Learn how Craig Cieslik,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Health and History Teacher Craig Cieslik Briefly describe your daily job duties. Teaching Health and History to high school students. This is my 25th year! As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I explain to the students on day one that I’m a lifelong stutterer and we all struggle with things in life and I’m lucky I stutter. It could have been worse. I also teach students that most people who stutter don’t talk for a living, and I do. That they can also overcome any disability or fear that they have and pursue their dreams like I did. What are your long-term career aspirations? I have been married almost 12 years now, and have a 6 year old son. I have gone from coaching record-setting high school football teams to coaching 5 and 6-year olds in soccer and basketball. It’s been fun, and I joke that it’s not that much different than coaching high school kids! Maybe someday I will coach high school football again. I’ve been blessed beyond my wildest dreams from a young kid who was scared to talk because of my stutter to being able to have my dream job the past 25 years, travel the world with my wife, raise a child, and live in Orange County, California (one of the greatest places in the world!). Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Yes, I am always upfront about it. I had the privilege to take a course on stuttering with Dr. Sheehan 30 years ago who was a pioneer in the stuttering field. She taught me to always come out and say ‘this is who you are’ to put everybody at ease. That way, people won’t guess or think you are nervous, which could impact your hire. I also joke around a lot about my speech. I will say, ‘I stutter, but I make up for it with good looks!’ What is your proudest moment at your current company? Proudest moment was setting national records as the head coach of the football program. Like with my speech, we were underdogs and we outworked everybody else and did some amazing things. Lots of the records still stand over 10 years later. I’m also proud when students tell me how much they loved my class and how they get used to my stuttering and don’t even see me as a stutterer. I keep students at ease by joking about my speech and saying things like, ‘you can either listen to me stutter, or we can just do the work’. At one time I had to sue my district after some administrative discrimination and mocking due to my speech disability. I stood up for myself as I have always been taught, the judge ruled in my favor, and the district settled the case. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Ever since I was a child I felt I had to always prove myself and work harder then anybody else. By working hard and being good at school and sports I wasn’t judged by how I talked, rather I was judged on my skills. That gave me so much confidence to talk, to ask out a girl, etc., and also helped me to deal with kids who made fun of me or thought I was weird. I got great self esteem from working hard and having great parents and siblings who always encouraged me and didn’t cater to or feel bad for me. My siblings also never made fun of my speech problem which is pretty amazing and cool. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? You have to be upfront about and proud of your speech difference. I’m glad I stutter. It made me the person I am today, and it has made me popular in ways with people my entire life saying things like, ‘you know, that tall guy who stutters. Oh yes, Craig. That’s his name’. You have to be confident in your abilities. A lot of people may doubt you and even talk down to you, but it’s just a lack of education on their part. Be a team player and everything else will work itself out.

< Back Previous Molly Porzel Presenter Molly Porzel is an advocate for inclusion, empowerment, and the celebration of all voices. As the wife of a person who stutters and a mom of three kids (one of whom stutters), she brings a lived, family-centered perspective to the stuttering community. Molly works in Early Childhood Special Education and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She enjoys creating spaces where children (and adults) can feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. When she’s not at the Annual Conference, you’ll find her co-leading the St. Louis Family Chapter or squeezing in as many 1-Day Conferences as possible! Next

Learn how Glenn Foster,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Systems Analyst Glenn Foster Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m a systems analyst at The MITRE Corporation which is a non-profit group of federally funded research and development centers. I work on projects supporting the Federal Aviation Administration modeling the National Airspace System, analyzing future bottlenecks at airports and performing benefits analysis for planned airspace and airports improvements. Our research products are briefings and technical reports. I have worked at MITRE for 21 years. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a person who stutters, I have always been extra anxious when delivering briefings. Giving briefings is an important part of my job where I communicate our work to an internal audience, federal sponsors, and sometimes at an aviation conference. My stuttering varies from day to day. I always try to take my time and say all that I want to say but it is challenging when there is a large audience. Over the years I have learned to be more open and accepting of my stuttering. 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? I did not self-disclose my stuttering during the job hiring process. Part of me now being more open about my stuttering is I’ve talked with my managers about it and they have been very supportive. My managers tell me I’m an effective communicator and that feels good. I sometimes “advertise” – disclose that I am a person who stutters – as I start to give a presentation. I often try to insert humor into my disclosure which relaxes me and seems to help the audience become more engaged. