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Learn how David Resnick,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Manager, Product Design David Resnick Briefly describe your daily job duties. I manage the Enterprise Product Design team at Hulu where I oversee the design of apps and services for Hulu’s Ad Platform, Content Management System, Customer Support, and Data & Analytics. I represent my team within my department leadership as well as with initiatives in other areas of the company. I keep my team running smoothly, facilitating a culture of open communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Hands-on design is also part of my work, which entails figuring out how people can use our apps better and improving upon the look and feel for the Hulu brand. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Although I’m told that I do well in presentations and meetings, it is still terrifying when I open my mouth to speak in those situations. That fear has decreased over the years by gaining more experience, and also through the support of my stuttering community. I’m in a position where I have to do a lot of talking with business leaders and team members and I want them to have trust and confidence in me. It’s important to show them what I have to offer and not let my stuttering keep me from that. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Yes, I self-disclosed. I did so in the context of bringing up my work with Stutter Social and the National Stuttering Association. It’s a unique thing for most people to hear about and they always want to hear more. Self-disclosing lets others know that you’re not hiding and that you’re comfortable talking about stuttering. I’ve found this puts them at more ease, which in turn puts you more at ease! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. No doubt about it, stuttering has made me a more compassionate person. I’m a better listener in terms of giving people the time and space to say what they need to say. And I can establish empathy faster because EVERYONE has “something” in their lives that has caused them pain, shame, embarrassment, struggle, etc. When people see me with my “something” on clear display, they open up more quickly about themselves and this helps build professional relationships. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment was when I got promoted to manager. I was so excited I had to walk around the block a few times just to let the energy out! About two years earlier, I was laid off from a company whose private equity owners decided to take the company in a different direction. It was a big blow because things were going well for me. I had two young kids and it just came out of the blue. It knocked me off my feet for a bit. But, I decided I was going to see the opportunity in the situation. I worked diligently to up-level my career from that point, first as the lead designer at a known startup, and then as a senior designer at Hulu. When the manager promotion came around, it was like the completion of a two-year cycle of my hard work paying off. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to uplift people’s hearts and minds through art, technology, and unconditional love. I don’t know how that will play out in my career and I don’t put limits on the possibilities. VP of Product Design? Inventor of new technology? Performing artist (with said new technology)? Writer and speaker? CEO of Hulu????? What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? I have a whole lot to say about this topic and it has little to do with stuttering. To summarize, I’ll give you the “Three P’s”: Personality, Preparedness, and Positioning. Personality is a major factor in how others perceive and relate to you and also how you see yourself. Personality determines things like the opportunities you pursue and what people you attract to support you in your endeavors. Preparedness is about what you have done to date that makes you capable of doing the work you’re seeing to get a job doing. You’ve got to be prepared! This includes education, training, and work experience—and this also includes work ethics like persistence, diligence, and awareness. Positioning is the fusing together of personality with preparedness to put yourself in the best position to get the right job and follow the right career path for you. It’s probably the easiest of the Three P’s to do, but it requires that you get the other Two P’s right first. And to do it well, you need an understanding of your industry, market, peers, and professional network.

