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Join the Boston - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boston Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Boston 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? Location may vary around the Boston area. When? Quarterly meet-ups happen around the Boston area. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for information! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Onofri, Liz Gomez & Lisa Greenleaf Chapter Leaders Get in touch! BostonStutters@gmail.com - http://www.bostonstutters.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! "My first NSA Boston gathering as a teen changed how I saw my stutter—I finally heard others stutter too. After attending the 2021 NSA Conference, I went from seeing my stutter as my enemy to seeing it as something I could live with." ---Ethan Gioscia "The NSA Boston Chapters gave me true belonging. I found people who feel like family—who check in, cheer me on, and make me feel seen. Parents and fellow adults became the strongest supporters of my voice. My growth began the moment I found this group." ---Michèle Ayoub "I didn't know what to expect from my first NSA Boston event. I just knew I wanted my son to see other people who stutter and find community. Turns out that I needed this community just as much! Driving home, my son said seeing other people who stutter for the first time made him feel 'alive.'" ---Dolla Seng

Learn how Patrick Harvey,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Assistant Merchandise Manager Patrick Harvey Briefly describe your daily job duties. My daily job duties at the Camelback Resort involve delivering customer service to arcade room guests and helping them redeem their tickets for prizes at the redemption counter. I’m also responsible for keeping the store stocked with prizes, inventory management, and making sure the toy crane machines are full. When I’m not at work, I’m in college pursuing my bachelor’s degree in communication studies. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is speaking to the guests if they need help or if I’m helping them at the redemption counter. Sometimes I get stuck on a few words but it doesn’t stop me from doing my 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? Yes, when I first started the job as a regular employee, I let them know that I stutter. When it came to the end of the job interview, I told them I stutter and they were completely fine with it and didn’t judge me. To my co-workers, I just tell them I stutter, I’m not afraid to tell anyone because it’s a part of me and I don’t have any regrets about it. For my guests at work, I don’t disclose that I stutter unless I have to, but they don’t question me about it. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering makes me a better, more valued contributor at work because it’s a part of me and I love myself for who I am. It definitely motivates me to engage in conversations with the guests and see how they’re doing. It also motivates me to keep on talking and not to feel bad if I do get stuck on a few words even when people see that I’m struggling a little bit. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment at my current company is first, getting promoted a few years ago and becoming the Senior Merchandise Attendant. My best proudest moment is recently becoming the Assistant Merchandise Manager. As a person who stutters, this feels so good. It shows that no matter if we stutter, we all can accomplish and achieve anything we want to in life!!! What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspiration is to become a motivational speaker for people who stutter. I want to motivate everyone and let them know that stuttering is a gift and you can be anything you want to be in this world!!! 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 best advice to my stuttering family is to always let your voice be heard, you don’t have to hide your voice. Get involved and put your ideas also on the table!!! Always love yourself and accept yourself for who you are!!! You are amazing and wonderful, and you can achieve all your goals and dreams in life!!!

Meet William Webster, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. William Webster Research Committee Standing Member Dr. William Webster is a retired university professor, a former Dean, and a person who stutters. During the first 22 years of his career, he was a professor and chair of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada with an active research program focused on brain mechanisms underlying stuttering. The results of that research have been published in more than 20 journal articles and several book chapters and have been presented at a number of conferences. He co-authored with Marie Poulos in 1989 a clinical manual entitled, “Facilitating fluency: Transfer strategies for adult stuttering treatment programs” (Tucson, AZ: Communication Skill Builders). In 1991, he was appointed Dean of Social Sciences at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario, followed in 2002 as Director of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) in London, Ontario. He is currently completing a book to be entitled, “Stuttering and the brain: Reflections on my journey.”

< Back Sisters Who Stutter Spotlight: Maya Singal – Speaking Freely and Leading Boldly Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is show up as yourself. For Maya Singal, that step began just a year and a half ago when she joined the NSA. What she was looking for was a space where she could speak openly and without fear—and what she found was a life-changing community. “I wanted to be a part of a community where I felt accepted and where I could truly speak without judgment or shame.” Now a proud member of the Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) Committee, Maya is using her journey to inspire other girls who stutter to speak up, take chances, and celebrate their voices. Whether it’s in the classroom, during Zoom calls, or encouraging others at the Annual Conference, Maya leads with compassion and strength. “I’m proud of being able to present and participate in my classes frequently throughout the school year.” Her advice for new NSA members is filled with encouragement and honesty: ”You’re never alone in anything. There will always be someone who is right beside you along any journey! NSA is so supportive and welcoming, it really will change your view on life.” Get to Know Maya: Ice cream favorite: Cookie Dough Nature choice: Beach Favorite show: Gilmore Girls Karaoke jam: “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift Pet: Gryff, her lovable Bernedoodle Fun fact: Loves trying new vegetarian foods Hobby: Golf, for the outdoors and community Dream vacation: New York City Your voice matters just as it is—and with community, kindness, and confidence, you can use it to uplift others, too. Thank you, Maya! Previous Next

< Back Evan Kaczmarski Speaker Evan will be a senior for the 2025-2026 school year. He plays the trumpet is active in marching band and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and loves all sports. He has plans to major in sports medicine or physical therapy when he graduates high school. He is a person who stutters but NEVER lets that get in his way. Previous Next

