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Learn how Natalie Bragan,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Senior Financial Analyst Natalie Bragan Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a Senior Financial Analyst working in Medicaid Services for the State of Maine, commonly referred to as MaineCare. In my current position with the State of Maine I oversee the Medicaid Accounting and Federal Reporting Unit. In addition to this, I facilitate collaboration among our many partners, act as subject matter expert, and review all designed, developed and implemented solutions for the Finance components of Medicaid systems. In short, I communicate extensively, both in written and verbal communication. I have a phone to my ear most of the day. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is the sheer number of opportunities for me to get in my own head. I attend and participate in a great deal of broad, collaborative meetings, conference calls and trainings. As a person who stutters, I tend to find myself hyper sensitive to the awkward glances, snickers, and offhand comments (like “did you forget your name” or even worse, when someone attempts to finish my sentence – though I will say the latter happens quite infrequently). Over the years I have come to realize that many of my challenges stem from my own view of my speech and not that of others and I have worked to improve that view with no shortage of help from other NSA members. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose at work? Though it has been some time since I was last interviewed, I believe I did. I typically disclose in a relatively lighthearted manner, something like, “I have a stutter and you’ll hear it from time to time, but don’t be alarmed, I’m fine.” This usually gets a few chuckles from the audience. I find disclosing tends to put me and my listener at ease and significantly reduces the “awkwardness” often caused by ignorance on the topic. For those reasons, I do try to disclose as often as I feel the situation warrants it. I try to read my audience and weigh the benefits of disclosing against the risk of discomfort (primary for my listener). At this point if my listener is at ease, I am too. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I believe my stutter has offered me a perspective on empathy that those who have struggled less in life often take for granted. If I’m honest with myself, I cannot say my life has been particularly hard, but I do take initiative that affords me opportunities to take on risks and find success. My collaborative (“I can’t do it alone”) spirit keeps people coming back and wanting to be part of the process with someone who will generously partner with them. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I have built and fostered good working relationships with partners both internal and external to our division and have been able to call on those partners when needed; I have found truth in “you get what you give”. My desire to understand differing perspectives brings a generosity to the table that I have found awakens similar and complimentary virtues in others. I suppose the proudest thing I’ve accomplished in my time with the State of Maine is that I’ve never (not once) let the way I view my stutter (notice I did not say the stutter itself) be an excuse not to excel, not to participate or lead, and not to take initiative, no matter what that means I’ll have to do or try. What are your long-term career aspirations? Long-term, I want to enjoy my work. I want to make things better for others, I want to advance the mission and for my strengths and skill to be symbiotic to the work I do. When that stops being the case, it will be time to move on, but until then — I’m here. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Foster empathy — both for yourself and others, encourage understanding while promoting your strengths, and build for yourself an environment of ease and support. I know a lot of this has to do with the qualities of those around you and with whom you work, expect generosity from others and give the benefit of the doubt. Patience, encouragement, and empathy breed the same, surround yourself with them and they will grow. Take full advantage of the services the NSA has to offer. The NSA is more than its monthly meetings and annual conferences, we are community. A dear fellow community member once told me, “You deserve to take up a little space”. In no uncertain terms, you deserve to make yourself a priority when you speak, don’t minimize what you have to offer just because you convey it differently.

Learn how Jake Kail,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Field Project Manager Jake Kail Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Field Project Manager for NetApp Professional Services, I’m responsible for managing the delivery of service implementation projects for our Commercial, Enterprise, and Global customers in the world of hybrid cloud data services. I develop plans around service delivery, build technical teams, and take a consultative approach to align with customer expectations and ultimately get the job done. I also served as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army from 2015-2019 before joining NetApp. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Translating my thoughts into coherent sentences can be challenging. I have a stutter that often prevents me from getting past an initial letter of a word. I often try to restart my thought, or simply avoid the word all together and find a suitable substitute. As someone who gets in front of customers on a daily basis, getting the right point across is paramount so this causes me anxiety on a daily basis. When I have my bad days, I sometimes avoid talking when not completely necessary and this has caused me to shy away from reiterating key points that get glossed over. 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. I was wrongly conditioned at a young age to try my best to hide my stutter. As I’ve grown in the past few years, I’ve realized the value of disclosure and how much of a weight it can lift. I’ve been very lucky to have an employer that looks past my stutter and sees my value as an asset to the team. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has allowed me to have a high level of emotional intelligence. Building relationships, speaking honestly, and being personable are all skills I have thanks to my stutter. I often try to highlight who I am behind my speech difference and that vulnerability speaks volumes when building and leading teams. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment at NetApp was actually in the first three months of working. I was fresh out of the military and I was learning how to work in a very different environment. During our introductory presentations I was very relaxed and had no trouble delivering the message. A week later, I gave my second presentation and could barely get a word out. Many co-workers did not know about my stutter and their concern for my well-being made it worse. A few weeks later I had an executive briefing and I prepared for days. This presentation went very well, and I was praised by leaders across the organization for my preparedness and resilience. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to be an expert in my craft and an honest leader of people. Leading people has been a lifelong passion of mine and I want to continue developing that skill set. Regardless of the industry, people deserve leaders that listen and support their goals. I want to be that leader. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t let fear overcome your potential. It took me 4 years of being in the workforce to realize that people generally don’t care as much as you think they do. If you are honest about your stutter, explain that it does not impact your value and ability to achieve results, people will respect you and work with you to help you grow. If they do not, they are not worth your time, plain and simple. Surround yourself with supportive people and seek out employers that embody that mindset.

