Submit the screening form for When I Stutter, a powerful film about stuttering and its impact on lives worldwide. When I Stutter Documentary Director: John Gomez 2017 This powerful documentary delves into the profound emotional impact that stuttering has on a diverse group of individuals. Watch The Trailer Host a Screening NSA Chapter Leaders have a unique opportunity to host a special screening of WHEN I STUTTER, an award-winning documentary, to raise awareness about stuttering and support fundraising efforts for their local NSA Chapter. Before submitting your request, please review the WHEN I STUTTER Step-by-Step Screening Guide. This guide provides essential instructions for hosting a screening, from selecting a screening partner and venue to effectively marketing the event. Plan for an event that lasts approximately two hours, including both the screening and a panel discussion featuring NSA chapter members. To ensure a successful event, please schedule your screening at least 7 weeks in advance of submitting the form below. 'When I Stutter' Screening Form * Chapter Leader First name * Chapter Leader Last name * Email * Phone * NSA Chapter Name * I have read the WHEN I STUTTER Step-by-Step Screening Guide? Yes No * Date of Movie Screening * Time of Movie Screening * Location of Movie Screening (complete address) * Movie Screening Partner [NOTE: Screening Partner must be a College/University Speech Disorders Clinic, local Non-Profit, local Disability Rights organization, or something similar.] * Screening Partner Contact Name * Screening Partner Email * Screening Partner Phone SUBMIT

< Back Previous Jess Kossack Presenter Jess Kossack has been an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2009. She has previously served as an NSA Chapter Leader and has facilitated workshops at the Annual Conference. She lives in Hanover Park, Illinois, and works as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Veterans Health Administration. In this role, she supports veterans with disabilities to help them find employment and succeed as employees. Next

< Back Previous Kaela Coye Presenter Kaela is a person who stutters and a Master of Science graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Florida. She serves as a Chapter Leader for the National Stuttering Association (NSA) Naples Chapter. Grounded in both lived experience and professional training, Kaela is passionate about stuttering-affirming advocacy, identity-centered care, and challenging fluency-based narratives. She believes stuttering is a valid and meaningful way of speaking and encourages people who stutter to live full, authentic lives without apology. Next

Join the Lexington - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Lexington ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kentucky State Welcome to the NSA Lexington 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 & Virtual 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? Good Samaritan Professional Arts Center 4th Floor Suite 402 135 E Maxwell Street, Lexington, KY, 40508 When? Meetings are held in-person on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. Contact Chapter Leader if you would like to join virtually. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? J.T. Dials & Meg Shake Chapter Leaders Get in touch! lexington.nsa@gmail.com 606-626-8862 - 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

< Back Previous Marci Post Presenter Marci Post is a lifelong learner, mother of two, and devoted wife of 33 years who has built a life of service through speech therapy, business ownership, mentoring, caregiving, and her passions for gardening, functional medicine, and family. This is her first Annual Conference. Next

< Back Previous Tom Lovett Presenter Tom Lovett is a person who stutters and the author of "Words Unspoken: The Science, Experience, and Treatment of Stuttering." He has read over 240 research articles on stuttering and attended half a dozen academic conferences around the world. Next

< Back Previous Roc Hernandez Presenter Roc Hernandez attended her first conference in Denver in 2025. She was blown away by how welcoming and supportive everyone was and she strongly wants to help others have the same experience. Roc spends her time as a ranch hand, loves music and art and is always looking for inspiration for her next painting. She loves spending time with her family, puppies, and the stuttering community. She is passionate about limnology and spending as much time as possible at the lake. Next

Join the Columbia - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Columbia ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - South Carolina State Welcome to the NSA Columbia 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? Hybrid 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? Montgomery Speech Language Hearing Clinic (Close-Hipp Building – Suite #220) – 1705 College Street Columbia, SC 29208. Meetings are hybrid and can also be attended online. When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Charley Adams & Aisha Haynes Chapter Leaders Get in touch! charley@sc.edu (803) 777-2605 - 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

