Join the Burlington - Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Burlington Teens TEEN CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Vermont State Welcome to the NSA Burlington Teen 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? Teen 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? University of Vermont Eleanor Luse Center (Pomeroy Hall waiting room) – 489 Main Street Burlington, VT 05405. Parents are required to stay onsite, and may attend the separate parents meeting. When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:30PM. Meetings are hybrid, concurrently held on Zoom and in person. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leaders. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Danra Kazenski & Sully Kiley Chapter Leaders Get in touch! burlingtonstutters@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 Leigh Gaston,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Assistant Editor Leigh Gaston Los Angeles, CA Assistant Editor Paramount Pictures Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am currently working on a new production of The Spiderwick Chronicles that will be airing on Disney+. I handle and organize all the dailies from production. I am responsible for the sound design of the episode and I also cut scenes. Once each episode is locked, I prep everything so it can be finished and ready for air. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Communication between departments and staff is very important. I work closely with the Director, Showrunner, and other Executive Producers. Being able to express artistic concepts and execute them requires me to talk often and maintain professionalism. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am working towards becoming an Editor full time and my ultimate goal is to Direct. When I was younger and stuttered so much, I never thought I would actually get this close to directing and it seemed foolish to even think about holding a position of such authority where you had to talk so much. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I have not talked to anyone here about my stuttering. Usually in my life, if the subject ever comes up I don’t shy away from being open about it. I just haven’t felt the need to explain myself yet and I just go with the flow of my speech, whatever it may be on that given day. Everyone has unique aspects about themselves that I don’t believe need to be explained before you get to know them on a personal level. What is your proudest moment at your current company? This is the first show I have worked on within my favorite genre (Science Fiction/Fantasy), and when the team is receptive to my creativity that gives me great happiness! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. The experience I have had with stuttering over the course of my life has made me very resilient, and that resilience helps when the workload is heavy and the workday goes long. I think stuttering also makes me very empathetic, which helps in this line of work. Being able to imagine what will make the audience feel a certain way is very important. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? It may seem impossible to imagine sometimes, but if you pursue your passions and take it one day at a time there’s no reason you can’t achieve your goals in life and in your career. I didn’t know how I would even get to where I am today but I trusted that if I worked hard, stayed patient, and remained positive that things would most likely unfold in the way they I hoped. Be brave!

Learn how Jason Baker,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Professor of Music Jason Baker Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach percussion instruments in both individual and group settings. This involves private lessons, as well as leading and directing the percussion ensemble, marching band drumline, and steel drum band. I also serve as Recruiting Coordinator for the department, where I organize events both on and off campus to attract prospective students to our program. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My stuttering usually occurs when I’m tired or have had to speak for a long time, which can happen toward the end of a long day of teaching or an especially full week of events. My particular stutter consists more of “blocking” than typical repetition of sounds, so it can create a lot of physical tension in body in my body, as well. What are your long-term career aspirations? I just enjoy the variety of teaching, performing, publishing, composing, and service that life at the university has afforded me. Each semester brings in new students, situations, and opportunities, so there is always something I didn’t anticipate before, and that’s enough to keep me busy for a long time Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If I suspect my stuttering is going to affect my speaking during an event (interview, lecture, or presentation) I will usually work it into what I am talking about, such as stating how playing music helped me develop positive self esteem in my youth despite being a stutterer. Usually, doing this will lessen my own anxiety and my speech will be more fluent. Either way, it becomes less of an issue and people seem fine with it either way. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Witnessing the growth in our program over the years and seeing former students now working and supporting their own families as professionals has been especially meaningful. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering has always made me a hard worker. Having to work to do something everyday that most other people take for granted has created a resiliency and work ethic that I can carry over to other challenging situations in my work. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Everyone is different in the severity and frequency their stuttering, but two thing we all have control over are the quality of work we can do at our jobs and how we treat others around us. Capitalizing on this will far outweigh any perceived shortcomings in how we speak.