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I feel stuttering has helped me become a very good listener and that helps me be a good team member on projects because my listening skills translate into having an eye for detail. Also, I take extra pride in my briefings and spend more time preparing my slides and formulating a clear explanation of our projects. What is your proudest moment at your current company? (Does not have to be related to stuttering.) I joined Toastmasters to help me become more comfortable with my stuttering during presentations. I once entered a humorous speech contest in our Toastmasters club and won 3 rounds of competitions. The final round was in a large auditorium in front of 200 people. I didn’t place in the top 3 in that final round, but I was very proud to have gone through that experience. Throughout the contest rounds I found myself being more driven to win, rather than worry about my stuttering. That feeling was new to me and was only possible due to my avoidance reduction speech therapy. What are your long-term career aspirations? I am in the twilight of my professional career and thinking about retirement so my long-term aspirations are post-retirement. I have always loved spending time with children and hope to find a volunteer opportunity with them. Now that I am more open with my stuttering, I would also like to help children who stutter in some way. I have always enjoyed comedy and really enjoy working on my humorous speeches for Toastmasters so maybe I can continue that. 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 advise people to be as open as they can with their stuttering. I have found that my management has been very supportive when I have talked about my stuttering challenges and hopefully that would be true in most workplaces. Being open with your stuttering allows you to put more concentration on the content of the work and less on stuttering. I used to, and sometimes still do, attempt to speak while at the same time doing mental gymnastics trying to hide my stuttering. It can be exhausting! So, if you have an opportunity to disclose your stuttering from the beginning please do it. You can be an effective communicator and stutter at the same time.

Help us amplify voices in the stuttering community. Share your stories, insights, or expertise to create empowering content with the National Stuttering Association. NSA Community Collaboration Interest Form Thank you for your interest in partnering with the National Stuttering Association. Your voice matters, and together we can create content that uplifts, informs, and connects our community. This form will help us learn more about you, what topics inspire you, and how you’d like to contribute. About You First name* Last name* Email* Tell us which role best describes you:* Person Who Stutters Parent Family Member of a Person Who Stutters Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Professional Educator Researcher Advocate Other What Topics Inspire You? Based on your role, please select all the topics you’re interested in sharing your voice on. Don’t see your topic? Choose “Other” and tell us more! How Would You Like to Contribute? Choose all the ways you’re interested in helping us share stories and information:* Share quotes or personal stories Take part in video interviews Review articles or offer expert feedback Write an article or blog post Other A Few More Questions Best Way to Reach You Preferred contact method:* Email Phone Other Best time to connect:* Morning Afternoon Evening Flexible Other Anything Else? We want to hear from you. * SUBMIT

Join the Bethlehem - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Bethlehem FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Pennsylvania State Welcome to the NSA Bethlehem 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? Sports Medicine Rehab Center – 1441 Schoenersville Road (Room #271) Bethlehem, PA 18018 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kristin Lyn Chapter Leader Get in touch! kristinlynn610@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 Wladimir Lyra,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Assistant Professor Wladimir Lyra Briefly describe your daily job duties. Planning, running, and interpreting computer simulations of astrophysical theories. Communicating my discoveries with my peers through scientific articles and talks, teaching undergraduate and PhD level classes. Mentoring graduate students on their research. Writing proposals for research money. Meetings with faculty peers and communicating with the general public via public talks and popular science articles. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Initially it was about giving talks, but that became second nature around the transition from PhD student to postdoctoral researcher. Now I give talks with ease. What is still challenging sometimes is talking to higher-ups who hold power over me. And at times also doing the occasional round table of “everybody introduce yourself” impromptu thing. Wouldn’t call it challenging, but certainly unpleasant. 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 students? I did, in the diversity statement: “This is perhaps the part I feel I am making myself the most vulnerable in this coming out essay [I had already addressed being Latino and non-straight], I disclose that I stutter. The disfluency is mild (as evaluated by speech and language pathologists) and not classified as a disability, or even a speech difference. Still, I am constantly in speech therapy to keep it in check. It does not affect my teaching, but I still open the first class of every course by saying ‘Before we continue, let’s get something out of the way. I have been speaking for 20 minutes now, you probably noticed it already: I stutter. It’s not that I’m nervous, it’s not that I’m looking for the word in English, it’s just the way I speak. I am comfortable with it, and I hope you are too.’ So far, it has been a complete non-issue.’” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I grew up with relatives telling me that there was stuff I couldn’t do because of it. If I had believed them, I would not have accomplished half of what I have done. If anything, my stutter makes me work harder because I knew it could be in the way of my goals. This experience helps me understand ableism. Perhaps because of it, I will be the first to tell a deaf student or a student in a wheelchair that their disabilities are not insurmountable obstacles to becoming a scientist. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Mentoring is my greatest source of pride. Helping students develop their true potential is priceless. I’m also proud to get federal research grants and publish influential results. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Keep in mind that people are not as judgmental of our speech as we think they are. Insecurity, not stuttering, is your worst enemy. A moment of stuttering does not overrule a lifetime of successes, including those that got you the job. Nothing good comes out of trying to hide it. It’s not something you should feel shame about it. Don’t let it define you but wear it with pride, like we do in the LGBT community, and it can only positively affect your sense of worth.

