Join the Philadelphia - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Philadelphia ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Pennsylvania State Welcome to the NSA Philadelphia 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? La Salle University St Benilde Tower - Room 2002 5540 East Wister Street Philadelphia, PA 19144 When? 1st Thursday of the month, 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Online only 3rd Wednesday of the month (approx.), 7:00 - 8:30 PM - Hybrid: In person at La Salle University and online. Note: in person meetings are subject to La Salle University's availability during the school terms Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Carmen Shapiro Chapter Leader Get in touch! PhillyNSA@gmail.com - https://www.facebook.com/PhillyStutters/ 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

Meet Angela Medina, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Angela Medina Research Chair Dr. Angela Medina is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She earned her PhD in Applied Language and Speech Sciences from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she also completed her coursework for certification as a speech-language pathologist. Since 2015, she has served as the NSA Miami Chapter Leader. Dr. Medina has published and presented her research nationally and internationally on stuttering in Hispanic, Latino/-x, and Spanish-English bilingual communities. Her research interests include the stuttering experiences of adults, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, mindfulness, and qualitative research methods. Her hobbies include baking and gardening with twin daughters, playing fantasy football, running, and practicing archery. She is a loyal New Orleans Saints fan and music trivia enthusiast. Term began February 2021

Learn how Will Nading,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Infrastructure Leader - Water Design Center Will Nading Briefly describe your daily job duties. We work primarily with municipal clients to plan, design, and rehabilitate drinking water and wastewater facilities. My focus area is on wastewater collection and drinking water distribution systems. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is maintaining focus and staying organized. I wouldn’t say my speech necessarily adds significantly to the challenge. Some days are better than others from a fluency perspective, but that would be the case with or without the job. 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 bring it up during the hiring process during one of our conversations. I will discuss it if I feel it is a relevant thing to discuss, but I don’t believe it always is relevant to me these days. So, it is a case by case thing for me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering has shaped many positive aspects of my personality and professional performance. I have learned how to be patient and to listen, which has resulted in a better ability to synthesize and summarize information. It has also made me more resilient and determined. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I’m proud to have taken the initiative to advance my career and get the job. Also, being a presenter at industry conferences. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am a “see where the road leads me” kind of person. I want to constantly try to improve on yesterday, but I don’t pretend to know where that will eventually take me. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Focus on being a good communicator. (Communication means more than talking.) If you are clear, thoughtful, organized, and professional in your communication with others you will be successful.

Join the Boston - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boston Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Boston Family Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Family What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Location may vary around the Boston area. When? Quarterly meet-ups happen around the Boston area. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for information! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Onofri, Liz Gomez & Lisa Greenleaf Chapter Leaders Get in touch! BostonStutters@gmail.com - http://www.bostonstutters.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! "My first NSA Boston gathering as a teen changed how I saw my stutter—I finally heard others stutter too. After attending the 2021 NSA Conference, I went from seeing my stutter as my enemy to seeing it as something I could live with." ---Ethan Gioscia "The NSA Boston Chapters gave me true belonging. I found people who feel like family—who check in, cheer me on, and make me feel seen. Parents and fellow adults became the strongest supporters of my voice. My growth began the moment I found this group." ---Michèle Ayoub "I didn't know what to expect from my first NSA Boston event. I just knew I wanted my son to see other people who stutter and find community. Turns out that I needed this community just as much! Driving home, my son said seeing other people who stutter for the first time made him feel 'alive.'" ---Dolla Seng

< Back Previous Amir Hossein Rasoli Jokar Presenter Amir Hossein Rasoli Jokar is a PhD student at Michigan State University, working under the supervision of Dr. J. Scott Yaruss. His work focuses on stuttering variability and how it should be addressed in assessment and treatment. He has published multiple papers in leading journals, including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and the Journal of Fluency Disorders, exploring topics such as caregiver perspectives, bilingualism, and the impact of stuttering variability. Amir Hossein has also contributed to NIH-funded projects and has been recognized with the National Stuttering Association’s Graduate Research Award (2025-2027). Next

Meet Alicia Vasquez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alicia Vasquez DEI Committee Alicia Vasquez is a proud Latina woman with a stutter who has been actively involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2022. Growing up as a Latina with a stutter in a predominantly white community shaped Alicia’s unique perspective and fueled her passion for fostering awareness, inclusion, and diversity in every space she occupies. Her experiences have driven her to advocate for representation and understanding, particularly within the stuttering community. Alicia’s dedication to amplifying diverse voices and creating inclusive environments makes her a natural fit for her new role within the NSA’s diversity initiatives. She is excited to bring her lived experiences and passion to this new committee, working collaboratively to take the NSA’s commitment to diversity and representation to the next level. Her goal is to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered within the NSA community. Beyond her advocacy work, Alicia enjoys connecting with others, sharing her story, and inspiring meaningful change. Her efforts highlight the importance of intersectionality and the strength that comes from embracing one’s identity. Alicia’s contributions are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the stuttering community and beyond.

