Join the Dallas - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Dallas - Adult ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Texas State Welcome to the NSA Dallas Adult 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? Callier Center for Communication Disorders – 1966 Inwood at Stemmons Freeway (I-35) near Parkland Hospital (follow signage for room number) When? Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. We also meet for “Chat ‘n Chew” informal gatherings where we discuss a variety of topics, including stuttering while eating good food. Reach out to the Chapter Leaders for more information. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? David Alpuche Chapter Leader Get in touch! DallasStutters@gmail.com - https://www.facebook.com/NSADallas 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 Anna Boyd,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. English Language Arts Teacher Anna Boyd Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach 7th Grade English Language Arts. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a teacher who has to read aloud to her class, I find that to be the most challenging. I also find gaining respect in the workplace to be challenging. I often feel that adult coworkers are more likely to see my stutter has a hindrance to my teaching ability than my students. 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 did. I said I had a stutter, but it didn’t have me. I was often told that I was never going to be a teacher due to my stutter. Today, with each day one of school, I tell my students that I stutter. (But we all know each of us has something. It’s just my something is more noticeable.) Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I listen more. I take time to hear people out. Co-workers come to me when they have a student who stutters, and that makes me feel that I am contributing in ways that others cannot. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I have a student who stutters this year. And, he told me that I was the only teacher he had who has believed in him and told him that he could be and do anything in life he wanted. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to teach middle school for the rest of my career! What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Do not let stuttering control you. You have a stutter, but it doesn’t have you. You are going to write the narrative for your workplace experience so be positive, but open with people. Realize that your stutter makes you who you are, and that you have just as much, and more to offer than someone who does not stutter.

Apply for the NSA College Scholarship. Support your academic journey with funding for students who stutter. THE KRISHNAN AND YEGNESWARAN FAMILY College Scholarship Applicant Information * First name * Last name * Email * Address * Phone * Proof of enrollment as an undergrad in an accredited university Upload File * Proof of financial need Upload File * What is your current GPA - Upload current transcript Upload File * Tell us how being a person who stutters has impacted your life (please upload) Upload File * What is your current field of study? * What are your professional career objectives? * Have you previously secured financial aid? Yes No * Are you applying for supplemental financial assistance? * What are your plans/objectives for the scholarship? * Teacher Recommendation Upload File SUBMIT

Learn how Lisa Barone,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Barone Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m responsible for developing integrated marketing strategies for Overit clients and internally for the agency. I focus much of my time on the branding, content marketing, and social media side of things, but work closely with a talented team of colleagues who specialize in areas such as public relations, graphic design, video production, audio, and more. I also have the opportunity to pitch new opportunities to potential clients, which means I get to meet folks very early on in our engagement and be part of the initial impression of Overit. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most difficult part of my job as a person who stutters is often the internal feelings of guilt that I’m not giving an idea or campaign justice when I’m pitching or presenting it. Much about helping a client to feel confident in the capabilities of Overit is in the presentation of it. It can be easy for my fragmented delivery of a concept to put feelings of doubt or lack of confidence where there wouldn’t be otherwise. In many, even most cases, I don’t think it’s an issue but sometimes it can show itself. 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? My stuttering is severe enough that I don’t have to self-disclose. It’s evident immediately. I’ve never felt a need to offer a “disclaimer” and I’ve generally felt that as long as I appear comfortable, the listener (whether an internal colleague or a client) generally feels comfortable as well. I’ve learned the person you are speaking with generally feeds off your confidence and your energy. When I started at Overit, my boss shared a TEDx speech I gave about stuttering with the office and encouraged employees to watch it. By doing that, he did me favor. He paved the way for my coworkers to “find out” about my stuttering on their own. They weren’t caught off-guard (which can be awkward even with the best intentions!). And, they also saw stuttering is not something I shy away from. I’m comfortable with it, so they were given permission to be comfortable about it, too. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Much of the work I do involves voice. It’s about helping brands identify who they are, their point of difference (i.e .what makes them weird and interesting!), and their messaging. I’ve believe strongly that the reason I am able to help brands find their voice is because I’ve spent my entire life fighting for mine. That fight has underscored its importance. I understand voice and the ability to find people who are “weird” in the same way you are differently than someone who doesn’t have the same speech issues. Early in my career, I found it very difficult to find employment, just as it can be for anyone who stutters. That left a strong imprint on me to prove my value and prove my worth. It gave me an incredible work ethic that helped me to stand out and to propel me when I was starting out and it’s something that I’ve kept. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Building my team is my proudest moment. When I started at Overit eight years ago, the agency didn’t have a content marketing or a brand team. They created engaging content and excellent videos, but it was part of other services. When I joined Overit, it was an impetus for them to change how they approached creating content and videos. I now manage a team of writers, brand builders and social media experts. Together, we create great campaigns for clients, while also defining and strengthening their brand. Having been with Overit for several years now, I’ve experienced ebbs and flows with the business, and the company has been there for me, as well. I feel proud to have found Overit. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to keep doing what I’m doing and building great brands for clients I believe in. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? When you’re just entering the workplace, your energy should be spent focusing on your craft. It’s natural to be self-conscious of your speech but the more comfortable you are with it, the more comfortable others will be. And it’s probably given you a bunch of other great assets. It’s given you empathy and compassion and helped you to see things differently than your non-stuttering colleagues. There are benefits from people a person who stutters in the workplace and workplaces need us.