Learn how Landry Champlin,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Miss America Organization Landry Champlin Briefly describe your daily job duties. As Miss Plano, I am a speaker, performer, and advocate for my social impact initiative, “Live Fearless: Defining Life Without Limits.” I speak frequently on my journey competing and finding success in the Miss America Organization, a competition centralized around public speaking. I am also the founder of “The Live Fearless Foundation,” a charitable organization that brings character education and scholarship opportunities to students fearlessly seeking a higher education despite the adversity they may face in their own lives. Along with the “Live Fearless Foundation,” I have created an online blog and podcast named “The Fearless Files,” dedicated to encouraging EVERYONE to find comfort outside of their comfort zone! And in June of 2021, I will go onto compete for the title of Miss Texas! As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a public speaker and stutterer, maintaining confidence consistently is by far the most challenging aspect of my job! As cliché as it sounds, I question myself, my skillset, and my own capabilities often! Each time, I remind myself how important it is to recognize, that as individuals we are allowed to be a work in progress and a finished product at the same time! Celebrate how far you have come, while continuing to grow into the person you aspire to be! Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I began competing in the Miss America Organization when I was 14 years old. At the time, I did NOT disclose my stutter when competing, but my nerves in the high stress environment got the best of me, and I stuttered throughout the competition! After 2 years of competing, hiding behind my speech difference, I became conscious of the fact that stuttering was and is the quality that makes me unique! Instead of concealing my “secret,” I sought to change the stereotype behind stuttering and created a social impact initiative in an effort to encourage everyone to embrace their OWN challenges and turn them into success stories! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I never take words for granted. Each speech, appearance, and conversation I participate in is intentional! As Miss Plano, I am aware of the power that words and articulate communication can have on a person and I work tirelessly to ensure EVERYONE feels seen for who they are. I strive to make every interaction with another human being impactful and purposeful. Stuttering has forced me to work harder, dream bigger, and become a stronger communicator! What is your proudest moment at your current company? In June of 2019, at the age of 17, I was named 2nd-Runner Up to the title of Miss Texas 2019. I was also awarded an overall preliminary talent award, Rookie Onstage Interview Award, and was named a “Top 10 Interview.” As the youngest in the competition, I was awarded over $7,000 in scholarship funds! What are your long-term career aspirations? I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Music Theatre at Oklahoma City University and aspire to one day perform on Broadway!! I also intend to be the first Miss America with a stutter! I hope to inspire millions of stutterers worldwide to share their voice, pursue their dreams, and find strength in taking risks! What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Nothing worth having comes from a comfort zone. As a person who stutters, use your experience overcoming adversity to your advantage. Try something new. Be bold. Take risks! Success is born out of consistent confidence in YOUR abilities. Regardless of the severity of your stutter, know this: your presence defines you before you open your mouth to speak! Stay confident in your ability to communicate effectively and take every opportunity to grow along the way!

