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< 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.

Join the Missoula - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Missoula ADULT & FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Montana State Welcome to the NSA Missoula 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 & 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? Missoula Public Library -- 455 E Main Street, Missoula, MT 59802 When? Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Contact the Chapter Leader to join virtually. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Bridger Jones Chapter Leader Get in touch! nsamissoula@gmail.com (406) 493-2864 - 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

Join the Burlington - Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Burlington Teens TEEN CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Vermont State Welcome to the NSA Burlington Teen 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? Teen 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? University of Vermont Eleanor Luse Center (Pomeroy Hall waiting room) – 489 Main Street Burlington, VT 05405. Parents are required to stay onsite, and may attend the separate parents meeting. When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:30PM. Meetings are hybrid, concurrently held on Zoom and in person. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leaders. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Danra Kazenski & Sully Kiley Chapter Leaders Get in touch! burlingtonstutters@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! ! 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

< Back Heather Najman Speaker Heather Najman is a therapist and somatic teacher and practitioner, who has been involved with the stuttering community for 30 years, currently as a NSA Chapter Leader, workshop facilitator and Stutter Slam host. She assists people to support their nervous systems, connect with their courageous selves, and lessen the effects of the trauma that comes from stuttering. Previous Next

< Back Mike Molino Speaker Michael (Mike) Molino was born and raised in San Jose, California. Prior to receiving his Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology, he served in the US Navy for 24 years. Mike has been stationed all over the West Coast and has made 6 Western Pacific Cruises and numerous other deployments. Although he has been retired for 14 years now, he still remembers that part of his life just like it was yesterday. Mike has two grown children and has been married to his wife Teresa for 32 years. They currently live in the greater area of Sacramento, CA. Previous Next

Learn how Kimberly Reese,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Candle Production Kimberly Reese Briefly describe your daily job duties. I create and sell a variety of candles across the United States. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is when people see me as just my stutter, and not as a human being. What are your long-term career aspirations? My goal is to branch out and sell my candles internationally, with the immediate goal of selling in Africa in 2024. 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? No, I do not disclose my stuttering. Stuttering is a part of me, but I don’t let it define me. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment is more general – just that I started with nothing and turned it into something! I’ve loved candles all of my life, and so I worked hard to learn how to produce them, how to market myself, and how to sell, which I now do all over the country. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I am independent and making my own way in this world, never letting anyone disrespect me. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Command respect and show everyone that you are a hard worker.

Join the Bloomington - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Bloomington ADULT, FAMILY CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Indiana State Welcome to the NSA Bloomington 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? Hybrid Meetings 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? Bloomington, Indiana 47408 When? Virtual meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:00PM. We meet in-person periodically for special events. For details about meetings/events and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leaders. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Julia Rademacher & Jackie Huddle Chapter Leaders Get in touch! julwood@iu.edu (812) 856-4727 - 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

< Back Linda Gioscia Speaker “Miss Linda” Twiss Gioscia is mom to NSA member Ethan Gioscia. Her family has been going to both the local and the national conferences for 7 years! The Gioscia's appreciate all the support and friendships they have gotten through the NSA! She owns the Performance Dance Center in Weymouth MA, which has been teaching children ages 3 and up dance for 28 years, and before that, she taught for other studios for 17 years. She is a member of the Dance Teachers’ Club of Boston and past membership examiner. She is also a member, past president and secretary of the Greater Brockton Dance Teachers’ Association. Miss Linda takes classes to stay current in the dance profession as well as keeping up on all the dance journals, books, and periodicals. She has been featured in Dance Studio Life. Previous Next

Join the Long Beach - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Long Beach ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA Long Beach 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? The Hangar – 4150 E Carson Street, Long Beach, California 90808 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 7:00-9:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Alan Vu & Kanish Arhant-Sudhir Chapter Leaders Get in touch! alan@westutter.org kanish.nsa@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! ! 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

Join the Atlanta - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Atlanta ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Georgia State Welcome to the NSA Atlanta 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? Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research – 1605 Chantilly Dr NE (Suite# 100) Atlanta, GA 30324 When? Meetings are typically held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for more information and to confirm the meeting schedule! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Derek Mitchell & Caitlin Franchini Chapter Leaders Get in touch! NSAAtlanta@westutter.org - - 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

Meet Angela Medina, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Angela Medina Research Chair Dr. Angela Medina is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She earned her PhD in Applied Language and Speech Sciences from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she also completed her coursework for certification as a speech-language pathologist. Since 2015, she has served as the NSA Miami Chapter Leader. Dr. Medina has published and presented her research nationally and internationally on stuttering in Hispanic, Latino/-x, and Spanish-English bilingual communities. Her research interests include the stuttering experiences of adults, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, mindfulness, and qualitative research methods. Her hobbies include baking and gardening with twin daughters, playing fantasy football, running, and practicing archery. She is a loyal New Orleans Saints fan and music trivia enthusiast. Term began February 2021