Learn how John Finn,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Chief Scientific Advisor (CSO) John Finn Briefly describe your daily job duties. As the CSO of Tome, the Programmable Genomic Integration (PGI) company, I sit on the executive leadership team and lead a team of ~90 scientists in the Research and Development group. My daily job duties include A LOT of meetings! 1:1 meetings with my team members, small or large internal meetings, meetings with potential investors or partners. I also attend conferences and will be giving public presentations over the course of this next year. My primary role is to direct the science at Tome and make sure that we are on track towards turning our gene editing platform into life-changing medicines for patients in need. I spend a lot of time not only managing the science, but also the people involved in this highly collaborative, cross functional effort. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is the unpredictability of my fluency. I have good days and bad days, and it is hard to tell how my fluency will be on any given day. I have learned to introduce myself and my stutter before every meeting or presentation as I find that this not only takes the pressure off of me, but it lets the listener focus more on what I am saying as opposed to wondering what is going on and if I am ok. I also find public speaking very challenging, whether it is talking in front of the whole company at an all-hands meeting, (140 people), or giving presentations at conferences. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am very grateful that I am already have my dream job! I have been working in the field of gene and cell therapy for almost 25 years and this opportunity at Tome, to not only work with such an amazing team, but use ground breaking technology to develop medicine for sick patients, is what I have been waiting for my entire career. 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 almost always disclose my stutter. Over the years, I have found that people appreciate when I am upfront about my stutter. I usually say something like “As you may be able to tell, I have a stutter. It can take me a bit longer to say what I want to say, but don’t worry, everything is fine, this is just the way that I talk. If you ever don’t understand me, please ask me to repeat myself. ” I sometimes will also mention that my brothers stutter, so that people can understand that there is a strong genetic component to stuttering. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment happened right before our company was about to open our next round of financing. We had to raise a lot of money and I did not have any experience with pitching to investors. I was not sure how the Leadership Team (LT) at Tome felt about my stuttering and whether this would potentially hurt our chances by turning away investors. We had a very open conversation about my fluency with the whole LT and while it was a very difficult topic for me to bring up, I left the meeting feeling completely supported by the LT and empowered to represent my research team and highlight the incredible progress they have made. Fast forward a year later, I played a part in probably over 100 meetings with investors and we ended up having a very successful fundraise . It was the incredibly supportive attitude of the LT and their willingness to have a hard conversation about stuttering that I am most proud of. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering has given me more empathy for others and I think it also helps people connect with me on a personal level. There is a certain level of authenticity that comes with being who you are and this resonates with people. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Be yourself! I would also advocate self-disclosing in as many situations as you can. Spend time learning about yourself and factors that affect your fluency (for example, certain things that help with me are getting enough sleep, not eating a big meal right before a presentation, and daily supplementation with B1 vitamin). Try not to limit yourself out of fear. And always remember, after a hard day (whether it is fluency related or not), this too shall pass!

