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Meet Christy Pomaro, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Christy Pomaro Photographer Christy grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, attending Columbia College – Downtown Chicago for Photography. Christy currently runs her own successful photography business, with a concentration on portrait and personal brand photography. Christy has been married to her husband since 2004 and they live in Rolling Meadows, IL with their two daughters and one dog.

< Back Kim Mowery Speaker Kim is a parent of a young adult who stutters. She is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Flower Mound, Texas and has been practicing for over 20 years. When shes not at work, she can be found practicing yoga or playing with her dogs. Kim has attended 10 conferences and can't wait for Denver! Previous Next

Meet Chad Mannisi, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Chad Mannisi Chair Chad is a person who stutters and has been an active part of the NSA since 2004. Chad has also been an NSA Adult Chapter Leader since 2010, and also serves as a facilitator of a weekly support group for people who stutter at a speech pathologist’s office. In his professional life, Chad is a Manager (ITSS) for Charter Communications, managing a team of 13, including staffing in five different buildings, and supporting more than 5,000 end users, including executives. In his free time, Chad enjoys video editing and spending time with his family. Chad also serves as on the Nominating Committee. Board term as Chair began June 2024

Meet Michelle Madsen Geiger, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Michelle Madsen Geiger Graphic Design Full-time designer, part-time dog photographer (of her dogs only, because they are so cute and you can never have enough pictures of them sleeping). Michelle started working with the NSA on all things graphics back in 2013, and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not designing she keeps busy with her husband, their dogs and many house guests, playing in the pool, going to the beach and enjoying life in Florida. Michelle got involved in the NSA through her dad, Brad Madsen (PWS).

Meet Ian Shook, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ian Shook TAC Ian is a rising Junior who attends Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland. He enjoys Photography, being a member of the drumline, and cheering on his favorite sports teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Orioles. Ian first started being involved with the NSA in 2017 with the Rockville, Maryland chapter and came to his first conference in 2021 in Austin, Texas and has been an active member ever since. This is Ian’s first year on the TAC and he can’t wait to see everyone at the conference!

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 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!

< 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

< Back Julie Marshall Speaker Julie Marshall is a Clinical Associate Professor at The University of Memphis, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). For the past 25 years, she has taught speech-language pathology graduate students in the areas of stuttering and fluency disorders, articulation disorders, professional clinical writing, and speech/language diagnostics. Her research interest is in cultural and linguistic diversity. She served on the CSD Diversity Task Force and currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee has successfully increased the diversity of CSD program applicants and admissions. Ms. Marshall earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 1986 at West Chester University. She has presented regionally on the topics of diversity, fluency disorders, and clinical practicum supervision. Previous Next

Join the Rockville - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Rockville ADULT, FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - Maryland State Welcome to the NSA Rockville Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person & Virtual Meetings What age group can attend? Adult, Family What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? In-person meetings are held at Kensington Firehouse (10620 Connecticut Ave Kensington, MD 20895) and virtual meetings are held over Zoom. When? Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month* from 7:00-8:30PM. *Chapter does not meet in June, July, or August. Contact the Chapter Leaders for meeting information and the Zoom link for virtual meetings. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Elizabeth Escobar & Emily Turgeon Chapter Leaders Get in touch! EliEscobar87@gmail.com , eturgeon@ccboe.com - - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

< Back Anne Williams Speaker Anne Zappi Williams, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF is a clinical educator and member of the graduate faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her interests include stuttering, counseling, speech sound disorders, ASD, language and literacy development, and interprofessional collaboration. She presented at ASHA, LSHA, RiteCare, WSCO and NSA conferences and authored publications in professional journals. She serves as co-leader of the National Stuttering Association Family Chapter in Lafayette, LA. Previous Next

Meet Aryanna Tillman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Aryanna Tillman Sisters Who Stutter Vice President Aryanna, a vibrant 15-year-old, serves as the Vice President of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS), a teen-founded initiative under the National Stuttering Association (NSA). SWS is dedicated to empowering and supporting girls who stutter, creating a safe and inclusive space for them to connect, share experiences, and embrace their unique voices. As Vice President, Aryanna plays a key role in inspiring confidence and fostering community among her peers, embodying the values and mission of both SWS and the NSA. Since the age of 6, Aryanna has been passionate about cheerleading, a sport that reflects her enthusiasm, determination, and ability to work as part of a team. In addition to her leadership and athletic pursuits, Aryanna enjoys exploring her creativity through photography, capturing moments that tell stories. She also loves baking delicious treats and spending time babysitting, showcasing her nurturing and thoughtful personality. After high school, Aryanna aspires to make a difference in the medical field, with ambitions of becoming a cancer nurse or doctor. Her drive to help others aligns with her commitment to advocacy and leadership within SWS. With her compassion, creativity, and determination, Aryanna is poised to make a meaningful impact both within the stuttering community and beyond.

Meet Alicia Vasquez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alicia Vasquez DEI Committee Alicia Vasquez is a proud Latina woman with a stutter who has been actively involved with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2022. Growing up as a Latina with a stutter in a predominantly white community shaped Alicia’s unique perspective and fueled her passion for fostering awareness, inclusion, and diversity in every space she occupies. Her experiences have driven her to advocate for representation and understanding, particularly within the stuttering community. Alicia’s dedication to amplifying diverse voices and creating inclusive environments makes her a natural fit for her new role within the NSA’s diversity initiatives. She is excited to bring her lived experiences and passion to this new committee, working collaboratively to take the NSA’s commitment to diversity and representation to the next level. Her goal is to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered within the NSA community. Beyond her advocacy work, Alicia enjoys connecting with others, sharing her story, and inspiring meaningful change. Her efforts highlight the importance of intersectionality and the strength that comes from embracing one’s identity. Alicia’s contributions are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the stuttering community and beyond.