Meet Reagan Jesinkey, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Reagan Jesinkey Digital Marketing Coordinator Reagan Jesinkey is a Digital Marketing Coordinator for Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), where she supports creative content, digital storytelling, and social media efforts that highlight the experiences and voices of teens who stutter. She is a junior in high school and lives in a small town in North Carolina. Reagan brings a strong creative background to her marketing role. She dances competitively and has been a member of her school’s dance team since ninth grade. Her dance journey has taken her to destinations including Costa Rica, Hawaii, Disney, New York, and Los Angeles. Her passion for performance and movement naturally translates into visual storytelling and creative digital work. In addition to dance, Reagan is involved in her school’s film club and enjoys creating magazines and videos that showcase different aspects of high school life. Discovering the National Stuttering Association (NSA) opened new doors for her, helping her build confidence and giving her opportunities to learn while supporting others who stutter. The 2025 NSA Conference in Denver was Reagan’s first conference, and it marked an important milestone in her journey with the stuttering community and Sisters Who Stutter.

Discover how the NSA supports people who stutter, their families, educators, and SLPs through resources, community, and life-changing events. Discover How We Support People Who Stutter Whether you are a person who stutters, the family member or friend of a PWS, or just an ally to PWS who has a special interest in stuttering, we are here for you! The NSA is here to connect you to information, others who stutter, and SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists) who specialize in stuttering. Get started by looking through the following links! Need more information? Feel free to contact us. You are not alone! Adults The NSA is the preeminent organization for supporting people who stutter through support, education, advocacy, and research. Read More Family Programs NSA Family Programs supports young people who stutter by providing resources for the whole family and others in their support network. Read More Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) Stuttering is complicated, and treating it can be a challenge. At the NSA, we believe that SLPs can help people to successfully cope with stuttering. Read More Military Personnel We understand that military personnel face unique challenges as people who stutter. We are here to raise awareness and educate military health specialists and command staff in all of the US Armed Forces. Read More Researchers As the largest stuttering support organization in North America, we are advancing both knowledge and understanding of stuttering. Read More College/Young Adult Moving into a new stage of life – any new stage – can be scary, especially with speech challenges. Luckily there are NSA’ers who have gone before you and can offer advice for making that transition as smooth as possible. Read More Stuttering@Work Searching for a job can be stressful for a person who stutters. Do I disclose my stuttering? When and how? What about interviewing? We can help. Read More Employers With approximately 1% of the population stuttering, employers are likely to encounter people who stutter in the work force or among job applicants. Get the facts about stuttering. Read More Educators Educators play a critical role in shaping the lives of young children, including those who stutter. Understand and support them in the best way possible. Read More Pediatricians Medical professionals are often the first professionals that parents turn to when they notice disfluencies in their child’s speech. With the correct information and a basic understanding of childhood stuttering, pediatricians and family physicians can be an asset to parents in these early stages. Read More

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax efficient gift directly from your IRA to the National Stuttering Association. Learn how it works and make an impact today. IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution A tax-smart way for donors age 70½ or older to support the National Stuttering Association directly from your IRA. Check Eligibility What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution? A QCD (also called an IRA charitable rollover) allows individuals age 70½ or older to transfer up to $105,000 per year directly from their IRA to a qualified charity like the NSA—tax-free. The Tax Advantage Unlike regular IRA withdrawals that increase your taxable income, QCDs are excluded from your taxable income entirely . This can help you stay in a lower tax bracket, reduce Medicare premiums, and decrease taxes on Social Security benefits. Satisfies Your RMD If you're required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA, a QCD counts toward that requirement—allowing you to fulfill your RMD obligation while supporting a cause you care about, without increasing your taxable income. Important: The Transfer Must Be Direct For a gift to qualify as a QCD, the funds must go directly from your IRA custodian to the NSA. If you receive the distribution first and then donate it, it will not qualify as a QCD and will be treated as taxable income. PARTNERSHIPS Who Is Eligible? To make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the NSA, you must meet these requirements: You must be 70½ years old or older at the time of the gift The gift must come directly from a traditional IRA (not SEP or SIMPLE IRAs while still contributing) The maximum QCD amount is $105,000 per person, per year (2024 limit, indexed for inflation) The distribution must go directly from your IRA to the NSA (cannot go to you first) The NSA must be a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity (we are!) Note: The age is calculated as of the date of the distribution, not December 31st. Consult your tax advisor for personalized guidance. How to Make a QCD to the NSA Follow these steps to complete your Qualified Charitable Distribution. 