< Back Chapter Leader Spotlight - Bridger Jones | Missoula, Montana Bridger Jones Missoula, Montana Chapter Leader In a state known for wide-open landscapes and small communities, Bridger Jones is helping ensure that people who stutter in Montana know they are not alone. In just over a year as Chapter Leader, Bridger has begun building a supportive space where people who stutter, families, and speech-language pathlogists (SLPs) can connect, learn, and support one another. Meet the Missoula, Montana Chapter The Missoula Chapter meets at the Missoula Public Library and also offers a virtual option using GroupMe so members can stay connected. Meetings typically bring together 1–5 attendees, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. A typical meeting begins with a check-in on how the month has been going, both personally and regarding members’ experiences with stuttering. From there, the group discusses future meeting plans and community outreach. The NSA Chapter has even hosted workshops for families, community members, and SLPs, increasing awareness of stuttering in the region. Meetings also include time to connect, sometimes playing cards, listening to music, and enjoying each other’s company. What inspired Bridger to become a Chapter Leader? Bridger has lived with a stutter since learning to speak and grew up in Missoula, Montana, without access to a local support community. “I didn’t have a community or support system for my stutter growing up,” Bridger said. That experience inspired him to create something different for others. He wanted to make sure that people who stutter and their families always have a place to find support, especially in a state where misconceptions about stuttering are still common. Bridger also hopes to help educate others about an important message: “There is nothing wrong with stuttering, and it is never something that needs to be ‘fixed.’” Remembering the first meeting Like many new NSA Chapters, the first meeting was small. In fact, the only attendees were Bridger’s family and partner. But the first time someone new who stuttered joined the meeting always became a memorable moment. Seeing how excited that person was to connect with another person who stutters (and how much the support meant) helped Bridger realize just how meaningful his NSA Chapter could become. The most rewarding part of leading the NSAN Chapter For Bridger, the most rewarding part of leadership has been creating a community in Montana and helping educate others about stuttering. Even in a smaller state with fewer resources, this NSA Chapter is helping people discover that support exists. Moments of connection One particularly meaningful moment came when a member who had recently moved to Montana began sharing his experiences. As the conversation unfolded, Bridger and the member realized that many of their positive and negative experiences with stuttering were strikingly similar. Recognizing those shared experiences created a powerful sense of connection. “Knowing we weren’t alone was such a powerful feeling,” Bridger said. Growing confidence and community Bridger has already seen the impact the NSA Chapter can have on members. One attendee who recently moved to Montana was initially struggling to find community. After attending meetings regularly, he has become more confident in navigating life with his stutter and has found a sense of belonging within the group. Connecting with the wider community The Missoula Chapter has built strong partnerships with the speech-language pathology community at the University of Montana, as well as other local clinics. These partnerships help bridge the gap between people who stutter, clinicians, and the broader community. Members have shared that the group has helped them feel more confident about stuttering, especially in a state where the stuttering community is relatively small. What makes the NSA Missoula Chapter unique This NSA Chapter focuses heavily on community education, advocacy, and resource sharing. Meetings provide space to talk about both the challenges of stuttering and the everyday experiences of life. Music often plays in the background, and playing cards has become a fun tradition. The goal is to create a space where people feel supported and understood. Welcoming new members When someone attends for the first time, Bridger makes sure they feel comfortable right away. Members introduce themselves, start casual conversations, and ask how the group can best support the newcomer. Lessons learned through leadership Leading this NSA Chapter has helped Bridger discover something important about himself. “I’ve learned that I’m capable of anything I set my mind to,” Bridger said. “And that I’m making a difference.” Inspiration along the way Bridger credits his inspiration to his family, his partner, and the broader NSA support system. He also expressed gratitude to Sarah Onofri and Tammy Flores for their encouragement and support. Looking ahead In the coming year, Bridger hopes to continue growing the NSA Chapter and expanding its reach. Two goals he’s especially excited about include: Hosting an NSA 1-Day Conference in Montana Organizing an SLP workshop with the University of Montana Life outside the NSA Outside of leading the chapter, Bridger enjoys: Collecting typewriters and antiques (he owns 11 typewriters) Reading Spending time outdoors Being with family and his partner Continuing his education He also plans to become a lawyer specializing in family law. Three words to describe the Missoula Chapter Fun. Supportive. Engaging. Previous Next

