Learn how Carl Johnson,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Medical Unit Maintenance Tech Carl Johnson Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am responsible for daily maintenance of medical units for Atlantic Health System hospitals and health care facilities. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. It’s challenging to have conversations with nurses and doctors who don’t know I have a stutter and aren’t patient. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it? I disclosed that I am a person who stutters early in the interview process and during my face to face interview, I let my interviewer know I have a stutter. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has made me a better and more valued contributor because I work twice as hard to prove I that belong. I feel like I need to prove a point that people who stutter are extremely smart people who show great perseverance. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was told I am doing a great job and I have great work ethic. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term aspiration is to manage a group of people and feel comfortable having open discussions. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? My advice to anyone who stutters is to have confidence when speaking and try to talk to as many people as you can so you can gain greater comfort in talking. Not being afraid to talk will help you to become a more fluent speaker.

< Back Previous Landon Coffell Presenter Landon Coffell, a 28-year-old person who stutters (PWS), currently lives in central Arkansas with his wife, Kaseenah. He works as a Business Services Coordinator at Best Beverage. This role challenges him as a PWS, as he must communicate effectively both within the company and with external vendors. In his spare time, Landon enjoys hitting the gym, hiking, and fishing, and is also enjoying his first year of marriage! This past year, he spoke to a cohort of graduate program speech-language pathology students on the challenges and realities of being a PWS and this experience sparked an interest in more speaking opportunities in the stuttering world. Next

< Back Previous Joan Ross Presenter Joan Ross is a dedicated attendee of National Stuttering Association (NSA) Annual Conferences with her husband, Dave, and their two daughters and their families. Their journey started in 2008 in their home state of New Jersey, when they attended their first Annual Conference. Joan is the Chapter Leader of the NSA Central Jersey Chapter. Joan is also a small business owner and realtor. Her daughter Courtney, who has stuttered since the age of 3, has been a huge driving force in Joan's life. Joan embraces the role of grandma to 6 grandchildren as they attend their 18th consecutive Annual Conference in Charlotte. Next

Meet Tanya Banks, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Tanya Banks Adult Programs Chair (NSA Board of Directors) Tanya serves as the Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North and Northeast Regions. Central North: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont 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. Term began June 2024

< Back Previous Dana Koprowski Presenter Dana proudly calls the Chicago suburbs home and is the devoted single mother of her 5-year-old son, Grayson. Being Grayson’s mom is her greatest joy and most important role. Professionally, Dana works in property management. She loves building relationships and creating positive experiences for the communities she serves. She discovered the National Stuttering Association in 2017 and attended her first Annual Conference in 2018, where she immediately felt a sense of belonging and inspiration that continues to motivate her today. In her spare time, Dana enjoys crafting and thrifting—finding beauty in the unexpected and turning simple treasures into something special. Next

< Back Previous Jessica Hudson Presenter Jessica Hudson is a speech-language pathologist based in Arizona who has worked almost exclusively with people who stutter throughout her 13-year career. She is the owner of Stuttering & Speech Therapy of Arizona, a practice she founded 10 years ago to create a supportive, affirming space for individuals and families impacted by stuttering. Jessica is passionate about changing the narrative and reducing stigma surrounding stuttering. She holds the Ally of Stuttering Seal and previously served as a Chapter Leader in Phoenix. Outside of work, she loves traveling, working out, and taste-testing the tortillas made at her husband’s tortilla factory. Next

< Back Previous David Richards Presenter David is from New York City and is passionate about public health. Stuttering has been part of his life since adolescence and has shaped who he is today. He believes that stuttering has influenced the way he handles life situations with resilience. In high school, David was valedictorian and delivered a speech to hundreds of people, which helped him build confidence that has carried into his early adulthood and continues today. Being part of the DEI Committee allows him to connect with different people so they can learn from one another. It is a great feeling for him to know that he is not the only person navigating life with a stutter. Next

< Back Previous Isabella Pellom-Delucca Presenter Isabella Pellom-Delucca is a college student from Charlotte, North Carolina, who stutters. She is passionate about linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and philosophy. In her free time, she strength trains and attends church events. In the future, she wishes to attain native-level fluency in several languages and pursue a career in Education. Next

Join the Kalamazoo Area - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Kalamazoo Area ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Michigan State Welcome to the NSA Kalamazoo Area 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 & 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? Kalamazoo Public Library 315 South Rose Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007 When? Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00PM. Meetings alternate between in-person and virtual. Please contact the Chapter Leader for meeting details! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jade Epps Chapter Leader Get in touch! kzooNSA@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 Jodi Reinstein, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jodi Reinstein Professional Relations Committee Jodi Reinstein, MS, CCC-SLP, MAEdL, is a seasoned speech-language pathologist who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals with communication challenges. Since beginning her practice in 1996, Jodi has amassed a wealth of experience in both clinical and educational settings. Her professional journey began with three years at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, where she honed her skills working with children requiring intensive support. This foundation laid the groundwork for her transition into public education, where she has been serving for the past 25 years. For the last eight years, Jodi has taken on a leadership role as a school-based special education administrator, leveraging her expertise to advocate for and support students with diverse needs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments and empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. Jodi has also contributed to the broader speech-language pathology community through her involvement with the New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association, where she served as part of the School Affairs Committee. In this role, she worked to address key issues affecting school-based speech and hearing professionals, further demonstrating her dedication to advancing the field. As a member of the Professional Relations Committee, Jodi brings her extensive knowledge, leadership experience, and passion for making a difference to her work. Her career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the individuals and communities she serves.

< Back Previous Lexi Hewitt Presenter Lexi Hewitt is a certified K-12 school counselor and has a National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certification. She has been a member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2019 and volunteers as the Chapter Leader for the NSA Southeastern Pennsylvania Family Chapter, which she started in 2023. She is also the NSA Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Southwest region. She loves singing along to Taylor Swift, nerding out about TV shows, and being a person who stutters. Next

Meet Aryanna Tillman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Aryanna Tillman Sisters Who Stutter Vice President Aryanna, a vibrant 15-year-old, serves as the Vice President of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), a teen-founded initiative under the National Stuttering Association (NSA). SWS is dedicated to empowering and supporting girls who stutter, creating a safe and inclusive space for them to connect, share experiences, and embrace their unique voices. As Vice President, Aryanna plays a key role in inspiring confidence and fostering community among her peers, embodying the values and mission of both SWS and the NSA. Since the age of 6, Aryanna has been passionate about cheerleading, a sport that reflects her enthusiasm, determination, and ability to work as part of a team. In addition to her leadership and athletic pursuits, Aryanna enjoys exploring her creativity through photography, capturing moments that tell stories. She also loves baking delicious treats and spending time babysitting, showcasing her nurturing and thoughtful personality. After high school, Aryanna aspires to make a difference in the medical field, with ambitions of becoming a cancer nurse or doctor. Her drive to help others aligns with her commitment to advocacy and leadership within SWS. With her compassion, creativity, and determination, Aryanna is poised to make a meaningful impact both within the stuttering community and beyond.