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Meet David Richards, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. David Richards DEI Committee David is from New York City and is passionate about public health. Stuttering has been part of his life since adolescence and has shaped who he is today. He believes that stuttering has influenced the way he handles life situations with resilience. In high school, David was valedictorian and delivered a speech to hundreds of people, which helped him build confidence that has carried into his early adulthood and continues today. Being part of the DEI Committee allows him to connect with different people so they can learn from one another. It is a great feeling for him to know that he is not the only person navigating life with a stutter.

Learn how Chris Heathwood,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Associate Professor Chris Heathwood Boulder, CO Associate Professor University of Colorado – Boulder Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach classes in the philosophy department, from introductory-level undergraduate classes to graduate seminars. I am currently the director of our graduate program. I do original research in philosophy — basically writing philosophy papers or books — with the aim of having it published. I present this research at conferences. I supervise graduate students. And I do all kinds of miscellaneous service work for my department, my university, and the wider profession. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. If I’m having a bad speech day on a day that I need to be doing a lot of talking — whether because I am teaching or am in meetings — that’s a rough day. I think all people who stutter face this problem from time to time. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am now past the mid-point of my career. I hope to get promoted to full professor next year, and then just continue being a professor until it’s time to retire. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Absolutely. Disclosing is probably the single most helpful thing that a person who stutters can do. During the hiring process, I disclosed within the first 60 seconds of opening my mouth. I told people I stuttered. I told them they didn’t have to worry about it or do anything about it, other than wait, and that I was talking about it because it helps me to be open about it. I encouraged them to ask me about it and about how I deal with it in teaching, in giving talks, and in other speech-intensive activities. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I felt most proud when I earned tenure and when my work has been published in prestigious journals. In a more general way, I am very proud of myself for not letting the fact that I stutter stop me from trying to make it in the career I most wanted (professional philosopher). Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think that my students appreciate that their professor can be open and vulnerable about the challenges he faces. Students have told me that they find it inspiring and that it makes them feel like maybe their own problems don’t need to stop them from doing what they want to do. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? The most important thing is to be disclosing often (I myself need to be better at following this advice). You can do it with a sense of humor. Another crucial thing is to “set limits.” For example, if a co-worker is always finishing your sentences, and this is something that bothers you and makes you stutter more (that’s what it does to me), you have to ask them to stop. You can do it gently. You can say that you know that they mean well by it, but that it helps you more if they let you finish.

Learn how Jaymie Horak,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Human Resources Analyst Jaymie Horak Briefly describe your daily job duties. My primary responsibility is to assist with administering our health and wellness benefits to our 1,300 employees. This looks like phone calls, checking emails, building and running reports, leading new hire orientations, meetings with health and wellness carriers, and training co-workers. I am also assigned our largest recruitment for an operations position, so I review those applications and onboard new employees. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The moments of misunderstanding. I answer the phone, stutter on my name, and the other person awkwardly laughs or asks me if I forgot my name. They’re minor infractions compared to the way my stutter used to limit me but staying positive in those moments is certainly a challenge. It is also difficult when I am learning something new, or doing something I haven’t done before, because I get nervous that my stuttering will make it seem like I lack confidence or knowledge. How supported at work do you feel by your co-workers, supervisor(s) and the company itself? I feel very supported. I was very lucky to have an incredible first supervisor when I was in Payroll, and when I mentioned my stuttering to her, she told me that she supported me and that if I ever needed her help, she’d take care of anyone who was rude to me. She enabled me to sit at the front desk, and answer telephone calls regularly. Before this experience, I was too terrified to answer the phone. I no longer experience fear picking up the ringing phone at work. (A true miracle.) My supervisors since have also made it clear that they are impressed with my work ethic and intelligence, and that they would stand behind me if anyone used my stuttering to try to tease me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering helps people actually feel more comfortable around me. Perhaps not in the initial moment, but once they realize what is going on. There is a vulnerability that exists that makes the other person realize they don’t need to be perfect when they communicate with me. Working in HR has the ability to seem very intimidating, especially when I am recruiting new hires for their first job. But my stutter seems to give them (a potentially false) sense of comfortability and security, which I think is helpful. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Disclose, disclose, disclose. When you are able to disclose your stutter with confidence, the other person has no choice (unless they’re a huge jerk) to accept your stutter and realize it has nothing to do with your intelligence, proficiency, or confidence. The more we are comfortable with our own stuttering, the more others will be. People can catch onto our emotions and internal stress. They can also catch onto our confidence and peace of mind.

