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? 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

Help us amplify voices in the stuttering community. Share your stories, insights, or expertise to create empowering content with the National Stuttering Association. NSA Community Collaboration Interest Form Thank you for your interest in partnering with the National Stuttering Association. Your voice matters, and together we can create content that uplifts, informs, and connects our community. This form will help us learn more about you, what topics inspire you, and how you’d like to contribute. About You First name* Last name* Email* Tell us which role best describes you:* Person Who Stutters Parent Family Member of a Person Who Stutters Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Professional Educator Researcher Advocate Other What Topics Inspire You? Based on your role, please select all the topics you’re interested in sharing your voice on. Don’t see your topic? Choose “Other” and tell us more! How Would You Like to Contribute? Choose all the ways you’re interested in helping us share stories and information:* Share quotes or personal stories Take part in video interviews Review articles or offer expert feedback Write an article or blog post Other A Few More Questions Best Way to Reach You Preferred contact method:* Email Phone Other Best time to connect:* Morning Afternoon Evening Flexible Other Anything Else? We want to hear from you. * SUBMIT

Join the Las Vegas - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Las Vegas ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Nevada State Welcome to the NSA Las Vegas Adult Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? 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? Las Vegas, NV 89128 When? Our chapter typically meets on the first Monday of the month (except for holidays) at 6:30 PM. See below for our 2026 meeting calendar! Contact the Chapter Leader with any questions! January 5 @ 6:30 Timbers 4061 N Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89130 February 2 @ 6:30 Distill 6430 N Durango Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89149 March 2 @ 6:30 Streets of New York Pizza 7570 Norman Rockwell Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89143 April 6 @ 6:30 The Bagel Cafe 301N Buffalo Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89145 May 4 @ 6:30 Slater’s 50/50 7511 W Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89128 No meetings in June and July August 3 @ 6:30 Dona Maria Tamales 3205 N. Teneya Way, Las Vegas, NV 89129 September 14 @ 6:30 Black Bear Diner 6180 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103 October 5 @ 6:30 Cafe Zupa’s: 7521 W Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89128 November 2 @ 6:30 Santa Fe Mining Company Bar and Grill 5021 N. Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89130 December - Holiday Get Together TBD Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Michele West Chapter Leader Get in touch! LVNVNSA@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? 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 Hope Gerlach-Houck Presenter Hope Gerlach-Houck, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wayne State University. Hope is a Co-PI on the HeardAI project, bringing expertise in advocacy for people who stutter, employment issues, and stigma, among many other areas. Next

Learn how Gareth Walkom,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Founder, Entrepreneur Gareth Walkom Briefly describe your daily job duties. I develop virtual reality tools for speech disorders, speech and language pathologists, and researchers. Since 2015, I have been researching how virtual reality can be used as a tool within stuttering, explicitly understanding how virtual reality speaking situations can be used. My research has been featured on BBC News. Virtual reality is an incredibly powerful tool. We can create any scenario we like, control it in real-time, and stop it whenever we please. It is my absolute pleasure to have created withVR, a company that provides virtual reality speaking situations to those who need it the most. At withVR, each day is different for me. One day I could be programming the backend of my software, the next, I could be designing visual content or giving a talk at a conference. No matter what I do, I always find pride in doing it. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I live in the beautiful city of Ghent, Belgium, where Flemish is the first language. Even though nearly everyone can speak English, talking on the phone can sometimes be very difficult! How do you disclose your stutter, if at all, at work? It’s only me in the company and I am always very honest with myself. I used to self-disclose a lot; however, now, I very rarely do. I speak to others as if my stuttering is not something that I have to address. I do not see it as a problem, but I am also very open about it. If someone is confused about what’s going on, I get that, and I openly talk about my stutter and welcome any questions they have. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I am very fortunate to have turned my stuttering into something others can benefit from. I think about my stuttering and others who stutter all the time, always thinking about how I can change my tools for the greater good. My stuttering used to be a burden, a difficulty, and something I wanted to avoid at all costs. Now, if it weren’t for my stuttering, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t have met all these exceptional individuals in the stuttering community. I wouldn’t have visited so many beautiful cities. I wouldn’t have this job. I’ve turned my stutter into my greatest asset. What is your proudest career moment? Going fully self-employed is a huge step and I am so happy that I have done it. Therefore, the moment that I created withVR on the 22nd October 2020 (International Stuttering Awareness Day!) is currently my proudest moment. What are your long-term career aspirations? I thrive on creating the most suitable virtual reality tools for speech disorders. To me, success is how many people you impact positively. I want to use my knowledge I have gained over the years and transfer it into something the people can benefit from. If I can enjoy what I do and impact others positively, it will make me eternally grateful, and that’s the only career success I’ll ever need. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Find something you’re passionate about, push for it with all your might, and make it your own. Your stutter may sometimes make you feel different, but it is what you do with this difference that defines your path. Who knows, maybe your stutter is your hidden key to your career success.

