Access stuttering research resources, funding opportunities, and guidelines for conducting impactful studies. Conduct Research with the NSA The National Stuttering Association welcomes research partnerships that deepen understanding of stuttering and contribute meaningfully to the lives of people who stutter. Whether you are seeking participant recruitment support or applying for funding, the NSA Research Committee provides review and oversight to help ensure each project aligns with our mission, values, and ethical standards. Our Approach to Research The NSA Research Committee is made up of PhD-trained researchers, speech-language pathologists, and people who stutter. This combination of professional expertise and lived experience helps ensure that every proposal reviewed by the NSA is scientifically sound, ethically responsible, and relevant to the community it aims to serve. We prioritize research that: Aligns with the NSA’s mission and values Protects and respects participants Demonstrates transparency in purpose, methods, and intended impact Recruitment Proposal Review Cycles Research recruitment proposals may be submitted at any time, but reviews take place during three designated cycles each year: CYCLE 1 SUBMIT BY January 15 NOTIFICATION BY February 15 CYCLE 2 SUBMIT BY May 15 NOTIFICATION BY June 15 CYCLE 3 SUBMIT BY September 15 NOTIFICATION BY October 15 Submit a Recruitment Proposal If you are interested in participating in research, or would like to explore studies already approved by the NSA, you can view our current list of approved studies. View NSA-Approved Studies Please Note The NSARC no longer conducts rolling reviews, and all applicants must be affiliated with a U.S.-based IRB. NSA Research Grants The NSA offers two competitive research funding opportunities each year: $5,000 Graduate Student Research Award Supports graduate students conducting research related to treatment, assessment, or foundational topics in stuttering. NEXT DEADLINE March 17, 2026 $15,000 CASE Research Grant Supports projects that explore stuttering through the lens of Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education. NEXT DEADLINE July 15, 2026 Research Funding Opportunities Questions or Ready to Apply? For questions about research collaboration, proposal submissions, or funding opportunities, please contact: Contact NSA Research Committee Together, we can support research that advances understanding and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people who stutter.

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 you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

Join the NSA Young Adults Committee to connect with peers, share experiences, and build a supportive stuttering community. NSA Young Adults Committee Welcome to the NSA Young Adults! We are here to help you navigate the changes and transitions in life that you will face… from going to college, to finding your first job, to moving out on your own, and more. How will stuttering affect the choices you make? Will you allow it to hold you back from what you really want to accomplish? Our NSA Young Adults program bridges the gap between us and focuses on issues that young adults who stutter may face including job interviews, dating, career, and more. Our Young Adults Committee spearheads our Young Adult programming, both during the Annual Conference and throughout the year, by brainstorming and organizing workshops, events, and outings, hosting online sessions, participating in the NSA Young Adults Facebook group, and much more. AIDAN MARSHALL-CORT TATUM MACHNICA CAMERON JOYCE DR. EDDIE BROWN ELIZABETH MINTON TREVOR MORAN KAELA COYE

Learn how Kirsten Silvey,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Internal Medicine / Geriatric Medicine Kirsten Silvey Briefly describe your daily job duties. Educating people about their disease process and providing them with the tools to improve their health. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is calmly communicating with the upset patient or family member, followed closely behind by cold-calling colleagues who have never met me. What are your long-term career aspirations? I aspire to promote a holistic model of healthcare that employs multidisciplinary teams partnering with patients and their caregivers to provide high-quality care with positive healthcare outcomes while decreasing unnecessary treatment costs. 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 start off EVERY conversation with a new person with my background followed by a disclosure of my stutter and permission to ask me to repeat myself if they are having difficulty understanding me. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was secretly thrilled when I was named the Geriatrician of the year in 2020 by my colleagues in The Albuquerque Magazine. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. As a physician, stuttering requires me to talk more slowly and deliberately while utilizing plain and concise language. Patients appreciate this. It also allows me to empathize with and comfort patients who are feeling frustrated, broken, or lesser than. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Do not hide your stutter. Address it and then move on. If it becomes an issue, show how it is an asset. Never believe people who tell you that you cannot do a certain job. I believed I could not be a physician for eight years. However, I do not regret postponing my career. My prior careers as a medical researcher and science writer / editor have made me a better physician and leader today.

