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Meet Erica Perez, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Erica Perez Conference Coordinator Erica Perez works part-time in the Admissions and Records Office at Fullerton College, supporting students and staff with enrollment services. She has been a dedicated member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) since 2002, contributing in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles that support the NSA’s mission. With a background in hospitality spanning 18 years, Erica brings valuable experience in customer service and team leadership. She lives in Anaheim with her husband, Aaron, and their two children, Lily and AJ, and is actively involved in their school PTAs.

Meet Ilya Filmus, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ilya Filmus Legal Counsel Ilya’s experience includes representing clients in employment, personal injury, and business matters. Ilya is passionate about fighting on behalf of the underdog – whether it be an employee who is mistreated in the workplace, a person who is injured, or a small business. Prior to entering private practice and founding the Infinity Law Group, Ilya externed for the Honorable D. Lowell Jensen (Ret.) of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, as well as for the Honorable Ming C. Chin of the Supreme Court of California. Ilya is a cum laude graduate of University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he served as the Managing Editor of the Hastings International & Comparative Law Review. Prior to law school, Ilya graduated magna cum laude from UCLA with a double major and minor. Ilya is fluent in Russian and knows enough Thai to get a laugh out of anyone who speaks Thai. Ilya is passionate about the outdoors, the housing industry, and travel. Ilya is very fortunate to have lived in Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. Ilya serves as legal counsel for the NSA/NSA Board, and is not a voting member of the Board of Directors.

Meet Patrice Nolan-Fox, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Patrice Nolan-Fox Seasoned Voices Committee Patrice Nolan-Fox is a person who stutters with a deep understanding of covert stuttering. Over the course of her remarkable 44-year career as a speech and language pathologist, Patrice made significant contributions to her field, combining her professional expertise with her personal experiences to help others overcome obstacles and find their voices. Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Patrice now resides in the scenic town of Bennington, Vermont, where she continues to inspire those around her. Her long career reflects her passion for communication, education, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Patrice’s journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. By navigating her own experiences with covert stuttering, she has developed a unique perspective that has enriched her work and her connection to the stuttering community. Her legacy as both a professional and an advocate continues to resonate with those she has touched throughout her life. Now enjoying her time in Vermont, Patrice’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and the impact one person can have on countless lives.

Meet Tammy Flores, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Tammy Flores Executive Director Tammy has been a cornerstone of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for more than 25 years, serving as its dedicated Executive Director since 2006. Her unwavering passion for empowering people who stutter and her commitment to advocating for the NSA community have made her a driving force behind the organization's growth and impact. Tammy’s leadership reflects her deep belief in the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for people who stutter and their families. Over the years, Tammy has played a key role in developing programs, resources, and initiatives that have enriched the lives of countless people within the stuttering community. Her dedication to fostering connections and amplifying voices continues to inspire others and strengthen the NSA’s mission. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tammy enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and indulging in her love for all things dogs. Whether it's discovering new adventures or simply sharing moments with her favorite people, Tammy brings her trademark warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is also married to an amazing person who stutters, who is her absolute favorite person in life. Tammy’s journey is a testament to her commitment, both personally and professionally, to making a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.

Meet Ryan Millager, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ryan Millager Research Committee Associate Member Ryan Millager is a PhD candidate at Vanderbilt University, under the research mentorship of Dr. Robin Jones. His research interests include contributing factors to developmental stuttering, support programs for children who stutter, and inclusivity in research. Ryan is also a speech-language pathologist with more than 10 years of experience with stuttering and a long affiliation with SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young and other group programs for children who stutter. Since 2015, Ryan has participated in many NSA activities as a stuttering ally, and in 2022 he was awarded the NSA’s Graduate Student Research Award. Ryan’s hobbies include reading nerdy novels, watching nerdy television shows, playing nerdy games with friends, and making nerdy spreadsheets to keep track of it all. He also enjoys running.

< Back Older Adults Committee Spotlight: Jim McClure – A Legacy of Leadership and Lifelong Advocacy Few people have impacted the NSA quite like Jim McClure has. With 41 years of unwavering involvement, Jim has become a cornerstone of the NSA and a national voice for people who stutter. His story began in Chicago, where he helped organize a self-help group that eventually affiliated with the NSA (then the NSP). His dedication to community, advocacy, and awareness grew from there. “I’ve made a second—or maybe third—career out of stuttering advocacy,” Jim says with pride. Over the years, he has used his expertise to serve the NSA, the Stuttering Specialty Board, and ASHA’s Certification Council, pushing for greater representation, understanding, and professional accountability for people who stutter. One of Jim’s most notable contributions was organizing a publicity campaign around the release of The King’s Speech. His work significantly boosted the NSA’s visibility and sparked national conversations about stuttering, identity, and support. “Learning to take risks with my speech helped my career, and using my professional skills to help the NSA has been a source of satisfaction.” Today, Jim continues his leadership as a member of the Older Adults Committee, helping offer mentorship and a mature perspective to our growing group of members aged 50 and older. His advice to those new to the NSA? “Use the opportunity of conferences and chapter meetings to venture into uncomfortable speaking situations and master them.” Get to know Jim: Favorite ice cream: Chocolate swirl Nature pick: Desert Favorite film to rewatch: Master and Commander Pet status: Emotional support human to a cat Fun fact: Jim spent 25 years serving in the U.S. Navy Jim’s contributions to the stuttering community span decades, platforms, and lives. Thank you, Jim, for your lifetime of leadership, compassion, and bold dedication to the NSA! Previous Next

Meet Vicki Benson Schutter, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Vicki Benson Schutter Seasoned Voices Committee Vicki Benson Schutter has been an active member of the NSP/NSA since the Houston chapter was founded in 1985. She is a former NSA Board Member and has also been a Houston chapter leader. Vicki lives with her husband Steve and their kitty Ginger. She is retired and enjoying the quiet life after 34 years of work at Rice University. Her hobbies include taking care of Steve, subservience to her cat, wine tasting, and watching Jeopardy with Steve (which sometimes includes yelling at the TV).

Meet Christian Ting, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Christian Ting Marketing Coordinator Christian Ting is the Marketing Coordinator for the National Stuttering Association, a position he has held since 2022. In addition to his efforts expanding NSA’s marketing reach and content, he is also the chapter co-leader of the South Pasadena Chapter. Outside of his work in the NSA, he works as a film and tv producer at Made With Love Media, an LA-based production company. He focuses on telling vibrant, life-affirming and inclusive of the incredible people in the stuttering community who inspire him every day.

Meet Zachary Schwabe, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Zachary Schwabe Kids & Tweens Program Coordinator Zachary Schwabe is a proud Philadelphia native and graduate of La Salle University. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Early Education/Special Education, Zach was certified in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. He then joined A Step-Up Academy in Jenkintown, PA, where he was a lead special education teacher. In 2023, Zach moved to Devereux Day Academy, where he works as a special education teacher. Zach’s involvement with Camp SAY began in 2021 as a bunk counselor. He continues to serve as a counselor every summer. Zach has been involved with the Philadelphia Chapter of NSA since 2023. He helps organize group events, including outings to Phillies games. He attended his first Annual Conference in 2024 in St. Louis. When he is not working, Zach is an avid (and loyal) fan of Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies and Eagles.

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