< Back Previous DEI Committee Presenter Founded in the summer of 2023, the DEI Committee is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment for all people who stutter. While stuttering unites us as a community, we recognize that intersectional identities, structural inequities, historical underrepresentation, and individual lived experiences shape how each person navigates life with a stutter. This committee represents an explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the stuttering community. Next

Learn how Jonathan Pomerantz,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Facilities Engineer Jonathan Pomerantz Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Facilities Engineer, I’m responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of our oil & gas processing facilities in Northern Colorado. I interface with Production Operations, Environmental, Health, and Safety teams, and other engineering teams to troubleshoot facility upsets and design retrofits to improve reliability. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I am constantly required to communicate detailed technical information to many people every day. It can be frustrating when it takes me longer than other people to communicate that information. I am also often required to present design solutions and proposals to larger groups in meetings. Switching to remote work over the past 18 months has also presented a whole new subset of challenges with communicating more often via calls and video conference rather than in person. What are your long-term career aspirations? Long term, I hope to continue to develop my technical knowledge in my field and eventually move into a management/mentorship role to lead an engineering team. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did. I actually disclosed initially to the recruiters as I was applying for interviews in college, and continued that during the interview process. I usually phrased it as: “You’ll probably notice that I stutter, and this might take me a bit, so I appreciate your time and patience in advance.” Currently, I don’t explicitly disclose very often as I’ve been working with a lot of the same people for a long time who know I stutter. But if a situation arises where I am being misunderstood or interrupted, I’ll disclose in a similar way. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I don’t have a specific proud moment, but it makes me feel good when I’m selected for new projects and asked for my input despite my speech difficulties. I am proud of how far I’ve come within the company. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I’ve found that it has made me a more empathetic person and I can better withhold bias when listening to what a person has to say, regardless of how they say it. It has also pushed me to find ways to compensate where necessary and improve my work performance proportionally in other aspects. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? I would say to go into it with a positive attitude and know that your stutter doesn’t have to define you and it likely won’t. I have had an overwhelmingly positive experience as a person who stutters in a professional environment. Listen and learn from everyone around you, and when you have something to say, speak up no matter how it comes out or how long it takes you.

Learn how Jake Kail,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Field Project Manager Jake Kail Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Field Project Manager for NetApp Professional Services, I’m responsible for managing the delivery of service implementation projects for our Commercial, Enterprise, and Global customers in the world of hybrid cloud data services. I develop plans around service delivery, build technical teams, and take a consultative approach to align with customer expectations and ultimately get the job done. I also served as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army from 2015-2019 before joining NetApp. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Translating my thoughts into coherent sentences can be challenging. I have a stutter that often prevents me from getting past an initial letter of a word. I often try to restart my thought, or simply avoid the word all together and find a suitable substitute. As someone who gets in front of customers on a daily basis, getting the right point across is paramount so this causes me anxiety on a daily basis. When I have my bad days, I sometimes avoid talking when not completely necessary and this has caused me to shy away from reiterating key points that get glossed over. 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 did not. I was wrongly conditioned at a young age to try my best to hide my stutter. As I’ve grown in the past few years, I’ve realized the value of disclosure and how much of a weight it can lift. I’ve been very lucky to have an employer that looks past my stutter and sees my value as an asset to the team. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has allowed me to have a high level of emotional intelligence. Building relationships, speaking honestly, and being personable are all skills I have thanks to my stutter. I often try to highlight who I am behind my speech difference and that vulnerability speaks volumes when building and leading teams. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment at NetApp was actually in the first three months of working. I was fresh out of the military and I was learning how to work in a very different environment. During our introductory presentations I was very relaxed and had no trouble delivering the message. A week later, I gave my second presentation and could barely get a word out. Many co-workers did not know about my stutter and their concern for my well-being made it worse. A few weeks later I had an executive briefing and I prepared for days. This presentation went very well, and I was praised by leaders across the organization for my preparedness and resilience. What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to be an expert in my craft and an honest leader of people. Leading people has been a lifelong passion of mine and I want to continue developing that skill set. Regardless of the industry, people deserve leaders that listen and support their goals. I want to be that leader. 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 fear overcome your potential. It took me 4 years of being in the workforce to realize that people generally don’t care as much as you think they do. If you are honest about your stutter, explain that it does not impact your value and ability to achieve results, people will respect you and work with you to help you grow. If they do not, they are not worth your time, plain and simple. Surround yourself with supportive people and seek out employers that embody that mindset.

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

Explore the nsa annual conference legacy, past host cities, 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.

Meet Linus Simner, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Linus Simner Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Linus is a senior in high school and enjoys playing baseball. In his free time, Linus enjoys volunteering at dog shelters. He has an avid passion for dogs and all things animals. Linus is excited to be on the TAC.

