< Back Previous Angela Grimm Presenter Angela Grimm is a person who stutters and a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She brings more than a decade of experience as a victim advocate, having worked with a local sexual assault assistance program and the State Attorney’s Office. Angela has facilitated support groups for sexual assault survivors and worked with incarcerated survivors and individuals with substance use disorders. She is committed to trauma-informed care, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces. Angela also serves as Co-Chapter Leader of the National Stuttering Association Treasure Coast, Florida Chapter. Next

< Back Previous Adrienne McHenry Presenter Adrienne McHenry is a person who stutters after a seizure at the age of three. She was covert for much of her life; she didn't even talk to her husband about her stutter until after they were married! She is a fitness enthusiast, a mother of two children, a yoga teacher, and a somatic coach. She uses mindfulness and somatic techniques to help calm the nervous system. Next

Join the Monroe - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Monroe ADULT IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Louisiana State Welcome to the NSA Monroe 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? Virtual meetings are held over Zoom. In-person meetings are held around the Monroe area. When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month (September thru May) from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Meetings are currently being held virtually. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leader. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Amanda Elias Chapter Leader Get in touch! nsamonroechapter@gmail.com (318) 348-7685 - 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

Help advance stuttering research and support the NSA in improving lives. Donate today to make a meaningful difference. Research Fund The Research Fund helps deepen understanding of stuttering and improves how we understand, educate about, and support people who stutter. By funding research projects, the NSA helps ensure that knowledge about stuttering continues to grow. We prioritize research that not only examines the causes of stuttering but also explores lived experience, therapy effectiveness, and the broader impact of stigma. Your support bridges the gap between the laboratory and the living room, ensuring that scientific findings translate into better resources and more effective support for our community. Driving Discovery Understanding Etiology Supporting studies into the neurological and genetic basis of stuttering. Evidence‑Based Practice Validating therapies and support mechanisms that truly help. Innovative Project Seed funding for pilot studies that can lead to major breakthroughs. Our Commitment The NSA collaborates with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. We are committed to ensuring that research reflects the diversity of the stuttering community and that the voices of people who stutter remain central to the scientific process. Make a donation Help us reach our goal to sustain programs serving people who stutter nationwide. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $20 $20 $50 $50 $100 $100 $250 $250 $500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $20.58 I'd like to add $0.58 to cover transaction fees. 🔒 Secure & Tax-Deductible SUPPORT OTHER CAUSES SCHOLARSHIP FUND CHANGEMAKERS GENERAL FUND

< Back Board of Directors Spotlight: Chad Mannisi – Leading with Heart, Humor, and Hope Some leaders inspire with strategy. Others with compassion. Chad Mannisi brings both—and for over 20 years, he’s helped shape the NSA into the supportive, thriving community it is today. Chad first discovered the NSA when he attended a conference on the recommendation of friends from his speech therapist’s support group. That experience was life-changing. “The people I met were very welcoming and friendly. The sense of community and family was everywhere. It was on my way home after my first conference, thinking over the events of the week, that I decided to join the NSA and never looked back.” Since then, Chad has led with vision and heart. He began by revitalizing the St. Louis Chapter, then joined the Board of Directors as Adult Programs Co-Chair, where he focused on streamlining chapter operations and improving leadership systems. Now, as Board Chair, Chad is dedicated to preparing the NSA for long-term success and growth—ensuring its legacy for future generations. “I'm proud of how I'm helping the NSA evolve and get set up for success far into the future. Every Board member I've worked with, and continue to work with, has certainly helped me achieve this goal.” Beyond strategy and structure, Chad is known for something else: joy. “I love to laugh and have fun. I definitely know when it's time to get serious and things need to get done, but if I can do things while having fun and enjoying the task, I will.” Chad shares that the NSA has had a profound impact on his life—helping him understand that he’s not alone, and that he doesn’t need to let external events define his self-worth. “The NSA has impacted my life in so many ways. I've learned I'm not alone, that there are people who have gone through so many of the same things I have. I have many people I call family all over the country. I know I have a place to stay in almost every state, or great company over dinner if I'm ever in town. I know for certain that the NSA has helped my self confidence and self esteem, and I would not be the man I am today if it were not for the NSA.” Chad’s advice to new members: ”Fear may have been a constant companion of yours for most of your life. The NSA is one of the few places you can be your true self, wholly and fully, and where no one will judge you or make fun of you because of your speech.” Get to know Chad: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Nature pick: Beach Favorite rewatch: Once Upon a Time Go-to karaoke song: “Giddy Up” by Shania Twain Pet: Dino, his beloved cat Dream vacation: Italy Chad’s legacy is not only in the systems he’s helped improve or the chapters he’s supported—but in the hope and community he brings to every room he enters. Thank you, Chad! Previous Next