Learn how Wladimir Lyra,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Assistant Professor Wladimir Lyra Briefly describe your daily job duties. Planning, running, and interpreting computer simulations of astrophysical theories. Communicating my discoveries with my peers through scientific articles and talks, teaching undergraduate and PhD level classes. Mentoring graduate students on their research. Writing proposals for research money. Meetings with faculty peers and communicating with the general public via public talks and popular science articles. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Initially it was about giving talks, but that became second nature around the transition from PhD student to postdoctoral researcher. Now I give talks with ease. What is still challenging sometimes is talking to higher-ups who hold power over me. And at times also doing the occasional round table of “everybody introduce yourself” impromptu thing. Wouldn’t call it challenging, but certainly unpleasant. 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 students? I did, in the diversity statement: “This is perhaps the part I feel I am making myself the most vulnerable in this coming out essay [I had already addressed being Latino and non-straight], I disclose that I stutter. The disfluency is mild (as evaluated by speech and language pathologists) and not classified as a disability, or even a speech difference. Still, I am constantly in speech therapy to keep it in check. It does not affect my teaching, but I still open the first class of every course by saying ‘Before we continue, let’s get something out of the way. I have been speaking for 20 minutes now, you probably noticed it already: I stutter. It’s not that I’m nervous, it’s not that I’m looking for the word in English, it’s just the way I speak. I am comfortable with it, and I hope you are too.’ So far, it has been a complete non-issue.’” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I grew up with relatives telling me that there was stuff I couldn’t do because of it. If I had believed them, I would not have accomplished half of what I have done. If anything, my stutter makes me work harder because I knew it could be in the way of my goals. This experience helps me understand ableism. Perhaps because of it, I will be the first to tell a deaf student or a student in a wheelchair that their disabilities are not insurmountable obstacles to becoming a scientist. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Mentoring is my greatest source of pride. Helping students develop their true potential is priceless. I’m also proud to get federal research grants and publish influential results. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Keep in mind that people are not as judgmental of our speech as we think they are. Insecurity, not stuttering, is your worst enemy. A moment of stuttering does not overrule a lifetime of successes, including those that got you the job. Nothing good comes out of trying to hide it. It’s not something you should feel shame about it. Don’t let it define you but wear it with pride, like we do in the LGBT community, and it can only positively affect your sense of worth.

Learn how Jonah Otis,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Senior Manager Jonah Otis Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’ve had several roles during my tenure at PayPal. Currently, I am responsible for learning and development, employee experience, and people business operations across PayPal’s technology platforms and infrastructure teams. That means I look after how our employees learn and grow, how our managers can best support their teams, and helping to ensure we’re building an inclusive workplace. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Definitely public speaking. I have a mild stutter and I’m prone to fluctuations in my fluency depending on the circumstances. The most challenging part of my job is usually when I’m anxious about something I’m working on and need to present it to a group. Sometimes I’m so focused on my fluency that I forget the flow of information I’m trying to communicate. In other words, when the message can get lost because the stutter has stolen all my energy. How supported at work do you feel by your co-workers, supervisor(s) and the company itself? I feel very supported, but not in an intentional way. I’ve spent most of my tenure at PayPal as a covert stutterer, and I never self-disclosed despite the fact that I know people can see and hear my stutter. Not once have I felt that I was not welcome or not included because of my stutter, and I’ve never been told that my stutter is a hinderance to my ability to do my job. 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 self-disclose my stuttering during the hiring process, and I kept it to myself for the next 14 years. Of course, I knew that people could see my facial contortions, blocks, clenching, etc., and hear prolongations, repetitions, and pauses in my speech. But I didn’t want to acknowledge it. That was, until an executive leader approached me about talking to his son, who also stutters. That unexpected request sent me on my own journey to self-disclosure and involvement with the stuttering community. Since then, I’ve been very open about my stutter, even mentioning it during public presentations I’ve given. PayPal has also publicly featured me in social media where I disclose that I’m a person who stutters. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. While the disadvantages of stuttering are obvious, no one really talks about how it can be a superpower. In the competitive, fast-paced world of corporate America, stuttering gives me the superpowers of vulnerability and relationship-building. It goes without saying that as a stutterer, I’m vulnerable. But that vulnerability allows other people to let their guard down with me and be more open and honest. That openness leads to better ideas, innovation, and willingness to cooperate and collaborate. I’ve built a lot of relationships over the years which have helped me achieve professional goals. From a neurodiversity standpoint, being a stutterer has given me perspective on products, features, and usability that neurotypical people might not necessarily have. This helps when I am developing my own programs, helping to drive change in an organization, or supporting a product launch or test. 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 self-disclose, own your stutter, and join a local NSA chapter for support. I can’t emphasize enough how much those things have changed my life for the better. Self-disclosure can be very hard but knowing that I have a community behind me makes all the difference. When we self-disclose and own our stutter, we disarm detractors and find our allies. We also neutralize some of our anxiety related to stuttering at work, taking away the worry about colleagues finding out that we stutter. I also recommend learning about the neurodiversity movement; the perspective that it offers helped me to see the value in being a stutterer.