Join the New Hampshire - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. New Hampshire ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Hampshire State Welcome to the NSA New Hampshire 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? Hybrid 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? Raymond, NH 03077 When? Meetings are held around the Raymond, NH, area. Please contact the Chapter Leader for more details! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Deborah Bennett Chapter Leader Get in touch! debbieSLP@mac.com (603) 491-2941 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Local chapters are the heartbeat of the NSA — powerful spaces where you can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported. Whether you’re an adult who stutters or part of a family navigating stuttering together, we have a chapter for you. Learn more about NSA Chapters and find a meeting close to home! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

Learn how Edward DeBrae,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Contact Lens Coordinator Edward DeBrae Briefly describe your daily job duties. On a daily basis I receive patients’ contact lens prescription (CL Rx), process payments accordingly, and manage shipping. Occasionally I will schedule exams and verify vision insurance, collaborating with optometrists or ophthalmologists. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a person who stutters, the most challenging aspect of my job is sounding out the eye diseases, conditions, and medications, as well as various patient names. Everyday, I try to get my name clearly without stuttering. What are your long-term career aspirations? I have always wanted to be a published author. 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 disclose my stutter. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Each time I manage to say my name! For years, I have bullied for not being able to say my own name in school or in public settings, and when I said my name the first time at my job, I felt so proud of myself. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Take your time and don’t feel discouraged. It’s hard knowing that you have so much to say with passion but your body doesn’t always let you. You more than the words you speak!

Learn how Jonathan Lazenby,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Community Employment Specialist Jonathan Lazenby Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Community Employment Specialist (CES) with Division for Services of the Blind (DSB), I provide services to assist students with visual impairments that are attending transition programs at the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh and at high schools in surrounding counties to secure permanent employment after high school or post-secondary graduation. I analyze occupations in the community, placing students in appropriate situations according to their individual needs and abilities, adapting equipment and the environment so that a student without vision can perform the duties required in the job and training the student to perform the type of work required. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is introducing myself on the telephone and leaving voicemails. Sometimes my name is difficult to say and my phone number is sometimes difficult to say. It’s also challenging to answer questions on the phone or in person, especially when I am confident of the answer but have difficulty in speaking the answer. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Yes, I incorporated my stuttering to my interviewers as an employment marketing ability to show how to can relate to my potential students who struggle with their own disability to assist them with advocating for themselves during their own employment journey and to educate employers about the skills, abilities and capabilities of those who have disabilities. I have disclosed my stuttering only when I felt like my stuttering impeded my ability to convey my spoken message. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Being a stutterer makes me a better and more valued contributor to my work by my increased ability to listen to other people talking. I am more prone to listen than to talk. Listening to my client’s needs is a very valuable part of my job. Due to my stuttering, I can better relate to someone with a disability as opposed to someone who does not have a disability. I am also someone who understands and empathizes with the difficulties of applying and maintaining a job with a disability. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment was being told I interviewed well, being genuinely liked and being told that I brought a lot to the job. I am also proud that I have gained the confidence in calling people who I never met before, leaving a voicemail and having them actually call back! What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspiration is to help people realize their dreams and happiness by using their skills, abilities and capabilities. My goal is to advocate for people with disabilities and become that person for which I needed so desperately growing up. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? It took 13 grueling interviews to get hired for my current job. I drove across the great state of North Carolina from the mountains to the coast and landed the job in the city from which I grew up in. My best advice is DON’T GIVE UP!!! You will feel like giving up many times. I felt like giving up many times during my unemployment period. I was told that my stuttering needed to be accommodated with technology to which made me feel like my knowledge, skills and abilities weren’t enough for the job. I now realize that my personality is the best accommodation I could ever have.

