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< Back Annette Onofri Speaker Annette Onofri is the parent of Sarah Onofri, Family Programs Coordinator, and they have been attending NSA conferences together since 2006. She is always Sarah’s #1 volunteer and supporter at our many NSA events. She is excited to share her experiences and meet other parents. Annette is from Boston, Massachusetts, where she works as a Surgical Dental Assistant. Previous Next

Learn how Jason Baker,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Professor of Music Jason Baker Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach percussion instruments in both individual and group settings. This involves private lessons, as well as leading and directing the percussion ensemble, marching band drumline, and steel drum band. I also serve as Recruiting Coordinator for the department, where I organize events both on and off campus to attract prospective students to our program. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My stuttering usually occurs when I’m tired or have had to speak for a long time, which can happen toward the end of a long day of teaching or an especially full week of events. My particular stutter consists more of “blocking” than typical repetition of sounds, so it can create a lot of physical tension in body in my body, as well. What are your long-term career aspirations? I just enjoy the variety of teaching, performing, publishing, composing, and service that life at the university has afforded me. Each semester brings in new students, situations, and opportunities, so there is always something I didn’t anticipate before, and that’s enough to keep me busy for a long time Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If I suspect my stuttering is going to affect my speaking during an event (interview, lecture, or presentation) I will usually work it into what I am talking about, such as stating how playing music helped me develop positive self esteem in my youth despite being a stutterer. Usually, doing this will lessen my own anxiety and my speech will be more fluent. Either way, it becomes less of an issue and people seem fine with it either way. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Witnessing the growth in our program over the years and seeing former students now working and supporting their own families as professionals has been especially meaningful. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering has always made me a hard worker. Having to work to do something everyday that most other people take for granted has created a resiliency and work ethic that I can carry over to other challenging situations in my work. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Everyone is different in the severity and frequency their stuttering, but two thing we all have control over are the quality of work we can do at our jobs and how we treat others around us. Capitalizing on this will far outweigh any perceived shortcomings in how we speak.

< Back Joan Ross Speaker Joan Ross is a dedicated attendee of NSA conferences with her husband Dave and their two daughters and their families. Their journey started in 2008 in their home state of New Jersey, when they attended their first life changing conference! Their NSA family has been an incredible support network for them! Joan is the Chapter Leader of the NSA Central Jersey Chapter. Joan is also a small business owner and realtor. Her daughter Courtney who has stuttered since the age of three, has been a huge driving force in Joan's life. Joan's older daughter, Heather, met and married a fellow stutterer adding a loving and unique twist to their family dynamics! Joan is now happily embracing the role of grandma to five wonderful grandchildren while attending their 17th consecutive conference together in Denver! Previous Next

< Back Caitlin Franchini Speaker Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech language pathologist at the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research-Atlanta Satellite through the University of Texas at Austin. She specializes in developmental stuttering and implements person-focused treatment that builds positive attitudes towards stuttering and confidence when communicating. She also leads the Atlanta Adult NSA chapter and serves on the Professional Relations Committee. Previous Next