Learn how Ben Zucker,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Airman Ben Zucker Briefly describe your daily job duties. I work missions! I help tip off US and Allied forces to potential threats using my foreign language skills. While I can’t go too deeply into what I do, my work can be quite rewarding and I would recommend those who have a knack for foreign language and are seeking work to consider the Air Force language program. While the job can be stressful at times, it always feels good to know that my work is meaningful and can help save lives. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part was definitely learning Russian from scratch. I was fine with the reading and writing, but speaking a foreign language with a stutter is legitimately challenging. A lot of the speech techniques that I learned in English didn’t really apply well to some of the sounds in Russian. In the end I was able to get through the speaking portion of the training, but I definitely sympathize with bilingual people who stutter and the challenge that that brings. Speaking is already hard enough for many of us, but speaking in a language that you’re not comfortable with adds a whole extra layer of difficulty. 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 peers? Yes, and initially I was disqualified from the Armed Forces due to it. Luckily, the Air Force was in need of qualified linguists and I was able to file a waiver and get through. It was important that I worked extra hard though because I always felt that I was under a bit of extra scrutiny due to my condition. I also disclosed my stutter upon arriving to my first duty station during the introduction meeting, and my peers responded well to it. I regularly disclose and am happy to educate if others inquire about it. The main reason that I like disclosing is because I don’t want to give others the impression that I’m a nervous or uncertain person. Disclosing that I stutter allows me to control the framing of the issue, and in some sense exert a measure of ownership over it. It also helps sever the common association between stuttering and nervousness by presenting stuttering in a different light. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. While I wouldn’t say that my stutter directly improves my job performance, I would say that it has helped me connect with people on some occasions and acts as an excellent filter. I feel that it has made me more empathetic to the struggles of others, and this trait has helped with interpersonal relationships and has certainly made me memorable. Even supervisors and co-workers from years ago often still remember me, and not too long ago I received an email from a supervisor who I had 5 years ago asking how I was doing. For better or for worse, stuttering makes it much more difficult to stay below the radar. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment was graduating from my language training course. It was a difficult course, and one-third of my starting class did not graduate. The cost of failing the course would have meant that I either would have been separated from the Air Force or that I would have been assigned to whatever job the Air Force is in need of, which would have essentially placed my future out of my hands. Graduating was a huge accomplishment, and I was able to demonstrate to my teachers and peers that stuttering is no barrier to success. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’m currently applying to MBA programs and looking to concentrate in financial technology. I’m endlessly fascinated in the ways in which money and technology interact and transform the way that traditional financial services are done. 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’ve found that it’s best to be upfront and open about it. Show your employer that stuttering is only a small part of you, and that you have many other skills that you bring to the table. People who stutter can make excellent employees, managers, and entrepreneurs by embracing their stutter as a part of them as opposed to constantly trying to hide it, often by staying silent. It’s very important that we don’t view every instance of stuttering as a failure. While we may not have full control of our speech, we are in control of our attitudes and how we evaluate and frame success. Plenty of employers will overlook a stutter, but a bad attitude is actually a much bigger burden.

Meet Caitlin Franchini, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Caitlin Franchini Professional Relations Committee Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and a person who stutters, currently working as a Clinical Research Associate at the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research – Atlanta Satellite through the University of Texas at Austin. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and her master’s from Georgia State University. Caitlin specializes in developmental stuttering and implements person-focused treatment. In 2023, she received the Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Learn how Brendan Mahoney,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Registered Nurse Brendan Mahoney Richmond, VA Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Registered Nurse Virginia Department of Health Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an occupational health nurse with the Virginia Department of Health, I oversee the health and wellness of all VDH employees. As we are coming out of the pandemic, many VDH employees have neglected their health needs over these 2+years. I am happy to serve these VDH employees and to assess/gauge their needs. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Presentations are always a challenge. Thankfully I feel empowered with the confidence instilled in me by my team and supervisor, which are vital in any employment situation. Phone calls are always a daily challenge, but they become easier the more I do them and in the context of the call, the level of difficulty/stress is proportional to the topic. (i.e. discussing a general topic being easier and being questioned by a superior on a possible performance issue being more challenging). What are your long-term career aspirations? I have been in the nursing field for 16 years. It has been my professional goal to be an occupational health nurse, so I feel blessed to be in this position, as it’s taken me a good portion of my nursing career to reach this position. My next step is to start studying for board certification in occupational health nursing. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did during my interview process and when I first met my supervisor. I also addressed it in our first staff meeting. I feel it’s an ice breaker, as it allows everyone to be comfortable. I also explained that there is not a need to help with or finish my words or sentences while I speak. This way, it’s out on the open, there’s no questions, and everyone can be at ease. Lastly, I offer to answer any questions they may have in the future about my stuttering. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Being in the position as a professional resource for VDH employees for health and wellness. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. It makes me more determined and resilient when facing problems, challenges, and obstacles in the workplace. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Stutterers should focus on their strengths, as anyone would. Speaking may not be one of them, and that is nothing to be ashamed of, as I’m sure some non-stutterers may have the same weaknesses.

