< Back Previous Sarah D'Agostino Presenter Sarah D’Agostino is a Michigander, speaker, facilitator, yoga instructor, business owner, wife, and mother who brings both lived experience and heart to her work. She has been a member of the National Stuttering Association for over 26 years, a community that has deeply shaped her perspective on identity, resilience, and self-acceptance. With more than two decades of professional experience, Sarah blends storytelling and personal development to help people explore who they are beyond labels and expectations. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Next

< Back Sisters Who Stutter Spotlight: Jolie Deitchman – Owning Her Voice and Inspiring Others For Jolie Deitchman, finding the NSA was a transformation. 9 years ago, Jolie’s family joined the NSA looking for a space where she could fully be herself and meet others who stutter. They had heard about the community for a long time, and when they finally attended their first conference, something clicked. “It instantly felt like home.” Today, Jolie is a vital part of the Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) Committee, a teen-led initiative that empowers young girls who stutter to connect, uplift one another, and speak with confidence. She’s come a long way—and she’s proud of it. “My journey has been far from easy, and I am still learning and growing. However, I have become more confident with advocating for myself, and I haven’t let my stutter prevent me from doing the things I want to do.” Whether she’s presenting in class, leading Zoom calls, or simply sharing space with other girls who stutter, Jolie is proof that strength lies in embracing your voice—not hiding it. Her advice to new NSA members is heartfelt and full of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! It may seem intimidating, but everyone at the conference is going through similar things and is so kind and understanding. Go to the workshops, as they are very helpful and have taught me many valuable things. Every conversation, every hug, every workshop, because time flies at the conference, and every moment is so precious and special.” Get to know Jolie: Favorite ice cream: Cookie Dough Beach over mountains or desert TV go-to: Gossip Girl Karaoke anthem: Love Song by Sara Bareilles Pet: A chocolate lab/pit bull mix Fun fact: Can do an amazing Stitch voice from Lilo & Stitch Dream vacation: Turks and Caicos Jolie’s story is a powerful reminder that your stutter is not something to overcome—it’s something to own. Through her leadership with SWS, she’s helping more girls step into their strength and celebrate the voices they once tried to hide. Thank you, Jolie, for being a source of light, laughter, and leadership! Previous Next

< Back Previous Garrett McDevitt Presenter Garrett McDevitt is an active-duty Marine and a person who stutters. He has been involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for over 15 years, who has served on the Teen Advisory Council and as an NSA Chapter Leader. Garrett recently returned from his third deployment, during which he worked occasionally as an interpreter for his team. In his spare time, he is an avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, and he enjoys learning and practicing foreign languages. Next

Join the Kansas City - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Kansas City FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kansas State/Missouri State Welcome to the NSA Kansas City 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 location alternates between Chicken N Pickle locations in North Kansas City, MO, and Overland Park, KS. Chicken N Pickle (Red Roost Room) 1761 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116 Chicken N Pickle (The Fireside Room) 5901 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223 When? Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. During the ODD months (January, March, May, July, September, & November), we meet at Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City, Missouri. During EVEN Months (February, April, June, August, October, December), we meet at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park, Kansas. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Stacey Nierman, Andrea Burcham, Amy Burns & Joy Chang Chapter Leaders Get in touch! ksfamilynsa@gmail.com (620) 655-7946 https://www.instagram.com/kcfamilynsa 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