Join the Huntington/Marshall U. - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Huntington/Marshall U. - Adult ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - West Virginia State Welcome to the NSA Huntington/Marshall U. 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? Marshall University Smith Hall, Room 311 One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 (Corner of 3rd avenue and Hal Greer Blvd) When? Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jamie Maxwell & Bryan Matthews Chapter Leaders Get in touch! maxwellja@marshall.edu (304) 696-3634 - 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 Tracey Wallace Speaker Dr. Tracey Wallace is a long-time member of the NSA and past Adult Programs Chair. She was a covert stutterer until age 27 when she learned about Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS) which changed her life. Her journey since then has been one of self-discovery and challenging fears. Dr. Wallace is an Educational Audiologist in DC, and Co-Owner of Hennessy Creek Brewery in MD. She has been married for 33 years and has two adult children. Previous Next

Meet Tanya Banks, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Tanya Banks Adult Programs Chair (NSA Board of Directors) Tanya serves as the Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North and Northeast Regions. Central North: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont Tanya Banks has been an active member of the NSA since 1998. She is the Chapter Leader of Detroit/Royal Oak and Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North region. She is also the Adult Programs Chair on the Board of Directors. She was recognized as NSA Chapter Leader of the Year in 2013. Her chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in 2023, and she was also recognized as Regional Chapter Coordinator of the Year in 2023. She has worked as a customer service representative for 22 years and credits finding her voice to the NSA. She is an avid angel collector, enjoys inspirational music and old comedy shows. Term began June 2024

Join the Denver - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Denver ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Colorado State Welcome to the NSA Denver 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? Chase Building, 2696 S Colorado Blvd Suite #345, Denver CO 80222 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? John Raab Chapter Leader Get in touch! johnraab@comcast.net (303) 841-7374 https://www.westutter.org/chapter/denver 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 Brittney O'Neal Speaker Brittney O’Neal has been involved in the stuttering community since 2016 and attended her first NSA conference last year. She is a healthcare professional and owner of a prosthetics and orthotics clinic in California. Brittney is a proud Mama to her three year old daughter, Atlas, who is perfectly sassy and outspoken. Previous Next

Learn how Ashley DeVitto,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. CT and X-ray Technologist Ashley DeVitto Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a CT and X-Ray Technologist, I use equipment to produce images of human anatomy which helps Radiologists diagnose a wide variety of diseases, disorders, etc. This means that I prepare the room for the exam, call the patient from the waiting room, explain the procedure, and then perform the X-Ray or CT using different positioning of the patient and different protocols to be followed. It often means starting an IV or asking several questions to a patient. I then send the images and information to the Radiologist for it to be read for a diagnosis. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As many of us who stutter know, speaking on the phone can be our nightmare. I often have Doctors calling and asking about protocols or looking for a reading on an exam I’ve completed. This can be daunting as some people are impatient and not always kind. While they aren’t always directly rude, you can sometimes feel their impatience which only makes me more anxious, making it more difficult to speak. One of the most challenging things for me is calling people from the waiting room to come in for their exam. Sometimes the room is full and I open the door to have several heads look up at me in anticipation. I often freeze in this moment and the name doesn’t always come out. Funny how we develop habits over time to help us get by. Sometimes, I say “Mister” so and so before the name because it’s easier for me to say. Or I’ll just use their first name, or just their last, whatever I think will come out easier. Regardless, it’s stressful. Then once the name comes out, I wonder if the patient is thinking that I’m incompetent and can’t be trusted to perform their procedure. There have been two times in my fifteen years in my job that I have been asked for a different technologist once I start speaking. Ironically, the one they end up with is usually less experienced. Fortunately, I have a great support system and a boyfriend who talks me down when I’m on edge, and who meets me for lunch to get me through a tough day. Stick with those you know you can count on. There’s no shame in confiding in someone and shedding tears when things get to be too much. 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 not disclose my stutter during my initial interview. It, pun intended, speaks for itself. I do disclose it to some patients when they seem irritated or impatient or make the comment that we get all the time, “What, you don’t know your own name?” Most people are understanding and kind. My name is the hardest thing for me to say. Go figure. If I stumble on my words, I will sometimes say, “I do have a speech difference and it may take a moment for me to get it out, but I assure you that you are in good hands.” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My speech has definitely made me a humble, empathetic person which is greatly needed in the healthcare field. I can sympathize with anxiety and fear that I may not otherwise understand. It has made me a patient person in knowing that sometimes anxiety, or other challenges, aren’t always seen by the naked eye. We don’t know what someone is experiencing in their lives, just as people don’t know I stutter, until they do. Kindness is key. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moments come from patients that commend me on a great job. I’ve had several people tell me that I am in the field I’m meant for, that I have a calming nature, or that I made something scary very easy. Some patients have even requested me by name. Moments like that are the ones I carry with me from day to day at work. What are your long-term career aspirations? Long term, my goal has always been to be a Doctor. Truth be told, I didn’t go for it after high school out of fear. How could someone who stutters get the words out fast enough to save someones life? It has taken many years to see my value in this field and to know that my stutter is exactly what would make me a better Doctor. I’ve taken some classes through a program run by Harvard Medical School and am slowly working my way there. While it may never happen at this rate, with working full time and being a single mother of two, I am eager to learn which will only benefit myself and career in the long run. 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 biggest advice would be to be proud of your stutter and learn to accept it. This does not come overnight. I struggled for years and would have done anything to make it go away. Time, growth, vulnerability, and life experience has taught me that I was made just how I was intended. Think about it, when we see someone with a disability, do we make fun or think any less of them? No. We are often amazed by what they overcome and how they persevere. Be that person. Let people see that nothing can stop you.

< Back Andrea Burcham Speaker Andrea is a Speech-Language Pathologist based in the Kansas City metro area. After six years in the public school system, she transitioned to private practice, where she has spent the past two years specializing in stuttering, dyslexia, and executive function support using neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Passionate about creating an inclusive and empowering environment, Andrea helps individuals embrace their unique voices while equipping families with the knowledge and tools to foster confidence, acceptance, and self-advocacy. Previous Next