1 Contact your IRA custodian Reach out to the financial institution that holds your IRA (e.g., Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc.). Tell them you'd like to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution. 2 Request a QCD form or process Most custodians have a specific form or online process for QCDs. Some may call it a 'charitable IRA distribution' or 'direct charitable transfer.' 3 Provide NSA's information You'll need to provide our legal name (National Stuttering Association), Tax ID (94-2420533), and mailing address. See complete details below. 4 Specify the amount and designation Indicate how much you'd like to transfer (up to $105,000 per year). You can also specify a fund designation if you wish (General Fund, Research, Scholarships, etc.). 5 Confirm direct transfer Ensure the check will be made payable to the NSA and mailed directly to us—not to you. This is critical for it to qualify as a QCD. 6 Notify us (optional but helpful) Let us know to expect your gift so we can promptly send your acknowledgement letter. Contact us at (800) 937-8888 or info@westutter.org . NSA Information for Your IRA Custodian Provide this information to your IRA administrator when setting up your QCD. Legal Name National Stuttering Association Tax ID (EIN) 94-2420533 Mailing Address National Stuttering Association 3261 Richmond Ave, #119 Staten Island, NY 10312 Phone (800) 937-8888 Email info@westutter.org Classification 501(c)(3) Public Charity Check Payable To: National Stuttering Association Optional: Fund Designation You can include a memo or note with your QCD to designate your gift: General Fund (unrestricted support for all programs) Research Fund Scholarship Fund Youth Programs Chapter Support Benefits of Making a QCD Qualified Charitable Distributions offer significant tax advantages for eligible donors. Satisfies Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Your QCD counts toward your annual RMD requirement, helping you avoid unwanted taxable income. Simple Process Most IRA custodians are familiar with QCDs and make the process straightforward. Tax-Free Distribution QCDs are excluded from your taxable income, potentially keeping you in a lower tax bracket and reducing taxes on Social Security benefits. Maximum Impact at Age 70½+ If you don't need your RMD for living expenses, directing it to the NSA maximizes your charitable impact. No Need to Itemize You receive tax benefits even if you don't itemize deductions—perfect if you take the standard deduction. Reduce Your Estate QCDs reduce the size of your IRA, which can help with estate planning and potentially lower estate taxes. Frequently Asked Questions What's the difference between a QCD and a regular IRA withdrawal? A regular IRA withdrawal is added to your taxable income and then you can potentially claim a charitable deduction if you itemize. A QCD is never included in your taxable income at all—making it more tax-efficient for most donors, especially those taking the standard deduction. Can I make a QCD before age 72 when RMDs begin? Yes! You can start making QCDs as soon as you turn 70½, even if you're not yet required to take RMDs. This can be a smart tax strategy. Can I use a QCD for a donor-advised fund or private foundation? No. QCDs must go directly to a qualifying public charity like the NSA. Donor-advised funds, private foundations, and supporting organizations don't qualify. What if the check from my IRA is made out to me? Unfortunately, if the check is made payable to you, it doesn't qualify as a QCD—even if you then donate it to the NSA. The check must be made payable directly to the National Stuttering Association. Will I receive a tax receipt for my QCD? Yes! We'll send you an acknowledgment letter for your records. However, because QCDs aren't deductible charitable contributions (they're excluded from income instead), you won't use this letter to claim a deduction. Your IRA custodian will report the distribution on Form 1099-R, and you'll report it as a QCD on your tax return. Can my spouse and I each make a QCD? Yes! If you both have IRAs and are both 70½ or older, you can each make a QCD of up to $105,000 per year (total: $210,000 per year from a couple). What types of IRAs qualify? Traditional IRAs and inherited IRAs qualify. Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs (while still contributing), and SIMPLE IRAs (within the first two years) do not qualify. When is the deadline to make a QCD? QCDs must be completed by December 31st to count for that tax year. However, the NSA must receive the funds by year-end—not just the date the check is issued. We recommend initiating QCDs in November or early December to ensure timely delivery. Questions About QCDs? Our team is here to help you understand how a Qualified Charitable Distribution can benefit both you and the NSA. We're happy to work with you and your financial advisor. Contact Us Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult with your tax advisor or financial planner to determine if a QCD is right for your situation.

