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

Discover a meaningful volunteer opportunity with NSA and help people who stutter feel seen and supported. Join Our Team At the National Stuttering Association, leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and community impact. Our work is guided by people who believe deeply in advocacy, inclusion, and creating spaces where people who stutter are heard and supported. Why Join the NSA? We’re more than an organization. We’re a community. A place where people who stutter—and those who support them—can show up fully, speak freely, and never feel alone. Community First We listen to and learn from the lived experiences of people who stutter. That’s where everything begins. Inclusive Leadership We believe leadership should reflect the diversity of our community. Every voice matters here. Mission-Driven Our work is about real impact—supporting individuals, strengthening communities, and changing how the world understands stuttering. Always Evolving We’re open to new ideas, new perspectives, and better ways to serve our community. Vice Chair (Volunteer Board Position) This is a volunteer Board leadership role, not a paid position. Learn More Apply Now Your perspective matters, and your voice can make a real difference in helping people feel less alone. Volunteer: Share Your Voice, Make an Impact You don’t need a title to make a difference. If you care about storytelling, education, or creating content that helps others feel seen—you can play a powerful role in our community. Ways you can contribute: Content Creation Write blogs, articles, or resources that educate and support Storytelling Help share real experiences from people who stutter Social Media Create content that reaches and connects with more people Research & Education Help build accessible, meaningful resources for different audiences Your voice matters. And for someone out there, it could be the reason they feel less alone. Get Involved as a Volunteer

< Back Chapter Leader Spotlight - Maria Turner | Atlantic County, New Jersey Atlantic County, New Jersey Chapter Leader For more than a decade, Maria Turner has been creating a welcoming space for people who stutter in southern New Jersey. Through warmth, creativity, and genuine care for her members, Maria has built a chapter where people can share their stories, grow in confidence, and support one another. Meet the Atlantic County, New Jersey Chapter Maria has been leading the Atlantic County, New Jersey NSA Chapter for 10 years. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Stockton University Campus Center (Meeting Room 3). Meetings are hybrid, welcoming members both in person and on Zoom, and typically bring together 6–10 participants. Each meeting begins with welcoming words, introductions, and an icebreaker to help everyone feel comfortable. From there, the conversation opens up for anyone who wants to talk about their experiences with stuttering. The group also enjoys activities like holiday games and riddles, creating a relaxed and supportive environment where people can connect while having fun. What inspired Maria to become a Chapter Leader? Maria’s inspiration to start the chapter came from her own experiences with support and speech therapy. For much of her teenage and adult life, she had access to strong support systems through the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York, where she participated in programs for people who stutter. But when she got married and moved to New Jersey, she realized something important was missing. “There wasn’t an NSA chapter or a support system near me,” Maria said. “And I really missed that.” Rather than accept the absence of support, Maria decided to create the community she wished existed. A memorable first meeting Maria still remembers her very first chapter meeting clearly. “What I remember most is that people actually came,” she said. People who stutter attended, along with speech-language pathologists and others interested in learning more about stuttering. That moment confirmed that the need for connection and support was real. The most rewarding part of leading a chapter For Maria, the most meaningful part of being a Chapter Leader is giving people a safe place to talk openly. “Giving members a safe place to talk about their stuttering journey and to learn more about it,” she shared. One particularly powerful moment happened when a chapter member was going through a difficult personal experience. She shared it with the group, and something special happened. Members both in person and on Zoom reached out to her with kindness and support. “It unfolded so nicely,” Maria said. “I didn’t want it to end.” Moments like these remind Maria why community matters so much. Personal growth through leadership Leading the chapter has also helped Maria grow in ways she never expected. “I always considered myself a follower,” she explained. “Being a Chapter Leader has helped me come out of my comfort zone. I have more confidence now.” Through leadership, Maria discovered that she could guide others with empathy, understanding, and strength. Helping members find confidence Maria has witnessed many meaningful moments of growth in her chapter. She shared that some of the young women in her group have found the courage to apply for their first jobs and step out more confidently into the world. Seeing members take those steps has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Connecting with the wider community Maria’s chapter also maintains strong connections with the local academic community. Graduate students in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Stockton University are required to attend at least one NSA meeting, either in person or on Zoom. Maria has also spoken directly to students in fluency classes, sharing her personal experiences with stuttering and helping future speech-language pathologists better understand the lived experience of people who stutter. What members say about the chapter One member once told Maria something that stayed with her: “For the first time, I have someone who understands what I’m going through.” That kind of feedback reminds Maria just how powerful community can be. What makes this chapter unique Maria describes her chapter as a place where people can be themselves. Meetings are filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and traditions like holiday celebrations and riddles, which members look forward to each year. The combination of support, learning, and fun helps make the chapter feel like a true community. Welcoming new members Maria works hard to make sure first-time attendees feel comfortable. She always reminds newcomers that they don’t have to speak or participate if they’re not ready. Simply being there is enough. She thanks them for coming and lets them know she hopes to see them again. Advice for future Chapter Leaders Maria has a simple but heartfelt message for anyone considering starting a chapter: “Welcome! You are about to embark on a very meaningful and helpful journey. Be prepared to share your heart and your stuttering journey.” Inspiration along the way Maria’s biggest inspiration has been Sister Charleen Bloom from the College of St. Rose. Sister Charleen led the Communication Disorders department and worked closely with teenagers and adults who stutter. Maria knew her for more than 45 years as a teacher, mentor, and friend. “She believed in me from the very beginning,” Maria said. Maria now hopes to carry forward that same spirit of encouragement and support for others who stutter. Looking ahead Maria hopes to grow the chapter in the coming year by welcoming more members and organizing additional social events. She’s also interested in inviting chapter members to lead meetings and bring topics they care about to the group. Life outside the NSA When she’s not leading meetings, Maria enjoys creative hobbies like: Basket weaving Counted cross-stitch and needlepoint Making silk flower arrangements Solving puzzles A fun fact many people don’t know: Maria married her high school sweetheart after being apart for eighteen years. Three words to describe the Atlantic County Chapter Supportive Fun Welcoming Previous Next