Learn how Carolina Ayala,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Developmental Services Worker Carolina Ayala Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Developmental Services Worker, I support adults with intellectual disabilities. These adults come to our day program and do a variety of activities that promote independence and enjoyment such as arts and crafts, cooking, music, reading, writing, yoga, jigsaw puzzles, and more. We also go into the community with these adults and assist them in a variety of ways including: shopping, swimming, visiting attractions, going to the library, taking different modes of transportation and visiting zoo and farms. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part is when there is an emergency and I need to call 911. I feel immense pressure to be quick and precise because someone’s life is on the line and I want to do my best for the person I am supporting. This is when I use positive self-talk and keep calm. Getting anxious will only make things worse. 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 always disclose because I stutter often and I am an overt person who stutters. I do this because it helps put me at ease. Some people may be taken aback but that is their issue, not mine. I like to disclose when I am first meeting a new staff member or a family member. I think it puts both of us at ease. For the most part, people appreciate me disclosing and may ask a question or two about stuttering. Regardless of how someone reacts, I know that I am more than my stutter and I try to relay that in my interactions with others. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Some of the adults with disabilities I support, cannot speak. As a person stutters, I understand that communication is so much more than verbal communication. In that way, I am able to better connect with people I help at work. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Going through this coronavirus pandemic has made me realize how important and valuable a Developmental Services Worker is — we are essential workers. I am proud that I have been able to support our clients through these very challenging times where they cannot visit with their family or friends and have to stay home. They miss their routines. As staff, we are there to comfort them and provide constant stability in a time that has lots of changes. People with disabilities are often forgotten in such times because there are so may needs. I am happy I can do my part to fill this void. What are your long-term career aspirations? First and foremost, I want to be happy. Doing things that improve the lives of others gives me great joy. I would love to continue to try more positions within my organization that push me outside of my comfort zone with the focus of bettering the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Sometimes greater success isn’t about more money but about the amount of enjoyment you get out of what you are doing. I love my job and helping others. I love making people happy, making them smile because its literally FREE so why not! I always want to strive for more and try new things. Last summer, I tried a position with more responsibility, and it was a great opportunity that taught me that I am capable of so much. Sometimes people judge us, based on what they see and hear but we, people who stutter, are so much more than a stutter. We are awesome people with beautiful things to say to people who are willing to listen. Sometimes we have to push ourselves to see all that we can accomplish.

Learn how Eamonn Hubert,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Musician Eamonn Hubert Endicott, NY Musician Hot Dogs & Gin Briefly describe your daily job duties. I perform live music with my band and as a duo with my Dad for several shows a month, both private and public. I was also on the US Broadway First National Tour of “School of Rock the Musical” as a musician and swing/understudy for three characters, and went on several times in 13 states when I was ten years old. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of what I do is talking spontaneously to fans and doing interviews. I tend to stutter more when I’m excitedly speaking about something that isn’t rehearsed or scripted. I also stutter more while I’m in the early stages of learning lines for a role. This is a challenge every year when I participate in my school musical which is always put together in a very short time. What are your long-term career aspirations? I hope to attend music school someday and continue to perform as a professional musician. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? When I was cast in School of Rock I didn’t disclose my stutter, but I’m pretty sure the casting team noticed it! It didn’t seem to matter to them since most actors don’t stutter once their lines are memorized. It did affect my being selected to speak on press days– I usually wasn’t allowed to because of my stutter. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment has probably been performing with my band, Hot Dogs & Gin, at the NYS Blues Festival last summer. I first performed there with another band when I was six, but to have a full set to ourselves was such an honor! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I’m not sure how stuttering helps me, but I don’t really think about it as much anymore. I’m fairly fluent most of the time and when I’m not, I don’t let it bother me. Most of the folks who come out to see us perform know I have a stutter (I’m also autistic) from old social media posts. I hope that if anyone who stutters does notice my stutter, they will see it’s not a big deal for me and doesn’t have to be for them either. 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 strengths and use whatever fluency tools you may have learned as needed. If others have reactions or questions about the stutter, just tell them it’s part of you like anything else: eye color, gender, etc. and that it doesn’t affect your ability to be awesome! The more you worry about your stutter, the less fluent and confident you’ll be.