Meet Amber Toerien, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Amber Toerien Marketing Director Amber Toerien has been part of the NSA community since 2023, bringing passion and dedication to her role as Marketing Director. Living with high-functioning autism, Amber’s connection to the NSA is deeply personal and natural. She champions the NSA’s mission by leading impactful digital campaigns that amplify awareness and support for people who stutter. Amber believes in showing up for yourself and says, “The support and connection you’ll find here can be life-changing.” When she’s not championing the NSA mission, you’ll find Amber reimagining interior spaces, taking long beach walks with her dogs, or belting out “Jolene” at karaoke nights.

Learn how Craig Cieslik,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Health and History Teacher Craig Cieslik Briefly describe your daily job duties. Teaching Health and History to high school students. This is my 25th year! As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I explain to the students on day one that I’m a lifelong stutterer and we all struggle with things in life and I’m lucky I stutter. It could have been worse. I also teach students that most people who stutter don’t talk for a living, and I do. That they can also overcome any disability or fear that they have and pursue their dreams like I did. What are your long-term career aspirations? I have been married almost 12 years now, and have a 6 year old son. I have gone from coaching record-setting high school football teams to coaching 5 and 6-year olds in soccer and basketball. It’s been fun, and I joke that it’s not that much different than coaching high school kids! Maybe someday I will coach high school football again. I’ve been blessed beyond my wildest dreams from a young kid who was scared to talk because of my stutter to being able to have my dream job the past 25 years, travel the world with my wife, raise a child, and live in Orange County, California (one of the greatest places in the world!). Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Yes, I am always upfront about it. I had the privilege to take a course on stuttering with Dr. Sheehan 30 years ago who was a pioneer in the stuttering field. She taught me to always come out and say ‘this is who you are’ to put everybody at ease. That way, people won’t guess or think you are nervous, which could impact your hire. I also joke around a lot about my speech. I will say, ‘I stutter, but I make up for it with good looks!’ What is your proudest moment at your current company? Proudest moment was setting national records as the head coach of the football program. Like with my speech, we were underdogs and we outworked everybody else and did some amazing things. Lots of the records still stand over 10 years later. I’m also proud when students tell me how much they loved my class and how they get used to my stuttering and don’t even see me as a stutterer. I keep students at ease by joking about my speech and saying things like, ‘you can either listen to me stutter, or we can just do the work’. At one time I had to sue my district after some administrative discrimination and mocking due to my speech disability. I stood up for myself as I have always been taught, the judge ruled in my favor, and the district settled the case. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Ever since I was a child I felt I had to always prove myself and work harder then anybody else. By working hard and being good at school and sports I wasn’t judged by how I talked, rather I was judged on my skills. That gave me so much confidence to talk, to ask out a girl, etc., and also helped me to deal with kids who made fun of me or thought I was weird. I got great self esteem from working hard and having great parents and siblings who always encouraged me and didn’t cater to or feel bad for me. My siblings also never made fun of my speech problem which is pretty amazing and cool. 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 have to be upfront about and proud of your speech difference. I’m glad I stutter. It made me the person I am today, and it has made me popular in ways with people my entire life saying things like, ‘you know, that tall guy who stutters. Oh yes, Craig. That’s his name’. You have to be confident in your abilities. A lot of people may doubt you and even talk down to you, but it’s just a lack of education on their part. Be a team player and everything else will work itself out.

Join the Twin Cities - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Twin Cities ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Minnesota Chapter Welcome to the NSA Twin Cities 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? Eastside Food Co-op in northeast Minneapolis at 2551 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. When? Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Tim McCarren & Dave Lindberg Chapter Leaders Get in touch! mccarrenspeech@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

Learn how Logan Hall,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Management Consulting Logan Hall Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a consultant, I am constantly working with clients, whether it be communicating status of deliverables over video calls, coordinating with my team members, or celebrating milestones in person over drinks and food. Speaking verbally is a core part of the job. Initially, this was daunting. But instead, it forced me to practice techniques I learned in speech therapy, and put them to use. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Giving presentations to either clients or internal teams can be challenging. It requires practice of speaking through the material, notating words or phrases that give me trouble, and applying techniques I’ve learned through speech therapy to overcome those hurdles. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to stay in consulting for the next 10-15 years. I may eventually want to work for a large auto manufacturer, like Porsche, Volkswagen Group, or BMW. I have a passion for cars and would like to bring the experience I’ve gained in consulting to auto manufacturing. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I disclose that I have a speech difference in several situations, including when I interviewed for this job. Anytime I am speaking in front of a large audience, a new client, or a new team I have not previously worked with, I disclose by saying something along the lines of “Bear with me as I speak during the course of this call or meeting, as I have a speech difference. You may hear me have blocks or struggle getting words out, but it’s a totally normal part of who I am”. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I recently presented my stuttering journey to an internal diversity and inclusion (D&I) group that focuses on disabilities. I spoke about my struggles, what I did to overcome them, and guidance for others that are also going through the same thing. At first, it was daunting to speak in front of such a large audience (100+ people), but knowing that everyone on that call was caring and understanding made it not only bearable, but enjoyable. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Being someone who stutters forces you to work harder. You are constantly thinking of how you will say things. That heightened thought process can carry over to normal day to day tasks, such as critical thinking, planning, meeting with clients, and general task execution. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t be afraid to fail. The fact that you made it past the hiring process and have been onboarded shows that the recruiters saw beyond your speech difference and know that you can be a valuable asset to your company. Performing day to day tasks that are “normal” to others, such as making phone calls, giving presentations, etc. may be challenging at first. But the more you are exposed to speaking situations, the more you can practice speech therapy techniques, and the more confident you will become overall.

