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< Back Previous Dana Koprowski Presenter Dana proudly calls the Chicago suburbs home and is the devoted single mother of her 5-year-old son, Grayson. Being Grayson’s mom is her greatest joy and most important role. Professionally, Dana works in property management. She loves building relationships and creating positive experiences for the communities she serves. She discovered the National Stuttering Association in 2017 and attended her first Annual Conference in 2018, where she immediately felt a sense of belonging and inspiration that continues to motivate her today. In her spare time, Dana enjoys crafting and thrifting—finding beauty in the unexpected and turning simple treasures into something special. Next

Join the Bronx/Lehman College - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Bronx/Lehman College ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New York State Welcome to the NSA Bronx/Lehman College 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? Via Zoom When? Virtual meetings (Zoom) are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30PM contact Chapter Leader for additional information Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Peggy Conner & Kenny Imade Chapter Leaders Get in touch! nsabronx@gmail.com - http://www.nsachapters.org/bronx/ 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 I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! 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 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 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 I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! 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 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 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? 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 I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! 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 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 Olympia - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Olympia ADULT & FAMILY CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Olympia 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 & 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? Virtual Meetings When? Meetings are held virtually on the 1st Monday of the month from 7:00-8:00 PM. Contact the Chapter Leader (360-589-9854) for the meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Craig Zora Chapter Leader Get in touch! czor490@gmail.com (360) 589-9854 - 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 I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! 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 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 Christy Pomaro, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Christy Pomaro Photographer Christy grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, attending Columbia College – Downtown Chicago for Photography. Christy currently runs her own successful photography business, with a concentration on portrait and personal brand photography. Christy has been married to her husband since 2004 and they live in Rolling Meadows, IL with their two daughters and one dog.

Learn how Liz Helton,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Lead Teacher Liz Helton Cold Spring, KY Lead Teacher Learning Grove Briefly describe your daily job duties. Working with 2.5-6 year olds in a classroom setting. Preparing and performing lessons with the children. Talking and mentoring coworkers. Yearly conferences with parents, as well as daily check-ins. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. When I first started teaching I had the fear that once people heard my stuttering they would think I wasn’t capable of teaching their child. What are your long-term career aspirations? Maintaining my position in the agency! Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I didn’t mention it during the hiring process, and I don’t mention it to coworkers or parents. I have had to explain it to children, “I was born this way and it doesn’t hurt. Thanks for being patient with me, because my mouth has to finish the word”. That’s usually all it takes. What is your proudest moment at your current company? We received a regional award for being the top preschool for the year. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I am more patient with people and understand of their difficulties What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Prove everyone wrong! You can succeed and grow in your career.

Learn how Samuel Dunsiger ,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Accessibility Advisor Samuel Dunsiger Toronto, CAN Accessibility Advisor Left Turn Right Turn Briefly describe your daily job duties. Overall, my job involves working with the team at Left Turn Right Turn and our clients (public and private sector organizations) to make our clients’ practices more accessible for people with various disabilities. I do this by: – Conducting research on the organization to identify existing barriers for people with disabilities – Interviewing the organization’s employees and stakeholders who have disabilities – Writing accessibility assessment reports – Developing solutions to mitigate accessibility barriers – Writing accessibility plans Also, on a part-time basis, I teach writing and communications to students at a career college. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Before I get into the most challenging part, I first want to emphasize that I feel like my job and workplace as it relates to my stuttering is somewhat unique. Because I work in the accessibility space, I work in a space where my stuttering is not just tolerated but it’s also valued. I actually use my lived experience with disability in my work as an accessibility consultant. But there are still and challenges and barriers that I face as a result of my stuttering. But I feel like the challenges I currently face are self-imposed. Allow me to explain. As we know, people who stutter are constantly interrupted by other people. But as NSA member and the famous comedian who stutters Nina G., has said before, we often have a tendency to interrupt ourselves. We interrupt our dreams, our ambitions and our lives by avoidance. In my case, I have a tendency to limit my own voice at work due to my stuttering. That is something I’m trying to actively work on, since we all have value to bring to the workplace. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspirations are to continue working in the fields of accessibility, education and social justice, where I’m collaborating with passionate individuals to help make the world more inclusive for people with various disabilities. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Because my current workplace, Left Turn Right Turn, is an accessibility consulting firm, not only did I disclose my stuttering in the job hiring process, but I used it to my advantage to leverage on my lived experience as someone with a disability. I emphasized early on in the interview my experience as someone who stutters, both personally and professionally, and the insight it brings me into working in the field of accessibility. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I’ve been in my current role at Left Turn Right Turn for just over four months, so I still consider myself somewhat new. I wouldn’t say that I have one single proudest moment, but what I’m most proud of so far is whenever I’m open with my teammates about how I’m feeling, not just about my stuttering but about my other struggles as well. I feel like my colleagues are extremely supportive and are open with each other, often to the point where we share our vulnerabilities and I’m proud to be part of that. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Again, given my current role in the accessibility space, my experiences being someone who stutters (and being neurodivergent) gives me direct insight that allows me to better consult with organizations on accessibility. But in general, I feel like stuttering can be an advantage for anyone in the workplace. Yes, stuttering is a recognized disability, but that does not mean that it’s a weakness (disability is not a weakness!). I perceive disability to be a different way in which we experience the world. It gives us a fresh perspective which we would valuable for any employer. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? My best advice is to try to position your stuttering to your advantage during the job hiring and the recruitment process. Too often we perceive stuttering as something that holds us back from being successful, but it does not have to be. Stuttering gives us greater empathy, resilience and a uniqueness which would be valuable for any employer.