< Back Tatum Machnica Speaker Tatum was born, raised, and currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama. She received her Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and her Master's degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) She currently works for a government contracting company, providing Systems Engineering support to the Army. Tatum’s passion is supporting the warfighter and she enjoys the hands on approach that engineering provides. When she’s not working or hanging out with friends you can find her teaching Pure Barre, attending HIIT classes, cycling, running, reading, or traveling with her husband. Tatum’s first NSA conference was in 2018, where the NSA community quickly became family. She is so grateful and excited to serve on the NSA Young Adults Committee. Previous Next

< Back David Alpuche Speaker David Alpuche is a photographer and author from Mexico City. He has been an active member of the NSA for more than a decade. He is one of the leaders in To Be Like Me, a non-profit dedicated to breaking down the barriers that exist for those with disabilities and shedding light on the positive impact of compassion. You can usually catch David playing chess, trying to learn a new language, or in the moshpit at a metal festival. David is the author of the book "1000 Answers: What Everyone Should Know about Stuttering." Previous Next

Meet Melissa Sanchez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Melissa Sanchez Conference Coordinator Originally from the Bronx, Melissa has been a dedicated member of the NSA team for over 15 years. Throughout her time, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, but her true passion lies in designing the stunning balloon displays for our 1-day events, Regional Gatherings, and Annual Conferences. Outside of work, Melissa is a proud wife and the loving mother of her vibrant 3-year-old daughter, Eleana.

Meet Elizabeth Minton, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Elizabeth Minton Young Adults Committee Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for the stuttering community and an active member of the National Stuttering Association's Young Adults Committee. A rising senior at Western Carolina University, she is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, building on her foundation with an earlier degree in Communication Studies. Her academic journey reflects her deep interest in understanding the complexities of stuttering and her dedication to making a difference. Elizabeth’s ultimate goal is twofold: to educate others about stuttering, breaking down misconceptions and fostering understanding, and to contribute to research efforts aimed at uncovering the causes of stuttering. Her commitment to these objectives showcases her drive to not only support the current community but also pave the way for advancements that could benefit future generations. As part of the Young Adults Committee, Elizabeth brings her passion, insight, and determination to advocate for awareness and inclusion. Her enthusiasm for learning and her dedication to the stuttering community make her a vital part of the NSA’s mission. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others and further the conversation around stuttering, both in academic and public spheres.

Meet Jim McClure, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jim McClure Seasoned Voices Committee Jim McClure is happily retired in New Mexico, where he enjoys bicycling and classical music performances. He started his professional career as a newspaper reporter and was a corporate public relations manager, independent consultant and Navy Reserve officer. Jim co-founded the NSA’s first chapter in Chicago and has served on the board of directors and advisory board. He was inducted into the NSA’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Jim currently serves as a public member of ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification.