Join the Lafayette - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Lafayette Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Louisiana State Welcome to the NSA Lafayette 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? Picard Center – 200 E Devalcourt Street (Room #122) Lafayette, LA, 70506 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Anne Williams, Bella Fiorenza, Evan Jordan & Lucas Credeur Chapter Leaders Get in touch! LafayetteNSA@gmail.com (337) 482-6870 - 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 Erica Millin, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Erica Millin Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Erica Millin is from the Washington D.C area. She is heavily involved in stuttering research at multiple universities nation-wide, as well as stuttering advocacy. Outside of the NSA and her research involvement, she is on her school’s track and cross country teams, and is an active participant in Model United Nations. In her free time Erica likes to paint and make ceramics, and enjoys watching Formula 1 racing and Premier League soccer. Erica also loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Learn how David Haas,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Executive Director David Haas Briefly describe your daily job duties. I run a nonprofit called Sarah’s Guest House. We are a healthcare hospitality home that provides lodging, transportation, meals and comfort to patients and families of patients receiving medical care in Central New York. I oversee all operations including directing staff and leading our organization. This includes developing and furthering community relationships, fundraising, managing house operations and developing and administering a budget. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I am constantly challenged in my job when speaking. Each day, I must communicate with my staff, our volunteers, and the 1,000+ guests who stay at our house annually. Not to mention our partners, donors, and supporters. I often speak in the community about our organization. This requires me to present at local hospitals, churches, events, and anytime outreach is needed. At times I am only given a few minutes to tell someone or a group of people about our organization and I must make sure I am using my time wisely and articulating our mission properly. 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 self-disclose. My resume noted that I am the leader of the Syracuse chapter of the National Stuttering Association, and I spoke about it during my interviews. I knew the job would require the Executive Director to be the face of the organization and be comfortable speaking in front of large groups of individuals on behalf of Sarah’s Guest House. I described my plethora of experience speaking to local audiences about stuttering including giving a TEDx Talk in 2014. I don’t always disclose my fluency disorder to everyone I speak with. It depends on my day and the situation. If I feel an additional amount of pressure (on top of the usual everyday pressure), I may say that I a person who stutters, “please be patient as I articulate my message.” This is especially true if it’s an important meeting and I’m asking someone to make a donation or pledge to Sarah’s Guest House and I want their full attention. I almost always mention my stuttering when presenting in the community or speaking at an event. I believe this helps put both my audience and myself at ease so they are not wondering why I might be struggling to communicate in a way they might be used to hearing. This also offers me an opportunity to educate the public in regards to stuttering, which I believe I am called to do. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. The guests who stay at Sarah’s Guest House are typically going through one of the most difficult situations in their life when they decide to stay with us. It is of dire importance that we as staff and volunteers are able to show an ability to understand and share the feelings of another – to be empathic. I believe that there is no group of people more empathic than individuals who stutter. I also believe that in a fast-paced, perfection seeking world, being the leader of an organization as a person who stutters allows me to flip the script. My staff, volunteers, board members, and those around me know that I am not seeking perfection, but rather a commitment to do the best we can in a manner that shows respect for our duties and those we are serving. What is your proudest moment at your current company? This past year was one of the hardest in my career. Leading a healthcare organization during the middle of a pandemic was very stressful. Our largest fundraising event had to be cancelled and we had to pivot plans to raise enough funds to continue operating the house. This led us to holding several smaller virtual fundraisers during 2020 including a one-week digital campaign we called ‘Fund the House.’ This unique campaign raised over $30,000 in one week utilizing only social media. Our campaign was nominated and selected as the Central New York Business Journal’s NONPROFIT AWARDS Outstanding Fundraising Event of 2020 with the award criteria being “running an innovative and unique event which engaged donors, board members, volunteers and staff to further the organization’s mission.” What are your long-term career aspirations? I am in the career I feel I was called to be in. I have always known I have wanted to give back to the public and my community. I hope to be blessed enough to do so for many more years. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? It’s interesting, when I was younger and even into my early 20s, I never talked about stuttering. It wasn’t until I was introduced to the National Stuttering Association while in graduate school that I felt I needed to be more open with myself and others. I decided I wasn’t going to let my stutter control me any longer. My life took a 180-degree turn and I began down a path that led me to being able to use my voice to advocate for others. I know everyone who stutters, stutters differently, and has a different story. But I would encourage you to never sell yourself short. Always advocate for yourself and be open with those around you. You are the next leader and you have an opportunity to educate others – go for it!