Get to know the dedicated team behind the National Stuttering Association. Meet the people driving change and support. We have a small but mighty crew here building safe, empowering spaces for courage and lasting change for people who stutter. Board Of Directors DEI Committee Seasoned Voices Committee Regional Chapter Coordinators Research Committee Sisters Who Stutter Professional Relations Committee The Team Support Circle Teen Advisory Council We Stutter @ Work Committee Young Adult Committee Board Of Directors Board Of Directors The NSA Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who pour their time, talent, and creativity into this organization. Together with our leadership team and staff, they keep our mission strong and ensure the NSA continues to support the stuttering community with care and purpose. CHAD MANNISI CHAIR MICHAEL BELLMAN TREASURER HOLLY NOVER FAMILY PROGRAMS CHAIR COURTNEY LUCKMAN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS CHAIR ANDREW BOWERS ADVOCACY & EDUCATION CO-CHAIR TYLER CLEMENS ADVOCACY & EDUCATION CO-CHAIR TANYA BANKS ADULT PROGRAMS CHAIR ANGELA MEDINA RESEARCH CHAIR ARNEE GOMEZ SECRETARY ILYA FILMUS LEGAL COUNSEL For more about who we are, what we do, and how we move the mission forward, take a look at our 2025 Impact Report . Contact Board of Directors Staff The Team We are powered by a tight-knit, roll-up-your-sleeves team that gets stuff done. We're strategists and subject matter experts, effective storytellers, passionate community builders, and innovative problem-solvers. Some of us stutter. Some of us don't. But all of us are just as deeply committed to the stuttering community and every single person who finds their way to us. With our unstoppable volunteers and trusted contractors, we aim to make people who stutter feel heard, supported, empowered, and understood. Everything we create is about the connection and impact. We provide support that actually changes lives and push for conversations that move the needle when it comes to stuttering. Before remote work was trendy, we were already mastering it—collaborating across time zones, innovating on the fly, and staying deeply connected to the people we serve. Flexibility, creativity, and intentionality are how we operate. We're proud of what we've built, but even more proud of how our team is there for one another and also for the stuttering community with thoughtfulness and care. For more about who we are, what we do, and how we move the mission forward, take a look at our 2025 Impact Report. TAMMY FLORES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMBER TOERIEN MARKETING DIRECTOR ARIEL SONN DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY & ENGAGEMENT TAYLOR WORSHAM COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR MELISSA SANCHEZ CONFERENCE COORDINATOR SARAH ONOFRI FAMILY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR MICHELLE MADSEN GEIGER GRAPHIC DESIGN HALEY TOTHEROW SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Contact Us Supporters Support Circle We're a lean team by design. The NSA's impact is powered by a small group of dedicated staff, committed volunteers, and trusted partners who step up time and time again. Behind the scenes, these talented and passionate people make the NSA what it is. Their time, talent, and belief in this mission keep us moving forward—and that commitment is what drives everything we accomplish. ALAN VU MARKETING COORDINATOR CHRISTY POMARO PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE ERNST AUDIO VISUAL COORDINATOR ERICA PEREZ CONFERENCE COORDINATOR MOLLY PORZEL OUTREACH COORDINATOR MICHAEL LIBEN LEGAL COUNSEL SARAH ARMSTRONG COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CARL COFFEY CONTENT CREATOR MOLLY STEVENSON KIDS PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR KERRI BERARD KIDS PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR DAVE ROSS VOLUNTEER LEE LOWMAN VOLUNTEER JIM LOWMAN VOLUNTEER LILY PEREZ VOLUNTEER Regional Chapter Coordinators Regional Chapter Coordinators Regional Chapter Coordinators (RCCs) partner closely with local Chapter Leaders, fellow RCCs, Adult & Family Programs Chairs, and Staff to keep our network of Local Chapters running strong—ensuring every community has the support, connection, and guidance it needs at the local level. TANYA BANKS ADULT PROGRAMS CHAIR: CENTRAL NORTH & NORTHEAST REGIONS SARAH ONOFRI FAMILY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR PAMELA MERTZ ADULT CHAPTERS: SOUTHEAST REGION LEXI HEWITT ADULT CHAPTERS: SOUTHWEST REGION MARVIN WILEY, JR. ADULT CHAPTERS: NORTHWEST REGION ARIANNA GILLIAM ADULT CHAPTERS: CENTRAL SOUTH REGION AMANDA ELIAS ADULT CHAPTERS: MID-ATLANTIC REGION KERRI BERARD FAMILY CHAPTERS Professional Relations