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Learn how Nina Zito,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Elementary School Teacher Nina Zito Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an elementary public school teacher, I plan and execute lessons for my students in word work, reading, writing, math, science, social studies and social emotional learning. I interact with my colleagues and the parents of my students on a daily basis. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is never knowing how my stutter will be that day. There are many activities I am required to do such as Parent Teacher Communication, Observations and Read Alouds that I have to do, even when speaking is difficult. 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, I disclosed my stuttering right away and it was very well received by my administration and colleagues. Every May for Stuttering Awareness Week, I have a table in the main lobby with information and giveaways (thanks NSA) to educate others on stuttering and what exactly it entails because quite honestly, most people just don’t know! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering definitely makes me more understanding and a better listener and educator because I know what it’s like to have a struggle and overcome that struggle, whether it is “seen” or “unseen.” What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment right now is of my students who are doing a wonderful job at remote learning. What are your long-term career aspirations? I would love to continue to teach and educate students and their parents and if some education about stuttering is included, that would be wonderful. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Days might be challenging and speaking might be hard but you are your biggest advocate. Advertising my stutter always worked well for me and I hope it does for you too. We are all in this together and you most definitely should not give up on your dreams because you are not alone in this!

< Back Rita Thurman Speaker Rita Thurman has worked in schools and clinical settings in Utah, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Virgina and South/North Carolina. Her practice focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children, teens and adults who stutter. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering and Fluency Disorders and served as Chair on the Executive Board of the American Board of Stuttering, Cluttering and Fluency Disorders. Ms. Thurman was awarded the NC Clinical Achievement Award in 2012, the NSA SLP of the Year Award in 2015 and the NSA Chapter of the Year Award in 2021--for her work to improve services for children/adults who stutter. Ms. Thurman has presented workshops on stuttering at both a state and national level. She has participated in the International Stuttering Awareness Day on-line conference and contributed a chapter in the book: Stuttering–Inspirational Stories, Professional Wisdom. She is a NSA Adult and TWST (Teens Who STutter) Chapters leader. Previous Next

< Back Seasoned Voices Committee Spotlight: Patrice Nolan Fox — Strength, Storytelling & Support The National Stuttering Association’s Seasoned Voices Committee continues growing, bringing together people over 50 looking for connection, mentorship, and shared experience. One of the inspiring voices within that group is Patrice Nolan Fox, a longtime member whose impact spans two decades. Patrice’s NSA journey began 20 years ago when a friend told her she’d love the community and should come to a meeting. That one invitation led to a life-changing experience. “They were right—I loved it. The NSA has helped me become much more open about my stuttering.” Patrice is not only a person who stutters but also a speech-language pathologist, giving her a unique dual perspective in our community. She’s spent 37 years as an educator, helping others learn and grow while learning a lot about herself. She serves on the Seasoned Voices Committee, which offers mature perspectives to the NSA’s broader goals—bringing insight to workshops, events, and resources designed to support people navigating life over 50. Patrice is incredibly passionate about creating a space where adults can feel empowered to embrace their voices—at any age. “Be open and don’t be afraid,” she advises new members. Fun facts: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough Favorite TV show: Here Come the Brides Pet: A sweet kitty named Peaches Fun fact: She loves to act! Dream vacation: Scottsdale, Arizona Whether she’s offering support to a new member, mentoring others, or sharing her story as both an SLP and a person who stutters, Patrice embodies what it means to be a powerful part of the NSA family. Thank you, Patrice, for your dedication, openness, and unwavering support. You make our community stronger! Previous Next

Join the Manhattan, KS - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Manhattan ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kansas State Welcome to the NSA Manhattan 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? Kansas State University – Campus Creek Complex, and online using Zoom. When? Hybrid meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jayden McCall Chapter Leader Get in touch! ManhattanNSA@gmail.com (316) 680-1524 - 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

Learn how Nicole Osborne,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Paramedic Nicole Osborne Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an ambulance paramedic, I respond to the emergency calls and provide urgent medical assistance in a variety of situations from traffic accidents to household incidents to inter-hospital transfers. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Speaking on the radio and phone is an on-going requirement of my job and it’s an everyday challenge for me. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? No, I didn’t disclose my stutter. I am able to manage my stutter quite well in that not many people know or notice it. My stutter comes across more as a lisp but I still block a lot and it comes out more often when I’m tired and anxious. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. It’s made me a much better listener because I know what it’s like to not be given the chance to speak. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I experience small victories every day when I am able to give a clear handover of a patient in need to hospital staff without blocking on words. What are your long-term career aspirations? I thoroughly enjoy my current position as an Advanced Life Support paramedic and do not wish to advance into management or into an Intensive Care position. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Just know it will happen at some point. Try to not freak out too much because you will stutter. I’ve been lucky that I can conceal my stutter quite well, but I don’t freak out because I know I will block a lot on words.

