< Back Previous Shahriar SheikhBahaei Presenter Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei is an Empire Innovation Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and a person who stutters. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD from a joint program between University College London and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. SheikhBahaei’s research investigates how astrocytes interact with neurons to regulate voluntary motor behaviors, with a focus on speech and respiratory circuits. Using genetic, optical, and electrophysiological tools, his lab aims to uncover the roles of glial cells in motor behaviors and disorders, such as developmental stuttering. Next

< Back Previous Pamela Mertz Presenter Pamela Mertz has been involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for 20 years. She is a former board member and currently develops many of the virtual events for the stuttering community. She co-facilitates the monthly NSA Women's Connect and serves on the WeStutter@Work committee. Pam was inducted into the NSA Hall of Fame in 2022, a moment she considers one of her proudest. She has attended and spoken at several international events about stuttering. Next

Learn how Ronan Miller,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Postdoctoral Research Assistant Ronan Miller Briefly describe your daily job duties. The project I am currently working on is focused on developing and testing a mobile app to support people who stutter. I feel very grateful to do research into stuttering and particularly into new ways that we can support the stuttering community around the world. My day is normally spent reading research conducted in various different areas, planning and organizing our next research study, and talking to people who stutter about their day-to-day lives and experiences. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I have daily meetings over video calls but they aren’t too much of a problem now, I have become accustomed to them after my time as part of the hosting team at Stutter Social. I think the most challenging part of my job is thinking of ways that we can support people who stutter in the present, whilst working to breakdown barriers so that stuttering won’t hold people back in the future. What are your long-term career aspirations? For many years I taught English as a foreign language and I would love to return to teaching again, particularly to support students who stutter. My dream is to work in some kind of super lab that combines stuttering research, activism, support, and teaching! Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? In lots of ways, stuttering is an advantage for me at this point in my life; I work with many other people who stutter and we talk about it openly on a daily basis. Whenever I meet anyone new I am also very open about stuttering, it is never a problem. I let people know my name, my position, that I stutter and that it’s no problem. I am aware some people have had no contact before with people who stutter, or don’t know how to respond to stuttering, so I feel a responsibility to let people know that this is how I speak and that it’s ok. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My stuttering is a valuable aspect of my contribution at work, it allows me to offer personal, lived insight and to connect with others who also stutter. It has also taught me that communication is not always straightforward, but that patience and respect go a long way to helping others (whether they stutter or not) to feel comfortable. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? I would encourage people to be open about their stuttering, it can be difficult but by doing so you demonstrate leadership, integrity, and resilience, all of which are valuable characteristics in any working environment. My feeling is that people who stutter enrich workplaces and if we can be open about our stuttering we help to foster an atmosphere in which others can be open and vulnerable too.

Join the Glenview - Adult & Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Glenview ADULT, TEENS IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Illinois State Welcome to the NSA Glenview 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, 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? Either the Glenview Public Library (1st Floor Multipurpose Room) or Palatine Public Library. When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Xiaolu Zhang Chapter Leader Get in touch! ishineluke@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

We Stutter Upstate is a community for people who stutter in the Carolinas. Join us for support, resources, and events. Monthly Zoom meetings for the stuttering community in North Carolina & South Carolina. NEXT MEETING Tuesday, Oct 27 7:00 to 8:15 pm Join others who stutter in North Carolina and South Carolina on Zoom at our joint online chapter meeting. Together, we’ll discuss issues related to living life as a person who stutters and we’ll gain new life perspectives on stuttering by seeing, hearing, and learning from others who stutter. We Stutter Carolinas WELCOMES everyone to join our zoom meetings. Family, friends, SLPs, SLP students, PWS and anyone interested in stuttering are welcome to attend. Zoom Meeting Host John Moore leads the NSA Chapter in Greenville, SC and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the National Stuttering Association. Meeting ID: 634 905 4978 Passcode: 2026 We Stutter Carolinas is affiliated with the National Stuttering Association . ZOOM LINK Questions? Contact your local Chapter Leader. You can also email John Moore or call/text him at 512.633.4086 .

