Meet Taylor Worsham, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Taylor Worsham Communications Coordinator Taylor is the Communications Coordinator at the National Stuttering Association (NSA), where she keeps conversations alive across social platforms and helps shape the organization’s digital presence. She manages social interactions, writes nearly all of the copy for social, email, and website content, and works to ensure that the NSA’s online spaces feel as welcoming as the community behind them. On the marketing team, she’s affectionately known as the Copy Queen—a title she wears proudly. Passionate about raising stuttering awareness, Taylor brings energy and creativity to everything she does at the NSA.

Meet John Ontiveros, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. John Ontiveros WS@W Committee John Ontiveros resides in Ventura, CA and is a person who stutters. Like many other people who stutter, John spent most of his life hindered by low self-esteem and limiting beliefs due to his disfluency. He also struggled greatly with accepting his stutter. However, all of that began to change at the beginning of 2017. It was then that John took a major step towards self-realization by walking into his first adult chapter meeting. He found that first experience so rewarding that he began to continue to attend chapter meetings over the next few years. The realization that he wasn’t alone as a person who stutters, along with learning from and being inspired by other people who stutter, helped John to heal and overcome his negative self-image and limiting beliefs. He also slowly began to accept his stutter, which is something he previously did not think was possible. John attended his first conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2019 and had an amazing experience. He now makes it a point to attend every year. As a result of the profound effects the NSA had on his life, John later felt the need to give back and impact the lives of other people who stutter. One of the things that John is most passionate about is helping people who stutter find workplace success. This is one of the things John also struggled with in the past. In 2021 he volunteered to co-lead the We Stutter @ Work committee. He very much enjoys helping people who stutter prepare for interviews as well as increasing employer education and awareness about stuttering. John also enjoys practicing yoga, salsa dancing, cooking, and has just recently picked up surfing.

Meet Madison Nichols, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Madison Nichols WS@W Committee Madison Nichols lives in Grand Rapids, MI and is passionate about self-advocacy and being your authentic, true self. She feels called to be ardent and open about stuttering, even with the difficulties it can present. Maddie has been a camper, a counselor, and a volunteer for Camp Shout Out, a summer camp for youth who stutter. She has also worked alongside the World Stuttering Organization, spearheading an initiative requesting that states allow people who stutter the ability to have this information added to their legal ID. Maddie is also a staunch supporter of mental health initiatives. Maddie currently works for a private research institute that studies a variety of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. When she is not working or contributing to WS@W, she is likely chasing around her toddler, crocheting, cooking, baking, or playing video games.

< Back Previous Alyssa Kalwasinski Presenter Alyssa Kalwasinski is a 17-year-old teen who stutters and is from Columbus, OH, going into her senior year of high school. She loves learning American Sign Language, volunteering with kids at her local recreation center, riding dirt bikes with her dad, and most of all, spending time with her friends. She is a Public Outreach Coordinator for Sisters Who Stutter and a Leader-in-Training at Camp Shout Out, a summer camp for youth who stutter. Alyssa has big dreams of becoming a speech-language pathologist, a field that has greatly impacted her life. Her favorite part of the NSA is connecting with others who stutter in an uplifting environment and expanding her advocacy efforts. Next

Learn how Owen Kaelble,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Content Management Assistant Owen Kaelble Indianapolis, IN Content Management Assistant Ruth Lilly Medical Library Briefly describe your daily job duties. I make sure our content, which includes medical journals, articles, databases, and more, remains accessible to doctors, students, and libraries around the world. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is whenever I have to talk with a stranger. Introducing myself always gives me anxiety, but I always get through it. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long term career aspirations are focused on working in the wide field of sports. I am currently earning my master’s degree in sports journalism and have covered multiple basketball tournaments, including the most recent Final Four in New Orleans. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Nope, I did not self-disclose my stutter during the hiring process. Usually, coworkers simply find out I stutter through conversation with me because I tend to stutter often in regular conversation. Sometimes I subconsciously say, “Sorry, I stutter,” if it takes me especially long to say something in my introduction to someone. However, I try not to do that. I am not ashamed of my stutter. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment is simply being able to assist all the health care workers around the world. I am honored to be a part of the process. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I’m not sure if my stutter itself makes me more of a contributor because it’s only a small part of me and who I am. But I do not try to hide it and I fully embrace it so I hope my acceptance of it encourages fellow stutterers to be who they are as well. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Take as much time as you need to say whatever you need to say. It does not matter how long it takes you to say it. What matters is simply saying it.