Join the Providence - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Providence FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Rhode Island State Welcome to the NSA Providence Family 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? 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? 765 Allens Avenue (2nd floor – Pediatric Rehab Conference Room) Providence, RI 02905 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month at 5:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Lindsay Tretton Chapter Leader Get in touch! ltretton@brownhealth.org (401) 444-9273 - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Local chapters are the heartbeat of the NSA — powerful spaces where you can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported. Whether you’re an adult who stutters or part of a family navigating stuttering together, we have a chapter for you. Learn more about NSA Chapters and find a meeting close to home! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

< Back Previous Stacey Nierman Presenter Stacey Nierman is a mother to three boys, one of whom stutters. She is a teacher, passionate about helping people embrace who they are. Stacey attended the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Annual Conference in St. Louis in 2023, where she found herself embraced by parents who shared her wide range of emotions and felt hope for her son’s future. Since then, Stacey and her family have become very active in the NSA. She lives in the Kansas City metro area and co-founded the Kansas City Area Family Chapter. Her goal in the NSA is to connect, support, and educate in a judgment-free zone. Next

Learn how Justin James,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Chiropractor Justin James Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic, I specialize in rehabilitation. I spend my days speaking to patients to better understand their history so that I can effectively treat them. I also need to explain to them, in an easy to understand way, what their problem is and how I can assist them. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is speaking with patients. It’s something I do all day, every day. This can be incredibly nerve-wracking some days, but I’m able to work past it and work through it. 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 clients? I am blessed to own my practice. As a result, I didn’t have a job interview. I have chosen not to disclose my stutter to patients. I do not feel like it’s my place, in my position, to take the focus off of them. Their issues and health concerns are my primary focus. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has taught me so much. It has taught me empathy and understanding. It has shown me that struggling is part of life. But, with the proper mindset and tools, these obstacles can be overcome. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment is actually going to work every day as a physician. Every day is a proud moment for me. When I think back to my childhood, I was always terrified to speak to anyone I didn’t know. Terrified they would see me stammer. I never thought in a million years I’d ever accomplish what I have accomplished. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to be known for my rehabilitation skills. I want to be able to teach at local colleges and teach at seminars around the country. I’ve already done some speaking to students teaching them about differing rehabilitation strategies. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Do not be afraid. You can and will accomplish great things. Some days are going to be harder than others. You’re going to get frustrated and that’s ok. You will get through it. You will succeed.

Meet Jeremiah Williams, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jeremiah Williams DEI Committee Jeremiah C. Williams has his BA in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Discipleship. He loves people and believes that everyone should feel loved and appreciated. He also believes it’s all about being present and being there for people. That's how friendships are built, laughter can also bring people together. He hopes to continue to build those friendships (and laugh) at NSA events and the national conference. One of his goals being on the DEI committee is to make sure everyone is heard, and everyone is loved and feels appreciated. No one should feel left out and everyone has a voice. “When one falls down how great it is to have someone to pick them up.” He wants people to remember they are never alone.

Learn how Rivky Susskind,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Speech Language Pathologist Rivky Susskind Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a speech and language pathologist. I evaluate and provide intervention for school age children in a special education environment who display challenges in the areas of speech and language. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My biggest challenges as a PWS are communicating with parents and faculty in more formal contexts such as an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or parent teacher meetings or collaborative group meetings. I also have difficulty communicating with parents who are resistant to their child being seen by a person who stutters. Also, phone calls can often present a challenge because the listener cannot tell what’s going on with me on the other side of the line, and those silent moments can be all the more awkward. Do you self-disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers and clients? I often self-disclose that I stutter. I usually wait until a stuttering moment occurs and then say, “… by the way, I have a mild stutter, just letting you know, and actually it’s one of the big factors that got me into this field to begin with.” I then leave an open space for questions and try to convey that I’m comfortable talking about it. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My stutter is part of what makes me a unique, brave, strong individual. In my more confident moments it serves as a strength and part of my “story.” Others around me also know that I am somewhat of an expert on the topic and they will come and ask me questions pertaining to a relative or friend of theirs who stutters. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was extremely proud of myself when I overcame my fear of tackling parent teacher meetings over the course of my first few months at this school. It was one meeting after the next and quite daunting to keep facing parents and disclosing my stutter over and over in a short period of time. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Own who you are and go for what you want. Do not let society’s expectations and “norms” dictate what you can and cannot do. Go for it. Fail. Fail dozens of times and go for it again. Don’t stop pushing until you can say that you are doing what you want in life. It’s okay to not feel okay all the time. We are all human and stuttering can be a crazy uphill climb and struggle. But remember that your dreams and goals are important, and you have the gift of YOU to share with the world.