< Back Sisters Who Stutter Spotlight: Jolie Deitchman – Owning Her Voice and Inspiring Others For Jolie Deitchman, finding the NSA was a transformation. 9 years ago, Jolie’s family joined the NSA looking for a space where she could fully be herself and meet others who stutter. They had heard about the community for a long time, and when they finally attended their first conference, something clicked. “It instantly felt like home.” Today, Jolie is a vital part of the Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) Committee, a teen-led initiative that empowers young girls who stutter to connect, uplift one another, and speak with confidence. She’s come a long way—and she’s proud of it. “My journey has been far from easy, and I am still learning and growing. However, I have become more confident with advocating for myself, and I haven’t let my stutter prevent me from doing the things I want to do.” Whether she’s presenting in class, leading Zoom calls, or simply sharing space with other girls who stutter, Jolie is proof that strength lies in embracing your voice—not hiding it. Her advice to new NSA members is heartfelt and full of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! It may seem intimidating, but everyone at the conference is going through similar things and is so kind and understanding. Go to the workshops, as they are very helpful and have taught me many valuable things. Every conversation, every hug, every workshop, because time flies at the conference, and every moment is so precious and special.” Get to know Jolie: Favorite ice cream: Cookie Dough Beach over mountains or desert TV go-to: Gossip Girl Karaoke anthem: Love Song by Sara Bareilles Pet: A chocolate lab/pit bull mix Fun fact: Can do an amazing Stitch voice from Lilo & Stitch Dream vacation: Turks and Caicos Jolie’s story is a powerful reminder that your stutter is not something to overcome—it’s something to own. Through her leadership with SWS, she’s helping more girls step into their strength and celebrate the voices they once tried to hide. Thank you, Jolie, for being a source of light, laughter, and leadership! Previous Next

< Back Holly Nover Speaker Holly Nover is a person who stutters, Speech Language Pathologist, and parent of a 14 year old boy who stutters. She currently serves as the Program Specialist for SLPs in her local school district in Florida. Holly has been a part of the NSA community since 2007 and currently serves as the Family Programs Chair on the NSA Board of Directors. Previous Next

Learn how Logan Hall,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Management Consulting Logan Hall Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a consultant, I am constantly working with clients, whether it be communicating status of deliverables over video calls, coordinating with my team members, or celebrating milestones in person over drinks and food. Speaking verbally is a core part of the job. Initially, this was daunting. But instead, it forced me to practice techniques I learned in speech therapy, and put them to use. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Giving presentations to either clients or internal teams can be challenging. It requires practice of speaking through the material, notating words or phrases that give me trouble, and applying techniques I’ve learned through speech therapy to overcome those hurdles. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to stay in consulting for the next 10-15 years. I may eventually want to work for a large auto manufacturer, like Porsche, Volkswagen Group, or BMW. I have a passion for cars and would like to bring the experience I’ve gained in consulting to auto manufacturing. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I disclose that I have a speech difference in several situations, including when I interviewed for this job. Anytime I am speaking in front of a large audience, a new client, or a new team I have not previously worked with, I disclose by saying something along the lines of “Bear with me as I speak during the course of this call or meeting, as I have a speech difference. You may hear me have blocks or struggle getting words out, but it’s a totally normal part of who I am”. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I recently presented my stuttering journey to an internal diversity and inclusion (D&I) group that focuses on disabilities. I spoke about my struggles, what I did to overcome them, and guidance for others that are also going through the same thing. At first, it was daunting to speak in front of such a large audience (100+ people), but knowing that everyone on that call was caring and understanding made it not only bearable, but enjoyable. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Being someone who stutters forces you to work harder. You are constantly thinking of how you will say things. That heightened thought process can carry over to normal day to day tasks, such as critical thinking, planning, meeting with clients, and general task execution. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t be afraid to fail. The fact that you made it past the hiring process and have been onboarded shows that the recruiters saw beyond your speech difference and know that you can be a valuable asset to your company. Performing day to day tasks that are “normal” to others, such as making phone calls, giving presentations, etc. may be challenging at first. But the more you are exposed to speaking situations, the more you can practice speech therapy techniques, and the more confident you will become overall.

< Back Thales De Nardo Speaker Thales De Nardo, PhD, CCC-SLP is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western Carolina University. He is the founder and director of the Catamount Intensive Stuttering Program (CISP). The CISP offers a comprehensive approach to stuttering management, integrating stuttering modification and cognitive behavioral therapy to address stuttering, avoidance behaviors, and attitudes about communication in teens and adults. Dr. De Nardo's research focuses on the psychosocial impact of stuttering and the development of clinical strategies to enhance daily communication. Previous Next