Learn how Madison Nichols,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Flow Cytometry Specialist Madison Nichols Briefly describe your daily job duties. My job involves assisting researchers with analyzing their cell specimens using the principles of flow cytometry. I’m responsible for being able to analyze experiments when needed, keeping analyzers clean and functional, and also for caring for our two cell sorters. Cell sorting is my main job, in which I use high complexity instrumentation to sort cells from a suspension into a separate receptacle to allow our clients to use them for other research purposes. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. It’s been particularly difficult during the pandemic meeting people very slowly instead of all at once. People are slowly phasing into returning to work, which puts some added stress on me to meet new people on a fairly regular basis. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’d love to stay in this position and continue to learn as long as I continue to feel passionate about the work I am doing. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Disclosure of my stuttering was the first thing I did when applying for this job. I disclosed it in my application and my letter of intent as well as to every on-boarding individual along the way. Disclosure is something I am very passionate about, as I believe it takes stress off of us to try to appear perfect and to try to hide something that isn’t even our fault. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I’m very proud of transitioning to this job at the very beginning of the pandemic and am also proud of myself for continuing to learn and meet new people even though it can be difficult. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I work on being a good, active listener. I always try to give people the space and time to share their ideas without interruption because I know how hard it can be to communicate. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Always be yourself, even if being your true self requires you to put in more effort and go beyond your comfort zone. Be willing to learn new things and to be corrected. Always be willing to lend a hand and stay away from workplace drama! Most of all, don’t let something like your speech hold you back. When you’re in the right position, those who truly care about you won’t care and will give you all the time in the world to speak your mind.

Meet Rowan, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Rowan Sisters Who Stutter Member Outreach Coordinator Rowan serves as the Member Outreach Coordinator for Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), where she focuses on strengthening member connection, engagement, and support within the community. She is also the Chair of Sisters Who Stutter, a group within the National Stuttering Association (NSA) dedicated to empowering and uplifting girls who stutter. In her outreach role, Rowan helps welcome new members, foster meaningful relationships, and ensure that girls feel seen, supported, and included. Her leadership is rooted in creating safe, affirming spaces where confidence can grow and shared experiences can turn into lasting connection. Rowan brings dedication and resilience to everything she does. She has been a member of her school’s Varsity Swim Team since seventh grade and also participates in Track and Field as a long-distance runner. Her athletic journey reflects her perseverance, discipline, and commitment to personal growth. Looking ahead, Rowan hopes to pursue a future in archaeology, combining her curiosity, love of history, and passion for discovery. She credits the NSA and Sisters Who Stutter community with helping her embrace her stutter and develop the confidence to lead and support others. Through her outreach work and leadership, Rowan continues to play a meaningful role in building a connected, welcoming community for girls who stutter.

Join the Sarasota - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Sarasota ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Florida State Welcome to the NSA Sarasota 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? Gulf Gate Library – 7112 Curtiss Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34231 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jennifer Scharf Chapter Leader Get in touch! jenlscharf@gmail.com (941) 932-8824 - 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 Seasoned Voices Committee Spotlight: Patrice Nolan Fox — Strength, Storytelling & Support The National Stuttering Association’s Seasoned Voices Committee continues growing, bringing together people over 50 looking for connection, mentorship, and shared experience. One of the inspiring voices within that group is Patrice Nolan Fox, a longtime member whose impact spans two decades. Patrice’s NSA journey began 20 years ago when a friend told her she’d love the community and should come to a meeting. That one invitation led to a life-changing experience. “They were right—I loved it. The NSA has helped me become much more open about my stuttering.” Patrice is not only a person who stutters but also a speech-language pathologist, giving her a unique dual perspective in our community. She’s spent 37 years as an educator, helping others learn and grow while learning a lot about herself. She serves on the Seasoned Voices Committee, which offers mature perspectives to the NSA’s broader goals—bringing insight to workshops, events, and resources designed to support people navigating life over 50. Patrice is incredibly passionate about creating a space where adults can feel empowered to embrace their voices—at any age. “Be open and don’t be afraid,” she advises new members. Fun facts: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough Favorite TV show: Here Come the Brides Pet: A sweet kitty named Peaches Fun fact: She loves to act! Dream vacation: Scottsdale, Arizona Whether she’s offering support to a new member, mentoring others, or sharing her story as both an SLP and a person who stutters, Patrice embodies what it means to be a powerful part of the NSA family. Thank you, Patrice, for your dedication, openness, and unwavering support. You make our community stronger! Previous Next

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

< Back Previous Stacey Nierman Presenter Stacey Nierman is a mother to three boys, one of whom stutters. She is a teacher, passionate about helping people embrace who they are. Stacey attended the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Annual Conference in St. Louis in 2023, where she found herself embraced by parents who shared her wide range of emotions and felt hope for her son’s future. Since then, Stacey and her family have become very active in the NSA. She lives in the Kansas City metro area and co-founded the Kansas City Area Family Chapter. Her goal in the NSA is to connect, support, and educate in a judgment-free zone. Next

