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< Back Ariel Sonn Speaker Ariel is a Marketing Specialist in offensive cybersecurity and a Senior Marketing Coordinator for the National Stuttering Association (NSA). With 6+ years of expertise in content creation, digital marketing, and brand strategy, she crafts impactful messaging that engages audiences and drives awareness. As committee leader for the NSA’s WeStutter@Work Program, Ariel advocates for workplace inclusion and support for people who stutter. Ariel is passionate about empowering others to embrace their authentic selves and build confidence in the workplace. Previous Next

< Back Zach Schwabe Speaker Zachary Schwabe is a proud Philadelphia native and graduate of La Salle University. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Early Education/Special Education, Zach was certified in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. He then joined A Step-Up Academy in Jenkintown, PA where he was a lead Special Education teacher. In 2023, Zach moved to Devereux Day Academy where he is currently employed as a Special Education teacher. Zach’s involvement with Camp SAY began in 2021 when he was a bunk counselor. He continues to serve as a counselor every summer. Zach has been involved with the Philadelphia Chapter of NSA since 2023. He helps organize group events including outings to Phillies games. He attended his first NSA conference last year in Saint Louis. When he is not working, Zach is an avid (and loyal) fan of Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies and Eagles. Previous Next

< Back Kelly Kaczmarski Speaker Kelly Kaczmarski is a mom to two boys, Connor and Evan. Evan is 16 and a person who stutters. Kelly is married to Dan and lives in Keller, Texas. She has been in education for 23 years and is currently a teacher to blind and visually impaired students. Kelly enjoys reading, DIY decorating and spending family time at the lake! This is her families 8th NSA conference. Previous Next

Learn how Ian Mahler,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Receiving Manager Ian Mahler Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Staff Level Manager at the biggest Costco in the world, I’m responsible for overseeing a continual smooth warehouse operation. This means if any matter requires attention in the warehouse, from employee or member concerns to equipment or other individual department issues, my role is to fix and rectify the situation. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The daily journey of managing and, if necessary, educating people about the time it takes me to communicate can be challenging. Stuttering can be a vicious, back-stabbing companion if I let it. It can also be a great way to let people know I’m communicating in an open, honest way and that they can do the same. It’s important for me to not let stuttering affect my own self-perception as a leader and authority figure in the workplace. 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 have been with Costco for over 22 years. My stuttering has evolved over time; during the interview process I was going through a period of heightened fluency to the point my stutter wasn’t overtly noticeable. I typically do not disclose my stutter unless someone asks me about it during conversation. I prefer to let my overt stuttering speak for itself. I typically stutter often and most times people who don’t know me will try to finish my sentences. When that happens, I continue speaking without acknowledging the interruption, and usually they get the point and let me finish. My co-workers know to let me finish, both from experience and because I put a note under my email signature. “A person who stutters” #LetMeFinish Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has given me the gift of empathy. Being a child growing up with a stutter, without access to today’s many youth stuttering foundations, programs, camps, etc. was a terrible ordeal. On the outside I may have seemed fine mentally, but the negative aspects of the “stuttering iceberg” were rearing their ugly head on the inside. Stuttering has taught me how to view my employees as more than just a cog in a wheel. I often look past the task at-hand and look at what is unseen but communicated in other ways through body language and other mannerisms. I have learned over the years to look past the surface and learn what motivates each of my employees and how I can help them meet their personal goals related to work. Through empathy I can communicate that I value them and am truly concerned about their well-being. What’s your best advice for people in a career striving to achieve greater success? Find a way to advertise your stutter that works best for you. Advertising my stutter through overt, open stuttering and via email has allowed me to be more at ease in the workplace. People I work with know what I’m about; I’m not hiding my stutter. People I don’t know get the point when I continue stuttering while speaking and they quickly understand I intend to communicate what and how I want to. There have been and will always be uncomfortable or anxious moments in the workplace regarding stuttering. (But there will always be stressful moments that aren’t related to stuttering in one’s career.) Being resilient and moving upward and onward can help get past the hard times. No matter what the issue, for me being resilient has been beneficial. Separating the event from the person, and classifying it as another experience to strengthen me, has helped shape my life journey.

