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Join the Hayward - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Hayward ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter- California State Welcome to the NSA Hayward Chapter! 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? Cal State University East Bay (Music Building) 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward CA 94542 Music Building, Rm 1592 When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Zoi Gkalitsiou Chapter Leader Get in touch! zoi.gkalitsiou@csueastbay.edu - - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Nick Cicero,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Town Planner Nick Cicero Briefly describe your daily job duties. I review many different types of zoning and building permits as the Planner for the Department of Planning and Community Development. I talk with citizens and developers regarding various projects going on within the Town, as well as coordinate Board and Commission Meetings. I serve as the Land Use Expert for the Town in Rezoning and Site Plan Reviews, and write and present staff reports to our Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Town Council. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. For me it is the personal doubt that creeps in sometimes, as my stutter is non existent some days and very prevalent other days. Overall, I have to remind myself to be patient. I used to be very fearful of public speaking, phone calls, and virtual meetings, but once I exposed myself to these tasks it has become part of my normal routine. I still have to remind myself though that things take time, and to not rush when I need to explain something. What are your long-term career aspirations? I aspire to continue in the public sector in Land Use Planning, and hope to be a Planning Director of a large organization one day. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did disclose my stutter, as I described how it has shaped me and made me who I am. I explained that I am someone who perseveres every day, and do not let it define me. I shared this during the interview, as I wanted them to understand that regardless of how I speak or come across, I will always be positive and achieve what I set out. I have only disclosed it to co-workers, but it is very easy to do. Everyone has their challenging days, and I just have related to them that while they work through issues that today my stutter is prevalent and it’s been annoying but we are both working through it. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment at my current company is being recognized by our Town Manager for all of my hard work since I have began this job in early 2021. I have to add that presenting at multiple meetings has made me quite proud, as this seemed impossible just 3 years ago. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has allowed me to become a better listener, and a more creative communicator. Some days I struggle getting certain words out, so I have to find other ways to describe something whether it be in a presentation or in a meeting. Stuttering has made me more compassionate as well, as everyone deals with our own struggles. Finally, my stutter has made me driven and goal oriented, as I want to only produce quality work. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? As someone who just two years ago was entering the workplace for the first time as a person who stutters, I say remember that things take time and not everything you want will come at once. While others you know may have jobs right out of college, it is ok to not have one or have a firm plan yet. Everyone is on there own journey, and do not let others influence your own personal goals. Success takes time, but once you create an action plan and find a place where you can grow personally and professionally, the sky is the limit.

Meet Caitney File, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Caitney File Co-Chair of Sisters Who Stutter Caitney File is the Co‑Chair of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS). She enjoys planning meetings, coordinating future events and outreach with the other SWS officers, and hearing from other girls who stutter. She’s incredibly grateful to have found the NSA and has made lifelong friendships because of it. Caitney is currently a sophomore at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in Social Work. In her free time, you can find her spending time with friends and family, going to church, reading, or running.

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.

Meet Dan Haus, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Dan Haus Kids & 'Tweens Program Co-Coordinator Dan is currently a senior at Penn State University, studying Environmental Engineering. He has been an active member of the NSA for over 13 years and loves getting involved during the Conference: educating and presenting during workshops, giving back by sharing personal experiences and goals, and making sure everyone is having the best experience possible. With the NSA, Dan is also the Chapter Leader for the State College, PA Adult Chapter, and a mentor with the NSA Mentoring Program. Outside of school and work, Dan enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and snowboarding.

Meet Andrew Bowers, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Andrew Bowers Advocacy & Education Co-Chair Andrew is a person who stutters and a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in school-based therapy, in addition to training and mentoring other Speech Therapists. Since 2008, he has been an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA). His contributions include helping to develop the Young Adults Program for NSA Conferences and previously serving on the NSA Special Projects Committee. Locally, he held the position of Adult Chapter Leader in Dallas, TX, for five years. Beyond his work with the NSA, Andrew leads several global online support groups on Reddit and Discord. Residing in the Dallas, TX area, Andrew lives with his wife and two children. He enjoys adventuring with his daughters, playing board games and role-playing games, and empowering individuals who stutter worldwide. Term began June 2024

< Back Seasoned Voices Committee Spotlight: Hannah Laday – The Power of Connection, Art, and Living Proudly When Hannah Laday joined the NSA 20 years ago, it was because someone told her something she’d never forget: “Meeting other people who stutter is the best form of support you can get.” That suggestion not only changed her life—it became her calling. Today, Hannah serves as a valued member of the Seasoned Voices Committee, helping connect and empower members over 50. Her greatest strength? Bringing people together. Whether it’s through mentorship, workshops, or meaningful one-on-one connections, Hannah has a gift for finding common threads and helping others feel seen. “I am talented at connecting people to others with similar interests and skills,” she shares. “The NSA has shown me I can live productively in this world.” Professionally, Hannah has taken her passion for inclusion even further—helping to bring the art of marginalized individuals and communities to the public. That includes artwork created by differently abled people and members of Maine's Wabanaki tribes, opening new doors for expression, recognition, and economic opportunity. Her advice to those new to the NSA is full of wisdom and warmth: “Feel every emotion and listen to others who share your experience. Ask questions of other people who stutter to learn new ways of living successfully.” Get to know Hannah: Favorite ice cream: Blueberry Nature preference: Mountains Favorite movie: Dancing at Lughnasa Karaoke pick: “Nothing Compares to You” by Chris Cornell Fun fact: Completed a half-marathon at age 55 Dream pet: An Australian Shepherd Dream vacation: The American Southwest Hannah is living proof that growth and transformation can happen at any age and that one connection can change everything. Thank you, Hannah, for the light, leadership, and legacy you bring to our community! Previous Next

