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 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 Nina Zito,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Elementary School Teacher Nina Zito Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an elementary public school teacher, I plan and execute lessons for my students in word work, reading, writing, math, science, social studies and social emotional learning. I interact with my colleagues and the parents of my students on a daily basis. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is never knowing how my stutter will be that day. There are many activities I am required to do such as Parent Teacher Communication, Observations and Read Alouds that I have to do, even when speaking is difficult. 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? Yes, I disclosed my stuttering right away and it was very well received by my administration and colleagues. Every May for Stuttering Awareness Week, I have a table in the main lobby with information and giveaways (thanks NSA) to educate others on stuttering and what exactly it entails because quite honestly, most people just don’t know! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering definitely makes me more understanding and a better listener and educator because I know what it’s like to have a struggle and overcome that struggle, whether it is “seen” or “unseen.” What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment right now is of my students who are doing a wonderful job at remote learning. What are your long-term career aspirations? I would love to continue to teach and educate students and their parents and if some education about stuttering is included, that would be wonderful. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Days might be challenging and speaking might be hard but you are your biggest advocate. Advertising my stutter always worked well for me and I hope it does for you too. We are all in this together and you most definitely should not give up on your dreams because you are not alone in this!

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.

Learn how Patrick Harvey,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Assistant Merchandise Manager Patrick Harvey Briefly describe your daily job duties. My daily job duties at the Camelback Resort involve delivering customer service to arcade room guests and helping them redeem their tickets for prizes at the redemption counter. I’m also responsible for keeping the store stocked with prizes, inventory management, and making sure the toy crane machines are full. When I’m not at work, I’m in college pursuing my bachelor’s degree in communication studies. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is speaking to the guests if they need help or if I’m helping them at the redemption counter. Sometimes I get stuck on a few words but it doesn’t stop me from doing 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? Yes, when I first started the job as a regular employee, I let them know that I stutter. When it came to the end of the job interview, I told them I stutter and they were completely fine with it and didn’t judge me. To my co-workers, I just tell them I stutter, I’m not afraid to tell anyone because it’s a part of me and I don’t have any regrets about it. For my guests at work, I don’t disclose that I stutter unless I have to, but they don’t question me about it. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering makes me a better, more valued contributor at work because it’s a part of me and I love myself for who I am. It definitely motivates me to engage in conversations with the guests and see how they’re doing. It also motivates me to keep on talking and not to feel bad if I do get stuck on a few words even when people see that I’m struggling a little bit. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment at my current company is first, getting promoted a few years ago and becoming the Senior Merchandise Attendant. My best proudest moment is recently becoming the Assistant Merchandise Manager. As a person who stutters, this feels so good. It shows that no matter if we stutter, we all can accomplish and achieve anything we want to in life!!! What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspiration is to become a motivational speaker for people who stutter. I want to motivate everyone and let them know that stuttering is a gift and you can be anything you want to be in this world!!! 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 to my stuttering family is to always let your voice be heard, you don’t have to hide your voice. Get involved and put your ideas also on the table!!! Always love yourself and accept yourself for who you are!!! You are amazing and wonderful, and you can achieve all your goals and dreams in life!!!

Learn how Nora Sadik,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Water Resources Engineer Nora Sadik Briefly describe your daily job duties. I provide public and private clients with consulting services for drinking water and wastewater treatment, distribution system water quality, and water reuse/recycled water treatment and regulatory guidance. My work typically focuses on controlling lead levels in drinking water, developing water sampling plans for water utilities and river and stream monitoring, and thinking of ways that large water users can reduce their water footprint. My daily duties usually involve lots of spreadsheets, meetings with clients and technical experts and some field work. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is presenting to clients and coworkers. It can be especially challenging if I’m presenting on a technical topic with lots of fine details. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it? Yes! I disclosed my stuttering in my job interview, which was 6 hours long! Kind of hard to hide for that long. 🙂 Typically, after I have a block I’ll pause and say, “You can probably tell that I have a stutter so just hang in there with me as I get through this.” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think my stuttering makes me a good listener and you can always count on me to practice heavily before a client meeting or presentation. That doesn’t mean I won’t stutter, but I try to prepare my best to eliminate some of the stress involved with presenting. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment has to be when I was able to see an engineering design that I worked on in real life. Seeing something from paper come to life is super exciting and rewarding! What are your long-term career aspirations? I’d like to continue learning more about controlling lead in drinking water and recycled water and I’d like to get my Professional Engineering license in the next few years. 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 share your stutter with your coworkers. By doing so, you eliminate the guess work for your coworkers at why you might not be presenting or communicating with perfect fluency. I’ve often worried that my stutter comes across as unprofessional or as if I haven’t prepared enough, so disclosing lets the client and coworkers know that I’m capable and prepared – I just have a little road block to get over when I speak. I’ve found that my coworkers and the clients we work with are extremely understanding and encouraging.