< Back Spotlight on the Older Adults Committee: A Voice of Wisdom, Connection, and Confidence Meet a longtime member of the NSA who embodies the heart of what it means to be unapologetically yourself. Vicki Schutter been part of the NSA since 1985, when we were still known as the National Stuttering Project (NSP). Their journey began when a persistent fellow stutterer, Brian Koch, encouraged them to attend a meeting in Paula Campbell’s apartment. That first step led to a lifetime of connection, support, and transformation. “I had never been in a room with so many stutterers in my life,” she said. “It was life-changing.” Now a proud member of the Older Adults Committee, she helps represent the fastest-growing group in our organization: adults over 50. The committee offers a unique perspective on NSA initiatives, providing insight into workshops, mentoring, and planning events with a thoughtful eye toward later stages in life. But more than anything, this committee fosters a sense of belonging. It’s a place where mature members can reflect, connect, and continue to grow within our ever-expanding stuttering family. She says that one of their proudest accomplishments is simple yet powerful: “I always order exactly what I want in a restaurant. I never order something I think will be easier to say.” We celebrate that kind of confidence and self-acceptance at the NSA. Through their years of involvement, she’s learned to live with their stutter, not in spite of it, but with it—embracing who she is rather than striving for who she thinks she’s “supposed” to be. When she’s not advocating for the stuttering community, she’s enjoying their favorite things: Pecan Turtle Fudge ice cream Relaxing at the beach Singing California Dreamin’ at karaoke Caring for Ginger, their very spoiled orange-and-white cat Rewatching episodes of Star Trek Dreaming of visiting the lake region of northern Italy To anyone new to the NSA, their advice is clear: “Go to a conference! It will change your life forever, and you will meet people there who will be your friends for the rest of your lives.” We’re honored to have this member in our community and even more thrilled to see their continued leadership on the Older Adults Committee. Previous Next

Join the Southampton - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Southampton ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New York State Welcome to the NSA Southampton 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? Stony Brook University (Atlantic Hall Conference Room) – 39 Tuckahoe Road, Southampton, NY 11968 When? Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month from 5:00-6:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Renee Fabus & Joy Kling Chapter Leaders Get in touch! joy.kling@stonybrook.edu (631) 638-0502 - 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

< Back Previous Christy Cazares Presenter Christy Cazares is a speech-language pathologist and owner of Speak Play Create, based in Southern California. Her approach is family-centered and functional, helping children build skills that carry over into everyday life. Christy is the Chapter Leader of the National Stuttering Association San Diego Family Chapter. She has also been involved with Camp Words Unspoken. Outside of her work, Christy enjoys sunny beach days, yoga, art, and discovering new food spots. Next

Join the Oklahoma State/Stillwater - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Oklahoma State/Stillwater ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Oklahoma State Welcome to the NSA Oklahoma State/Stillwater 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? Oklahoma State University Social Sciences & Humanities Building Suite # 11/13 (corner of Monroe and University) When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? John Tetnowski Chapter Leader Get in touch! john.tetnowski@okstate.edu (405) 744-9638 - 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

< Back Previous DEI Committee Presenter Founded in the summer of 2023, the DEI Committee is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment for all people who stutter. While stuttering unites us as a community, we recognize that intersectional identities, structural inequities, historical underrepresentation, and individual lived experiences shape how each person navigates life with a stutter. This committee represents an explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the stuttering community. Next

Meet Michelle Madsen Geiger, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Michelle Madsen Geiger Graphic Design Full-time designer, part-time dog photographer (of her dogs only, because they are so cute and you can never have enough pictures of them sleeping). Michelle started working with the NSA on all things graphics back in 2013, and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not designing she keeps busy with her husband, their dogs and many house guests, playing in the pool, going to the beach and enjoying life in Florida. Michelle got involved in the NSA through her dad, Brad Madsen (PWS).

Meet Chadwick Hedgepeth, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Chadwick Hedgepeth Young Adults Committee CJ currently lives in Virginia and is a recent graduate from the University of Virginia’s Speech Pathology Program. CJ became interested in the field of Speech Pathology through his history receiving Speech services himself for his stutter. CJ is currently a Speech Pathologist working in a Virginia School System in addition to an outpatient clinic. His special interests in the field include Stuttering and AAC. He is passionate about helping other people who stutter find confidence in speaking even if it’s with having a stutter. Alongside being a Young Adults Committee member, CJ also co-runs the Charlottesville Virginia NSA Chapter and has presented on Stuttering and Stuttering best practices related to treatment and evaluation at conferences and seminars. Some of CJ’s hobbies include painting, reading, and playing music.

Join the Cookeville - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Cookeville ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter-Tennessee State Welcome to the NSA Cookeville Chapter 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? The Table Board Game Lounge 18 W Spring Street, Cookeville, TN 38501 When? 3rd Sunday of each month 1:30-3:00 Central Time First Meeting on October 19, 2025 Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Shannon Buford Chapter Leader Get in touch! cookevillestutters@gmail.com 931-644-7074 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