< Back Pamela Mertz Speaker Pamela Mertz has been an active member of the NSA and stuttering community at large for many years. She is an advocate and champion for women who stutter, as evidenced by her popular podcast "Women Who Stutter: Our Stories." Pam has served on the Boards of both the NSA and the International Stuttering Association. She has been a keynote speaker for the NSA and several international stuttering associations. She was inducted into the NSA Hall of Fame in 2022. Previous Next

< Back Erica Perez: A Wolverine at Heart, an NSA Supporter for Life If you've been to one of our Annual Conferences in the past two decades, there's a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Erica Perez, or at least seen her helping things run smoothly behind the scenes with her signature calm. Erica first got involved with the NSA in 2002, back when our office was in Anaheim. “I was hired to help answer phones,” she says, “and helped at the Nashville conference. After that I came back to the Conference almost every year.” And she's been coming back nearly every year since. Erica doesn’t stutter, but the community she found here is what keeps her showing up. “As someone who doesn't stutter, I have come to love many of these people and I will always consider them family.” The NSA hasn’t just changed how Erica spends her Fourth of July week, it’s also changed how she listens. “I have never been a person who has a lot of patience, but I have learned to step back, listen and really hear what someone is saying, both literally and figuratively.” Family is a big part of Erica’s world. Her parents, Jim and Lee, have worked the NSA store for years, and her husband Aaron and kids, Lily and AJ, have grown up as part of the conference crew. It’s a family affair in the truest sense. Erica’s advice for newcomers? Get involved. “There is truly a group for everyone, whether it is your local Chapter or our amazing groups online. You never have to say anything but listen. You will eventually be the person leading a group or a workshop.” She may not karaoke, but she’s always game for peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and dreams of someday visiting Tahiti or Maui. From answering phones in Anaheim to helping build a movement, Erica’s story reminds us that stuttering touches more than just the person who stutters, it brings people together. And sometimes, it brings you family. Previous Next

Join the Sacramento - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Sacramento ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA Sacramento 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 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? Meetings are held virtually. When? Meetings are virtual and are held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7PM. Please contact Chapter Leaders for more information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Amber Kennedy, Jeremiah C. Williams & Robert Cox Chapter Leaders Get in touch! nsasacramentochapter@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

< Back Jacob Bossier Speaker Jacob Bossier is a twenty year old college student in his sophomore year at Southeastern Louisiana University. He’s in a fraternity that he’s actively involved in. Jacob enjoys hanging out with his friends, working out, and spending time with his family. He is most interested in digital media, but is majoring in Computer Science. This will be his third NSA conference. Previous Next

Meet Holly Nover, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Holly Nover Family Programs Chair Holly is a person who stutters, a parent of a child that stutters, and a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) who has been active with the NSA since 2007. Professionally, Holly has earned two master’s degrees: Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. She has worked as a SLP in the medical, private, and public-school settings and currently works in a public school district serving as the District Program Specialist for SLPs. She has served as a Lead SLP in her school district and was named Speech Language Pathologist of the year by the Jacksonville Area Speech Pathology Association in 2009. She has presented on stuttering at the local, state, and national levels. Holly lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband and is the mother of two boys and a Labrador Retriever. She enjoys watching sporting events, traveling to tropical locations, puzzles, spending time at the beach, and organizing. Holly is a loyal Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Term began May 2021

Join the Lenexa - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Lenexa ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kansas State Welcome to the NSA Lenexa 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? Lenexa Public Market -- 8750 Penrose Ln, Lenexa, KS 66219 When? Meetings are held on the first Monday of every other month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Please contact the Chapter Leader to confirm the meeting schedule. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Becca Grussgott Chapter Leader Get in touch! becca@freedomtospeaktherapy.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

Learn how Kelsey Smith,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Interpreter Kelsey Smith Briefly describe your daily job duties. I was an Interpreter while working for the National Park Service. Many duties come with being an Interpreter, including: leading tours, giving visitors the rules before they enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and working at the information desk. I am transitioning to the United States Forest Service soon and do not know all of my new job duties yet! Some of my responsibilities will be: patrolling the backcountry, writing citations, cleaning the recreation area of trash, and crowd control. I will also have the opportunity to get my red card, meaning I will be able to fight wildfires. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is when I am having an exceptionally non-fluent day. Even if I do not want to give a tour/program because my stutter is out of control, I still have to do it. 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 at work? Yes, I disclosed my stutter during the hiring process. All my job interviews were via phone and my stutter is moderate to severe. Usually all I say at the beginning of an interview is, “I have a stutter.” A few times I have been able to work it into the conversation instead of just blurting it out. When I give tours/programs I tell the visitors I have a stutter. During my five years with the National Park Service. I have told roughly 8,000 visitors I have a stutter! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering makes me a better, more valued contributor at work because I have shown my co-workers that people from all walks of life can work for the National Park Service. I also help them become better listeners and be more patient. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment was when I was working at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. During my first ever Bat Flight Program I had close to 350 people attend. The feeling of telling that many people at once “I have a stutter, so if there is anything you need me to repeat, just ask,” was unlike anything I had ever felt before. It was a freeing experience to be able to say that. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspiration is to be a Chief of Interpretation at a national park. I don’t know which national park, but the beauty of my career is not knowing where you will be in a year or two. There is always adventure while getting to travel and live in some of the most beautiful places in the United States. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Follow your dream job. Do not let the naysayers get you down! Just because we stutter doesn’t make us bad communicators. We have the unique ability to make people better listeners. Some days are going to be rough, but there is always tomorrow.