Learn how Alexandra Russo,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. M.S. - Speech Language Pathology Alexandra Russo Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a full-time, second year speech language pathology (SLP) graduate student. I conducted teletherapy with adults who have aphasia in Spring 2021. I also participated in a fluency (stuttering) workshop this past summer. Currently, I am doing my student teaching at a special education preschool and I work with children who have autism. I am an ambassador for my school and a peer mentor to first year SLP graduate students. I have participated in research for the physical therapy and speech language pathology programs. I volunteer and do extracurriculars in my program as much as I can to build my résumé and stay active. For example, I volunteered to participate in a dysphasia (swallowing) workshop for a day this past summer and got to practice using the scope on a robot patient. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of being a full-time graduate student who stutters is sounding professional and fluent simultaneously. Formal presentations, oral participation and recounting of information in front of my professors and peers is stressful as is but even more stressful for a person who stutters because you have to think about the information you will be saying as well as being fluent. It’s a very professional setting in graduate school and trying to sound formal paired with fluency is difficult but rewarding when you succeed. Thus far, I have worked and practiced very hard with my speaking to sound the best that I can as a person who stutters. Of course, having stuttering-like disfluencies is inevitable; even having normal disfluencies will be present. However, I always keep lifting my head up high and strive to do better the next time. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to specialize in fluency down the road as a certified SLP. What that means is if someone wants therapy just for stuttering, my name will pop up if they search an SLP who specizlies in it. I also plan to work in both the medical and educational setting as well. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Before graduate school, even in undergraduate, I tried to forget about my stutter; I pushed it to the back of my mind. I felt ashamed of it all my life. It wasn’t until graduate school and being in the professional setting and learning in depth about my impairment, along with other speech-language disorders, that I began to come to terms with my stutter and started to look at it as a strength. I started this journey of acceptance and slowly decreased my avoidance behaviors. I told my class that I had a fluency disorder in my first year of graduate school and since then my journey has only improved. I reached out to my past SLP I had in elementary school, began to be more open about my stutter, actally had fluency therapy with a SLP I can proudly call a friend now, joined a stuttering support group and started to advocate for myself. For example, I try to let professors know about my stutter and ask if I can go first when doing presentations. This allows me to avoid the anxiety, that might heightened my stutter, that waiting to present brings. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment would be when I completed a very difficult case study presentation for my Autism class this semester. We had to present a case study on a client we work with in the school system in under five minutes. I practiced a lot in advance and asked my professor if I could go first (advocating is key for me). I did really well in orally presenting the information in a timely manner and received an A for the project. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering creates a sense of having a non-judgemental mentality and provides me with an immense amount of patience, especially with my clients. It also generalizes to life; to not assume or overthink when someone is different in either the way they speak, look or think. Someone may not have control in certain aspects of their life and with stuttering, I have realized that. 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 first advice to people would be to have courage, be brave and not compare yourself to others. However, bravery and willingness arrive at different times for people who stutter. I just started my journey a year ago so it took me a while to finally start living with my stutter instead of avoiding it. Everyone has different journeys and periods in their life when they are ready to face their stutter head on. I would tell everyone in NSA, my future clients and honestly my younger self, that they will know when their time has arrived to start progressing in their journey, and in the meantime, there are support groups and social media pages they can always turn too. But I know personally, the emotional trauma stuttering brings. Unfortunately no matter who you talk or turn to, that trauma will linger. So my second advice would be is to find positive outlets to obscure the emotional impact stuttering brings on a daily basis.