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

< Back Previous Julie Marshall Presenter Julie Marshall is a Clinical Associate Professor at The University of Memphis, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). For the past 25 years, she has taught speech-language pathology graduate students in the areas of stuttering and fluency disorders, articulation disorders, professional clinical writing, and speech/language diagnostics. Her research interest is in cultural and linguistic diversity. She served on the CSD Diversity Task Force and currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee has successfully increased the diversity of CSD program applicants and admissions. Ms. Marshall earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 1986 at West Chester University. She has presented regionally on the topics of diversity, fluency disorders, and clinical practicum supervision. Next

Make a Change Maker donation to support the NSA’s mission. Your gift funds advocacy, programs, and community for people who stutter nationwide. Become a ChangeMaker Monthly Support That Makes a Lasting Difference ChangeMakers are the heart of the National Stuttering Association. They are people who choose to give monthly so that individuals who stutter always have access to community, education, advocacy, and support. Monthly giving creates stability. It allows the NSA to plan ahead, respond to real needs, and ensure that no one who stutters is left without connection or resources. When you become a ChangeMaker, you are not just making a donation. You are helping sustain a community. Make a Donation Why Monthly Giving Matters The work of the NSA happens every day, not just during events or campaigns. Monthly support ensures that our programs remain consistent, reliable, and accessible throughout the year. Sustain local chapters across the country Keep educational resources free and widely available Support programs for teens, adults, and families Strengthen outreach and awareness efforts that challenge stigma Build long term stability for the stuttering community Your monthly gift helps create continuity and trust for people who rely on NSA programs. What Your Monthly Gift Supports Every ChangeMaker gift contributes to the full breadth of NSA work, including Community connection through local chapters and virtual programs Education for parents, schools, educators, and allies Advocacy and awareness that improve understanding of stuttering Support spaces where people who stutter feel heard and valued Your support meets people where they are and stays with them over time. Choose Your Monthly Gift Every amount makes a difference. Choose a monthly gift that feels right for you and know that your support is helping strengthen the stuttering community each and every month. Make a Donation Flexibility and Peace of Mind You can change or cancel your monthly gift at any time. The National Stuttering Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Voices from Our ChangeMakers People choose to give monthly because they believe in connection, access, and belonging. “I choose to be a ChangeMaker so that the NSA is able to continue their work to find and embrace everyone who stutters but does not yet know that the NSA exists.” Allison D. Make a donation Make a donation By contributing monthly at a level you’re comfortable with, you’re supporting the National Stuttering Association’s mission and helping us make a lasting impact in people’s lives today and in the future. Amount $15 Helps keep trusted stuttering resources free and accessible to individuals and families. Helps keep trusted stuttering resources free and accessible to individuals and families. $15 $25 Supports community connection so people who stutter know they are not alone. Supports community connection so people who stutter know they are not alone. $25 $50 Helps fund educational materials for parents, schools, and allies. Helps fund educational materials for parents, schools, and allies. $50 $75 Supports local chapter meetings where people who stutter can connect and be heard. Supports local chapter meetings where people who stutter can connect and be heard. $75 $100 Helps sustain virtual and in-person programs that build confidence and community. Helps sustain virtual and in-person programs that build confidence and community. $100 $200 Supports outreach and awareness efforts that challenge stigma around stuttering. Supports outreach and awareness efforts that challenge stigma around stuttering. $200 $500 Helps expand access to programs serving teens, adults, and families nationwide. Helps expand access to programs serving teens, adults, and families nationwide. $500 $1,000 Sustains multiple NSA programs that support, educate, and advocate for people who stutter. Sustains multiple NSA programs that support, educate, and advocate for people who stutter. $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) DONATE $25.72 Monthly I'd like to add $0.72 to cover transaction fees.

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax efficient gift directly from your IRA to the National Stuttering Association. Learn how it works and make an impact today. Planned Giving Leave a lasting legacy that supports future generations of people who stutter. Explore Options Ways to Give Choose the planned giving option that aligns with your financial goals. Bequests Include the NSA in your will or living trust. This is the most common form of planned giving. Simply name the National Stuttering Association as a beneficiary in your will. Beneficiary Designations Name the NSA as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or bank account. Update your beneficiary forms directly with your financial institution. Charitable Gift Annuities Receive fixed income for life while supporting the NSA. Contact us to discuss rates and options available to you. Charitable Trusts Establish a trust that provides income to you or loved ones, with remaining assets going to the NSA. Work with your financial advisor to explore trust options. Why Planned Giving? Tax Advantages Potential estate tax deductions and reduced capital gains taxes. Flexible Giving Choose options that fit your financial goals and timeline. Lasting Impact Your legacy will support future generations of people who stutter. Simple Process Many planned gifts are easy to arrange with existing assets. Sample Bequest Language Share this with your attorney or estate planner. "I give [percentage/amount/description of property] to the National Stuttering Association, a nonprofit organization with federal tax ID 94-2420533, located at 3261 Richmond Ave #119, Staten Island, NY 10312, for its general purposes." Note: This is sample language only. Please consult with your legal or financial advisor. For Specific Designations If you'd like your gift to support a specific program (research, scholarships, youth programs, etc.), contact us to discuss designation options. Organization Information Information for your attorney, financial advisor, or estate planner. Legal Name National Stuttering Association Tax ID (EIN) Address National Stuttering Association 3261 Richmond Ave, #119 Staten Island, NY 10312 94-2420533 Phone (800) 937-8888 Email info@westutter.org Status 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Common Questions Do I need a lawyer to make a planned gift? For simple bequests, many people use online will services or estate planning software. For more complex gifts, we recommend consulting with a financial or legal advisor. Will my gift be recognized? If you choose, we would be honored to recognize your commitment. You can also make your gift anonymously. Can I change my mind later? Yes. Most planned gifts, especially bequests and beneficiary designations, can be modified or revoked at any time. What if I have questions? Contact our planned giving team at (800) 937-8888 or info@westutter.org . We're happy to discuss your options with no obligation. Let's Talk Our team is here to answer questions and discuss planned giving options with no obligation. All conversations are confidential. Contact Us

< Back Previous Kerri Berard Presenter Kerri Berard has been involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2018 and currently serves as the Co-Chapter Leader for the NSA’s Fort Worth Family and Adult Chapters. Kerri also serves as the NSA Kids Programming Coordinator. She is a school-based speech therapist in Texas who specializes in stuttering. Kerri enjoys being outdoors, making kombucha, and spending time with her family and cats. Next