Help advance stuttering research and support the NSA in improving lives. Donate today to make a meaningful difference. Support Stuttering Research Your gift advances understanding of stuttering and supports research that informs real-world practice. The NSA Research Fund supports research that advances knowledge and understanding of stuttering. This fund helps support research projects that explore communication experiences, social and emotional impacts, and approaches that inform education, advocacy, and support. Why Research Matters Research plays a critical role in shaping how stuttering is understood and discussed. Supporting research helps ensure that lived experience remains central and that findings contribute to meaningful real world impact. Your gift helps Support research focused on stuttering Expand understanding across the lifespan Inform education and advocacy efforts Together, we are helping build a stronger foundation of knowledge for the stuttering community. Make a donation Through these endeavors, we strive to enhance our understanding of stuttering and contribute to developing practical approaches for people who stutter. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $5 $5 $10 $10 $20 $20 $50 $50 $100 $100 $250 $250 $500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) DONATE $50 Monthly CHANGEMAKERS CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP FUND GENERAL FUND

Join the Duluth - Adult & Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Duluth Adult/Teen ADULT, TEEN CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Minnesota State Welcome to the NSA Duluth Adult/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? Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Adult, Teens 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? Duluth, MN 55812 When? Meetings are held September through May on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30PM. Meetings are currently being held virtually. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leader. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Derrick Chapter Leader Get in touch! duluthstutters@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 Naples - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Naples ADULT IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Naples 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 Meeting 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? OMNI Balanced Life Center (720 Goodlette-Frank Road #205 Naples, FL 34102) When? Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month from 7:00-8:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jennifer Groh & Kaela Coye Chapter Leaders Get in touch! naplesstutters@gmail.com (508) 314-9107 - 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

We appreciate your contribution to the NSA. Your support helps empower people who stutter through our programs and initiatives. Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of $0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.

< Back Sara Morian Speaker Sara Morian is a co-leader for the NSA Denver Kids and Family Chapter. Sara has been a speech-language pathologist for 15 years and has a passion for working with kids and adults who stutter. She started her career in the public schools in Fort Worth, Texas and has also worked in clinics and hospitals. Now, she lives in Denver, Colorado and works in home health. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, visiting her son at CSU, and sewing. Previous Next

Apply for the NSA College Scholarship. Support your academic journey with funding for students who stutter. THE KRISHNAN AND YEGNESWARAN FAMILY College Scholarship We’re sorry, but this college scholarship application is now closed. Applicant Information * First name * Last name * Email * Address * Phone * Proof of enrollment as an undergrad in an accredited university Upload File * Proof of financial need Upload File * What is your current GPA - Upload current transcript Upload File * Tell us how being a person who stutters has impacted your life (please upload) Upload File * What is your current field of study? * What are your professional career objectives? * Have you previously secured financial aid? Yes No * Are you applying for supplemental financial assistance? * What are your plans/objectives for the scholarship? * Teacher Recommendation Upload File SUBMIT

Meet Cameron Joyce, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Cameron Joyce Young Adults Committee Cameron lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Avery and works as a senior associate at JPMorgan. Originally from South Carolina, he holds degrees in economics and computer science from Wofford College and is pursuing a graduate degree in AI at UT Austin. Passionate about mentoring students and young professionals who stutter, he also enjoys mountain biking, beekeeping, and watching Formula 1. Cameron has served on the Young Adult Committee since 2022 and is a chapter leader of the Charlotte, NC chapter.

Learn about stuttering, its causes, and how to support individuals who stutter. Explore resources for families and educators. Stuttering Explained What is stuttering? How common is it? What help is available? Causes of Stuttering Do genetics influence stuttering? How does brain activity differ for people who stutter? When does stuttering begin? Treatment for Stuttering Can stuttering be "cured"? What treatments can reduce the effects of stuttering? Myths About Stuttering Is stuttering caused by nervousness? Bad parenting? Or emotional trauma? (NO!) Facts About Stuttering What is the TRUTH about stuttering? Support Near You Where can I go to get support?