< 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

< Back Previous Chloe Swidler Presenter Chloe Swindler is a high school junior from Los Angeles, California. She is a member outreach coordinator for Sisters Who Stutter and competes at debate tournaments nationwide. She wrote an article titled “Debating with a Disability: Stuttering, Perception, and Fairness in Debate Rounds,” which was just published in the Rostrum, the official magazine of the National Speech and Debate Association. She plans to pursue studies in economics and disability studies, driven by her enthusiasm for math and business and her curiosity about the Social Model of Disability. Next

Join the Tucson - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Tucson ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Arizona State Welcome to the NSA Tucson 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 & 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? U of A Speech Clinic - 1131 E. Second Street Tucson, AZ 85721 - 4th floor room 442 When? Hybrid meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from September to June at 6:00PM. Please contact the Chapter Leader for the meeting link if you would like to join virtually. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? John O'Hare & Janet Hawley Chapter Leaders Get in touch! johare25@cox.net , janet@arizona.edu (813) 294-6566 - 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

Meet Arnee Gomez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Arnee Gomez Vice Chair & Secretary Arnee Gomez is a person who stutters and has been a member of the NSA since 1996. Based in Seattle, she has often shared her experience as a panelist for speech-language pathology students at the University of Washington, as well as with parents of children who stutter at NSA family workshops. Professionally, Arnee brings over 25 years of leadership experience in Human Resources, where she has partnered closely with business leaders to drive organizational success and foster inclusive, supportive workplace cultures. As a leader and person who stutters, she has a passion to ensure all voices are heard. She’s honored to serve in an NSA leadership role and support the organization’s mission of support, education, and empowerment. Arnee has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.B.A. from the University of Washington. Originally from Southern California, Arnee has called Seattle home for several years. She is an avid runner who loves hitting the road and trails with friends. She draws daily inspiration from her husband and their two young adult daughters, who motivate her to be her best self. Term began April 2025

Meet Paula Campbell-Schwab, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Paula Campbell-Schwab Seasoned Voices Committee Paula Campbell-Schwab is married to Doug Schwab and lives in Houston, Texas. She is 71 and a retired Special Education teacher. Paula is the co-founder of the Houston Chapter which started in 1985 and has been an active member of the NSP/NSA attending many conventions and conferences.

< Back Previous Will Nading Presenter Will Nading, 44, has spoken with a stutter for as long as he can remember. In his mid- to late 20s, his attitude towards his speech began to shift from frustration and shame to acceptance. Will first met another person who stuttered at his first National Stuttering Association Chapter meeting in Birmingham, AL, at 28 years old. He has since moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Professionally, Will is a Licensed Professional Engineer who designs drinking water and sewer infrastructure projects for water and sewer utilities all around the country. Next

Join the Glassboro - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Glassboro - Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Glassboro 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? Glassboro Train Station – 354 Oakwood Avenue Glassboro, NJ 08028 When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Come early for refreshments ar 6:45 PM! **No meeting in July but meetings resume in August!!** Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Joanie Schneider & Katherine Filer Chapter Leaders Get in touch! Joan.k.schneider88@gmail.com 856-956-6381 (text) - 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

Access media resources, press releases, and contact details for the National Stuttering Association. Learn more about our mission and initiatives. Media Information Stuttering impacts millions of adults and children and their quality of life. Stuttering is also widely misunderstood, with conflicting theories and unsubstantiated claims for treatment programs. The NSA is committed to enhancing the lives of people who stutter, educating the public, assisting speech therapists, championing research, and to reducing the stigma of stuttering. If you are a reporter, writer, or producer working on a story about stuttering, the NSA can assist you with information, reasoned responses, subject matter experts, and people who stutter to interview. Links of Interest for the Media Stuttering Explained Causes of Stuttering Treatment for Stuttering Myths About Stuttering Facts About Stuttering Support Groups for People who Stutter Contact Information For media inquiries , please contact media@WeStutter.org National Stuttering Association 3261 Richmond Avenue #119 Staten Island, NY 10312 (800) WE STUTTER 1-800-937-8888 Info@WeStutter.org NSA Logos Official NSA Approved Logos We encourage the use of the National Stuttering Association's logos to promote our mission and raise awareness about stuttering. Whether you’re a partner, supporter, or media outlet, using our official logos helps maintain brand consistency and ensures our message reaches a broader audience. Please download and use the logos provided here. By doing so, you help amplify the voices of individuals who stutter and foster a community of understanding and inclusion. Thank you for supporting the NSA! DOWNLOAD NSA APPROVED LOGOS