Explore NSA events, support groups, and workshops for people who stutter. Find virtual and in-person gatherings to connect, learn, and grow—wherever you are. Events & Gatherings Mark your calendar and join us for virtual meetups, local chapter events, regional conferences, and our annual conference—spaces where every voice matters. Columbus, OH, Family Chapter Meeting Thu, Oct 15 Ohio State - Pressey Hall - Room 99 MORE INFO LEARN MORE Multiple Dates NSA Women Connect Thu, Oct 15 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE ISAD Barnes & Noble Fundraiser Sat, Oct 17 Barnes & Noble (US Locations Only) MORE INFO LEARN MORE Multiple Dates NSA Teen Talk Sun, Oct 18 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE Multiple Dates NSA Connects Bil Arabi: Discovering Our Voice Tue, Oct 20 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE Workplace Advocacy Your Way: Creating the 2027 Bingo Board Wed, Oct 21 Webinar MORE INFO LEARN MORE Food For Thought - What Does International Stuttering Awareness Mean To Us? Thu, Oct 22 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE Lafayette, LA Chapter ISAD Bowling Night Thu, Oct 22 Rock-n-Bowl MORE INFO LEARN MORE Multiple Dates NSA Connects with Passing Twice Thu, Oct 22 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE NSA SoCal ISAD Open Mic Thu, Oct 22 Moongoat’s Venue Space Costa Mesa MORE INFO LEARN MORE NSA Seattle 1-Day Conference Sat, Oct 24 Seattle Children's Sand Pt Learning Ctr MORE INFO BUY TICKETS NSA Montana 1-Day Conference Sun, Oct 25 University of Montana – Honors College MORE INFO BUY TICKETS NSA Connects Stuttering and Trauma - The Lives We Build Around Stuttering Wed, Oct 28 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE Multiple Dates Sisters Who Stutter Sun, Nov 01 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE NSA Connects with The Memoir Method - Your Story Today, Your Story Tommorrow Wed, Nov 04 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE Multiple Dates Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter Meeting Thu, Nov 05 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE NSA Chicago 1-Day Conference Sat, Nov 07 RUSH Armour Academic Center MORE INFO BUY TICKETS Own Your Seat at the Table: Navigating Imposter Syndrome Tue, Nov 10 Virtual Event MORE INFO LEARN MORE Load More FEATURED EVENT 2026 Annual Conference Join hundreds of people who stutter, families, and SLPs for four transformative days of connection, support, and empowerment. Our largest gathering of the year brings together the entire stuttering community. View Details & Register Learn More Connect Through Your Local Chapter The National Stuttering Association is built on community. While our conferences bring people together for powerful moments of connection, the heart of the NSA lives in our local chapters. Across the country, people who stutter, families, and allies gather to share experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships in supportive, judgment-free spaces. Local Chapters With 164 active chapters across the United States, there is likely a community near you. Chapters host regular meetings, family gatherings, and social events where you can connect with others who understand the experience of stuttering. Many members say their local chapter is where they first realized something powerful: if you stutter, you are not alone. Find Your Local Chapter Never Miss an Event From one-day conferences to local meetups and national events, there are many ways to stay connected with the NSA community. Subscribe to receive event announcements, registration reminders, and important updates so you never miss an opportunity to connect. Subscribe to Updates

< Back Previous Hazel Johnson Presenter Hazel Johnson is a member of the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Teen Advisory Council (TAC) and currently serves as TAC Chair, bringing strong leadership, collaboration, and advocacy skills to her work. She has attended Camp SAY since 2022, with the 2024 NSA Conference in St. Louis marking her first Annual Conference. Hazel is also the Public Outreach Coordinator for Sisters Who Stutter, where she supports community engagement, outreach initiatives, and relationship-building that help expand awareness and connection within the stuttering community. She is a high school senior from Lincoln, Nebraska. Next

< Back Previous Dana Koprowski Presenter Dana proudly calls the Chicago suburbs home and is the devoted single mother of her 5-year-old son, Grayson. Being Grayson’s mom is her greatest joy and most important role. Professionally, Dana works in property management. She loves building relationships and creating positive experiences for the communities she serves. She discovered the National Stuttering Association in 2017 and attended her first Annual Conference in 2018, where she immediately felt a sense of belonging and inspiration that continues to motivate her today. In her spare time, Dana enjoys crafting and thrifting—finding beauty in the unexpected and turning simple treasures into something special. Next

Join the Mesquite - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Mesquite FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Texas State Welcome to the NSA Mesquite 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? Mesquite ISD Student Support Center – 714 East Kimbrough Street (Room #B104) Mesquite, Texas 75149 When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursdays of each September, November, February, and April from 6:30-7:30PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Rebecca Rapattoni Chapter Leader Get in touch! NSA@MesquiteISD.org - - 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 Shelly Jo Kraft Presenter Shelly Jo Kraft, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Behavior, Speech & Genetics Laboratory at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where her current research focuses on the biological and behavioral genetics of developmental stuttering. In addition to being an international scientist and a clinically active speech-language pathologist, she brings extensive training in neuroscience, molecular human biology, and genetics to her work. Dr. Kraft’s team is working to map gene expression onto pathophysiological mechanisms that control and contribute to speech production, regulation, and severity. Next

