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< Back Previous Stacey Nierman Presenter Stacey Nierman is a mother to three boys, one of whom stutters. She is a teacher, passionate about helping people embrace who they are. Stacey attended the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Annual Conference in St. Louis in 2023, where she found herself embraced by parents who shared her wide range of emotions and felt hope for her son’s future. Since then, Stacey and her family have become very active in the NSA. She lives in the Kansas City metro area and co-founded the Kansas City Area Family Chapter. Her goal in the NSA is to connect, support, and educate in a judgment-free zone. Next

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 David Potts Presenter David Potts is a research scientist at the Dow Chemical Company. He is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a lifelong stutterer. He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2018 and his PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2024, both in chemical engineering. His work focuses on developing catalysts to speed up and make chemical reactions more environmentally friendly. David moved to Michigan in 2024 and is a member of the National Stuttering Association East Lansing Chapter. He attended his first Annual Conference in 2025. He is passionate about mentorship, outreach, and making scientific fields more accessible to others who stutter. Next

Join the Albuquerque - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Albuquerque ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Mexico State Welcome to the NSA Albuquerque 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? UNM Department of Speech and Hearing Services (1700 Lomas Boulevard Albuquerque, NM 87106) When? Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Rick Arenas Chapter Leader Get in touch! RickArenas@unm.edu (319) 936-1287 - 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? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org 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 Maria Shook Presenter Maria Shook is the proud mom of Ian Shook, a teen who stutters. The Shook family has been attending the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Annual Conferences since 2021 and are very thankful for the community of support the NSA provides. Maria is a native Delawarean who currently resides in Maryland and works for the Space Telescope Science Institute. Next

Read real stories from people who stutter, their families, and allies. Discover experiences of courage, community, and communication through the National Stuttering Association. Stories from Our Community Real people, real experiences, real hope. Hear from members of our community about their journeys with stuttering. How a Stuttering ID Card Impacted My Experience With Customs A personal account of using the NSA Stuttering ID Card while crossing the US-Canada border alone, showing how disclosure on one’s own terms can reduce fear, prevent misjudgment, and create smoother interactions with authority figures. Taylor Worsham Drew Lynch: How Comedy, Stuttering, and Laughter Became His Voice An in-depth profile of comedian Drew Lynch exploring how stuttering shaped his comedy, advocacy, and approach to vulnerability, while challenging assumptions about communication, confidence, and being heard. Drew Lynch ‘On the Other Side of Fear’: Stuttering Lessons from Matice Morris Advocate and author Matice Morris turns fear into strength as a person who stutters. Read her hard-won lessons on courage, confidence, and facing challenges. Matice Morris An Open Letter From an Ally This open letter from an ally shares what it means to stand beside people who stutter, why all voices matter, and how allies can make a difference in daily life. Amber Toerien Nate Crawford on Stuttering & Building Morning Jay’s Photographer and entrepreneur Nate Crawford shares how stuttering has shaped his voice, his creative work, and the Chicago-based breakfast pop-up Morning Jay’s. Nate Crawford Matthew’s Stuttering Journey Told Through Folk Music Folk musician and NSA member Matthew DeChant shares how stuttering shaped his journey on and off the stage. Through music and the support of the NSA, he has found confidence, community, and a powerful voice of expression. Lexi Hewitt Stuttering and Mental Health: You Are Not Alone Therapist and person who stutters Sam Gennuso shares honest insight and strategies for taking care of your emotional well-being. You are not alone. Sam Gennuso

Join the Wayne - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Wayne ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Wayne 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? Wayne Public Library - 461 Valley Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470 Preakness Room (In back by Reference Desk) When? Meetings are held on 1st Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30PM EST. **Our January 2026 meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday, January 8th! See you then!** Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Matthew Reis Chapter Leader Get in touch! mreis221@gmail.com 862-226-3867 - 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? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org 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 Tammy Flores, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Tammy Flores Executive Director Tammy has been a cornerstone of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for more than 25 years, serving as its dedicated Executive Director since 2006. Her unwavering passion for empowering people who stutter and her commitment to advocating for the NSA community have made her a driving force behind the organization's growth and impact. Tammy’s leadership reflects her deep belief in the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for people who stutter and their families. Over the years, Tammy has played a key role in developing programs, resources, and initiatives that have enriched the lives of countless people within the stuttering community. Her dedication to fostering connections and amplifying voices continues to inspire others and strengthen the NSA’s mission. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tammy enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and indulging in her love for all things dogs. Whether it's discovering new adventures or simply sharing moments with her favorite people, Tammy brings her trademark warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is also married to an amazing person who stutters, who is her absolute favorite person in life. Tammy’s journey is a testament to her commitment, both personally and professionally, to making a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.

