Join the Boise - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boise ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Idaho State Welcome to the NSA Boise 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? Hillcrest Library (Canyon Room) – 5246 W. Overland Road Boise, ID 83705 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM - Starting March 13th Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Guen Wood & Callan Wood Chapter Leaders Get in touch! Guenwood742@hotmail.com (208) 801-0827 - 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 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

Join the Spokane Valley - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Spokane Valley ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Spokane Valley 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? Spokane Valley, WA 99206. When? Meetings are held virtually on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM. Reach out to the Chapter Leaders for meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? David Jenson, Audri Heffernan, Jason Young & Joe Klein Chapter Leaders Get in touch! David.Jenson@wsu.edu (757) 544-8584 - 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 Derek Daniels, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Derek Daniels Research Committee Standing Member Dr. Derek E. Daniels is an associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He is originally from Houston, TX. Derek received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Grinnell College (1998), master’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston (2002), and PhD in Communication Disorders from Bowling Green State University (2007). He has been a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist since 2002. Derek has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on stuttering. He is a person who stutters, and conducts research on public perceptions of stuttering, and factors that influence the psychosocial experiences of individuals who stutter. He is particularly interested in identity, stigma, intersectionality, self-help groups, and culturally responsive practices. In 2023, Derek received the Professional of the Year Award from the National Stuttering Association. He is also a former President of the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Derek’s hobbies include creative writing (poetry), 80s music, country music, and 80s and 90s television shows. He especially loves handwritten notes, cupcakes, recipes, soft chocolate chip cookies, and a nice glass of cranberry juice.

Explore decades of nsa annual conference locations and plan your next inspiring NSA gathering. Explore the Legacy of Past NSA Conferences Each year, NSA conferences bring together a vibrant community, creating a space of connection, understanding, and celebration. What began in 1984 with fewer than 100 attendees in San Francisco has grown into a powerful gathering, reaching nearly 1,000 participants in Washington, DC in 2014. These events are more than just conferences—they’re filled with laughter, encouragement, fresh ideas, and lasting friendships. Here, everyone belongs. Imagine stepping into a place where most people stutter, where every interaction is met with empathy, and where you can start a conversation without hesitation. That place comes to life every year at the NSA Annual Conference. HALL OF FAME WINNERS Past Conferences 1984 - San Francisco, CA 1985 - San Francisco, CA 1986 - San Francisco, CA 1987 - San Francisco, CA 1988 - Houston, TX 1989 - Philadelphia, PA 1990 - Anaheim, CA 1991 - Dallas, TX 1992 - San Francisco, CA 1993 - Washington, DC 1994 - Cleveland, OH 1995 - San Diego, CA 1996 - Denver, CO 1997 - Buffalo, NY 1998 - Atlanta, GA 1999 - Seattle/Tacoma, WA 2000 - Chicago, IL 2001 - Boston, MA 2002 - Anaheim, CA 2003 - Nashville, TN 2004 - Baltimore, MD 2005 - Chicago, IL 2006 - Long Beach, CA 2007 - Atlanta, GA 2008 - Parsippany/NYC 2009 - Scottsdale, AZ 2010 - Cleveland, OH 2011 - Fort Worth, TX 2012 - St. Petersburg, FL 2013 - Scottsdale, AZ 2014 - Washington, DC 2015 - Baltimore, MD 2016 - Atlanta, GA (with ISA World Congress) 2017 - Dallas, TX 2018 - Chicago, IL 2019 - Fort Lauderdale, FL 2020 - NSA@Home Online Conference 2021 - Austin, TX 2022 - Newport Beach, CA 2023 - Fort Lauderdale, FL 2024 - St. Louis, MO 2025 - Denver, CO Charlotte, NC Scottsdale, AZ Conference locations are becoming increasingly difficult to select. We strive to base our choices on geographical distribution, accessibility for all modes of travel, local attractions and excursions suitable for both families and adults, the involvement of a local chapter whenever possible, and, of course, venue accommodations.

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 John Moore Presenter John Moore is a marketing strategist, business book author, and keynote speaker. He volunteers his time as a board member for Adaptive Pickleball and leads the National Stuttering Association Adult Chapter in Greenville, South Carolina. Next