Meet Gabe Reinstein, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Gabe Reinstein TAC Gabe is a senior at Highpoint Regional High school in Sussex, NJ where he plays football, ski races, and is a member of the jazz ensemble. Gabe loves the outdoors and spends a lot of his time skiing the mountains of the Northeast as well as tent camping with the Scouts. He is very excited for his third year on the TAC.

Learn how Lane Sanders,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Freelance Musician Lane Sanders Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a drummer/percussionist in the San Francisco Bay Area where I wear many hats as a musician. For one, I play in orchestra pits for musical theater productions around the Bay. I also instruct percussion groups at the high school and college level. And, I give private lessons to students of all ages. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part is definitely networking. For those who haven’t heard my playing, their first impression of me will always be my stutter, which is probably just as bad now as it was when I was in grade school. For most people it doesn’t matter to them, but I do always have that fear that they’ll know me as a stutterer, rather than the musician that I am. Do you disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it? The hiring process for my profession isn’t like a regular 9-to-5 job, it’s usually based on recommendations and through word-of-mouth. I don’t mention my stutter upfront unless who I’m speaking to has a confused look on their face. My hope, so to speak, is my playing will “do the talking for me.” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. It forces me to be patient, as well as forces the other musicians to slow down sometimes and have patience. There can be fast-paced moments sometimes, so it’s good to just slow things down now and again. What is your proudest career moment? Probably my proudest moment as a musician was being in the orchestra for the world premiere production of “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” that is now currently on Broadway. The show did it’s Off-Broadway tryout in Berkeley, California, and I was fortunate to be a part of it. What are your long-term career aspirations? It’s pretty simple: to keep playing music and inspiring others. As long as I can continue to make a living playing music, I’m all set. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not, and don’t hide anything about yourself. Your honesty will get you a long way with your peers.

< Back Gabe Reinstein Speaker Gabe is a senior at Highpoint Regional High school in Sussex, NJ where he plays football, ski races, and is a member of the jazz ensemble. Gabe loves the outdoors and spends a lot of his time skiing the mountains of the Northeast as well as tent camping with the Scouts. He is very excited for his third year on the TAC. Previous Next

< Back Edmund Metzold Speaker Edmund Metzold (he/him) has been an active member of the NSA since 2015, attending chapter meetings and national conferences ever since. He is a co-leader of the Boston Adult Chapter and is very involved with Passing Twice, an organization for LGBTQ+ people who stutter. Edmund works as a Sr. Production Support Analyst for a healthcare data analytics company. In his free time, he loves traveling, playing trivia, and singing with his barbershop chorus and quartet. Previous Next

Learn how Rob Bloom,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Creative Director Rob Bloom Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a Creative Director for Universal Orlando Resort. So in addition to regularly trying to drink my weight in Butterbeer, I’m responsible for creating work that helps tell brand stories and bring the Universal Orlando brand to life–whether that’s through social content or short films or any other medium. Daily duties can include anything from creative brainstorms to being on set for a production to working with an editor on a video piece. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Obviously, my job requires a lot of talking. Pitching ideas, talking to casting agents, presenting to large groups of people, directing talent, etc. I’ve grown to be more comfortable in these situations over the years. Funny enough, it’s the daily video call meetings that I’m finding the most challenging right now. Lots of people on a call, lots of conversation back and forth. It can be hard to jump in and say what you want to say. 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 didn’t self-disclose during the hiring process for Universal Orlando because I didn’t feel like my stuttering was preventing me from presenting myself the way I wanted. I did, however, disclose it to several team members in recent months. I wanted them to be aware that some situations, particularly during COVID, are challenging for me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has, no question, made me more empathetic and also a better listener. In work, sure, but also in life. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Working for a theme park and entertainment company like Universal has been a lifelong dream of mine. So my first day on the team was definitely one of my proudest moments, for sure. Since then, though, I’m proud any time I get to be on set, directing talent, working with our crew, or just collaborating with our team to create great work. What are your long-term career aspirations? To keep doing what I’m doing for this company for as long as possible. It’s a privilege to be able to create work and tell stories that resonate with millions of people. I love what I do and will continue to do it with passion and enthusiasm for as long as I can. 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 stop you from achieving your goals. Yes, stuttering is hard and, some days, it downright sucks. But always remember, you are more than your stuttering. It’s just one part of you and you have gifts and talents that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. A person who stutters can absolutely do anything they want to do.