Join local or virtual support groups for people who stutter. Connect, share experiences, and find community. Getting Started with NSA Local Chapter Support Groups The National Stuttering Association (NSA) has a robust community for people who stutter of all ages and their families through over 125 local chapters nationwide. There are four different NSA Chapter types - Adult Chapters, Family Chapters, Kids Chapters, and Teens Chapters. These local chapter meetings provide a crucial opportunity for people who stutter to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. There really is something for everyone! Why Join NSA Local Chapter Meetings? Local meetings are a safe space where people who stutter and their families can openly discuss the unique situations they face at work, with friends, or in various social settings. NSA members can share their attitudes towards stuttering and how stuttering shapes their life experiences. These discussions are invaluable for gaining new perspectives, finding emotional support, and building connections and lasting relationships with others who truly understand the journey of living with a stutter. The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) Many Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) recognize the benefits of NSA meetings and encourage their clients to participate. Attending NSA meetings can be an essential component of long-term maintenance of treatment gains, providing ongoing support even after formal therapy has concluded. SLPs are welcome to join their clients at NSA support group meetings or attend on their own. However, it's important to note that these meetings are not a platform for clinicians to advertise their services or promote specific therapy methods. The NSA does not endorse any particular therapy approach over another. The focus is on creating a community where people who stutter and those who support them can learn from each other in a spirit of mutual support and understanding. The Spirit of Community and Support NSA Local Chapters are all about fostering a supportive environment where everyone can share, learn, and grow together. By bringing together people who stutter, their families, and professionals, these meetings help build a strong network of support and can help foster lifelong friendships. Find an NSA Chapter Near You If you're an adult who stutters, have a child or teen who stutters, or are a Speech Language Pathologist looking to support your clients, consider joining an NSA Local Chapter. These meetings can make a significant difference in the lives of those who attend, offering a unique blend of empathy, support, and shared experience. Explore our website to find an NSA Chapter near you and take the first step towards joining a vibrant community dedicated to empowerment and support. FIND YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

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Learn how David Lamberti,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Creative Director David Lamberti Detroit, MI Creative Director OUTFRONT Briefly describe your daily job duties. Design advertising campaigns, consult with current and potential clients, manage a team of Art Directors and Graphic Designers. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. From the outside, I suppose you would think it would be the constant personal interactions and group presentations that are called for, but I take on every interaction as a challenge. If you have something valuable to say people will listen (no matter how long it takes or how many times you have to say it). I have always made sure I am well informed and on top of my skill sets. That expertise and knowledge gives me the confidence I need. What are your long-term career aspirations? To continue to use my skills to help businesses achieve success and to help those on my team grow and reach their full potential. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I have always been upfront about it and explain that I am not nervous or unsure, this is just the way I am wired. I am a visual artist, so my work does most of my talking for me, so that has always helped. I’m paid to be a creative, critical thinker, sometimes I joke that there are so many ideas in my head it’s almost like they are tripping over each other trying to get out. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I work hard to make sure those around me grow and succeed. Discussing perceived obstacles and finding ways around or through them occurs on a daily basis. It’s something I know a thing or two about. Thanks, stuttering! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My stuttering pushed me inward as a child, but it helped me grow as a visual artist because drawing and painting was my language. As I got older and learned to accept my stuttering, I was able to turn that voice into a career. Stuttering also makes me a better, more valued contributor because it causes me to think before I speak, resulting in more thoughtful responses. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? You are probably more concerned about your stuttering than anyone else! Research and learn as much as you can about the company you are targeting. Find someone to practice answering interview questions with. Practice once, practice twice, practice three times. For those already in a career, my advice is the same, know your stuff. If you have to present practice, practice, practice. In both cases, confidence in content breeds fluidity. We are all different, but the day I stopped worrying what others thought of my stutter everything changed.

< Back Seasoned Voices Committee Spotlight: Hannah Laday – The Power of Connection, Art, and Living Proudly When Hannah Laday joined the NSA 20 years ago, it was because someone told her something she’d never forget: “Meeting other people who stutter is the best form of support you can get.” That suggestion not only changed her life—it became her calling. Today, Hannah serves as a valued member of the Seasoned Voices Committee, helping connect and empower members over 50. Her greatest strength? Bringing people together. Whether it’s through mentorship, workshops, or meaningful one-on-one connections, Hannah has a gift for finding common threads and helping others feel seen. “I am talented at connecting people to others with similar interests and skills,” she shares. “The NSA has shown me I can live productively in this world.” Professionally, Hannah has taken her passion for inclusion even further—helping to bring the art of marginalized individuals and communities to the public. That includes artwork created by differently abled people and members of Maine's Wabanaki tribes, opening new doors for expression, recognition, and economic opportunity. Her advice to those new to the NSA is full of wisdom and warmth: “Feel every emotion and listen to others who share your experience. Ask questions of other people who stutter to learn new ways of living successfully.” Get to know Hannah: Favorite ice cream: Blueberry Nature preference: Mountains Favorite movie: Dancing at Lughnasa Karaoke pick: “Nothing Compares to You” by Chris Cornell Fun fact: Completed a half-marathon at age 55 Dream pet: An Australian Shepherd Dream vacation: The American Southwest Hannah is living proof that growth and transformation can happen at any age and that one connection can change everything. Thank you, Hannah, for the light, leadership, and legacy you bring to our community! Previous Next