< Back Previous DM Forker Presenter DM Forker is a person who stutters and has stuttered for more than 50 years—he doesn’t remember a time in his life when he spoke fluently. He has an identical twin brother who does not stutter. DM has been married to his high school sweetheart for over 30 years, and together they have two daughters, one of whom also stutters. He lives in Nebraska and works as a criminal investigator for a local Sheriff’s Office. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, hiking, fishing, camping, and training for 100‑mile ultramarathon races. Next

Discover how the NSA supports people who stutter, their families, educators, and SLPs through resources, community, and life-changing events. Discover How We Support People Who Stutter Whether you are a person who stutters, the family member or friend of a PWS, or just an ally to PWS who has a special interest in stuttering, we are here for you! The NSA® is here to connect you to information, others who stutter, and SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists) who specialize in stuttering. Get started by looking through the following links! Need more information? Feel free to contact us. You are not alone! Adults The NSA is the preeminent organization for supporting people who stutter through support, education, advocacy, and research. Read More Family Programs NSA Family Programs supports young people who stutter by providing resources for the whole family and others in their support network. Read More Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) Stuttering is complicated, and treating it can be a challenge. At the NSA, we believe that SLPs can help people to successfully cope with stuttering. Read More Military Personnel We understand that military personnel face unique challenges as people who stutter. We are here to raise awareness and educate military health specialists and command staff in all of the US Armed Forces. Read More Researchers As the largest stuttering support organization in North America, we are advancing both knowledge and understanding of stuttering. Read More College/Young Adult Moving into a new stage of life – any new stage – can be scary, especially with speech challenges. Luckily there are NSA’ers who have gone before you and can offer advice for making that transition as smooth as possible. Read More Stuttering@Work Searching for a job can be stressful for a person who stutters. Do I disclose my stuttering? When and how? What about interviewing? We can help. Read More Employers With approximately 1% of the population stuttering, employers are likely to encounter people who stutter in the work force or among job applicants. Get the facts about stuttering. Read More Educators Educators play a critical role in shaping the lives of young children, including those who stutter. Understand and support them in the best way possible. Read More Pediatricians Medical professionals are often the first professionals that parents turn to when they notice disfluencies in their child’s speech. With the correct information and a basic understanding of childhood stuttering, pediatricians and family physicians can be an asset to parents in these early stages. Read More

Propose a workshop for the NSA 2026 Conference. Share practical tools, research, or lived experience that supports people who stutter and the professionals who serve them. Call for Workshops: 2026 Annual Conference Help shape the Annual Conference in Charlotte Every summer, our Annual Conference becomes a place where people who stutter take center stage to be heard and valued. And this July, we’re heading to Charlotte, North Carolina —and we want you to help shape what happens there. We invite you to submit a proposal for consideration. Workshops are a core part of the experience and reflect the creativity, lived experience, research, advocacy, and leadership within our community. All workshop proposals must include: Title of the proposed workshop Summary or description of the workshop Target audience Preferred day and time Names of all presenters (including panelists or roundtable participants) Short presenter bios (3-4 sentences each) A headshot or profile photo for each presenter (JPEG preferred) Workshops come in many forms: educational, personal, practical, creative, and/or community-driven. What matters most is that they move people forward and reflect the voices and lived experiences that make this community what it is. The final submission deadline is Sunday, March 1 . Proposals will be accepted for only one month. If you’ve ever had an idea you wished was represented during the Annual Conference, this is your time! Sorry, but this form is now closed. Workshop Submission Form 2026 Presenter Information (if you are submitting as a panel, you must provide ALL presenter info together). Main Presenter Name* Main Presenter Bio* Provide a bio, written in third person and no longer than 150 words, to be included in the program. Main Presenter Email* Main Presenter Social Media Handles We’d love to highlight you on social media leading up to the conference! Please share your social media handles (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) if you’re comfortable being tagged. If you prefer not to be tagged, that’s perfectly fine too. Main Presenter Headshot* Upload Headshot Please upload a current photo of the main presenter. This photo will be included in the official conference program. Next