< Back Jeff Olevson: 24 Years of Community & Connection For Jeff Olevson, it all started with a simple desire: to meet other people who stutter. That was 24 years ago, and he’s been all in ever since. “The NSA helped me accept my stuttering,” Jeff says. Whether he’s meeting someone new, cheering them on, or belting out Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty” at karaoke (yes, really), Jeff brings authenticity and energy to every conversation. His advice for newcomers? Be a sponge. “Embrace everything you learn. Be open to new opportunities.” When he’s not connecting with the community or rewatching Friends, Jeff’s dreaming of Hawaii, imagining life with a dog, or thinking up ways to serve, he’s even a past president of the Sunnyvale Rotary Club. Stuttering may be part of Jeff’s story, but community is at the heart of it. And after two decades with the NSA, he’s still just as passionate as day one. Previous Next

Learn how Heather McLeod,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Pilates Instructor Heather McLeod Austin, TX Pilates Instructor Sharp Pilates Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach private Pilates lessons to clients, as well as small group classes (2-3 people). The type of Pilates I teach uses a particular system of exercises to build a strong core, which supports a more flexible spine, better posture, balance, and alignment. It’s great for rehabbing injuries, strengthening a weak part of the body, or just building more strength, awareness, and flexibility in general. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Verbally instructing people and talking non-stop is challenging with a stutter. The good thing about the job is that I’m so “in the moment” with the client that I can’t overthink the words I’m saying as much as I might normally. Lately I’ve been struggling with “S” words, which is difficult because I often need to cue people to “squeeze” their sitting bones, etc. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’m a new Pilates teacher, so my aspirations at the moment are just to get better as a teacher, and to soak in the joy of helping my clients get stronger and healthier. There’s truly nothing better than that. I love the studio where I work, and my boss has been incredibly supportive. We may expand at some point, or I may someday open a home studio, but right now I’m very happy where I am. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I didn’t go through a typical job-hiring process, but I have self-disclosed quite a few times since. I do it on a case-by-case basis with clients and colleagues. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Honestly, every moment! I never dreamed I’d be able to do this, and I still don’t quite understand how I’m able to make it work (though I have some theories). I’m just so thankful to have found this path, and for the confidence it’s given me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering, in general, has made me a more empathetic, intuitive person, which in turn has made me a better Pilates teacher (I hope!). It’s important for me to know how far to push a client and to gauge where they are mentally on any given day. It’s also important to me that every client feels safe and supported when they’re with me, and I think I value this more being a person who stutters. 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 would advise self-disclosure and self-compassion above all else! And just remember that nothing stays the same. You will grow and change as a person over time, your fluency will go up and down, and you can absolutely do more than you think you can do. Also, when you find good people to work with, hang on to them. I had been searching for a new career path, but I hadn’t considered teaching Pilates until my instructor suggested it. I already knew her and trusted her, and loved the practice itself…the rest is history (and a ton of work and growth). It had never occurred to me that I could teach, but it turns out I can and I am.