Learn how Tyler Clemens,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. District Manager Tyler Clemens Briefly describe your daily job duties. I oversee 11 Starbucks locations with close to 400 partners. My job entails all aspects of running the business, with a focus on motivating others to achieve their absolute best. I host weekly video conference calls, create content, and visit my stores throughout the week to connect with partners to ensure they have what they need to be successful. I also monitor performance, food safety, customer satisfaction, and ensure all stores are fully operating. I also am the Co-Chair for the Disability Advocacy Network, a network that engages partners to share, educate, and understand those with disabilities and impairments. As a PWS, this network speaks to me and my experiences, and I hope to inspire others to take a chance on someone or to find the courage to speak their voice. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part on a day to day basis is when an emergency occurs, something that requires immediate attentiont – they don’t always happen at the best time and you have to be able to act quickly and efficiently. This can range from a difficult issue in a store to equipment breaking to a natural disaster. What are your long-term career aspirations? I would like to continue to grow to the director level – my aim has always been to impact others positively, and I want to remain in touch with all employees while also having a greater field of responsibility, so that I can create that experience for as many as possible. After that, I don’t necessarily have any aspirations other than to continue to help others at all times – ideally I would like to be involved with non-profits that focus on helping children. I try to view the work experience through the lens of my personal experience, and while I can’t go back and inspire confidence in myself, I can do that for others. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? My stuttering precedes the ability to self-disclose; it is apparent from the onset. Because my work experience has always been in retail/customer service, I have to sell myself harder so that the interviewers know that my speech doesn’t hold me back and doesn’t define me. At Starbucks, I have found leadership that values the transparency and vulnerability that I offer. What is your proudest moment at your current company? While I am new to Starbucks, my proudest moments have been winning District Manager of the Year – Rookie, and kicking off the Disability Advocacy Network. My work with the network has focused on creating brave spaces for others to come forward and has highlighted the value of diversity and inclusion in all walks of life. At the last company I worked for, GameStop, I created the employee resource group, “visABLE” that was focused on the same idea. I was very proud to have built that group from an idea to being able to lead in person meetings at our annual conference in front of hundreds of managers. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think I am patient with others – I understand what it’s like to choke on a word, and it gives me better perspective on growth, change, and vulnerability. I have been told by previous leaders that the courage displayed to speak publicly despite my stuttering gave them a different perspective on what was holding them back and why. My past experiences also allow me to speak about the importance of mental health and to share that back with my partners, oftentimes allowing them an avenue of conversation they may not have anticipated. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? When I was in high school my counselor told me I should be a mechanic because I liked cars or to go into computer science so that I could code. Here is the thing – I love people. I love to talk to people and deal with people and I wanted to work in field that allowed me unique people experiences on a daily basis. I bagged groceries at a grocery store, I worked at multiple hardware stores, I worked in all sorts of retail establishments. I had people tell me over and over what I should be doing because of my speech. Working in retail, I have had people laugh in my face because of my speech more times than I can count. I have had people laugh during interviews, I have had people laugh in meetings. You do YOU. You get one life – all those who can laugh, can also learn. So rise above and be the better and bigger person. It’s not always easy, but never let someone tell you what you should do – your words are just as important as anyone else’s.

Learn how Stacey Sabu,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Occupational Therapist Stacey Sabu Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an Occupational Therapist for a public school district in Illinois, I work with elementary school students of different abilities and needs. I provide interventions to help students improve their independence in the school environment, such as improving their fine motor skills, helping with classroom transitions, and accommodating their sensory needs. I also work closely with classroom teachers and other specialists on supporting the students and creating IEP goals. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Speaking up during team meetings and doing large group presentations have always been stressful for me. When I first started working, I was very shy and quiet; I only spoke when it was time to discuss my part. However, I have been working on improving my confidence and asserting myself more vocally to let my voice be heard. 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? Yes, I always disclose that I have a stutter at the beginning of any interview so that employers will not think it’s due to nervousness. I also explain my stuttering to my students because they are often very curious about it and want to help in any way they can. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Having a stutter has made me a more patient and empathetic person, especially when it comes to working with individuals with disabilities. I have also become a strong advocate for students with speech differences and work with my team on providing accommodations and support for those students. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Advocating for my students gives me joy. It reminds me of the days when my own speech therapists and teachers have supported me in the past and have made me the person that I am today. What are your long-term career aspirations? I hope to take on more leadership roles as a school-based occupational therapist and perhaps even start my own occupational therapy practice down the road. 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 is better to disclose your stutter and explain how your co-workers or supervisor can best support you. Attempting to hide your stutter only makes life harder for yourself. People will see past the stutter and will appreciate you for your skills and talents. Also, if you feel that you are being judged based on how fluently you speak, then perhaps it is not the right working environment for you because you deserve to be surrounded by co-workers who support you.