Learn how Haley Aguayo,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Manager, Benefits & Compliance Haley Aguayo Briefly describe your daily job duties. As the Manager of Benefits and Compliance to a 300-employee international organization, I oversee the management and creation of benefits plans and ensure that we are compliant regarding various federal and state legislation requirements. I establish positive relationships with employees, benefit brokers, and vendors to ensure our benefits are communicated efficiently and carried out effectively. Benefits are the backbone of employee retention and recruitment, and it is my job to ensure we develop creative solutions to build a robust and competitive benefits package that serves our demographics while also keeping up with the latest trends. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I think with any environment, people are used to fast-paced communication styles. When you stutter, it puts a different pace on meetings and conference calls. As with many career paths, my job involves a lot of communication. I frequently speak with employees, brokers, and vendors. During my career, there have been times when I have been presenting and someone who is participating remotely says that the line is breaking up or that the sound is coming in choppy. During these moments, I have to explain that I stutter, which clears the air, and then I can continue. However, I have never encountered anyone who was rude about it, as they only care about the overall message and my knowledge surrounding the subject. 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 am a firm believer in self-disclosure as it helps me feel more relaxed and confident during the interview process. When the recruiter first contacts me to set up the phone screen, I respond confirming the best schedule for me and ask if they wouldn’t mind scheduling a few extra minutes to the interview because I stutter and I’d like to ensure that I have ample time to answer any questions they may have. Then, during the in-person interview with the hiring manager, I usually state in the beginning along with my introduction, “Before we begin our conversation, I’d like to let you know that I stutter, so if you don’t understand something I say or if you need me to repeat something, please let me know and I’d be glad to do so.” And then I head into the interview portion. I feel this acknowledgment not only shows confidence on my behalf but it also allows the listener to understand what is happening, so they do not jump to assumptions. I used to struggle with being present in interviews because internally my mind was so loud with anxiety and actively finding ways to avoid stuttering. I would say words that wouldn’t make sense because they were easier to say or avoid talking about certain accomplishments, that I wasn’t focusing on showing my personality and my attributes for the role. I knew that my experience and background were a great fit, but I couldn’t convey them because I wasn’t present in the conversation. When your focus is elsewhere, it’s hard to shine in an interview. I think what helped me the most was realizing that the interviewer is human too. They are not perfect; they face struggles and adversities in their life as well. However, they saw something in me and that is why I was there at the interview. They believed that I was one of the top candidates out of the many who applied, which is encouraging. Once I realized this, it was easier for me to let my personality shine and I was able to answer and engage in the conversations confidently. I made them feel at ease with my professionalism, knowledge, and expertise. If I happened to stutter, so be it. Because at the end of the day, the hiring manager just wanted someone who they can trust to come in to do the job well, and I knew that I was absolutely that person. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I believe that stuttering has allowed me to be a good listener. When you work in human resources, people want to be heard. Showing my stuttering also shows my vulnerable side. There’s a humbling aspect of showing your struggle every day, and people find that relatable. Can you imagine working with someone in human resources who you find intimidating or not relatable? They wouldn’t be very approachable and they wouldn’t be effective at their job. I can choose to hide it by avoiding words or using techniques to be perfectly fluent, but I’m not fluent. I stutter, and it’s the way I am genetically programmed to speak. I once had a coworker tell me that maybe stuttering is my superpower. She went on to say that it has made me empathetic, patient, and a good listener, and not a lot of people have those skills. I couldn’t have said it better myself. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I’m still relatively new at my company, as I haven’t been there for a full year yet. But when I started, I hit the ground running wide-eyed with passion and excitement. This job is fast-paced and I was coming up on the busiest time of the year in regards to open enrollment planning and several compliance related projects. I might have had a few nerves here or there during this time period related to stuttering, meeting new colleagues, or leading presentations, but in all honesty, my main focus was that I came to do a job, and I worked hard to ensure that I was going to get it done accurately and efficiently. I’m proud that I was able to lead a successful open enrollment period, implement a new mental health benefit, complete several compliance audits, and find ways to improve existing procedures to better serve the organization, all within my first few months there. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Be true to your passions because you will never be happy if you settle. Apply for that job that pushes your comfort zone. I majored in Graphic Design in college because I thought it was a safe choice regarding stuttering. I only learned after I graduated that I made the wrong decision because I realized that my calling was to help people. I was bored and didn’t find satisfaction with what I was doing, and I knew that I didn’t want to keep doing it for another 40 years until I retired. 40 years is a long time to do something that you’re already bored with! In college, I would have never seen myself as both a Human Resources leader speaking with people every day, but I love it. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone so that you can continue to grow. Don’t let stuttering define what your barriers are and don’t let it have control over your happiness. I promise that you will find confidence and happiness through pushing your limits and exceeding in ways you never thought imaginable. Stuttering is only a hindrance if you let it become one.