Committee COURTNEY LUCKMAN CAITLIN FRANCHINI JODI REINSTEIN DR. MEGAN YOUNG Professional Relations Committee The Professional Relations Committee builds meaningful connections across the professional community and champions the interests of the NSA and its members. We work to strengthen the involvement of speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) within the NSA community. Our goal is simple and bold: to ensure every SLP knows about the NSA and the vital role we play in supporting people who stutter. Contact Professional Relations Older Adults Committee Seasoned Voices Committee Adults over 50 are the NSA's fastest‑growing group, focusing on connection, mentoring, and expanding our 'stuttering family.' The Seasoned Voices Committee brings a warm, seasoned perspective to other committees, offering insights on workshops, events, and late‑life planning, fostering support and connection among those aged 50 and beyond. TANYA BANKS PAULA CAMPBELL-SCHWAB ELIZABETH EDWARDS VICKI BENSON SCHUTTER JIM MCCLURE ELDON SOLOMON STACEY DEDERING DOUG HARRIS BRET DENNING Join Facebook Group Teen Advisory Council Teen Advisory Council The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a group of motivated and respected teens who play a meaningful role in the NSA family. The role of the TAC is to show strong leadership qualities and serve as role models and mentors to their peers and younger members of Family Programs within the NSA. HAZEL JOHNSON LINUS SIMNER COLTON NOVER IAN SHOOK HAYLEY STUCKEY CHLOE SWIDLER MAYA SINGAL ROWAN ASHBY ERICA MILLIN ELLIOT BELLMAN SIDDHARTH TRIPATHI ALYSSA KALWASINSKI View TAC Guidelines Sisters Who Stutter Sisters Who Stutter The NSA is proud to collaborate with our affiliate, Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), a teen-founded girl group whose mission is to empower and support all girls who stutter. You’ll find us on Instagram (@SistersWhoStutter) where we inspire and uplift each other! DM us to participate in our regular Zoom calls. Together, we’re embracing the power of our voices. Join the Sisterhood! HAYLEY PRESIDENT CAITNEY CO-CHAIR MAYA CO-CHAIR HAZEL PUBLIC OUTREACH COORDINATOR ROWAN MEMBER OUTREACH COORDINATOR CHLOE MEMBER OUTREACH COORDINATOR ALYSSA PUBLIC OUTREACH COORDINATOR JOLIE DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR REAGAN DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Follow on Instagram WeStutter @ Work Committee WeStutter@Work Committee The National Stuttering Association (NSA) is driven to improve the employment opportunities of people who stutter, and our WeStutter@Work Committee works together to create and oversee and implement initiatives that eliminate the workplace stigmas to improve employment outcomes for people who stutter and inform, inspire and equip people who stutter to improve their workplace opportunities. ABHISHEK AGARWAL PAMELA MERTZ CHRIS MONELLO-JOHNSON MADISON NICHOLS MIA WOLTMAN View WeStutter@Work Resources Research Committee Research Committee We are advancing both knowledge and understanding of stuttering through our support of research. As the largest stuttering support organization in North America, with access to large numbers of individuals and families affected by stuttering, the NSA recognizes its unique potential for helping the research community. To that end, the NSA Research Committee was established to support scholarly stuttering research while taking a vested interest in the well‐being of the NSA and its members. ANGELA MEDINA CHARLEY ADAMS DANIELLE WERLE DEREK DANIELS DOMINIQUE KENNEDY MONICA JOHNSON PAULA D'ARCANGELO RYAN MILLAGER View Research Initiatives Young Adult Committee Young Adults Committee High school or college graduation marks a new chapter. College or career? What about stuttering? Will it limit your choices? Connect with NSA members who’ve been there. The NSA Young Adults program bridges 20-somethings and 30-somethings, addressing issues like job interviews, dating, and careers. AIDAN MARSHALL-CORT TATUM MACHNICA CAMERON JOYCE DR. EDDIE BROWN ELIZABETH MINTON TREVOR MORAN KAELA COYE View Young Adults Program DEI Committee DEI Committee The DEI Committee is dedicated to evaluating and advancing outreach and advocacy initiatives within the NSA to support underrepresented groups. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); speakers of languages other than English, and the LGBTQAI+ community. The committee will also promote diverse representations of stuttering, throughout the organization. GABRIELA PEREZ ASHLEIGH GIVENS JEREMIAH WILLIAMS ALICIA VASQUEZ JULIE MARSHALL VERONICA WASHINGTON DAVID RICHARDS View Our DEI Policy Want to Get Involved? Our organization thrives on the passion and dedication of our volunteers. There are many ways to contribute your time and talents. Support Our Mission

