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< Back Previous Ariel Sonn Presenter Ariel Sonn is a person who stutters and has been involved with the National Stuttering Association since 2015. Ariel’s stuttering journey has taken her from an angsty, incredulous kid to an outspoken and fierce advocate for the stuttering community. She is particularly passionate about helping people who stutter find and build confidence in the workplace. Ariel is the author of a stuttering and lifestyle blog and a member of the WeStutter@Work committee. Outside of the NSA, Ariel is a Creative Marketing Specialist and enjoys running, yoga, traveling, and makeup. Next

< Back Previous Elisha Boxer Magnifico Presenter Elisha Boxer Magnifico, MA, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience working with people who stutter. Their clinical background spans the US and abroad across school settings, multidisciplinary clinics, and private practice. Elisha is the creator and co-founder of Break the Blocks, an improvisation-based program running at Northwestern University. Their work blends improvisation with an ability-focused approach that supports the lived experience of stuttering while fostering communication confidence, spontaneity, and community. Elisha’s clinical and research interests include self-efficacy, community building, and the use of play and to foster communicative flexibility and freedom. Next

< Back Previous Mike Gioscia Presenter Mike Gioscia is a member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) Boston Chapter, a parent of a 22-year-old who stutters, and is co-host of the monthly NSA Parents & Caregivers Zoom call. Next

< 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

< Back Previous Jessica Hudson Presenter Jessica Hudson is a speech-language pathologist based in Arizona who has worked almost exclusively with people who stutter throughout her 13-year career. She is the owner of Stuttering & Speech Therapy of Arizona, a practice she founded 10 years ago to create a supportive, affirming space for individuals and families impacted by stuttering. Jessica is passionate about changing the narrative and reducing stigma surrounding stuttering. She holds the Ally of Stuttering Seal and previously served as a Chapter Leader in Phoenix. Outside of work, she loves traveling, working out, and taste-testing the tortillas made at her husband’s tortilla factory. Next

< Back Previous Hayden Downs Presenter Hayden Dows is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and prior to that, a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Sciences & Disorders from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. As a person who stutters (PWS), Hayden has experienced his own struggles and feels he has valuable advice and experiences to share to help make another PWS’s college journey a little easier. Next

< Back Previous Gina Waggot Presenter Gina Waggott is a writer and former BBC professional with a career spanning broadcasting, journalism, and disability advocacy. She is a person who stutters and is active in several nonprofits serving the global stuttering community and its allies. She is the author of Scatman John: The Remarkable Story of the World's Unlikeliest Popstar. Next

< Back Previous Kerri Berard Presenter Kerri Berard has been involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2018 and currently serves as the Co-Chapter Leader for the NSA’s Fort Worth Family and Adult Chapters. She is a school-based speech therapist in Texas who specializes in stuttering. Kerri enjoys being outdoors, making kombucha, and spending time with her family and cats. Next

< Back Previous Jia Bin Presenter Jia Bin is a doctoral student in Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University. As a bilingual, cross-cultural communicator and person who stutters, she is dedicated to supporting individuals with communication differences and building connections across cultures. She also leads local and online stuttering support groups, fostering community, empowerment, and advocacy. Next

< Back Previous Megan Young Presenter Megan Young is a certified speech-language pathologist and assistant professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University. She teaches courses in stuttering and is the director of the NMSU Stuttering Lab. Her research interests include psychosocial aspects of stuttering, career development, and stuttering advocacy. Megan is also a member of the National Stuttering Association’s Professional Relations Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys music, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Next

< Back Previous Emily Root Presenter Emily Root is a speech pathologist and college professor in New Jersey. She feels incredibly fortunate to work with people of all ages who stutter. She is the daughter of a mother who stutters and is passionate about stuttering acceptance for all. Emily loves to travel, run, and attend 80s and 90s concerts. She also loves spending time with her husband, two adult children, rescue dog, and two cats. Next

< Back Previous Tatum Machnica Presenter Tatum Machica was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, where she still lives. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and her Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama. She now provides systems engineering support to the Army as a government contractor. Outside of work, she teaches Pure Barre and stays active. Since attending her first Annual Conference in 2018, she’s been grateful to serve on the National Stuttering Association’s Young Adults Committee. Next