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< 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

< Back Previous Heather Sauer Presenter Heather Sauer attended her first National Stuttering Association (NSA) Annual Conference in 2008 in Parsippany, New Jersey, alongside her parents and sister, who stutters. That experience sparked a deep connection with the NSA community, bringing her back year after year. Now, in her 18th Annual Conference, Heather continues to embrace the power of support and advocacy. Heather is a teacher, a wife to Justin, who also stutters, and a proud mom to Harper and Carter. She’s excited to lead this workshop with her mom and sister and contribute to the community that has meant so much to her over the years. 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

< Back Previous Ian Shook Presenter Ian Shook is a rising senior who attends Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland. He enjoys photography and being a member of the drumline. Next

< Back Previous Lexi Hewitt Presenter Lexi Hewitt is a certified K-12 school counselor and has a National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certification. She has been a member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2019 and volunteers as the Chapter Leader for the NSA Southeastern Pennsylvania Family Chapter, which she started in 2023. She is also the NSA Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Southwest region. She loves singing along to Taylor Swift, nerding out about TV shows, and being a person who stutters. Next