< Back Previous Stacey Nierman Presenter Stacey Nierman is a mother to three boys, one of whom stutters. She is a teacher, passionate about helping people embrace who they are. Stacey attended the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Annual Conference in St. Louis in 2023, where she found herself embraced by parents who shared her wide range of emotions and felt hope for her son’s future. Since then, Stacey and her family have become very active in the NSA. She lives in the Kansas City metro area and co-founded the Kansas City Area Family Chapter. Her goal in the NSA is to connect, support, and educate in a judgment-free zone. Next

Learn how Justin James,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Chiropractor Justin James Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic, I specialize in rehabilitation. I spend my days speaking to patients to better understand their history so that I can effectively treat them. I also need to explain to them, in an easy to understand way, what their problem is and how I can assist them. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is speaking with patients. It’s something I do all day, every day. This can be incredibly nerve-wracking some days, but I’m able to work past it and work through it. 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 clients? I am blessed to own my practice. As a result, I didn’t have a job interview. I have chosen not to disclose my stutter to patients. I do not feel like it’s my place, in my position, to take the focus off of them. Their issues and health concerns are my primary focus. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has taught me so much. It has taught me empathy and understanding. It has shown me that struggling is part of life. But, with the proper mindset and tools, these obstacles can be overcome. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment is actually going to work every day as a physician. Every day is a proud moment for me. When I think back to my childhood, I was always terrified to speak to anyone I didn’t know. Terrified they would see me stammer. I never thought in a million years I’d ever accomplish what I have accomplished. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to be known for my rehabilitation skills. I want to be able to teach at local colleges and teach at seminars around the country. I’ve already done some speaking to students teaching them about differing rehabilitation strategies. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Do not be afraid. You can and will accomplish great things. Some days are going to be harder than others. You’re going to get frustrated and that’s ok. You will get through it. You will succeed.

Meet Jeremiah Williams, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jeremiah Williams DEI Committee Jeremiah C. Williams has his BA in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Discipleship. He loves people and believes that everyone should feel loved and appreciated. He also believes it’s all about being present and being there for people. That's how friendships are built, laughter can also bring people together. He hopes to continue to build those friendships (and laugh) at NSA events and the national conference. One of his goals being on the DEI committee is to make sure everyone is heard, and everyone is loved and feels appreciated. No one should feel left out and everyone has a voice. “When one falls down how great it is to have someone to pick them up.” He wants people to remember they are never alone.

Learn how Rivky Susskind,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Speech Language Pathologist Rivky Susskind Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a speech and language pathologist. I evaluate and provide intervention for school age children in a special education environment who display challenges in the areas of speech and language. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My biggest challenges as a PWS are communicating with parents and faculty in more formal contexts such as an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or parent teacher meetings or collaborative group meetings. I also have difficulty communicating with parents who are resistant to their child being seen by a person who stutters. Also, phone calls can often present a challenge because the listener cannot tell what’s going on with me on the other side of the line, and those silent moments can be all the more awkward. Do you self-disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers and clients? I often self-disclose that I stutter. I usually wait until a stuttering moment occurs and then say, “… by the way, I have a mild stutter, just letting you know, and actually it’s one of the big factors that got me into this field to begin with.” I then leave an open space for questions and try to convey that I’m comfortable talking about it. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My stutter is part of what makes me a unique, brave, strong individual. In my more confident moments it serves as a strength and part of my “story.” Others around me also know that I am somewhat of an expert on the topic and they will come and ask me questions pertaining to a relative or friend of theirs who stutters. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was extremely proud of myself when I overcame my fear of tackling parent teacher meetings over the course of my first few months at this school. It was one meeting after the next and quite daunting to keep facing parents and disclosing my stutter over and over in a short period of time. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Own who you are and go for what you want. Do not let society’s expectations and “norms” dictate what you can and cannot do. Go for it. Fail. Fail dozens of times and go for it again. Don’t stop pushing until you can say that you are doing what you want in life. It’s okay to not feel okay all the time. We are all human and stuttering can be a crazy uphill climb and struggle. But remember that your dreams and goals are important, and you have the gift of YOU to share with the world.