Join the Seattle - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Seattle FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Seattle 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? Meeting locations vary around the Seattle area. When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 3:00-5:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Tiffani Kittilstved & Dhriti Rao Chapter Leaders Get in touch! Tkittilstved@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

Meet Monica Johnson, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Monica Johnson Research Committee Associate Member Monica L. Johnson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an assistant professor at Southeastern Louisiana University who focuses on empowerment through education not only to guide her teaching but also her clinical work, and research projects. She is currently working on research exploring dating, intimacy, & partner support for AWS. In her teaching role she prepares graduates and undergraduate students to work with and support those with communication deficits and their families/caregivers/spouses/partners and teaches courses that aim to infuse counseling and research principles into practice.

< Back Previous Sarah D'Agostino Presenter Sarah D’Agostino is a Michigander, speaker, facilitator, yoga instructor, business owner, wife, and mother who brings both lived experience and heart to her work. She has been a member of the National Stuttering Association for over 26 years, a community that has deeply shaped her perspective on identity, resilience, and self-acceptance. With more than two decades of professional experience, Sarah blends storytelling and personal development to help people explore who they are beyond labels and expectations. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Next

< Back Sisters Who Stutter Spotlight: Jolie Deitchman – Owning Her Voice and Inspiring Others For Jolie Deitchman, finding the NSA was a transformation. 9 years ago, Jolie’s family joined the NSA looking for a space where she could fully be herself and meet others who stutter. They had heard about the community for a long time, and when they finally attended their first conference, something clicked. “It instantly felt like home.” Today, Jolie is a vital part of the Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) Committee, a teen-led initiative that empowers young girls who stutter to connect, uplift one another, and speak with confidence. She’s come a long way—and she’s proud of it. “My journey has been far from easy, and I am still learning and growing. However, I have become more confident with advocating for myself, and I haven’t let my stutter prevent me from doing the things I want to do.” Whether she’s presenting in class, leading Zoom calls, or simply sharing space with other girls who stutter, Jolie is proof that strength lies in embracing your voice—not hiding it. Her advice to new NSA members is heartfelt and full of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! It may seem intimidating, but everyone at the conference is going through similar things and is so kind and understanding. Go to the workshops, as they are very helpful and have taught me many valuable things. Every conversation, every hug, every workshop, because time flies at the conference, and every moment is so precious and special.” Get to know Jolie: Favorite ice cream: Cookie Dough Beach over mountains or desert TV go-to: Gossip Girl Karaoke anthem: Love Song by Sara Bareilles Pet: A chocolate lab/pit bull mix Fun fact: Can do an amazing Stitch voice from Lilo & Stitch Dream vacation: Turks and Caicos Jolie’s story is a powerful reminder that your stutter is not something to overcome—it’s something to own. Through her leadership with SWS, she’s helping more girls step into their strength and celebrate the voices they once tried to hide. Thank you, Jolie, for being a source of light, laughter, and leadership! Previous Next