Looking for a speech therapist who understands stuttering? The National Stuttering Association offers guidance, referral links, and questions to ask before starting therapy so you can find the right Speech-Language Pathologist for your needs. Your Guide to Finding the Right Speech Language Pathologist Speech therapy can play an important role in helping people who stutter build communication confidence and develop strategies that support their goals. Choosing the right Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a personal decision. The best therapeutic relationships are built on trust, respect, and an understanding that every person's experience with stuttering is unique. Speech Therapy Consultation Different approaches work for different people, and no therapy can guarantee permanent fluency. Effective therapy focuses on helping individuals communicate with greater confidence, develop strategies that support their goals, and improve overall quality of life. What Makes Speech Therapy Successful Research shows that therapy is often most effective when: The clinician has specialized training and experience working with people who stutter. The clinician and client develop a strong therapeutic alliance, built on mutual trust and open communication. Therapy goals focus on communication effectiveness, confidence, and real-world participation. Before beginning therapy, it can be helpful to schedule a consultation with potential SLPs. This conversation allows you to learn about their approach and determine whether you feel supported and understood. Questions to Ask a Potential SLP Asking thoughtful questions can help you identify whether a therapist's philosophy aligns with your goals. Q: How do you view stuttering? RED FLAG RESPONSE “My goal is to help you speak fluently all the time.” HEALTHY RESPONSE An SLP should acknowledge that stuttering is a neurological condition and discuss ways to support communication, confidence, and participation rather than promising fluency. Q: What does a typical therapy session look like? RED FLAG RESPONSE “We’ll practice until you get rid of your stuttering.” HEALTHY RESPONSE Effective therapy often includes a mix of communication strategies, emotional support, and real-world speaking practice. Q: How do you balance fluency strategies with stuttering acceptance? RED FLAG RESPONSE “I’ll teach you techniques to hide your stuttering.” HEALTHY RESPONSE Many modern therapy approaches encourage both communication tools and openness about stuttering. Q: What resources or communities do you recommend for people who stutter? RED FLAG RESPONSE “I don’t really know of any stuttering communities.” HEALTHY RESPONSE A knowledgeable SLP should be familiar with community resources such as support groups, conferences, and organizations that connect people who stutter. Q: How do you respond when a client stutters openly in therapy? RED FLAG RESPONSE “I’ll stop you and remind you to use a fluency technique.” HEALTHY RESPONSE Supportive clinicians create space for open communication and help clients explore strategies without pressure to hide or suppress stuttering. For more information about therapy approaches, visit the Stuttering Treatment Options page to learn about: Fluency shaping Stuttering modification Stutter-affirming therapy Early intervention approaches Speech-Language Pathologist Referral List Specialty Board on Fluency Disorders The Specialty Board on Fluency Disorders maintains a directory of SLPs who have advanced training in stuttering and meet peer-reviewed standards as board-recognized specialists. Visit Website Spero Stuttering Spero Stuttering's Ally of Stuttering certification recognizes SLPs who demonstrate a stutter-affirming approach and a commitment to continued education and advocacy. Visit Website GlobalSpeech GlobalSpeech is a student-created tool that maps nearly 2,000 speech therapy centers across the United States and parts of North America with easy state-by-state filters. Visit Website Important Note The National Stuttering Association does not evaluate or warrant the competency of individual therapists and cannot guarantee treatment outcomes. Always speak directly with professionals and ask questions before beginning therapy. Other Helpful Resources Stuttering Programs and Camps The NSA maintains a list of workshops, intensive programs, summer classes, and camps for children, teens, and adults who stutter. View Programs NSA Local Chapters The NSA offers 164 local chapters across the United States for adults, families, teens, and children who stutter. Meetings provide a safe, judgment-free space to connect with others who understand the experience of stuttering. Find a Chapter American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA is the professional organization representing speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Resources include certification standards, evidence-based practice guidelines, and information about insurance coverage. Visit ASHA.org Spero Stuttering, Inc. Spero Stuttering advocates for the stuttering community and provides education and funding opportunities that support professionals working with people who stutter. Spero Funding Opportunities Need More Help? Looking for a speech-language pathologist or additional support? The National Stuttering Association can help connect you with trusted resources. Contact the NSA Last Updated: October 2025 Author: National Stuttering Association Marketing & Education Team with contributions from Nicole Kulmaczewski, MS, CCC-SLP, Jacqueline Toscano, SLP.D. CCC-SLP, Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP and Megan M. Young, ABD, CCC-SLP