< Back From the NSP to NSA: Paula Campbell-Schwab’s Story Some people are part of the foundation of the NSA community. Paula Campbell-Schwab is definitely one of them. She’s been involved with the NSA since 1984, back when we were still calling ourselves the National Stuttering Project! She joined because she needed more than what speech therapy alone could offer. I needed the support of other people in my community that lived nearby,” she says, “that I could call or see in person that were coping with similar communication issues.” Paula says she’s a quiet and shy person who doesn’t like the spotlight, but anyone in the NSA community who’s met her knows how she radiates warmth and wisdom. Over the years, the NSA became a source of transformation for her. The NSA has opened up my world to meeting and knowing some of the most beautiful people in the world,” she says. “They loved me and challenged me to be the very best Paula I could be.” Paula spent 26 years as a special education teacher, working in both public and private settings. She showed up, gave her heart, and made a difference in ways that can’t be measured by lesson plans or IEPs alone. Her advice for anyone new to the NSA? Keep coming back. “You are not alone! Keep your heart and mind open as you will learn so much about stuttering, yourself and others as you spend time in the various activities of the NSA.” When Paula’s not reading self-help books in a cozy coffee house, you might find her watching Waking Ned Devine (again), dancing to just about any music with a good beat, or relaxing with Rocky the Havanese by her side. And one day she’s heading off to a yoga and spa retreat somewhere beautiful. Paula’s been showing up, supporting others, and sharing her heart for over 40 years. And she’s not done yet! Previous Next

Join the Pittsburgh - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Pittsburgh ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Pennsylvania State Welcome to the NSA Pittsburgh 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? Meetings alternate between in-person and virtual. In-person meetings are held at Duquesne University SLP Clinic – 711 Forbes Ave (Fisher Hall, across from the Armstrong Tunnel, on 4th floor) Pittsburgh, PA 15219 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00PM. Meetings alternate between in-person and virtual. Please contact the Chapter Leader for more information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Seth Tichenor Chapter Leader Get in touch! tichenors@duq.edu 412-254-3196 - 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

Learn how Sharon Emery,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Senior Consultant Sharon Emery Mason, MI Senior Consultant Truscott Rossman Briefly describe your daily job duties. Having worked over 30 years in communications — as a journalist, university instructor and public relations professional — I have added a new career: book author, including extensive speaking engagements. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The book is my memoir, “It’s Hard Being You, A Primer on Being Happy Anyway,” so of course it details my battle to be a communicator who struggles to speak. Sharing that experience out loud was a challenging step I thought I’d never take. But I did … and people are receptive! What are your long-term career aspirations? Mentoring others who struggle to speak, and educating the fluent public about how they can overcome being “disabled listeners”. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I self-disclose in that I have a severe stutter, so listeners always know upfront that I am one unique speaker… I try to help them get over it. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I love helping Truscott Rossman clients “make every word count”. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. When you’re a person who stutters, you don’t want to waste a single breath on unnecessary words. Here’s to clear, direct, impactful communication! What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Recognize your stutter as a key part of who you are. Own it, and then be brave enough to let yourself fill up an entire room.

Meet Melissa Sanchez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Melissa Sanchez Conference Coordinator Originally from the Bronx, Melissa has been a dedicated member of the NSA team for over 15 years. Throughout her time, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, but her true passion lies in designing the stunning balloon displays for our 1-day events, Regional Gatherings, and Annual Conferences. Outside of work, Melissa is a proud wife and the loving mother of her vibrant 3-year-old daughter, Eleana.