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! alantvu@gmail.com 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! 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 Previous Edmund Metzold Presenter Edmund Metzold has been an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2015, attending NSA Chapter meetings and Annual Conferences. He co-leads the NSA Boston Adult Chapter and is very involved with Passing Twice, an organization for LGBTQ+ people who stutter. Edmund works as a Senior 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. 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

Make a Change Maker donation to support the NSA’s mission. Your gift funds advocacy, programs, and community for people who stutter nationwide. Become a ChangeMaker Monthly Support That Makes a Lasting Difference ChangeMakers are the heart of the National Stuttering Association. They are people who choose to give monthly so that individuals who stutter always have access to community, education, advocacy, and support. Monthly giving creates stability. It allows the NSA to plan ahead, respond to real needs, and ensure that no one who stutters is left without connection or resources. When you become a ChangeMaker, you are not just making a donation. You are helping sustain a community. Make a Donation Why Monthly Giving Matters The work of the NSA happens every day, not just during events or campaigns. Monthly support ensures that our programs remain consistent, reliable, and accessible throughout the year. Sustain local chapters across the country Keep educational resources free and widely available Support programs for teens, adults, and families Strengthen outreach and awareness efforts that challenge stigma Build long term stability for the stuttering community Your monthly gift helps create continuity and trust for people who rely on NSA programs. What Your Monthly Gift Supports Every ChangeMaker gift contributes to the full breadth of NSA work, including Community connection through local chapters and virtual programs Education for parents, schools, educators, and allies Advocacy and awareness that improve understanding of stuttering Support spaces where people who stutter feel heard and valued Your support meets people where they are and stays with them over time. Choose Your Monthly Gift Every amount makes a difference. Choose a monthly gift that feels right for you and know that your support is helping strengthen the stuttering community each and every month. Make a Donation Flexibility and Peace of Mind You can change or cancel your monthly gift at any time. The National Stuttering Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Voices from Our ChangeMakers People choose to give monthly because they believe in connection, access, and belonging. “I choose to be a ChangeMaker so that the NSA is able to continue their work to find and embrace everyone who stutters but does not yet know that the NSA exists.” Allison D. Make a donation Make a donation By contributing monthly at a level you’re comfortable with, you’re supporting the National Stuttering Association’s mission and helping us make a lasting impact in people’s lives today and in the future. Amount $15 Helps keep trusted stuttering resources free and accessible to individuals and families. Helps keep trusted stuttering resources free and accessible to individuals and families. $15 $25 Supports community connection so people who stutter know they are not alone. Supports community connection so people who stutter know they are not alone. $25 $50 Helps fund educational materials for parents, schools, and allies. Helps fund educational materials for parents, schools, and allies. $50 $75 Supports local chapter meetings where people who stutter can connect and be heard. Supports local chapter meetings where people who stutter can connect and be heard. $75 $100 Helps sustain virtual and in-person programs that build confidence and community. Helps sustain virtual and in-person programs that build confidence and community. $100 $200 Supports outreach and awareness efforts that challenge stigma around stuttering. Supports outreach and awareness efforts that challenge stigma around stuttering. $200 $500 Helps expand access to programs serving teens, adults, and families nationwide. Helps expand access to programs serving teens, adults, and families nationwide. $500 $1,000 Sustains multiple NSA programs that support, educate, and advocate for people who stutter. Sustains multiple NSA programs that support, educate, and advocate for people who stutter. $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) DONATE $25.72 Monthly I'd like to add $0.72 to cover transaction fees.