Learn how David Alpuche,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Photographer/Entrepreneur David Alpuche Briefly describe your daily job duties. I own and run two businesses. I have a photography business specializing in weddings, portraits and fine art photography. And two years ago, I launched a line of photography inspired yoga mats, under the brand “Dream Yoga Mats.” As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job was deciding to go for it. I’ve long known that I was a good photographer, but my stutter scared me from having to talk to clients, having to introduce myself over and over and again, and having to run a business by myself. I didn’t think clients would be comfortable talking to me or that they would take me seriously. It took me years of worrying about it to understand that as a photographer I have the luxury of my work doing the talking for me, and while interviews and first impressions are important, at the end of the day if my work is good (and it is) I shouldn’t worry that much. I still struggle during client interviews, but I am more comfortable now than I was when I started. As far as the yoga mat business, I didn’t have the hesitation I had with the photography, but I also didn’t consider how much talking would be involved in trying to sell a product to a mass market. I still struggle and I don’t think I’m the best salesman, but I still put myself out there. I have auditioned twice for Shark Tank with my Dream Yoga Mats and even though I haven’t been selected yet, I was proud of both my auditions. Do you self-disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting clients? My stutter is so severe that I really have no choice when it comes to talking about it. I have found out that bringing it up immediately when I talk to clients works best, because that way they don’t worry about what is going on and I allow them to focus on my work. I have become so good at it that I have an arsenal of jokes or stories to tell when I disclose, and I can immediately see how the clients feel more comfortable after. They get where I’m coming from and that creates a connection right away. Plus, I think stuttering makes me memorable and that is an asset when it comes to competing for clients. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I firmly believe that the reason I am a good photographer is directly related to stuttering. Ever since I was a kid, I was very good at visual arts, first with drawing, then painting and eventually leading me to photography. Communicating visually allowed me to tell stories without words, learning how to transmit emotions and use color to say exactly what I wanted to say. Stuttering also taught me to be patient, and with photography sometimes you need a lot of patience to capture exactly the moment you want. What is your proudest moment so far in your career? Creating a line of yoga mats made me extremely proud as it was the first time I went from an idea to prototyping to making my product real. I had zero experience in this kind of business but after a few google searches, tons of patience, lots of mistakes, and a lot of friendly support, I got it started. The business is still in its infancy, but I am very proud of the road traveled so far. Having the courage to audition for Shark Tank twice was also a proud moment because it forced me to become a salesman in front of an audience, and while I think it could’ve gone way better, just being there was enough of a confidence boost (and success) in my eyes. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

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.

Find stuttering resources and programs for teens. Join a supportive community designed to empower young people. Connect, Support, and Thrive The teenage years can be an exciting and challenging stage of life – new schools, new freedoms, and new challenges, including those with your speech. Many teens who stutter may feel like they are the alone, like they are the only one who understands how they feel. Am I Alone? As a teen who stutters, you may experience daily challenges and difficulties that your peers do not. You may face ridicule by classmates. You may experience anxiety in social situations such as dating, but with the added worry of “Will he/she not like me because of my stutter?” You may feel nervous in class wondering if today is the day the teacher will call on you to participate. You may wonder if you are alone. You’re in the right place to connect with other teens who have been through some of the same experiments, struggles, and triumphs, and know exactly how you feel! NSA Teens understand the specific challenges and difficulties that you may be experiencing, and they are here to support you and help you to navigate through them successfully. Stuttering is a part of you, but it does not – and will never – define you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The NSA is Here to Help! We offer a variety of ways to connect with other teens who stutter, both online and in person. FIND YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER NSA TEENS INSTAGRAM NSA TEENS FACEBOOK GROUP TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL UPCOMING NSA EVENTS Junior Chapter Leaders This specialized position is open to teens (ages 13-17) who want to become more involved in their chapter meetings, working with existing Chapter Leaders in the planning and execution of chapter meetings, and who can serve as a role model for their peers and/or the younger children in their chapter. This is an opportunity for teens to become more engaged within the NSA, learn leadership skills, and express themselves creatively, with the opportunity to continue on as Chapter Leaders when you ‘age out’ of your NSA Teen or Family Chapter. Junior Chapter Leaders will still need their parent or guardian to attend all meetings with them, and the Chapter Leader must be there for the entirety of the meetings as well. Interested? Apply today! Learn More About Stuttering Stuttering Explained Causes of Stuttering Treatment for Stuttering Facts about Stuttering Myths about Stuttering Famous People Who Stutter Educating your Classmates Find a Speech Therapist

< Back Previous Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith Presenter Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith is an award-winning educator, speaker, and leadership strategist with over 30 years of experience as a counselor, teacher, principal, and district administrator. She is the founder of Limitless Leaders LLC, a leadership development company that empowers individuals to turn perceived limitations into leadership strengths through coaching, workshops, and her signature L.E.A.D.E.R. Framework. As the author of “Limitless Leaders: Leading Beyond Your Disability,” Dr. Russell-Smith inspires others to lead with authenticity, purpose, and confidence. Next