< Back Spotlight on the Older Adults Committee: A Voice of Wisdom, Connection, and Confidence Meet a longtime member of the NSA who embodies the heart of what it means to be unapologetically yourself. Vicki Schutter been part of the NSA since 1985, when we were still known as the National Stuttering Project (NSP). Their journey began when a persistent fellow stutterer, Brian Koch, encouraged them to attend a meeting in Paula Campbell’s apartment. That first step led to a lifetime of connection, support, and transformation. “I had never been in a room with so many stutterers in my life,” she said. “It was life-changing.” Now a proud member of the Older Adults Committee, she helps represent the fastest-growing group in our organization: adults over 50. The committee offers a unique perspective on NSA initiatives, providing insight into workshops, mentoring, and planning events with a thoughtful eye toward later stages in life. But more than anything, this committee fosters a sense of belonging. It’s a place where mature members can reflect, connect, and continue to grow within our ever-expanding stuttering family. She says that one of their proudest accomplishments is simple yet powerful: “I always order exactly what I want in a restaurant. I never order something I think will be easier to say.” We celebrate that kind of confidence and self-acceptance at the NSA. Through their years of involvement, she’s learned to live with their stutter, not in spite of it, but with it—embracing who she is rather than striving for who she thinks she’s “supposed” to be. When she’s not advocating for the stuttering community, she’s enjoying their favorite things: Pecan Turtle Fudge ice cream Relaxing at the beach Singing California Dreamin’ at karaoke Caring for Ginger, their very spoiled orange-and-white cat Rewatching episodes of Star Trek Dreaming of visiting the lake region of northern Italy To anyone new to the NSA, their advice is clear: “Go to a conference! It will change your life forever, and you will meet people there who will be your friends for the rest of your lives.” We’re honored to have this member in our community and even more thrilled to see their continued leadership on the Older Adults Committee. Previous Next

Join the Seattle - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Seattle ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Seattle 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? Meeting are held in the Seattle, WA area. Contact the Chapter Leaders for meeting details. When? Meetings are held on the 1st Sunday of each month from 1:00-2:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Andrew Chekerylla & Abhishek Agarwal Chapter Leaders Get in touch! westutterinseattle@gmail.com (206) 412-5760 https://tinyurl.com/westutterinseattle 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 Amanda Elias Speaker Amanda Elias is from West Monroe, Louisiana. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Instructor at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). She received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University, and is graduating in August of 2025 with her PhD through ULM’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program with a concentration in Systemic Studies. She is a Chapter Leader for the Monroe, LA Chapter of the National Stuttering Association. She also holds the Ally of Stuttering Seal through Spero Stuttering. Previous Next

Learn how Joe Bergren,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Marketing Director Joe Bergren Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m a content producer for ET Digital, primarily writing news and feature video packages that publish on ET’s many platforms. These include ETOnline.com, ET Live, YouTube and more. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. This might be a common response here, but certainly instances where I’ve needed to request assistance. In my case, it would be steps in the production process that require vocal performance. Since I happen to work with a wonderful team of true professionals who have been nothing but supportive, the actual ‘challenging’ aspect here is only the self-imposed anxiety that can happen when asking for accommodations. 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 not. Many people knew me before I moved into my current position and were aware I’m a person who stutters. In other situations, I’ve had to assess the best strategy for both disclosing to individual co-workers, as well as groups of people. Each context has its own set of variables that influence my approach. Overall, I usually try to capitalize on organic moments where an opportunity has presented itself for me to segue into disclosing my stutter. This includes during very casual, even mundane conversations, and more formal discussions. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I usually take a few moments to consider my fluency options (so to speak) for what I need to say during a meeting or discussion. In one way or another, it’s something I’ve instinctively done going all the way back to group assignments in middle school. An unintended (albeit very welcome) side effect is that you end up listening very intently to what each person is saying. You have to. One reason simply being that jumping off what someone is talking about is a bonafide speaking shortcut. And in order to utilize those moments, I give my full attention to anyone who has the floor. The macro benefit here is, of course, showing my peers that I believe what they’re saying is important and has value. Because it does, and for me — in more ways than one. Overall, this could be simplified to the more cliche notion that people who stutter become great listeners. Which is true. Part of the joy of being in this community is witnessing the many ways stuttering has us leveling up in these spaces. What is your proudest moment at your current company? In an abstract sense, it would be having started in a position where “entry level” could not have been a more accurate description. From the perspective in my current role, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how I’m able to apply what I’ve learned to the new experiences that greet me everyday. What are your long-term career aspirations? Continuing to produce stories in the online media landscape and identifying what storytelling structures connect with audiences the most. I am working toward multiple trajectories, all of them focused on connecting people with themes and subjects I’m passionate about. This will hopefully include long-form content, digital and real-world mediums, blue sky brainstorming, diverse collaborations, and helping people tell THEIR unique stories. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Recognize moments where you can open up about being a person who stutters to co-workers, peers, clients, etc. Invite those moments, even. Roll out the red carpet for them.* Speaking only for myself here, it’s been easy to forget how much it’s influenced who I am, where I’m at and what lies ahead for me. Sharing that with other people isn’t just about disclosing for professional or practical reasons. In the past, I’ve realized how leaving out such a significant part of one’s life creates an incomplete picture of yourself for everyone to see. The journey with that ongoing a-ha moment has fundamentally made my professional life better and, dare I say it, more fun. Lastly, don’t be afraid of any presumed challenges and awkward situations that you’re going to encounter. Not to say there won’t be obstacles and maybe even countless awkward moments on account of being a person who stutters. After all, it’s our lot in life. But the endurance we gain from them absolutely cannot be matched. *(why yes I do work in entertainment news why do you ask.)