Join the Northern Virginia - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Northern Virginia ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter- Virginia State Welcome to the NSA Northern Virginia 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? Virtual meetings are held over Zoom. Social gatherings are held around the Northern Virginia area. When? Virtual meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:30PM – 9:00PM (except December when we have a holiday gathering earlier in the month). Contact the Chapter Leader for the meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Brent Baker Chapter Leader Get in touch! BrentHBaker@gmail.com (571) 242-6796 - 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

Meet Paula Campbell-Schwab, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Paula Campbell-Schwab Seasoned Voices Committee Paula Campbell-Schwab is married to Doug Schwab and lives in Houston, Texas. She is 71 and a retired Special Education teacher. Paula is the co-founder of the Houston Chapter which started in 1985 and has been an active member of the NSP/NSA attending many conventions and conferences.

Join the Pittsburgh - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Pittsburgh ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Pennsylvania State Welcome to the NSA Pittsburgh 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? Duquesne University SLP Clinic – 711 Forbes Ave (Fisher Hall, across from the Armstrong Tunnel, on 4th floor) Pittsburgh, PA 15219 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month at 7:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Darren Wilson Chapter Leader Get in touch! darrenwilson98@yahoo.com (412) 478-6025 - 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 Glenview - Adult & Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Glenview ADULT, TEENS IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Illinois State Welcome to the NSA Glenview 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, 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? Either the Glenview Public Library (1st Floor Multipurpose Room) or Palatine Public Library. When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Xiaolu Zhang Chapter Leader Get in touch! ishineluke@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 St. Louis - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. St. Louis - Adult ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Missouri State Welcome to the NSA St. Louis 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? SLU Campus – McGannon Hall (3750 Lindell Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108) When? Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month from 6:30PM-8:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Chad Mannisi Chapter Leaders Get in touch! nsa_st.louis@yahoo.com - www.facebook.com\STLNSA 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 Edward DeBrae,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Contact Lens Coordinator Edward DeBrae Briefly describe your daily job duties. On a daily basis I receive patients’ contact lens prescription (CL Rx), process payments accordingly, and manage shipping. Occasionally I will schedule exams and verify vision insurance, collaborating with optometrists or ophthalmologists. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a person who stutters, the most challenging aspect of my job is sounding out the eye diseases, conditions, and medications, as well as various patient names. Everyday, I try to get my name clearly without stuttering. What are your long-term career aspirations? I have always wanted to be a published author. 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 disclose my stutter. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Each time I manage to say my name! For years, I have bullied for not being able to say my own name in school or in public settings, and when I said my name the first time at my job, I felt so proud of myself. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Take your time and don’t feel discouraged. It’s hard knowing that you have so much to say with passion but your body doesn’t always let you. You more than the words you speak!

Join the Sarasota - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Sarasota ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Sarasota 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? Gulf Gate Library – 7112 Curtiss Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34231 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jennifer Scharf Chapter Leader Get in touch! jenlscharf@gmail.com (941) 932-8824 - 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 Monmouth County - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Monmouth County ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the Monmouth County 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? In-person meetings are held at Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ 07733) and virtual meetings are held over Zoom. When? Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00PM. Contact the Chapter Leader for meeting details. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Joanne Summer Chapter Leader Get in touch! JoanneSummer2@gmail.com (201) 323-2686 - 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 Paula Campbell-Schwab Speaker Paula Campbell-Schwab is a 73-year-old adult who stutters. Paula co-founded the NSA Houston Chapter in 1985 with the help of Brian Koch. The Houston Chapter is one of the longest running and well attended chapters in the NSA community. Paula is on the NSA Older Adults Who Stutter Committee and helps to plan workshops for the annual Conference and NSA Connect sessions for Older Adults during the year. Paula was presented the NSA Hall of Fame award at the 2024 Conference. She is a retired Special Education Teacher and lives in Houston, Texas with her husband Douglas, who is also a PWS. Previous Next