Meet Elizabeth Edwards, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Elizabeth Edwards Seasoned Voices Committee Elizabeth Edwards, a member of the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Seasoned Voices Committee, is a passionate advocate for both the stuttering community and the aging population. A proud person who stutters, Elizabeth has been actively involved with the NSA since attending her first conference in Chicago in 2018. Her journey within the NSA reflects her commitment to fostering connections and supporting individuals across all stages of life. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth is a dedicated public health coordinator for a state health department. During the pandemic, she earned her MA in Aging Studies and Public Health, furthering her expertise and deepening her commitment to serving the aging population. Her professional work is complemented by her active volunteer roles, where she continues to make an impact in her community. Elizabeth is also a proud alumna of the University of Iowa and a devoted Hawkeyes fan, bringing enthusiasm and team spirit to all she does. Her diverse experiences and dedication to advocacy make her a valuable member of the NSA and a champion for raising awareness about stuttering and aging issues. With her blend of professional expertise and personal passion, Elizabeth is helping to shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for people who stutter, particularly older adults. Her work is a testament to her belief in the power of community and her drive to create positive change.

Meet Ashleigh Givens, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ashleigh Givens DEI Committee Ashleigh is a fashion photographer and multimedia artist currently residing in Detroit, Michigan and a recent graduate of the College for Creative Studies. In her free time she enjoys traveling (next up: Japan!), reading books on art and design, going to concerts, and taking care of her extensive houseplant collection. Ashleigh loves the NSA community and wants to contribute to making the NSA a more diverse space where people who stutter from all walks of life and all backgrounds can feel welcomed. Having navigated childhood with a stutter, she knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider, and gives her utmost effort to ensure no one feels like that at the NSA. Ashleigh is an advocate for herself and others, and is excited to bring her energy and passion to the DEI Committee.

< Back Previous Ana Hernandez Presenter Ana Hernandez was recognized by the National Stuttering Association as the 2025 SLP of the Year. She is the owner of Adult Stuttering, creator of Green Social and the Safe Spaces of Stuttering approach, and a proud Global Partner of the Blank Center for Stuttering. Ana is an international speaker who provides professional training for schools and businesses. Her work is centered on prioritizing quality and dignity for those who stutter. Next

Meet Kaleb Brown, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Kaleb Brown WS@W Committee Kaleb Brown is passionate about making a difference in the stuttering community as part of the Workplace Stuttering @ Work (WS@W) Committee. He is especially excited to help grow the National Stuttering Association's presence on LinkedIn, creating more opportunities for connection and support for people who stutter. When he's not contributing to the NSA or working his 9-to-5 job, Kaleb enjoys running miles around Oklahoma City, staying active, and soaking in the local scenery. A fun fact about Kaleb: during middle school, he showcased his talent in breakdancing by competing in multiple yearly talent shows!

Join the Atlanta - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Atlanta ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Georgia State Welcome to the NSA Atlanta 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? Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research – 1605 Chantilly Dr NE (Suite# 100) Atlanta, GA 30324 When? Meetings are typically held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for more information and to confirm the meeting schedule! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Derek Mitchell & Caitlin Franchini Chapter Leaders Get in touch! NSAAtlanta@westutter.org - - 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? How can I find a local NSA chapter? What happens at an NSA meeting? Who attends an NSA Chapter? Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Don’t see an answer to your question? How do I start a local NSA chapter? How do I start a local NSA chapter? 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

Meet Sarah Onofri, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Sarah Onofri Family Programs Coordinator Sarah Onofri has been involved in the NSA since 2006. She is the NSA Family Programs Coordinator, and is a co-leader of both the NSA Boston Adult Chapter and Family Chapter. She teaches English as a Second Language at an elementary school.

Meet Chad Mannisi, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Chad Mannisi Chair Chad is a person who stutters and has been an active part of the NSA since 2004. Chad has also been an NSA Adult Chapter Leader since 2010, and also serves as a facilitator of a weekly support group for people who stutter at a speech pathologist’s office. In his professional life, Chad is a Manager (ITSS) for Charter Communications, managing a team of 13, including staffing in five different buildings, and supporting more than 5,000 end users, including executives. In his free time, Chad enjoys video editing and spending time with his family. Chad also serves as on the Nominating Committee. Board term as Chair began June 2024