Learn how Leonardo Soto,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Detective / Hostage Negotiator Leonardo Soto New Haven, CT Detective / Hostage Negotiator New Haven Police Department Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m a detective with the Special Victims Unit (SVU). I specialize in investigating crimes involving human trafficking and child exploitation. I am also part of the Emergency Services Unit as a hostage / crisis negotiator. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a detective, you have to gain the victim’s trust and make them comfortable. As a person who stutters, it is often a challenge because people may not see you as competent because of the stuttering. It’s the same when speaking to a suspect as well. As a hostage negotiator, you have to speak with people during what can possibly be the worst moment in their lives. I have had successful negotiations during my career, but my stuttering was often questioned during the negotiation process. What are your long-term career aspirations? Eventually, I would like to take the next promotional test and become the unit commander for the special victims unit. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Before I was a police officer, I was a paramedic for many years, I never actually disclosed my stuttering during a hiring process. The first time I ever disclosed that I actively stuttered was when I went to Hostage negotiator school. Part of the process was to speak in front of the class about yourself and that was the first thing I disclosed. Since then, wherever I go or whatever I do if I have to speak to someone I will disclose. I also started disclosing that I stutter when I have to negotiate with someone. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Working in the law enforcement field for the last 15 years, I have had many proud moments. One of the proudest was when I graduated from the police academy. There were many doubts that I would even make it through the academy due to my stuttering, but with hard work and determination, I made it through and I’ve had a very successful career. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think when people who are not law-enforcement hear that you as an officer stutter, they don’t just see the officer, but they tend to see the human being. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Never limit yourself. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t follow a dream or pursue a goal just because you stutter. Put it out there. Let everyone know that you stutter and you are confident within yourself. When people see your confidence, they will be confident in you as well.

Join the Kingston - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Kingston ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Rhode Island State Welcome to the NSA Kingston 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? Kingston, RI When? Virtual meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM. Contact the Chapter Leader for the meeting information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Alisa Baron Chapter Leader Get in touch! BaronA@URI.edu (440)465-4033 - 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 Dana Koprowski Speaker Dana Koprowski has been a part of the NSA since 2018 and attended her first conference in her hometown of Chicago, IL. She works as an Assistant Property Manager where daily communication with the public is a critical part of her role. Dana is a proud single mother of four year old Grayson, who is a great communicator and keeps mom on her toes. Previous Next

Meet Alyssa Kalwasinski, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alyssa Kalwasinski Public Outreach Coordinator Alyssa lives in Central Ohio and is a sophomore in high school. Alyssa has stuttered her whole life and has recently gotten involved in advocacy and support for stuttering. She has played field hockey and lacrosse during high school and also likes to ride dirt bikes with her dad. She is up for any challenge and loves to try new things! Alyssa is a part of multiple clubs at her school, including Interact Club, which grants many volunteer opportunities; Girl Up Club, which promotes female empowerment; and Alyssa’s favorite, American Sign Language Club. As a Co-Public Outreach Officer for Sisters Who Stutter, Alyssa sends informational emails to speech-language pathology clinics across the nation in hopes of spreading the word about SWS.