Join the West Lafayette - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. West Lafayette ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Indiana State Welcome to the NSA West Lafayette 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? West Lafayette Public Library (Walnut Room) – 208 West Columbia Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 When? Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30PM. Contact the Chapter Leader if you would like to join the meeting virtually. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Barbara Brown Chapter Leader Get in touch! bbrownslp@gmail.com (765) 714-4740 - 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? How can I find a local NSA chapter? What happens at an NSA meeting? Who attends an NSA Chapter? Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Don’t see an answer to your question? How do I start a local NSA chapter? How do I start a local NSA chapter? 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 Dallas - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Dallas - Adult ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Texas State Welcome to the NSA Dallas Adult Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Callier Center for Communication Disorders – 1966 Inwood at Stemmons Freeway (I-35) near Parkland Hospital (follow signage for room number) When? Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. We also meet for “Chat ‘n Chew” informal gatherings where we discuss a variety of topics, including stuttering while eating good food. Reach out to the Chapter Leaders for more information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? David Alpuche Chapter Leader Get in touch! DallasStutters@gmail.com - https://www.facebook.com/NSADallas 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? How can I find a local NSA chapter? What happens at an NSA meeting? Who attends an NSA Chapter? Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Don’t see an answer to your question? How do I start a local NSA chapter? How do I start a local NSA chapter? 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 Anna Boyd,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. English Language Arts Teacher Anna Boyd Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach 7th Grade English Language Arts. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a teacher who has to read aloud to her class, I find that to be the most challenging. I also find gaining respect in the workplace to be challenging. I often feel that adult coworkers are more likely to see my stutter has a hindrance to my teaching ability than my students. 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 did. I said I had a stutter, but it didn’t have me. I was often told that I was never going to be a teacher due to my stutter. Today, with each day one of school, I tell my students that I stutter. (But we all know each of us has something. It’s just my something is more noticeable.) Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I listen more. I take time to hear people out. Co-workers come to me when they have a student who stutters, and that makes me feel that I am contributing in ways that others cannot. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I have a student who stutters this year. And, he told me that I was the only teacher he had who has believed in him and told him that he could be and do anything in life he wanted. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to teach middle school for the rest of my career! 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 let stuttering control you. You have a stutter, but it doesn’t have you. You are going to write the narrative for your workplace experience so be positive, but open with people. Realize that your stutter makes you who you are, and that you have just as much, and more to offer than someone who does not stutter.

Apply for the NSA College Scholarship. Support your academic journey with funding for students who stutter. THE KRISHNAN AND YEGNESWARAN FAMILY College Scholarship Applicant Information * First name * Last name * Email * Address * Phone * Proof of enrollment as an undergrad in an accredited university Upload File * Proof of financial need Upload File * What is your current GPA - Upload current transcript Upload File * Tell us how being a person who stutters has impacted your life (please upload) Upload File * What is your current field of study? * What are your professional career objectives? * Have you previously secured financial aid? Yes No * Are you applying for supplemental financial assistance? * What are your plans/objectives for the scholarship? * Teacher Recommendation Upload File SUBMIT