< Back Previous Garrett McDevitt Presenter Garrett McDevitt is an active-duty Marine and a person who stutters. He has been involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for over 15 years, who has served on the Teen Advisory Council and as an NSA Chapter Leader. Garrett recently returned from his third deployment, during which he worked occasionally as an interpreter for his team. In his spare time, he is an avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, and he enjoys learning and practicing foreign languages. Next

Join the Kansas City - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Kansas City FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kansas State/Missouri State Welcome to the NSA Kansas City 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? Meeting location alternates between Chicken N Pickle locations in North Kansas City, MO, and Overland Park, KS. Chicken N Pickle (Red Roost Room) 1761 Burlington St, North Kansas City, MO 64116 Chicken N Pickle (The Fireside Room) 5901 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223 When? Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. During the ODD months (January, March, May, July, September, & November), we meet at Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City, Missouri. During EVEN Months (February, April, June, August, October, December), we meet at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park, Kansas. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Stacey Nierman, Andrea Burcham, Amy Burns & Joy Chang Chapter Leaders Get in touch! ksfamilynsa@gmail.com (620) 655-7946 https://www.instagram.com/kcfamilynsa 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 Spotlight on the Older Adults Committee: A Voice of Wisdom, Connection, and Confidence Meet a longtime member of the NSA who embodies the heart of what it means to be unapologetically yourself. Vicki Schutter been part of the NSA since 1985, when we were still known as the National Stuttering Project (NSP). Their journey began when a persistent fellow stutterer, Brian Koch, encouraged them to attend a meeting in Paula Campbell’s apartment. That first step led to a lifetime of connection, support, and transformation. “I had never been in a room with so many stutterers in my life,” she said. “It was life-changing.” Now a proud member of the Older Adults Committee, she helps represent the fastest-growing group in our organization: adults over 50. The committee offers a unique perspective on NSA initiatives, providing insight into workshops, mentoring, and planning events with a thoughtful eye toward later stages in life. But more than anything, this committee fosters a sense of belonging. It’s a place where mature members can reflect, connect, and continue to grow within our ever-expanding stuttering family. She says that one of their proudest accomplishments is simple yet powerful: “I always order exactly what I want in a restaurant. I never order something I think will be easier to say.” We celebrate that kind of confidence and self-acceptance at the NSA. Through their years of involvement, she’s learned to live with their stutter, not in spite of it, but with it—embracing who she is rather than striving for who she thinks she’s “supposed” to be. When she’s not advocating for the stuttering community, she’s enjoying their favorite things: Pecan Turtle Fudge ice cream Relaxing at the beach Singing California Dreamin’ at karaoke Caring for Ginger, their very spoiled orange-and-white cat Rewatching episodes of Star Trek Dreaming of visiting the lake region of northern Italy To anyone new to the NSA, their advice is clear: “Go to a conference! It will change your life forever, and you will meet people there who will be your friends for the rest of your lives.” We’re honored to have this member in our community and even more thrilled to see their continued leadership on the Older Adults Committee. Previous Next

Join the Southampton - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Southampton ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New York State Welcome to the NSA Southampton 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? Stony Brook University (Atlantic Hall Conference Room) – 39 Tuckahoe Road, Southampton, NY 11968 When? Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month from 5:00-6:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Renee Fabus & Joy Kling Chapter Leaders Get in touch! joy.kling@stonybrook.edu (631) 638-0502 - 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