Meet Derek Daniels, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Derek Daniels Research Committee Standing Member Dr. Derek E. Daniels is an associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He is originally from Houston, TX. Derek received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Grinnell College (1998), master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston (2002), and PhD in Communication Disorders from Bowling Green State University (2007). He has been a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist since 2002. Derek has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on stuttering. He is a person who stutters, and conducts research on public perceptions of stuttering, and factors that influence the psychosocial experiences of individuals who stutter. He is particularly interested in identity, stigma, intersectionality, self-help groups, and culturally responsive practices. In 2023, Derek received the Professional of the Year Award from the National Stuttering Association. He is also a former President of the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Derek’s hobbies include creative writing (poetry), 80s music, country music, and 80s and 90s television shows. He especially loves handwritten notes, cupcakes, recipes, soft chocolate chip cookies, and a nice glass of cranberry juice.

Join the Pittsford - Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Pittsford TEEN CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New York State Welcome to the NSA Pittsford Teen 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? Teens 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? Pittsford Community Library (Study Room #3) 24 State St, Pittsford, NY 14534 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Claire Mendick Chapter Leader Get in touch! claire.mendick@gmail.com (585) 703-6074 - 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

Learn how Jeff Brown,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Postdoctoral Research Associate Jeff Brown Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a postdoctoral researcher in a neuroscience lab, I lead several experimental and computational projects aimed at better understanding how brain networks organize and tune themselves at the level of individual brain cells during the course of behavior. This sees me spending a good amount of time optically recording from live brains (those of sea slugs in my case!), while taking time to analyze data and write scientific code on my computer. The most rewarding part of my job involves mentoring graduate students, medical students, and undergraduates, however. Before starting my current position, I was honored to have taught and directed a clinical neuroscience course at a large medical school in Illinois for several years. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Since being a scientist depends on presenting your work and sharing your knowledge others, I do a fair amount of public speaking in my position; that was the case at a whole other level when I was lecturing to an auditorium full of medical students in my previous position! Sometimes–and particularly if I’m having a dysfluent day–maintaining fluency while speaking can be exhausting, and that fatigue sometimes amplifies the existing dysfluency. No matter what, however, I commit to making sure that I’m always able to say what I need to. What are your long-term career aspirations? Although I’m currently in a research-intensive position, I hope to land a faculty position at a liberal arts college in the next several years, in which I expect to have a small research laboratory of my own but otherwise hope to be able to pour myself into teaching and mentoring, which, as you may have figured out by now, are my foremost passions. If I have the opportunity to author a few books in the process, all the better! Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? After many years of being terrified about self-disclosing, I have become accustomed to speaking openly about my stutter, including with my current employer and colleagues, though I’d be lying if I said I’m ever entirely comfortable doing it. Nonetheless, I find that the less dramatically you self-disclose (e.g., “Oh, by the way, I should mention that I have a stutter, and you might sometimes hear me pause on or prolong certain words.”), the less importance the people to whom you disclose assign to it. Sometimes, people will tell me that they had no idea I stuttered, while others had apparently already realized; some people will follow up with a series of questions or show support, while others barely acknowledge that I’ve mentioned it. Regardless of the response it elicits, self-disclosure is first and foremost for your benefit: that’s a lesson I continue to learn! What is your proudest moment at your current company? Several years ago, I had a medical student in my clinical neuroscience course who consistently performed towards the bottom of my class. Although very bright and industrious, he had a difficult time wrapping his head around the course material, much to his frustration and disappointment. At one point during the semester, I held a learning session on infections of the central nervous system; since this student had a Master’s degree in infectious diseases, I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for him to shine and hopefully bolster his confidence. After consulting with the student before our learning session, I asked him to share his expertise on a specific topic of relevance during the course of a whole-class discussion: it was so incredibly rewarding to watch him light up as he spoke passionately and authoritatively about this topic. When he was finished, the entire class of 140 students gave him a round of applause. Those are truly the moments you live for as a teacher. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I’d like to think that I’m a better listener and more compassionate person in general as a PWS; it literally gives me pause in my life! At the same time, my stutter and the journey I’ve taken in becoming more comfortable coexisting with it have impressed upon me how liberating it is to be able to speak your mind without hesitation, no matter what your level of fluency in the moment happens to be. While these influences inform my approach to interacting with people in my research, I think my experiences as a PWS has more profoundly shaped my philosophy as a teacher: I strive to go the extra mile in listening to my students and taking the time to understand their learning and personal needs on a one-by-one basis. I try to serve not only as a content expert, but also a source of mentorship, empathy, and general support. I’d also like to think that the degree to which I’m transparent about my stuttering humanizes me, inviting my students to confide in me in return. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Never doubt for a moment that you’re fully qualified to be where you are and doing what you’re doing! You have succeeded in spite of your stutter, and you’re a lot more–and have a lot more to say–than whatever words you may repeat, prolong, or block on. Never be ashamed that you stutter, or about anything else over which you lack control. Don’t hesitate to show some vulnerability by self-disclosing: not only can it be personally empowering, but it also stands to strengthen the relationships between you and those with whom you interact in your workplace. Above all, seek our help and mentorship when you need it: as a PWS, you are never alone!