Learn how Leonardo Soto,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Detective / Hostage Negotiator Leonardo Soto New Haven, CT Detective / Hostage Negotiator New Haven Police Department Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m a detective with the Special Victims Unit (SVU). I specialize in investigating crimes involving human trafficking and child exploitation. I am also part of the Emergency Services Unit as a hostage / crisis negotiator. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a detective, you have to gain the victim’s trust and make them comfortable. As a person who stutters, it is often a challenge because people may not see you as competent because of the stuttering. It’s the same when speaking to a suspect as well. As a hostage negotiator, you have to speak with people during what can possibly be the worst moment in their lives. I have had successful negotiations during my career, but my stuttering was often questioned during the negotiation process. What are your long-term career aspirations? Eventually, I would like to take the next promotional test and become the unit commander for the special victims unit. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Before I was a police officer, I was a paramedic for many years, I never actually disclosed my stuttering during a hiring process. The first time I ever disclosed that I actively stuttered was when I went to Hostage negotiator school. Part of the process was to speak in front of the class about yourself and that was the first thing I disclosed. Since then, wherever I go or whatever I do if I have to speak to someone I will disclose. I also started disclosing that I stutter when I have to negotiate with someone. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Working in the law enforcement field for the last 15 years, I have had many proud moments. One of the proudest was when I graduated from the police academy. There were many doubts that I would even make it through the academy due to my stuttering, but with hard work and determination, I made it through and I’ve had a very successful career. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think when people who are not law-enforcement hear that you as an officer stutter, they don’t just see the officer, but they tend to see the human being. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Never limit yourself. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t follow a dream or pursue a goal just because you stutter. Put it out there. Let everyone know that you stutter and you are confident within yourself. When people see your confidence, they will be confident in you as well.

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 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 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? 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 & 4th Thursdays of each month at 7:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Darren Wilson Chapter Leader Get in touch! darrenwilson98@yahoo.com (412) 478-6025 - 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 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 Santa Monica - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Santa Monica ADULT, FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA Santa Monica 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, 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? Downtown Santa Monica Public Library, 2nd Floor - 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Andrew Wang & Gregory Scott Chapter Leaders Get in touch! andrew8880298@gmail.com speechguygregory@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

< Back Previous Ben Pahl Presenter Ben Pahl, 30, lives in Columbus, Ohio. He works at a small, local senior downsizing and transition company, where he assists in helping older adults move into senior living communities. He loves his job and finds it extremely rewarding and gratifying. Ben coaches tennis and basketball for his local Special Olympics program, plays recreational sand volleyball multiple times a week without getting injured, enjoys jigsaw puzzles and birds, and geeks out over his beloved Cleveland Guardians. He makes really good baked sweet potatoes and really bad baked ziti. Next

Meet Alyssa Kalwasinski, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alyssa Kalwasinski Sisters Who Stutter Public Outreach Coordinator & Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Alyssa lives in Central Ohio and is a junior in high school. Alyssa has stuttered her whole life and has recently gotten involved in advocacy and support for stuttering. She has played field hockey and lacrosse during high school and also likes to ride dirt bikes with her dad. She is up for any challenge and loves to try new things! Alyssa is a part of multiple clubs at her school, including Interact Club, which grants many volunteer opportunities; Girl Up Club, which promotes female empowerment; and Alyssa’s favorite, American Sign Language Club. As a Co-Public Outreach Officer for Sisters Who Stutter, Alyssa sends informational emails to speech-language pathology clinics across the nation in hopes of spreading the word about SWS.

Meet Stacey Dedering, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Stacey Dedering Seasoned Voices Committee Stacey Dedering is a human resources professional based in San Jose, California, and the proud mother of 19-year-old twins, along with her cat, Eskie. She first discovered the National Stuttering Association (NSA) 15 years ago, but at the time, the demands of work and raising young children made it difficult to stay involved. Three years ago, seeking connection with others who truly understand the experience of stuttering, she found the NSA Women’s Connect group. Since then, Stacey has become an active member of the community and has attended the last two NSA Annual Conferences.

Meet Haley Totherow, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Haley Totherow Social Media Coordinator Haley Totherow has been part of the NSA community since 2019, and her journey with stuttering reflects both growth and intention. What began as navigating the everyday challenges of being a person who stutters has evolved into confident, visible advocacy. She is an active member of the Women’s Connect support group and has shared her perspective on panels focused on pronounced stuttering—bringing honesty, depth, and representation to conversations that matter. Haley is especially passionate about increasing visibility and fostering acceptance of stuttering in everyday life. Through her Instagram platform, @StutterWithMe, she shares real speaking experiences, helping others feel seen and less alone in their own journeys. Outside of the NSA, Haley enjoys baking, craft projects, and collecting trinkets and Jellycat plush animals—small joys that reflect her creativity and personality.