< Back Mike Gioscia Speaker Mike is the dad of a college student who stutters, and has been active in the NSA Boston Chapter for years. He also co-hosts the monthly NSA Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter Meeting. Mike is a podcast producer, DJ, and drummer who lives with his wife Linda and kids outside of Boston. Previous Next

Join the Fort Wayne - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Fort Wayne ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Indiana State Welcome to the NSA Fort Wayne 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? Helmke Library at Purdue University Fort Wayne -- 2101 E Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 When? Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Yan Ma Chapter Leader Get in touch! nsachapterfw@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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Boca Raton - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boca Raton ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Boca Raton Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Virtual Meetings When? Virtual meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 9:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Dale Williams Chapter Leader Get in touch! dwilliam@fau.edu (561) 297-3238 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Demetris Nichols,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Inspirational Speaker, Professional Basketball Player Demetris Nichols Briefly describe your daily job duties. Since 2007, I’ve been playing professional basketball in the US and Internationally. I’m now turning more of my attention to being an inspirational speaker who empowers individuals, especially those who stutter or have a disability. I believe it’s my duty to remind people that our attitude will predict our now and later. I represent an idea! An idea that if we truly believe in something, we can change or create the life we want. I believe we are all mental giants. I also believe we sometimes forget how mentally strong we are. That’s why I’m here! As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part is that this stuttering bully always tries to creep back into my life. But I’m a mental giant and I will not allow that to happen. Another challenging part is talking to people that have known me for years and they expect me to stutter. Some ask, how did I overcome my speech difference and I simply tell them, “will power!” It’s a challenge to encourage people to believe every day that anything is possible for them. I’m up for the challenge to help people believe. I am living proof! Did you self-disclose your stuttering? If so, how did you do it? The last time I self-disclosed my stutter was in college. My speech therapist gave me an assignment to call random people and say, “Hi my name is Demetris Nichols, I have a stutter but I’m working on it.” I think it works because it removes the elephant in the room. I also would tell my coaches and sometime teachers in school that I stutter so they would be sensitive to it. I currently don’t have to disclose my stuttering. With hard work, training and will. I’m able to speak confidently in front of a large audience. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Well I have a story tell. I know all about the struggles and challenges stutterers face every day. I was that kid who raised his hand to go to the bathroom just before the teacher would call on me to read out loud. I never wanted this stuttering bully to come out in class. Sports became my way to communicate because I was afraid to speak in other environments. People who stutter are a part of the 1%. I know what it’s like to be an outsider looking in. I have a valued perspective because I lived with a stutter for more than half of my live. But I also know what it takes to get over the stuttering mountain. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moments are being able to confidently speak to small groups and very large groups. For years this stuttering bully has followed me, but I made a decision to stand up to the bully. I love when people come up to me and say, “Thank you for your inspiration.” Just a few years ago, I was afraid. I had a dream to speak and now my dream has become my purpose. I believe part of my purpose is to change minds and improve lives! What are your long-term career aspirations? My aspiration is to make a difference in the world. To help bring awareness to stuttering and individuals who have disabilities. My aspiration is to change lives and give people hope though my story. I have overcome, overachieved and have turned my weakness into a strength. My hope is to help people do the same. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Look in the mirror and believe you can do anything you put your mind to. Mental giants keep trying!

Meet Eldon Solomon, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Eldon Solomon Seasoned Voices Committee Eldon Solomon is 59, and a lifelong person who stutters. His passions center around his wife of 37 years, and their family of four boys, three daughter-in-law’s and three grandchildren. Living in Indiana, Eldon is a CEO of a national, nonprofit, Veteran outreach organization. He attended his first NSA Conference in 2023 and is eager to lend his experiences, personal accomplishments, and love for people to help older persons who stutter to find their voice.

Join the Boston - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boston Adult ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Boston 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? Hybrid Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Location may vary around the Boston area. When? Monthly meetings alternate between virtual and in-person meetings, and social events. Meetings are typically held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. For details about meetings/events and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leaders. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Onofri, Edmund Metzold, Lisa Greenleaf Chapter Leaders Get in touch! BostonStutters@gmail.com - http://www.bostonstutters.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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "The NSA Boston Chapters gave me true belonging. I found people who feel like family—who check in, cheer me on, and make me feel seen. Parents and fellow adults became the strongest supporters of my voice. My growth began the moment I found this group." ---Michèle Ayoub "NSA meetings give me a rare space to openly discuss stuttering and learn from others’ experiences. The Boston Chapter is welcoming, and the monthly meetings help me meet people who stutter and get support for the challenges we share." ---Andrew Meier "My first NSA Boston gathering as a teen changed how I saw my stutter—I finally heard others stutter too. After attending the 2021 NSA Conference, I went from seeing my stutter as my enemy to seeing it as my greatest frenemy." ---Ethan Gioscia

Join the Kalamazoo Area - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Kalamazoo Area ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Michigan State Welcome to the NSA Kalamazoo Area 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? Kalamazoo Public Library 315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007 When? Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00PM. Meetings alternate between in-person and virtual. Please contact the Chapter Leader for meeting details! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jade Epps Chapter Leader Get in touch! kzooNSA@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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

< Back Steff Lebsack Speaker Steff Lebsack is a co-leader for the NSA Denver Kids and Family Chapter. She is a speech-language pathologist with a passion for working with kids and adults who stutter. Steff has been an SLP for 16 years and has worked in several settings including schools, hospitals and universities. Steff lives with her husband and two children in Aurora, Colorado and enjoys the outdoors and reading. Previous Next