Join the Worcester - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Worcester ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Worcester 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? Worcester State University Science and Technology Center – Room 122D (486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602) When? Hybrid meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month between September and May. Meeting time is 7:30pm-9:00pm. Please contact the Chapter Leader for the Zoom link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Ken Melnick & Jeff Johnson Chapter Leaders Get in touch! kmelnick@worcester.edu - - 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 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 Adrienne McHenry Presenter Adrienne McHenry is a person who stutters after a seizure at the age of three. She was covert for much of her life; she didn't even talk to her husband about her stutter until after they were married! She is a fitness enthusiast, a mother of two children, a yoga teacher, and a somatic coach. She uses mindfulness and somatic techniques to help calm the nervous system. Next

Join the Monroe - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Monroe ADULT IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Louisiana State Welcome to the NSA Monroe 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. In-person meetings are held around the Monroe area. When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month (September thru May) from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Meetings are currently being held virtually. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leader. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Amanda Elias Chapter Leader Get in touch! nsamonroechapter@gmail.com (318) 348-7685 - 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

Help advance stuttering research and support the NSA in improving lives. Donate today to make a meaningful difference. Research Fund The Research Fund helps deepen understanding of stuttering and improves how we understand, educate about, and support people who stutter. By funding research projects, the NSA helps ensure that knowledge about stuttering continues to grow. We prioritize research that not only examines the causes of stuttering but also explores lived experience, therapy effectiveness, and the broader impact of stigma. Your support bridges the gap between the laboratory and the living room, ensuring that scientific findings translate into better resources and more effective support for our community. Driving Discovery Understanding Etiology Supporting studies into the neurological and genetic basis of stuttering. Evidence‑Based Practice Validating therapies and support mechanisms that truly help. Innovative Project Seed funding for pilot studies that can lead to major breakthroughs. Our Commitment The NSA collaborates with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. We are committed to ensuring that research reflects the diversity of the stuttering community and that the voices of people who stutter remain central to the scientific process. Make a donation Help us reach our goal to sustain programs serving people who stutter nationwide. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $20 $20 $50 $50 $100 $100 $250 $250 $500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $20.58 I'd like to add $0.58 to cover transaction fees. 🔒 Secure & Tax-Deductible SUPPORT OTHER CAUSES SCHOLARSHIP FUND CHANGEMAKERS GENERAL FUND

< Back Board of Directors Spotlight: Chad Mannisi – Leading with Heart, Humor, and Hope Some leaders inspire with strategy. Others with compassion. Chad Mannisi brings both—and for over 20 years, he’s helped shape the NSA into the supportive, thriving community it is today. Chad first discovered the NSA when he attended a conference on the recommendation of friends from his speech therapist’s support group. That experience was life-changing. “The people I met were very welcoming and friendly. The sense of community and family was everywhere. It was on my way home after my first conference, thinking over the events of the week, that I decided to join the NSA and never looked back.” Since then, Chad has led with vision and heart. He began by revitalizing the St. Louis Chapter, then joined the Board of Directors as Adult Programs Co-Chair, where he focused on streamlining chapter operations and improving leadership systems. Now, as Board Chair, Chad is dedicated to preparing the NSA for long-term success and growth—ensuring its legacy for future generations. “I'm proud of how I'm helping the NSA evolve and get set up for success far into the future. Every Board member I've worked with, and continue to work with, has certainly helped me achieve this goal.” Beyond strategy and structure, Chad is known for something else: joy. “I love to laugh and have fun. I definitely know when it's time to get serious and things need to get done, but if I can do things while having fun and enjoying the task, I will.” Chad shares that the NSA has had a profound impact on his life—helping him understand that he’s not alone, and that he doesn’t need to let external events define his self-worth. “The NSA has impacted my life in so many ways. I've learned I'm not alone, that there are people who have gone through so many of the same things I have. I have many people I call family all over the country. I know I have a place to stay in almost every state, or great company over dinner if I'm ever in town. I know for certain that the NSA has helped my self confidence and self esteem, and I would not be the man I am today if it were not for the NSA.” Chad’s advice to new members: ”Fear may have been a constant companion of yours for most of your life. The NSA is one of the few places you can be your true self, wholly and fully, and where no one will judge you or make fun of you because of your speech.” Get to know Chad: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Nature pick: Beach Favorite rewatch: Once Upon a Time Go-to karaoke song: “Giddy Up” by Shania Twain Pet: Dino, his beloved cat Dream vacation: Italy Chad’s legacy is not only in the systems he’s helped improve or the chapters he’s supported—but in the hope and community he brings to every room he enters. Thank you, Chad! Previous Next

Learn how Madison Nichols,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Flow Cytometry Specialist Madison Nichols Briefly describe your daily job duties. My job involves assisting researchers with analyzing their cell specimens using the principles of flow cytometry. I’m responsible for being able to analyze experiments when needed, keeping analyzers clean and functional, and also for caring for our two cell sorters. Cell sorting is my main job, in which I use high complexity instrumentation to sort cells from a suspension into a separate receptacle to allow our clients to use them for other research purposes. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. It’s been particularly difficult during the pandemic meeting people very slowly instead of all at once. People are slowly phasing into returning to work, which puts some added stress on me to meet new people on a fairly regular basis. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’d love to stay in this position and continue to learn as long as I continue to feel passionate about the work I am doing. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Disclosure of my stuttering was the first thing I did when applying for this job. I disclosed it in my application and my letter of intent as well as to every on-boarding individual along the way. Disclosure is something I am very passionate about, as I believe it takes stress off of us to try to appear perfect and to try to hide something that isn’t even our fault. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I’m very proud of transitioning to this job at the very beginning of the pandemic and am also proud of myself for continuing to learn and meet new people even though it can be difficult. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I work on being a good, active listener. I always try to give people the space and time to share their ideas without interruption because I know how hard it can be to communicate. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Always be yourself, even if being your true self requires you to put in more effort and go beyond your comfort zone. Be willing to learn new things and to be corrected. Always be willing to lend a hand and stay away from workplace drama! Most of all, don’t let something like your speech hold you back. When you’re in the right position, those who truly care about you won’t care and will give you all the time in the world to speak your mind.