Learn how Emily Anderson,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Environmental Specialist Emily Anderson Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an Environmental Specialist at DOWL, my job duties vary depending on the project we are working on and the time of the year. During the summer, I am very busy with wetland delineation fieldwork. When a client wants to fill wetland for development, they need the proper permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That’s when a third party, like what I do at DOWL, does fieldwork to identify the wetland. We look for three things: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology. Simply put, we dig big holes and analyze the soils plus the surrounding environment. It’s a lot of fun and has brought me to such beautiful regions of Alaska. When not doing field work, I am working on permits, Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for major projects. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My biggest challenge is participating on teleconferences. Because projects involve a lot of different people from a variety of sectors, teleconferences are very common in my field of work. I already stutter a lot on the phone and when I know there are many people on the line, important people for that matter, it can be very stressful for me. It’s also difficult to find a moment to talk on teleconferences. Sometimes I will start to speak, stutter, and someone will start speaking because they think the line is open. It is not their fault but just something that happens. 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 disclose my stutter and it felt AMAZING. I knew I wanted to disclose but I was waiting for the right moments to do so. I wanted to make it organic and prove it as a strength of mine. My interviewers asked me what I like to do in my free time. I responded with the normal outdoor Alaskan activities but also said I like being a role model to people who stutter, especially the younger generation. I brought up my leadership role with the Alaska NSA Family Chapter and what an impact it has had on children and their parents. My interviewers were completely blown away and loved it. Currently when I disclose to clients or other coworkers, I also wait for it to be organic. If I am just casually stuttering, I usually don’t disclose unless I need to. But if I’m in a big meeting or presentation, I will simply say: “Just a heads up, I do stutter so it may take me an extra moment.” I have even had people approach me after presentations to tell me how great it was that I told the crowd that. It really helps people feel comfortable with you when you disclose your stutter. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Being a person who stutters in the workplace makes me a very conscientious speaker. I take my time when I speak up and choose my words wisely. This is not to avoid stuttering or to choose words I will not stutter on, but rather, it makes me feel better when I take my time. I’ve found speaking slowly and concisely demands attention from people. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I have only been at my current company for about 6 months now, so I expect a giant proud moment is yet to come. As of now, my colleagues and supervisors have been very vocal about my strengths and willingness to help where needed. Something I am proud of is that out of the entire environmental department, I have logged the most hours in the field. For someone of my age and experience level, that is certainly something to be proud of. What are your long-term career aspirations? Thankfully in the environmental science world, there’s always work to be done and a large variety of it. However, that makes my field very broad because I’m interested in absolutely everything. Once I narrow in my interests, I hope to go back to school to obtain my master’s degree. I would love to study the social effects of climate change, especially since Alaska is being hit rather hard by the changing climate. 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 advice is do not let stuttering define you. Use your stutter as a strength. Show people that it’s just one part of you and it does not hold you back. Plus, I promise we, people who stutter, notice our stutter way more than anyone else! It can feel like such a huge deal to tell someone that you stutter, but chances are they are going to accept and move on. It is not a big deal to them. They value you for your brain, your talent, your personality. Your stutter can be an asset, if you let it be that.

Join the Tri-Cities - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Tri-Cities FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Tri-Cities 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? Chapter Meet-ups are held around the Tri-Cities, WA, area. When? Please contact the Chapter Leader for more information and to join our email list! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Elizabeth Follett-Figueroa Chapter Leader Get in touch! nsatricities@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

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.

Learn how Derek Mitchell,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Senior IT Service Strategy Analyst Derek Mitchell As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Communication is the most important aspect of my job. Being successful as a business analyst requires understanding business operations and technical processes but also knowing how to communicate that information is most important. At times my stutter makes it difficult to clearly explain processes and concepts to my co-workers whether it’s in a meeting or a one-on-one situation. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I disclosed my stutter on the initial phone job interview and during the onsite job interviews with my current company. I made the decision to start disclosing my stutter during interviews six years ago. I realized that when I disclosed, I felt much more comfortable and didn’t have as much anxiety about my speech. This allows me to focus more on selling my experience and skills as opposed to being fluent. When I disclose, I keep it short and simple only telling the interviewer that I have a speech difference and invite them to ask questions about it. I state it as a matter of fact and do not add any extra context if it’s not needed. What is your proudest moment at your current company? During emergencies, my company uses several methods of communicating with their employees. One system that sends out emergency communications began to have issues and caught the attention of the school superintendent. I was asked to analyze the issue and come up with a solution. When I discovered the source of the problem, I then had to present my analysis to the various departments that had been affected. It was difficult, but I was able to present the information clearly and impress my boss. What are your long-term career aspirations? A career as an author and professional speaker are my long-term goals. While writing has always been a big part of my life, speaking is very new to me. Because speaking was always difficult for me, I heavily relied on my writing to communicate in certain situations. As a result, I developed proficiency and passion for writing. Before joining Toastmasters speaking professionally was a least likely profession for me than being an astronaut. After becoming move involved in Toastmasters, I realized that as I was beating my fear of public speaking, I was also developing a love for it. 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 advice is to not let your stutter dictate your career path. Your stutter or level of fluency doesn’t qualify or disqualify you for a certain career path. Focus and double down on the actual skills that will make you successful in your career. There’s nothing wrong with working on your fluency but know that it will not be the determining factor for your success or failure.