Meet Gabriela Perez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Gabriela Perez DEI Committee Leader Gabriela is a person who stutters and currently works for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in their State Supreme Court Initiative. Gabriela graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Global Studies and Latin American and Iberian Languages and recently completed a Fulbright teaching fellowship. Growing up with a stutter, Gabriela is passionate about disability rights and is proud of her involvement in the National Stuttering Association. She enjoys spending time with her family (two sets of twins!) and pets. Gabriela strongly believes in making the National Stuttering Association a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and safe environment for all. She is excited to lead the DEI committee and work to increase access for marginalized people who stutter.

Join the Tampa - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Tampa ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Tampa 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? Meetings are held at the University of South Florida (3711 USF Citrus Drive, Tampa, FL 33620) in Building PCD, Room 2036. When you get to PCD building, you can park in lot 9A or lot 46. Park in spots labeled PSY-CSD. Parking permits are not needed. Walk inside to the Communication Sciences building, take the elevator to the second floor, and go to room 2036. If you get lost, you can call or text: 813-974-6190. When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Ethan Mazur & Nathan Maxfield Chapter Leaders Get in touch! hashtagstutter@gmail.com nmaxfield@usf.edu (813) 974-6190 - 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

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.

Join the New Hampshire - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. New Hampshire ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Hampshire State Welcome to the NSA New Hampshire 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? Raymond, NH 03077 When? Meetings are held around the Raymond, NH, area. Please contact the Chapter Leader for more details! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Deborah Bennett Chapter Leader Get in touch! debbieSLP@mac.com (603) 491-2941 - 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 Pamela Mertz, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Pamela Mertz Regional Chapter Coordinator - Southeast Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, North Carolina, South Carolina Pamela Mertz is a member of the Board of Directors of the NSA and serves as Special Projects Co-Chair. Pam helped develop the NSA’s innovative “We Stutter @ Work” initiative. She is both a national and international speaker on stuttering in the workplace and advocacy for women who stutter. She is a member of “50 Million Voices”, a global workplace initiative for people who stutter and is an immediate past Board member of the International Stuttering Association. She is a diversity and inclusion advocate and believes that talking openly about stuttering is the best way to educate those who don’t stutter.

Meet Quinn Helfand, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Quinn Helfand Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Quinn, an 18-year-old computer science major at American University, has been an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) community for many years. Originally from Dallas, Quinn has attended seven NSA conferences and several local chapter meetings, making meaningful connections and contributing to the supportive environment the NSA is known for. As a member of the Teen Advisory Council (TAC), they are passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and helping others feel welcomed. Quinn’s favorite part of NSA conferences is the opportunity to welcome newcomers and reconnect with old friends, creating bonds that celebrate shared experiences and mutual support. Their warmth and enthusiasm make them a natural leader in the stuttering community, helping others feel at ease and embraced. Outside of their academic and advocacy work, Quinn enjoys exploring their creative side through art and reading, finding inspiration in new stories and perspectives. They also cherish spending time with friends, valuing connection and camaraderie in all aspects of life. Quinn’s journey with the NSA reflects their commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community for people who stutter. With their blend of technical skills, creativity, and compassion, Quinn is poised to make a meaningful impact both within the stuttering community and in their future endeavors.

< Back Previous Ashleigh Givens Presenter Ashleigh is a fashion photographer and multimedia artist in Detroit, Michigan, and is a graduate of the College for Creative Studies. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading art and design books, going to concerts, and caring for her houseplants. Ashleigh loves the National Stuttering Association (NSA) community and wants to help make the NSA a more diverse space. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider and works to ensure no one else at the NSA does. Ashleigh is excited to bring her energy and passion to the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Next

< Back Previous Tanya Banks Presenter Tanya Banks has been an active member of the NSA since 1998. She is the Chapter Leader of Detroit/Royal Oak and Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North region. She is also the Adult Programs Chair on the Board of Directors. She was recognized as NSA Chapter Leader of the Year in 2013. Her chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in 2023, and she was also recognized as Regional Chapter Coordinator of the Year in 2023. She has worked as a customer service representative for 22 years and credits finding her voice to the NSA. She is an avid angel collector, enjoys inspirational music and old comedy shows. Next

Meet Melissa Sanchez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Melissa Sanchez Conference Coordinator Originally from the Bronx, Melissa has been a dedicated member of the NSA team for over 15 years. Throughout her time, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, but her true passion lies in designing the stunning balloon displays for our 1-day events, Regional Gatherings, and Annual Conferences. Outside of work, Melissa is a proud wife and the loving mother of her vibrant 3-year-old daughter, Eleana.

< Back Previous Malina Paley Presenter Malina Paley is a second-year speech-language pathology graduate student at Boston University. She is originally from Chicago and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa. Her interest in stuttering began while working in the stuttering lab at the University of Iowa, and she now enjoys working on the clinical side of stuttering with children and adolescents. A fun fact about Malina is that she is conversational in American Sign Language! This is her first NSA conference, and she is so excited to be a part of it! Next

Meet Kaela Coye, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Kaela Coye Young Adults Committee Kaela Coye is a graduate student in speech-language pathology and a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a passion for communication and advocacy. As a person who stutters, she is deeply committed to promoting understanding, inclusion, and support. She is honored to serve on the National Stuttering Association Young Adult Committee, where she advocates for greater awareness and connection within the stuttering community. Through her work and advocacy, Kaela strives to empower others to find their voice and feel confident being heard.

Join the Tri-Cities - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Tri-Cities FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Tri-Cities 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? Chapter Meet-ups are held around the Tri-Cities, WA, area. When? Please contact the Chapter Leader for more information and to join our email list! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Elizabeth Follett-Figueroa Chapter Leader Get in touch! nsatricities@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? 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