< Back Previous Jamie Oxendine Presenter Jamie Oxendine, LCMHCS, has practiced since 2005 across community mental health, hospitals, and long-term care. Since 2017, she has led her private practice, Songbird Counseling & Consultation, PLLC, in Sylva, NC. A formally trained Gestalt therapist through the Appalachian Gestalt Institute, she integrates EMDR into her work. Jamie has served clients of all ages for over 20 years, holds a Gerontology certificate from WCU, and earned her M.Ed. in Community Counseling in 2005. She has supervised 50+ clinicians since 2008. Her work centers on grief as a lifelong process, shaped both professionally and as a parent of a child who stutters. Next

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.

Join the Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter FAMILY CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter Welcome to the NSA Parents and Caregivers Virtual 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? Virtual 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? Meetings are held virtually. When? Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM Eastern. Check the NSA Events page to RSVP. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Christine Rose & Mike Gioscia Chapter Leaders Get in touch! mikegioscia@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? 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

Share your career success story with the NSA. Inspire others by submitting your profile to highlight achievements as a person who stutters. Submit your career profile Thank for your interest in being profiled as a person who stutters achieving career success. It’s stories like yours that help highlight the impact people who stutter are having in the workplace. Please fill out the following form by answering each question. Concise and thoughtful answers are appreciated . * First name * Last name * Pronouns She/Her He/Him They/Them Prefer not to answer Other * Email Phone LinkedIn profile URL * City | State * Employer Employer website * Job title * Please briefly describe your daily job duties * What is the most challenging part of your job as a person who stutters? * What are your long-term career aspirations? * Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the hiring process? If so, how did you do it? How do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients, and/or customers? * What is your proudest moment at your current company? (Does not have to be related to stuttering.) * What are some of the proudest moments in your life that have nothing to do with “perfect speech,” but everything to do with resilience or character? Please describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. * What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and those in a career striving to achieve greater success? * Please upload a current photo Upload File Due to the number of responses we receive, not every profile will be chosen to be shared on the NSA’s website and/or social media. You will be contacted if your profile is selected to be shared by the NSA. SUBMIT

Join the Detroit/Royal Oak - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Detroit/Royal Oak ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Michigan State Welcome to the NSA Detroit/Royal Oak 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 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? St. John’s Episcopal Church – 26998 Woodward Avenue (East corner of 11 Mile Road) Royal Oak, MI 48067 When? Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30PM. Meetings in January, February, March, October, November, & December are held online. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Tanya Banks & Kelley Duren-Jones Chapter Leaders Get in touch! tbanks7917@sbcglobal.net (734) 425-9565 - 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

Join the Worcester - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Worcester ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Worcester Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person & Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Worcester State University Science and Technology Center – Room 122D (486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602) When? Hybrid meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month between September and May. Meeting time is 7:30pm-9:00pm. Please contact the Chapter Leader for the Zoom link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Ken Melnick & Jeff Johnson Chapter Leaders Get in touch! kmelnick@worcester.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

< Back Previous Charles Black Presenter Charles Black is a storyteller, educator, organizer, and a proud queer person who stutters. He placed 2nd in a DC Moth and spoke at the 2025 World Pride Out/Spoken Storytelling Show, where he shared his experience coming out twice as a gay man and as a person who stutters. Charles is a National Director for the Fair Elections Center, and lives in Philadelphia with his cat, Delilah. Next

Meet Chloe, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Chloe Sisters Who Stutter Member Outreach Coordinator & Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Chloe is a junior in high school from Los Angeles, California. She is an active member of her school’s debate team, where she competes and also mentors younger teammates. Chloe serves as the business manager for her school newspaper and helps lead a tutoring program for underserved elementary students in her community. She plans to pursue studies in economics and disability studies, driven by her enthusiasm for math and business and her curiosity about the Social Model of Disability. Chloe is also excited to attend her first NSA conference this summer!

Join the Visalia - Kids stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Visalia KIDS CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - California State Welcome to the NSA Visalia Kids 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? Kids 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? Visalia Hearing Center 2316 W. Whitendale Ave #A Visalia, CA 93277 When? Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM. Meetings will resume in January 2026. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Stacy Patterson Chapter Leader Get in touch! spattersonnsa@gmail.com 559-303-2846 - 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 how Kelsey Smith,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Interpreter Kelsey Smith Briefly describe your daily job duties. I was an Interpreter while working for the National Park Service. Many duties come with being an Interpreter, including: leading tours, giving visitors the rules before they enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and working at the information desk. I am transitioning to the United States Forest Service soon and do not know all of my new job duties yet! Some of my responsibilities will be: patrolling the backcountry, writing citations, cleaning the recreation area of trash, and crowd control. I will also have the opportunity to get my red card, meaning I will be able to fight wildfires. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is when I am having an exceptionally non-fluent day. Even if I do not want to give a tour/program because my stutter is out of control, I still have to do it. 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 at work? Yes, I disclosed my stutter during the hiring process. All my job interviews were via phone and my stutter is moderate to severe. Usually all I say at the beginning of an interview is, “I have a stutter.” A few times I have been able to work it into the conversation instead of just blurting it out. When I give tours/programs I tell the visitors I have a stutter. During my five years with the National Park Service. I have told roughly 8,000 visitors I have a stutter! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering makes me a better, more valued contributor at work because I have shown my co-workers that people from all walks of life can work for the National Park Service. I also help them become better listeners and be more patient. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment was when I was working at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. During my first ever Bat Flight Program I had close to 350 people attend. The feeling of telling that many people at once “I have a stutter, so if there is anything you need me to repeat, just ask,” was unlike anything I had ever felt before. It was a freeing experience to be able to say that. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspiration is to be a Chief of Interpretation at a national park. I don’t know which national park, but the beauty of my career is not knowing where you will be in a year or two. There is always adventure while getting to travel and live in some of the most beautiful places in the United States. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Follow your dream job. Do not let the naysayers get you down! Just because we stutter doesn’t make us bad communicators. We have the unique ability to make people better listeners. Some days are going to be rough, but there is always tomorrow.

Meet Michael Liben, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Michael Liben Legal Counsel Michael Liben is a prosecutor in New York City. He currently serves as a Deputy Bureau Chief in the Domestic Violence Bureau of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Michael, and his family, have been involved in the NSA for over twenty years. He has previously served as the NSA’s Youth Chair and as a member of the NSA’s Research Committee. Michael resides in New York with his wife and daughter.

Meet Ashleigh Givens, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ashleigh Givens DEI Committee Ashleigh is a fashion photographer and multimedia artist currently residing in Detroit, Michigan and a recent graduate of the College for Creative Studies. In her free time she enjoys traveling (next up: Japan!), reading books on art and design, going to concerts, and taking care of her extensive houseplant collection. Ashleigh loves the NSA community and wants to contribute to making the NSA a more diverse space where people who stutter from all walks of life and all backgrounds can feel welcomed. Having navigated childhood with a stutter, she knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider, and gives her utmost effort to ensure no one feels like that at the NSA. Ashleigh is an advocate for herself and others, and is excited to bring her energy and passion to the DEI Committee.