Join the Hays - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Hays ADULT & FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Kansas State Welcome to the NSA Hays 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 What age group can attend? Adult & 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? Fort Hays State University - 600 Park St, Hays, KS 67601 When? Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Ran An Chapter Leader Get in touch! r_an2@fhsu.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! 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 you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. 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 How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. 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 about the National Stuttering Association’s mission, vision, and impact supporting people who stutter through community, education, advocacy, and research. Our Mission The National Stuttering Association (NSA) supports people who stutter, their families, and the professionals who serve them by fostering community, expanding access to education and resources, advancing advocacy efforts, and supporting research that drives meaningful change. Our Vision A world where people who stutter are met with understanding, supported by community, and never alone. Our North Star: Making sure people who stutter know - If you stutter, you are not alone. Support Creating safe spaces for connection, understanding, and shared experiences. Education Providing evidence-based resources for all who interact with stuttering. Advocacy Championing the rights and dignity of people who stutter everywhere. Research Advancing understanding through collaboration with leading researchers. 45+ Years of Impact Founded in 1977, the National Stuttering Association has been at the forefront of stuttering support, education, and advocacy for nearly five decades. We've grown from a small support group to the largest organization in the United States dedicated to supporting people who stutter, with over 150 chapters nationwide and a global reach. Our evidence-based approach combines lived experience with professional expertise, ensuring that every person who stutters has access to the resources, community, and support they need to thrive. By the Numbers 70M+ People worldwide who stutter, approximately 3 million in the United States 150+ Active chapters providing local support and community connections 100K+ Lives directly impacted through programs, resources, and community support 1000+ Events, workshops, and conferences held annually across the country

Meet Doug Harris, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Doug Harris Seasoned Voices Committee Doug Harris is a lifelong person who stutters, as well as a husband, father, and retired architect living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 2024, Doug began reengaging more intentionally with his stuttering journey after decades of simply living with his stutter while largely ignoring both the challenges and opportunities it presented. He joined the Greenville, South Carolina NSA chapter and started becoming more involved in the community. Doug attended his first NSA Annual Conference in Denver in 2025, where the promise of a “life-changing experience” met and exceeded the expectations longtime conference attendees had shared with him. Shortly before the conference, Doug relocated from Western North Carolina to Lancaster and began attending the Philadelphia NSA Chapter, continuing to deepen his connection with the community. Today, Doug is helping organize an intergenerational discussion panel for the upcoming Charlotte conference. He has also participated in panels with speech-language pathology classes, sharing his lived experience with future speech therapists. As part of living a more intentional life as a person who stutters, Doug is also a member of Toastmasters International.

Meet Maya Singal, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Maya Singal Co-Chair of Sisters Who Stutter Maya Singal is the Co-Chair of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) and a senior in high school from Chicago, Illinois. In her leadership role, Maya helps guide the direction of the organization while supporting a welcoming, empowering space for girls who stutter to connect, grow, and support one another. Maya is actively involved in the National Stuttering Association (NSA) through the Teen Advisory Council and is passionate about giving back to the stuttering community. She attends Camp Shout Out annually and values the sense of belonging and confidence the community has provided. Outside of her advocacy work, Maya is a member of her school’s golf team and has served as Club Liaison for Aspiring Medical Professionals for the past two years. She is also involved in Best Buddies and volunteers in the pathology lab at her local hospital, reflecting her strong interest in healthcare and service. Maya is excited about the future of Sisters Who Stutter and looks forward to continuing to build meaningful connections with fellow girls who stutter. She is especially eager to attend the upcoming NSA Conference in Charlotte and deepen her involvement in the broader NSA community.

< Back Previous Doug Harris Presenter Doug Harris is a lifelong person who stutters, a husband, father, and a retired architect who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Doug reengaged more intentionally in his stuttering journey in 2024, joining the National Stuttering Association (NSA) Greenville, South Carolina, Chapter. Doug attended his first Annual Conference in 2025. Doug credits the NSA Conference and the growth that has followed with giving him a sense of community, a healthier perspective, and the strength to thrive with his stutter. Before the Annual Conference in 2025, Doug moved to Lancaster and began attending the NSA Philadelphia Chapter, continuing his stuttering journey. Next

Explore stuttering support for kids. Join programs, find resources, and connect with others in a safe and fun environment. Sometimes being a kid who stutters can feel lonely. The NSA is here to let you know that you are not alone! There are approximately 3 million people who stutter living in the United States. Although you may not know very many people who stutter (maybe you’ve never met even one other person who stutters!), they are out there, and they have experienced many of the same feelings and challenges you are experiencing right now and they are ready to help! Learn About Stuttering Being a kid who stutters can be challenging and difficult sometimes. Stuttering is one of those things that not many people understand. You can learn more about stuttering and help other people understand it better, too. Follow the links to become a stuttering “expert” and how to handle difficult situations. WHAT IS STUTTERING? FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO STUTTER BACK TO SCHOOL Kids Games & Activities Print out these activities to share with your parents, siblings, and friends, or work on them with your speech-language pathologist! Matching Game Scavenger Hunt Finish That Sentence! True or False Advertising Challenge Word Search Roll the dice Match the Words Screenplay Join a Chapter or Attend an Event The NSA hosts a variety of events throughout the year and across the country, including our Local Chapter meetings, Annual Conference, and Family Fun Days. These events bring together children and teens who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists for learning, support, and growth in a safe, fun environment. LOCAL FAMILY CHAPTERS NSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPCOMING EVENTS