Learn how Adriana Flowers,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Corona Corps Care Adriana Flowers Briefly describe your daily job duties. I work within the University of Oregon Health Services with an organization called Corona Corps. My duties are to call students and the community around the University who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are contacts of such. As a Care Team Member, I provide people with resources and support in order to navigate this pandemic. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Definitely making phone calls to people. It goes without saying that making and receiving calls is very challenging as a person who stutters. To deliver the news to someone, maybe for the first time, that they have COVID-19 or that they were in contact with someone who tested positive is never easy to do. This is even harder when you cannot interact with the person face-to-face and see their body language and how they’re feeling. Especially if the person is overwhelmed and anxious, you can feel it and that can make me more anxious and prone to more stuttering. 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 was interviewed over Zoom and I disclosed my stutter to all my prospective co-workers and supervisors. It felt like a relief and it was nice that people knew and understood that part of me. Currently, I have only disclosed to some co-workers if I have a bad stuttering day where I cannot control it as much or if I am about to make a call for the first time and feel nervous. I haven’t disclosed to people that I call because it is a very small interaction and they are already receiving other information and I don’t want to overwhelm them with stuff. I also haven’t had any issues yet with actual calls. What is your proudest moment at your current company? The first call I received was unexpected and I handled it well. I was kind of nervous because I was not expecting an incoming call, but the way it was handled was great. I also handled a confusing call in a professional way despite it not being on the script and despite my stutter. What are your long-term career aspirations? For now, I plan on graduating with a B.A. in Global Studies and a Minor in French and pursue my graduate studies. Then, move to Washington D.C. and work as a Foreign Service Officer (a.k.a. diplomat), and specialize in International Development and work for development agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t let your stutter stop you from landing your dream job or getting that job you want. You’re much more capable of performing your duties than you think you are. Your stutter doesn’t define you and it doesn’t define your performance at work. Going out of your comfort zone is definitely something you should try. I don’t regret choosing this job because I know it can push me out of my comfort zone and give me valuable experience.

Meet Amanda Elias, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Amanda Elias Regional Chapter Coordinator - Mid Atlantic Region DC, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Amanda Elias is from West Monroe, Louisiana. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Instructor at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). She received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University, and PhD through the University of Louisiana Monroe’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program with a concentration in Systemic Studies. She has been a Chapter Leader for the Monroe, LA Chapter of the National Stuttering Association since March of 2019. She also holds the Ally of Stuttering Seal through Spero Stuttering, Inc.

< Back Previous Will Nading Presenter Will Nading, 44, has spoken with a stutter for as long as he can remember. In his mid- to late 20s, his attitude towards his speech began to shift from frustration and shame to acceptance. Will first met another person who stuttered at his first National Stuttering Association Chapter meeting in Birmingham, AL, at 28 years old. He has since moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Professionally, Will is a Licensed Professional Engineer who designs drinking water and sewer infrastructure projects for water and sewer utilities all around the country. Next

< Back Taylor Worsham – From Acceptance to Fierce Advocacy When Taylor Worsham found the NSA in 2023, she was looking for connection and community. What she found was so much more—an organization that welcomed and accepted her with open arms and encouraged her to use her voice. Today, Taylor is a part-time NSA team member, helping lead our copywriting and community engagement efforts. But before her role on staff, she began as a volunteer, quietly creating graphics and social content—amplifying the voices of others while learning to embrace her own. “I grew up thinking I was a victim of my stutter. However, accepting myself for who I am has helped me in every way imaginable. Don’t get me wrong; I still have days where I think, "Man, life would be so much easier if I were just fluent," but I realize that God made this way for a reason and I truly believe it makes me a better person. I can't imagine it NOT being a part of me.” Taylor shares that speech therapy, for her, always came with an expectation of fluency. No one ever asked what she wanted. It wasn’t until she found the NSA that she learned stuttering acceptance was even an option. “Before the NSA, I honestly had no idea that acceptance was even an option. As a child, I went to speech therapy for years and was taught that stuttering was bad. This community is so brave and so vulnerable. It’s inspiring. I no longer despise or wish to change this part of myself. It's just a different way of speaking.” One of Taylor’s proudest moments came on International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024, when she sent a heartfelt message to her entire company—disclosing her stutter, offering helpful tips, and pointing to resources for learning more. The response was full of encouragement and support. “It was a big moment for me. As someone who tried extremely hard their whole life to pretend that their stutter didn't exist, I'm proud of the leaps and bounds I have made on my stuttering journey this far.” Her message to new NSA members is full of warmth: ”This community is so welcoming and accepting. I know it can be daunting outside looking in, but there is something different for everyone. If you can't make it to an Annual Conference, join in on virtual events. There's an entire community here waiting to welcome you with open arms.” Get to know Taylor: Favorite ice cream: Vanilla Beach over mountains or desert Comfort rewatch: The Golden Girls Current jam: “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves Pet: 1 cat Fun fact: Taylor’s favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11. Dream vacation: Italy to honor her Italian roots Taylor’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and rising into your voice. Thank you, Taylor, for your voice! Previous Next

< Back Previous Ralph McRae Jr. Presenter Ralph McRae Jr. is a US Army Vietnam veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, he built and retired from several successful businesses and now enjoys an adventurous life flying planes and helicopters, while cherishing time with his wife, Anna, of 23 years. He is a person who stutters and this is his first NSA conference. Next