Search Results

Join the Phoenix - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Phoenix ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Arizona State Welcome to the NSA Phoenix 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? ASU Speech and Pathology Building, Second Floor of Coor Hall. (ASU Coor Hall 976 S. Forrest Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281) Parking is located in Lot. 11. Please reach out to Adrienne for a parking permit and map prior to meeting. When? Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:45PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Adrienne & Daniel Benito-Bodimer Chapter Leaders Get in touch! AdrienneAZ@gmail.com (480) 276-8328 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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

Join the Burlington - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Burlington ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Vermont State Welcome to the NSA Burlington Adult 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? University of Vermont Eleanor Luse Center (Pomeroy Hall waiting room) – 489 Main Street Burlington, VT 05405 When? Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kim Bauerly & Danra Kazenski Chapter Leaders Get in touch! burlingtonstutters@gmail.com (802) 656-0250 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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

Join the Alaska - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Alaska ADULT & FAMILY CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Alaska State Welcome to the NSA Alaska 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? Virtual 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? Meetings are held virtually. When? Events are held monthly. For details about meetings/events and to be added to our email list, please contact the Chapter Leaders to confirm meeting details prior to attending. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Lou Heite & Emily Anderson Chapter Leaders Get in touch! NSA.AlaskaChapter@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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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

Join the Miami - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Miami FAMILY CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Miami 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? Hybrid Meeting 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? 12600 SW St, Suite 107, Miami, Florida, 33186 When? Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:15 PM, and alternate between in-person and virtual. Please contact the Chapter Leader for more information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Mabell Alcantara Vargas Chapter Leader Get in touch! mabell1994@gmail.com (305) 323-6335 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Conor Quinn,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Commissioner & Restaurant Owner Conor Quinn Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a commissioner in my community I talk with constituents every day and deal with their concerns. Commissioners run the government in the township, pass budgets, ordinances, and serve as the voice for the constituents. My other job is as a restaurant owner in my township. I help manage the daily operations of the restaurant and deliver the best possible service and food we can. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a stutterer, the most challenging part of being a commissioner and restaurant owner is speaking in public. But I’ve not let that hold me back in speaking up. 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? Yes, when I ran for Commissioner I’d speak to residents and if I stuttered, then I would let them know that I stutter. Everyone from the residents to my fellow commissioners are very understanding and respectful. That also goes for my job as a restaurant owner. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. It shows you’re not afraid of being you. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment was when I won my election. I live in the greatest community and being able to give back is what I enjoy. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term plan is to best represent the people in my community. Maybe I’ll run for higher office because public service is important to me. I will continue to work at the restaurant and who knows, maybe I’ll own other restaurants too. You never know what life holds. 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 shy away from speaking. Embrace it. If you stutter let people know, you’ll find out people are very understanding. Don’t be ashamed.

Learn how Hannah Dunn,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Sr. Elite Care Specialist Hannah Dunn Briefly describe your daily job duties. I assist Marriott guests at all rewards levels with any issues that arise during their Marriott guest experience. I also assist Marriott hotel management, staff and other agents to help ensure maximum guest satisfaction. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. For 8 to 10 hours every shift, I’m on the phone talking. Each call is different and because of that, I do not speak from a script. I must think on my feet and engage in ad-hoc conversations all day with all types of people. Everything is unplanned and the conversation could, and does, go in any direction. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how? Yes! Absolutely! I disclosed my stutter during my hiring process because I cannot hide it. In the interview when I was asked, “What are your strengths?” I responded by telling them my stutter is a strength because I never let it stop me from doing uncomfortable things and instead, I use it as motivation to a better job. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to continue being in the hospitality industry and be responsible for planning programs and events. What’s your best advice for people who stutter striving to achieve career success? Don’t hide your stutter. Let it be known and let it shine. Your stutter is what makes you who you are.

Meet Veronica Washington, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Veronica Washington DEI Committee Veronica is the founder of The PAUSE Initiative, a movement that empowers individuals with communication differences to celebrate their voices. Her son, Logan, is a person who stutters. She currently works in dementia research at Johns Hopkins University and has a long-standing passion for supporting vulnerable and neurodiverse populations. Guided by a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she hopes to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. In her free time, Veronica enjoys building relationships, listening to music, spending quality time with family and friends, reading books with unexpected twists, and taking walks by the water.

Join the Portland - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Portland ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Oregon State Welcome to the NSA Portland 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? Taborspace (Library Room) 5441 SE Belmont St. Portland, OR 97215 When? Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00PM – 8:30PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Brad Yein, Bethany Laratta, Tyler Grant Chapter Leaders Get in touch! portlandnsa@gmail.com 815-823-3937 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Landon Coffell Speaker Landon Coffell, a 27 year old person who stutters, currently lives in central Arkansas with his fiancée, Kaseenah. He works as a Production Coordinator at a facility that manufactures crane hoist and lift equipment. This role challenges him as a PWS as he must communicate effectively both in the company and with outside vendors. In his spare time, Landon enjoys hitting the gym, hiking, fishing, and is currently planning a wedding with his fiancée! This past year, he spoke to a cohort of graduate program SLP students on the challenges and realities of being a PWS and this experience sparked an interest in more speaking opportunities in the stuttering world. Previous Next

< Back Supporter Spotlight: Ariel Sonn – From Silence to Strength When Ariel Sonn first joined the National Stuttering Association in 2017, it was during a pivotal season: her final year of college. After years of avoiding conversations about stuttering, she reached a place of acceptance — and longed to connect with others who stuttered too. Her first NSA conference was in Chicago in 2018, and it sealed the deal: Ariel was hooked. They found a community full of pride, honesty, and joy — and it changed everything. “I heard about the NSA from Vivian Sisskin. When I finally got to a place of acceptance in my stuttering journey, I decided that I wanted to meet more people with whom I could form close connections. For the longest time, I hated talking about stuttering. I couldn't even watch someone on TV stutter because it made me feel so ashamed. But then I realized the beauty and happiness of immersing yourself in a community of people who stutter and have no shame.” What followed was a complete transformation in Ariel’s relationship with stuttering. What once caused shame and silence now became a powerful part of her identity — one they proudly share. “I have moments of struggle almost every day, but the hold those moments have on me is nearly diminished.” These days, Ariel is the person her friends and family turn to for education and insight on stuttering. They’ve helped shape more inclusive, empathetic conversations — and they’re proud of it. My friends and family all support me and have shared moments where they have learned how to be better allies to other people who stutter that they've encountered in their lives. Those moments make me so proud.” Ariel’s advice to new NSA members? “Embrace everything. Have an open mind and open arms.” Get to know Ariel: Favorite ice cream: Cookies and cream Nature pick: Beach Favorite show: Gossip Girl Karaoke jam: Pink Pony Club Pets: None (yet!) Tattoo: A sparrow on her wrist to represent Jack Sparrow and the spirit of adventure 🇮🇹 Dream trip: Italy’s coastline From hiding her stutter to celebrating it as a gift, Ariel has become a beacon for others on their journeys. And through it all, the NSA community is better for having them in it. Ariel — thank you for your light, your voice, and your fierce support! Previous Next

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.

< Back Helene Haus Speaker Helene Haus is the proud mother of two boys, Tim (30) and Daniel (27). Daniel is a PWS. Helene is a former preschool teacher who lives with her husband, Mark, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They are truly blessed to be a part of the NSA family and are always amazed at Daniel’s genuine kindness and support of children who stutter and their families. Previous Next