Join the Knoxville - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Knoxville FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Tennessee State Welcome to the NSA Knoxville 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? Bearden Branch Library – 100 Golf Club Rd Knoxville, TN 37919. When? Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00-7:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Randy Ferguson Chapter Leader Get in touch! aviationmechanic1@gmail.com (865) 804-0928 - 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 Daniel Mittleman Presenter Daniel Mittleman is the Co-Chapter Leader of the National Stuttering Association Treasure Coast, Florida Chapter, which he co-founded with his wife, Angela. An experienced trial attorney, Daniel has conducted more than 60 jury trials and litigated a wide range of cases, including capital life felonies and complex illegal gambling prosecutions. Throughout his career as a public servant, he has remained committed to improving access to justice and strengthening the court system. Daniel is dedicated to ensuring that every voice (especially those often overlooked or misunderstood) is heard and respected. Next

Learn how Kristi Van Winkle,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Medical Content Writer and Proofreader Kristi Van Winkle Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a content writer and proofreader for various forms of medical content. Before I started my company, I worked as a registered nurse. I worked primarily in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and then an adult Telemetry unit. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Communication is key in the medical profession. Meeting and educating new people every shift, speaking on the phone to doctors and other professionals or family members, giving report to oncoming nurses, and communicating effectively in high-stress situations were all challenging to me as a person who stutters. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to build my business as high as I can. I have no desire to return to the bedside, but I want to use the medical knowledge and expertise I have gained there to help others and provide the highest quality services possible. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did always mention my stuttering during job interviews. It was never an issue. I generally only mentioned it to co-workers and patients if I was having a particularly hard time speaking that night. I found that this put them at ease, knowing this was something I dealt with regularly and not a result of the situation. Sometimes people would assume I didn’t know what I was doing and I was stuttering nervously. Letting them in on the “secret” seemed to put their minds at ease and even instill some respect from some. What is your proudest moment at your current company? The moment I took the plunge and stepped away from the bedside to start my own company was amazing. I have wanted to write my whole life. Let’s be honest, it’s much easier than talking! Walking away from that hospital after handing in my badge and cleaning out my locker was so freeing! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I have had several opportunities to use my stuttering to encourage people. Patients or families are often relieved to see that what some consider an impediment has not been as big a problem as one would assume. I have had parents and families ask me all kinds of questions about working with “handicaps” and I have been able to encourage them and put their minds at ease. 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 listen to the naysayers. It doesn’t matter as much as you think it does. It doesn’t matter as much as they think it does. I had a nursing instructor tell me during a clinical that I would never be an effective nurse if I didn’t get my stuttering under control. She was wrong.

< Back Previous Shahriar SheikhBahaei Presenter Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei is an Empire Innovation Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and a person who stutters. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD from a joint program between University College London and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. SheikhBahaei’s research investigates how astrocytes interact with neurons to regulate voluntary motor behaviors, with a focus on speech and respiratory circuits. Using genetic, optical, and electrophysiological tools, his lab aims to uncover the roles of glial cells in motor behaviors and disorders, such as developmental stuttering. Next

< Back Previous Pamela Mertz Presenter Pamela Mertz has been involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for 20 years. She is a former board member and currently develops many of the virtual events for the stuttering community. She co-facilitates the monthly NSA Women's Connect and serves on the WeStutter@Work committee. Pam was inducted into the NSA Hall of Fame in 2022, a moment she considers one of her proudest. She has attended and spoken at several international events about stuttering. Next

Learn how Ronan Miller,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Postdoctoral Research Assistant Ronan Miller Briefly describe your daily job duties. The project I am currently working on is focused on developing and testing a mobile app to support people who stutter. I feel very grateful to do research into stuttering and particularly into new ways that we can support the stuttering community around the world. My day is normally spent reading research conducted in various different areas, planning and organizing our next research study, and talking to people who stutter about their day-to-day lives and experiences. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I have daily meetings over video calls but they aren’t too much of a problem now, I have become accustomed to them after my time as part of the hosting team at Stutter Social. I think the most challenging part of my job is thinking of ways that we can support people who stutter in the present, whilst working to breakdown barriers so that stuttering won’t hold people back in the future. What are your long-term career aspirations? For many years I taught English as a foreign language and I would love to return to teaching again, particularly to support students who stutter. My dream is to work in some kind of super lab that combines stuttering research, activism, support, and teaching! Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? In lots of ways, stuttering is an advantage for me at this point in my life; I work with many other people who stutter and we talk about it openly on a daily basis. Whenever I meet anyone new I am also very open about stuttering, it is never a problem. I let people know my name, my position, that I stutter and that it’s no problem. I am aware some people have had no contact before with people who stutter, or don’t know how to respond to stuttering, so I feel a responsibility to let people know that this is how I speak and that it’s ok. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My stuttering is a valuable aspect of my contribution at work, it allows me to offer personal, lived insight and to connect with others who also stutter. It has also taught me that communication is not always straightforward, but that patience and respect go a long way to helping others (whether they stutter or not) to feel comfortable. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? I would encourage people to be open about their stuttering, it can be difficult but by doing so you demonstrate leadership, integrity, and resilience, all of which are valuable characteristics in any working environment. My feeling is that people who stutter enrich workplaces and if we can be open about our stuttering we help to foster an atmosphere in which others can be open and vulnerable too.

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! 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