Learn how Ashley DeVitto,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. CT and X-ray Technologist Ashley DeVitto Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a CT and X-Ray Technologist, I use equipment to produce images of human anatomy which helps Radiologists diagnose a wide variety of diseases, disorders, etc. This means that I prepare the room for the exam, call the patient from the waiting room, explain the procedure, and then perform the X-Ray or CT using different positioning of the patient and different protocols to be followed. It often means starting an IV or asking several questions to a patient. I then send the images and information to the Radiologist for it to be read for a diagnosis. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As many of us who stutter know, speaking on the phone can be our nightmare. I often have Doctors calling and asking about protocols or looking for a reading on an exam I’ve completed. This can be daunting as some people are impatient and not always kind. While they aren’t always directly rude, you can sometimes feel their impatience which only makes me more anxious, making it more difficult to speak. One of the most challenging things for me is calling people from the waiting room to come in for their exam. Sometimes the room is full and I open the door to have several heads look up at me in anticipation. I often freeze in this moment and the name doesn’t always come out. Funny how we develop habits over time to help us get by. Sometimes, I say “Mister” so and so before the name because it’s easier for me to say. Or I’ll just use their first name, or just their last, whatever I think will come out easier. Regardless, it’s stressful. Then once the name comes out, I wonder if the patient is thinking that I’m incompetent and can’t be trusted to perform their procedure. There have been two times in my fifteen years in my job that I have been asked for a different technologist once I start speaking. Ironically, the one they end up with is usually less experienced. Fortunately, I have a great support system and a boyfriend who talks me down when I’m on edge, and who meets me for lunch to get me through a tough day. Stick with those you know you can count on. There’s no shame in confiding in someone and shedding tears when things get to be too much. 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 during my initial interview. It, pun intended, speaks for itself. I do disclose it to some patients when they seem irritated or impatient or make the comment that we get all the time, “What, you don’t know your own name?” Most people are understanding and kind. My name is the hardest thing for me to say. Go figure. If I stumble on my words, I will sometimes say, “I do have a speech difference and it may take a moment for me to get it out, but I assure you that you are in good hands.” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My speech has definitely made me a humble, empathetic person which is greatly needed in the healthcare field. I can sympathize with anxiety and fear that I may not otherwise understand. It has made me a patient person in knowing that sometimes anxiety, or other challenges, aren’t always seen by the naked eye. We don’t know what someone is experiencing in their lives, just as people don’t know I stutter, until they do. Kindness is key. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moments come from patients that commend me on a great job. I’ve had several people tell me that I am in the field I’m meant for, that I have a calming nature, or that I made something scary very easy. Some patients have even requested me by name. Moments like that are the ones I carry with me from day to day at work. What are your long-term career aspirations? Long term, my goal has always been to be a Doctor. Truth be told, I didn’t go for it after high school out of fear. How could someone who stutters get the words out fast enough to save someones life? It has taken many years to see my value in this field and to know that my stutter is exactly what would make me a better Doctor. I’ve taken some classes through a program run by Harvard Medical School and am slowly working my way there. While it may never happen at this rate, with working full time and being a single mother of two, I am eager to learn which will only benefit myself and career in the long run. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? My biggest advice would be to be proud of your stutter and learn to accept it. This does not come overnight. I struggled for years and would have done anything to make it go away. Time, growth, vulnerability, and life experience has taught me that I was made just how I was intended. Think about it, when we see someone with a disability, do we make fun or think any less of them? No. We are often amazed by what they overcome and how they persevere. Be that person. Let people see that nothing can stop you.

< Back Previous Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith Presenter Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith is an award-winning educator, speaker, and leadership strategist with over 30 years of experience as a counselor, teacher, principal, and district administrator. She is the founder of Limitless Leaders LLC, a leadership development company that empowers individuals to turn perceived limitations into leadership strengths through coaching, workshops, and her signature L.E.A.D.E.R. Framework. As the author of “Limitless Leaders: Leading Beyond Your Disability,” Dr. Russell-Smith inspires others to lead with authenticity, purpose, and confidence. Next