerts, and taking care of her extensive houseplant collection. Ashleigh loves the NSA community and wants to contribute to making the NSA a more diverse space where people who stutter from all walks of life and all backgrounds can feel welcomed. Having navigated childhood with a stutter, she knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider, and gives her utmost effort to ensure no one feels like that at the NSA. Ashleigh is an advocate for herself and others, and is excited to bring her energy and passion to the DEI Committee.

< Back Previous Ana Hernandez Presenter Ana Hernandez was recognized by the National Stuttering Association as the 2025 SLP of the Year. She is the owner of Adult Stuttering, creator of Green Social and the Safe Spaces of Stuttering approach, and a proud Global Partner of the Blank Center for Stuttering. Ana is an international speaker who provides professional training for schools and businesses. Her work is centered on prioritizing quality and dignity for those who stutter. Next

Meet Kaleb Brown, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Kaleb Brown WS@W Committee Kaleb Brown is passionate about making a difference in the stuttering community as part of the Workplace Stuttering @ Work (WS@W) Committee. He is especially excited to help grow the National Stuttering Association's presence on LinkedIn, creating more opportunities for connection and support for people who stutter. When he's not contributing to the NSA or working his 9-to-5 job, Kaleb enjoys running miles around Oklahoma City, staying active, and soaking in the local scenery. A fun fact about Kaleb: during middle school, he showcased his talent in breakdancing by competing in multiple yearly talent shows!

Join the Atlanta - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Atlanta ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Georgia State Welcome to the NSA Atlanta 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? 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? Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research – 1605 Chantilly Dr NE (Suite# 100) Atlanta, GA 30324 When? Meetings are typically held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for more information and to confirm the meeting schedule! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Derek Mitchell & Caitlin Franchini Chapter Leaders Get in touch! NSAAtlanta@westutter.org - - 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

Meet Sarah Onofri, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Sarah Onofri Family Programs Coordinator Sarah Onofri has been involved in the NSA since 2006. She is the NSA Family Programs Coordinator, and is a co-leader of both the NSA Boston Adult Chapter and Family Chapter. She teaches English as a Second Language at an elementary school.

Meet Chad Mannisi, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Chad Mannisi Chair Chad is a person who stutters and has been an active part of the NSA since 2004. Chad has also been an NSA Adult Chapter Leader since 2010, and also serves as a facilitator of a weekly support group for people who stutter at a speech pathologist’s office. In his professional life, Chad is a Manager (ITSS) for Charter Communications, managing a team of 13, including staffing in five different buildings, and supporting more than 5,000 end users, including executives. In his free time, Chad enjoys video editing and spending time with his family. Chad also serves as on the Nominating Committee. Board term as Chair began June 2024

Submit the screening form for When I Stutter, a powerful film about stuttering and its impact on lives worldwide. When I Stutter Documentary Director: John Gomez 2017 This powerful documentary delves into the profound emotional impact that stuttering has on a diverse group of individuals. Watch The Trailer Host a Screening NSA Chapter Leaders have a unique opportunity to host a special screening of WHEN I STUTTER, an award-winning documentary, to raise awareness about stuttering and support fundraising efforts for their local NSA Chapter. Before submitting your request, please review the WHEN I STUTTER Step-by-Step Screening Guide. This guide provides essential instructions for hosting a screening, from selecting a screening partner and venue to effectively marketing the event. Plan for an event that lasts approximately two hours, including both the screening and a panel discussion featuring NSA chapter members. To ensure a successful event, please schedule your screening at least 7 weeks in advance of submitting the form below. 'When I Stutter' Screening Form * Chapter Leader First name * Chapter Leader Last name * Email * Phone * NSA Chapter Name * I have read the WHEN I STUTTER Step-by-Step Screening Guide? Yes No * Date of Movie Screening * Time of Movie Screening * Location of Movie Screening (complete address) * Movie Screening Partner [NOTE: Screening Partner must be a College/University Speech Disorders Clinic, local Non-Profit, local Disability Rights organization, or something similar.] * Screening Partner Contact Name * Screening Partner Email * Screening Partner Phone SUBMIT

< Back Previous Jess Kossack Presenter Jess Kossack has been an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2009. She has previously served as an NSA Chapter Leader and has facilitated workshops at the Annual Conference. She lives in Hanover Park, Illinois, and works as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Veterans Health Administration. In this role, she supports veterans with disabilities to help them find employment and succeed as employees. Next

< Back Previous Kaela Coye Presenter Kaela is a person who stutters and a Master of Science graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Florida. She serves as a Chapter Leader for the National Stuttering Association (NSA) Naples Chapter. Grounded in both lived experience and professional training, Kaela is passionate about stuttering-affirming advocacy, identity-centered care, and challenging fluency-based narratives. She believes stuttering is a valid and meaningful way of speaking and encourages people who stutter to live full, authentic lives without apology. Next

Join the Lexington - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Lexington ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kentucky State Welcome to the NSA Lexington 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 & 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? Good Samaritan Professional Arts Center 4th Floor Suite 402 135 E Maxwell Street, Lexington, KY, 40508 When? Meetings are held in-person on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. Contact Chapter Leader if you would like to join virtually. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? J.T. Dials & Meg Shake Chapter Leaders Get in touch! lexington.nsa@gmail.com 606-626-8862 - 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 Marci Post Presenter Marci Post is a lifelong learner, mother of two, and devoted wife of 33 years who has built a life of service through speech therapy, business ownership, mentoring, caregiving, and her passions for gardening, functional medicine, and family. This is her first Annual Conference. Next

< Back Previous Tom Lovett Presenter Tom Lovett is a person who stutters and the author of "Words Unspoken: The Science, Experience, and Treatment of Stuttering." He has read over 240 research articles on stuttering and attended half a dozen academic conferences around the world. Next