Learn how Lisa Barone,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Barone Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m responsible for developing integrated marketing strategies for Overit clients and internally for the agency. I focus much of my time on the branding, content marketing, and social media side of things, but work closely with a talented team of colleagues who specialize in areas such as public relations, graphic design, video production, audio, and more. I also have the opportunity to pitch new opportunities to potential clients, which means I get to meet folks very early on in our engagement and be part of the initial impression of Overit. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most difficult part of my job as a person who stutters is often the internal feelings of guilt that I’m not giving an idea or campaign justice when I’m pitching or presenting it. Much about helping a client to feel confident in the capabilities of Overit is in the presentation of it. It can be easy for my fragmented delivery of a concept to put feelings of doubt or lack of confidence where there wouldn’t be otherwise. In many, even most cases, I don’t think it’s an issue but sometimes it can show itself. 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? My stuttering is severe enough that I don’t have to self-disclose. It’s evident immediately. I’ve never felt a need to offer a “disclaimer” and I’ve generally felt that as long as I appear comfortable, the listener (whether an internal colleague or a client) generally feels comfortable as well. I’ve learned the person you are speaking with generally feeds off your confidence and your energy. When I started at Overit, my boss shared a TEDx speech I gave about stuttering with the office and encouraged employees to watch it. By doing that, he did me favor. He paved the way for my coworkers to “find out” about my stuttering on their own. They weren’t caught off-guard (which can be awkward even with the best intentions!). And, they also saw stuttering is not something I shy away from. I’m comfortable with it, so they were given permission to be comfortable about it, too. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Much of the work I do involves voice. It’s about helping brands identify who they are, their point of difference (i.e .what makes them weird and interesting!), and their messaging. I’ve believe strongly that the reason I am able to help brands find their voice is because I’ve spent my entire life fighting for mine. That fight has underscored its importance. I understand voice and the ability to find people who are “weird” in the same way you are differently than someone who doesn’t have the same speech issues. Early in my career, I found it very difficult to find employment, just as it can be for anyone who stutters. That left a strong imprint on me to prove my value and prove my worth. It gave me an incredible work ethic that helped me to stand out and to propel me when I was starting out and it’s something that I’ve kept. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Building my team is my proudest moment. When I started at Overit eight years ago, the agency didn’t have a content marketing or a brand team. They created engaging content and excellent videos, but it was part of other services. When I joined Overit, it was an impetus for them to change how they approached creating content and videos. I now manage a team of writers, brand builders and social media experts. Together, we create great campaigns for clients, while also defining and strengthening their brand. Having been with Overit for several years now, I’ve experienced ebbs and flows with the business, and the company has been there for me, as well. I feel proud to have found Overit. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to keep doing what I’m doing and building great brands for clients I believe in. 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 you’re just entering the workplace, your energy should be spent focusing on your craft. It’s natural to be self-conscious of your speech but the more comfortable you are with it, the more comfortable others will be. And it’s probably given you a bunch of other great assets. It’s given you empathy and compassion and helped you to see things differently than your non-stuttering colleagues. There are benefits from people a person who stutters in the workplace and workplaces need us.

Join the Seattle - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Seattle FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Seattle 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? Meeting locations vary around the Seattle area. When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 3:00-5:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Tiffani Kittilstved & Dhriti Rao Chapter Leaders Get in touch! Tkittilstved@gmail.com - - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Local chapters are the heartbeat of the NSA — powerful spaces where you can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported. Whether you’re an adult who stutters or part of a family navigating stuttering together, we have a chapter for you. Learn more about NSA Chapters and find a meeting close to home! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? How can I find a local NSA chapter? What happens at an NSA meeting? Who attends an NSA Chapter? Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Don’t see an answer to your question? How do I start a local NSA chapter? How do I start a local NSA chapter? 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 Monica Johnson, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Monica Johnson Research Committee Associate Member Monica L. Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an assistant professor at Southeastern Louisiana University who focuses on empowerment through education not only to guide her teaching but also her clinical work, and research projects. She is currently working on research exploring dating, intimacy, & partner support for AWS. In her teaching role she prepares graduates and undergraduate students to work with and support those with communication deficits and their families/caregivers/spouses/partners and teaches courses that aim to infuse counseling and research principles into practice.