< Back Previous Kaylee Tillman Presenter Kaylee Tillman is an incoming senior from Summersville, Missouri. She enjoys playing soccer and staying active in her community. Charlotte will be Kaylee’s second Annual Conference and her first time leading a workshop. Next

< Back Previous Masey Massey Presenter With more than 20 years of racing experience, Massey is no stranger to success. A stellar racing career on asphalt and dirt started when Mason was 5 years old. Since then, Mason has piled over 200 feature wins, 11 championships, and 10 track records across multiple classes. Mason looks forward to bringing his competitive nature and history of winning entering the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Next

Support for middle schoolers who stutter. Join our tweens' group to build confidence, share experiences, and make connections. Transitioning to middle school can be a daunting time for ‘tweens who stutter and their parents. During the middle school years ‘tweens begin to rely less on their parents and look to establish their independence. Everyday school stress from classwork to socializing can be awkward enough, and can be made even more stressful and awkward if you’re a ‘tween who stutters. At a recent NSA Conference workshop for ‘tweens and their parents, middle-school students who stutter talked about wanting to “own” how they choose to share their stuttering – if at all – with others. These ‘tweens also expressed a strong desire to have their parents support their choices, even if they might not agree. At the end of the day, the ‘tweens reasoned that it’s the child who stutters, and as parents, the adults need to be comfortable with their child’s choices. From the parent perspective, your fears and concerns most often will not be the same as those of your children. When your ‘tween hits bumps in the road, they will likely move on from them far more quickly than parents do. Just because they decide to handle things a certain way at the start of the school year doesn’t mean they will not change their mind and approach things differently as the year progresses. One of the middle-school students on the panel made the choice not to talk to their teachers or classmates about their stuttering at the start of the school year, however within a couple of months had decided that being open about it would make things easier for the student, teacher(s), and their peers. The lesson is that there are no right or wrong answers. Your child is growing up and discovering themself. They need to find a way to approach the school year in middle school in a way that best suits them. And remember, there is nothing that is done that can’t be undone. – Adapted from a previous article written by Stephanie Coppen with the assistance of Joan Duffield, Katie Duffield, Pattie Wood, Danny Wood, Helene Haus, and Julie North Learn about Stuttering Stuttering Explained Causes of Stuttering Treatment for Stuttering Facts about Stuttering Myths about Stuttering Famous People Who Stutter Support and Connection Local Family Chapters NSA Teens on Instagram Find a Speech Therapist Stuttering at School Back to School Educating Your Classmates

Join the Huntington/Marshall U. - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Huntington/Marshall U. - Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - West Virginia State Welcome to the Huntington/Marshall U. 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 & Virtual 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? Monthly meetings are held virtually, and in-person events are held quarterly around the Huntington area. When? Virtual monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. In-person events are also held quarterly. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for more information and to join our mailing list! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Emmalee Moles & Jamie Maxwell Chapter Leaders Get in touch! MUNSAFamily@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? 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

< Back Previous Angela Grimm Presenter Angela Grimm is a person who stutters and a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She brings more than a decade of experience as a victim advocate, having worked with a local sexual assault assistance program and the State Attorney’s Office. Angela has facilitated support groups for sexual assault survivors and worked with incarcerated survivors and individuals with substance use disorders. She is committed to trauma-informed care, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces. Angela also serves as Co-Chapter Leader of the National Stuttering Association Treasure Coast, Florida Chapter. Next

< Back Previous TAC Presenter The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a group of motivated and respected teens who are an integral part of the NSA. The TAC’s role is to exhibit strong leadership qualities and to serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members of Family Programs. The TAC is also responsible for providing support and presenting a positive attitude to teens and kids at the Annual Conference and throughout the year. Next

Join the Cedar Falls/Waterloo - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Cedar Falls/Waterloo ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH Official NSA Chapter - Iowa State Welcome to the NSA Cedar Falls/Waterloo 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? 524 Main Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa When? Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? April Schmiesing & Nick Ellis Chapter Leaders Get in touch! aschmiesing@yahoo.com 319-231-1672 - 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 Kerri Berard, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Kerri Berard Kids Programming Co-Coordinator & Family Chapter Coordinator Kerri Berard has been involved with the NSA since 2018 and serves as the Co-Leader for the Fort Worth Family and Adult Chapters. She is a school-based speech therapist in Texas who specializes in stuttering. Kerri enjoys being outdoors, making kombucha, and spending time with her family and cats.

Meet Alan Vu, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alan Vu Marketing Coordinator Alan is a speech-language pathologist, digital marketer, small business owner, and person who stutters (in no particular order). His passion lies in raising awareness on stuttering and empowering people with communication differences. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar, photography, and practicing mindfulness.