< 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

Discover the NSA’s research funding opportunities for stuttering-related projects, including grants, resources, and application details to support your work. NSA Research Funding Overview The National Stuttering Association is committed to supporting research that advances understanding, improves support, and strengthens outcomes for people who stutter. Through two competitive grant opportunities, the NSA helps fund research that is both academically rigorous and meaningfully connected to the stuttering community. Current Funding Opportunities $5,000 Graduate Student Research Award A $5,000 award for graduate students conducting research focused on stuttering. This opportunity supports emerging researchers whose work contributes to treatment, assessment, or foundational knowledge in the field. NEXT DEADLINE March 17, 2027 View Graduate Award Details $15,000 CASE Research Grant A $15,000 award supporting research grounded in Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education. This grant is intended for projects that expand understanding of stuttering while reflecting the NSA's core values. NEXT DEADLINE July 15, 2027 View CASE Grant Details How Funding Decisions Are Guided All applications are reviewed with attention to research quality, feasibility, relevance to the stuttering community, and alignment with the NSA's mission. The goal is not only to fund strong research, but to support work that has meaningful community impact. Explore the Opportunities Whether you are a graduate student beginning your research journey or an established investigator leading a larger project, the NSA's funding opportunities are designed to support work that can move the field forward. Graduate Student Research Award CASE Research Grant View Past Award Recipients

Learn how Peter Loring,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Owner & Doctor of Audiology Peter Loring Briefly describe your daily job duties. own an audiology practice. I work with the hearing impaired to improve their communication and overall quality of life by improving their hearing. My staff includes 3 audiologists, 2 support staff, and a partnership with a physician. We see anywhere between 8 to 18 hearing-impaired patients a day. My practice does complete audiological evaluations for children and adults, tinnitus evaluations and treatment, and hearing aid evaluations and fittings. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Before I got into the audiology field, I worked as a musician as well as a soundman, so my ears were always important to me. In 2006, I suffered a sudden hearing loss, so, along with my stutter, I gained the increased ability to better empathize with patients. What is your proudest moment at your current company? When I’m paying attention to my fluency, my speech is slower, clearer, and more powerful. (I call it my “audiology voice”.) I’ve had many patients tell me that if everyone spoke the way I do, they wouldn’t need hearing aids. Every time I hear that, I smile a little wider inside as I’m being complimented for effective verbal communication by someone who can’t hear well. The irony is NOT lost on me at all. I guess that choosing the field I’m in is the best way to say that I LOVE a challenge. I’m also proud to help improve the lives of children. One of the things that is always impacted with untreated hearing loss in children is language in terms of acquisition and expressive language. For example, if you can’t hear English clearly, your ability to integrate it and repeat it can be compromised. This is why children who have a history of chronic ear infections tend to speak not as clearly. I’m giving children the ability to get to whatever their potential is as their hearing will not be an impediment anymore. It makes my chest puff out with pride knowing I’ve made someone’s life markedly better. What are your long-term career aspirations? The provider in me wants to help as many people as I can. The parent in me wants to be as busy as I can to be able to do more things for my child. The businessman in me wants to be as financially successful as I can so that when it is time to retire, I can sell my practice and live the good life with my family. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? You care more about your speech than anyone else you’ll meet in your life. Stay out of your own head and if you’re good enough to do the job, you’ll get the job and succeed at it.

< Back Previous Roc Hernandez Presenter Roc Hernandez attended her first conference in Denver in 2025. She was blown away by how welcoming and supportive everyone was and she strongly wants to help others have the same experience. Roc spends her time as a ranch hand, loves music and art and is always looking for inspiration for her next painting. She loves spending time with her family, puppies, and the stuttering community. She is passionate about limnology and spending as much time as possible at the lake. 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 Spokane Valley - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Spokane Valley ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Spokane Valley 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? Spokane Valley, WA 99206. When? Meetings are held virtually on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM. Reach out to the Chapter Leaders for meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? David Jenson, Audri Heffernan, Jason Young & Joe Klein Chapter Leaders Get in touch! David.Jenson@wsu.edu (757) 544-8584 - 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

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! 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 Molly Stevenson Presenter Molly Stevenson, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and doctoral candidate at Michigan State University. She researches the lived experience of stuttering and how to improve the quality of life for individuals who stutter. Her current focus is on highlighting self-help treatment options. Molly serves as the NSA Kids Programming Coordinator and has extensive experience working with children and tweens through her clinical practice as well as mentorship roles in youth groups and camps. She is passionate about creating supportive, engaging spaces where young people who stutter can build confidence, learn from one another, and celebrate their voices. Next

Meet Elliot Bellman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Elliot Bellman Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Elliot Bellman is 16 years old and lives in Fullerton, CA. He is currently a sophomore at Troy High School, and is part of the Troy Tech program, a 3 year STEM based magnet curriculum. He is also a member of his school's NJROTC unit, and competes on the Cybersecurity team, achieving 5th place in the NJROTC division in 2026. In his free time he enjoys history, tutoring other students, games, golf, football and participating in competitive Rubik’s Cube, achieving a personal best of 13.2 seconds. He is also a person with Autism that has impacted his stuttering. Having found the NSA in 2022 through his SLP, he has learned so much from the community, helping him to embrace his stutter, build confidence, and become an advocate for other people who stutter. For the past few years he has delivered public service announcements for International Stuttering Awareness Day educating over 2000 people on the dos and don’ts when talking with someone who stutters. Elliot is excited about the opportunity to join the TAC, and hopes to be able to give back to other teens and help them find the benefit, value, and confidence he has found in the NSA.

Join the Manhattan, KS - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Manhattan ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kansas State Welcome to the NSA Manhattan 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? Meetings are hybrid - in-person at Kansas State University – Campus Creek Complex, and online via Zoom. Contact the Chapter Leader for the Zoom link! When? Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 PM CST. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jayden McCall Chapter Leader Get in touch! ManhattanNSA@gmail.com (316) 680-1524 - 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

Join the Chicago - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Chicago ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Illinois State Welcome to the NSA Chicago 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? Jefferson Park Branch – Meeting Room Chicago Public Library 5363 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 JULY 2025 MEETING WILL BE HELD AT: Roden Branch – Meeting Room Chicago Public Library 6083 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631 Saturday, July 26th | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM When? Meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 3:00 to 4:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Onur Tekiner Chapter Leader Get in touch! onrtknr92@gmail.com (312) 479-7828 https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQrVRes8DawGKPsA61Fiyb 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