< Back Previous Shelly Jo Kraft Presenter Shelly Jo Kraft, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Behavior, Speech & Genetics Laboratory at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where her current research focuses on the biological and behavioral genetics of developmental stuttering. In addition to being an international scientist and a clinically active speech-language pathologist, she brings extensive training in neuroscience, molecular human biology, and genetics to her work. Dr. Kraft’s team is working to map gene expression onto pathophysiological mechanisms that control and contribute to speech production, regulation, and severity. Next

Join the Riverside - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Riverside - Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA Riverside 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? Cal Baptist University Health Science Campus – Room #A7 3532 Monroe Street Riverside, CA 92504 When? Meetings are held from 5:00-6:30PM on the 3rd Sunday of the following months: September, November, January, March, May, July. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Cynthia Sandoval, Bryce Jacobson & Johanna Pulliam Chapter Leaders Get in touch! nsariversidefam@gmail.com (951) 347-1691 - 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 Previous Shahriar SheikhBahaei Presenter Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei is an Empire Innovation Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and a person who stutters. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD from a joint program between University College London and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. SheikhBahaei’s research investigates how astrocytes interact with neurons to regulate voluntary motor behaviors, with a focus on speech and respiratory circuits. Using genetic, optical, and electrophysiological tools, his lab aims to uncover the roles of glial cells in motor behaviors and disorders, such as developmental stuttering. Next

Read real stories from people who stutter, their families, and allies. Discover experiences of courage, community, and communication through the National Stuttering Association. Stories from Our Community Real people, real experiences, real hope. Hear from members of our community about their journeys with stuttering. How a Stuttering ID Card Impacted My Experience With Customs A personal account of using the NSA Stuttering ID Card while crossing the US-Canada border alone, showing how disclosure on one’s own terms can reduce fear, prevent misjudgment, and create smoother interactions with authority figures. Taylor Worsham Drew Lynch: How Comedy, Stuttering, and Laughter Became His Voice An in-depth profile of comedian Drew Lynch exploring how stuttering shaped his comedy, advocacy, and approach to vulnerability, while challenging assumptions about communication, confidence, and being heard. Drew Lynch ‘On the Other Side of Fear’: Stuttering Lessons from Matice Morris Advocate and author Matice Morris turns fear into strength as a person who stutters. Read her hard-won lessons on courage, confidence, and facing challenges. Matice Morris An Open Letter From an Ally This open letter from an ally shares what it means to stand beside people who stutter, why all voices matter, and how allies can make a difference in daily life. Amber Toerien Nate Crawford on Stuttering & Building Morning Jay’s Photographer and entrepreneur Nate Crawford shares how stuttering has shaped his voice, his creative work, and the Chicago-based breakfast pop-up Morning Jay’s. Nate Crawford Matthew’s Stuttering Journey Told Through Folk Music Folk musician and NSA member Matthew DeChant shares how stuttering shaped his journey on and off the stage. Through music and the support of the NSA, he has found confidence, community, and a powerful voice of expression. Lexi Hewitt Stuttering and Mental Health: You Are Not Alone Therapist and person who stutters Sam Gennuso shares honest insight and strategies for taking care of your emotional well-being. You are not alone. Sam Gennuso