Join the Central New Jersey - Adult & Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Central New Jersey ADULT, TEEN CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Central New Jersey 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, Teen 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? Panera Bread 1064 US Hwy 9 Parlin, NJ 08859 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month from 7:30-9:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Joan Ross & Sydney Mail Chapter Leaders Get in touch! jross12@aol.com (732) 995-1722 https://www.facebook.com/groups/375408645956134 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 I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! 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 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

Learn how Kylie Pell,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Associate Teacher Kylie Pell Morgantown, WV Associate Teacher Bright Horizons Briefly describe your daily job duties. At my job with Bright Horizons, I work with a variety of different ages from infant to preschool age. My daily tasks include keeping a safe classroom, building relationships with families, transition tracking, conflict resolution with little ones, changing diapers, preparing meals, and more. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is probably how my stutter affects my ability to communicate quickly at such a fast-paced job. The children and staff are incredibly understanding regarding my disfluencies though, and I’ve begun to learn that children are some of the most understanding and tolerant people in reference to differences. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am currently a junior at West Virginia University for Speech and Language pathology. I intend to pursue a masters in speech pathology so that I can be a clinician for children like me who have language difficulties. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I chose to disclose my stutter because it has become something over the years that I own. Disclosure of my stutter allows a weight to be taken off my shoulders; it allows me to stutter freely without being embarrassed. I find that people also really appreciate the transparency in the professional world. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moments at my job have been all of the times when I make valuable connections with children and their families. It is so beautiful to feel like such a big part of a child’s early learning. It warms my heart when I get big hugs when the children’s parents arrive to pick them up. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I believe my stutter makes me way more sensitive to differences among my coworkers and families I work with. As someone who felt different for a long time, I make the point to treat everyone the same while recognizing and appreciating unique aspects. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Stuttering does not make you incapable of having a professional career. It actually makes you more well equipped because we have had to develop perseverance due to our speech impediment. My biggest piece of advice would be to own your stutter and use it to your advantage. You are a more valuable worker due to your unique qualities.

Meet Jodi Reinstein, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jodi Reinstein Professional Relations Committee Jodi Reinstein, MS, CCC-SLP, MAEdL, is a seasoned speech-language pathologist who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals with communication challenges. Since beginning her practice in 1996, Jodi has amassed a wealth of experience in both clinical and educational settings. Her professional journey began with three years at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, where she honed her skills working with children requiring intensive support. This foundation laid the groundwork for her transition into public education, where she has been serving for the past 25 years. For the last eight years, Jodi has taken on a leadership role as a school-based special education administrator, leveraging her expertise to advocate for and support students with diverse needs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments and empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. Jodi has also contributed to the broader speech-language pathology community through her involvement with the New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association, where she served as part of the School Affairs Committee. In this role, she worked to address key issues affecting school-based speech and hearing professionals, further demonstrating her dedication to advancing the field. As a member of the Professional Relations Committee, Jodi brings her extensive knowledge, leadership experience, and passion for making a difference to her work. Her career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the individuals and communities she serves.

Join the Baltimore City - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Baltimore City ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Maryland State Welcome to the NSA Baltimore City 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? Ella Bailey Recreation Center – 100 E. Heath Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Evan Draine Chapter Leader Get in touch! evanmdraine@gmail.com (410) 396-4634 - 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 I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! 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 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