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Meet Anabel Augustin, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Anabel Augustin WS@W Committee Co-Chair Anabel Augustin is a Broward County resident and a person who stutters. Anabel was introduced to the NSA through her speech pathologist at Nova clinic and attended her first meeting in 2018. From the NSA Miami chapter meeting, Anabel was introduced to an amazing support system and was able to express herself for the first time in years without being rushed or feeling ashamed for taking time to talk. By joining the NSA miami chapter meeting, Anabel was able to participate in several research studies, present at panels in order to spread awareness about stuttering. Anabel is a youth case manager and uses her position to continue to spread awareness about stuttering, advocating for individuals with disabilities and educating individuals on ways to appropriately communicate with a person who stutters. Anabel serves on the We Stutter @ Work Committee helping people feel confident and accepted in the workplace, and she is the Co-chapter leader of the NSA miami chapter meeting

Join the Tacoma - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Tacoma ADULT CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS NORTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Washington State Welcome to the NSA Tacoma 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? 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? Tacoma, WA 98402 When? Meetings are held virtually on the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00-8:00PM. Contact the Chapter Leaders for the meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Marvin Wiley & Joseph Gonzol Chapter Leaders Get in touch! CL@TacomaNSAc.com 253-250-7621 https://tacomansac.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TacomaNSAChapter 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

Learn how Eamonn Hubert,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Musician Eamonn Hubert Endicott, NY Musician Hot Dogs & Gin Briefly describe your daily job duties. I perform live music with my band and as a duo with my Dad for several shows a month, both private and public. I was also on the US Broadway First National Tour of “School of Rock the Musical” as a musician and swing/understudy for three characters, and went on several times in 13 states when I was ten years old. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of what I do is talking spontaneously to fans and doing interviews. I tend to stutter more when I’m excitedly speaking about something that isn’t rehearsed or scripted. I also stutter more while I’m in the early stages of learning lines for a role. This is a challenge every year when I participate in my school musical which is always put together in a very short time. What are your long-term career aspirations? I hope to attend music school someday and continue to perform as a professional musician. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? When I was cast in School of Rock I didn’t disclose my stutter, but I’m pretty sure the casting team noticed it! It didn’t seem to matter to them since most actors don’t stutter once their lines are memorized. It did affect my being selected to speak on press days– I usually wasn’t allowed to because of my stutter. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment has probably been performing with my band, Hot Dogs & Gin, at the NYS Blues Festival last summer. I first performed there with another band when I was six, but to have a full set to ourselves was such an honor! Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I’m not sure how stuttering helps me, but I don’t really think about it as much anymore. I’m fairly fluent most of the time and when I’m not, I don’t let it bother me. Most of the folks who come out to see us perform know I have a stutter (I’m also autistic) from old social media posts. I hope that if anyone who stutters does notice my stutter, they will see it’s not a big deal for me and doesn’t have to be for them either. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Focus on strengths and use whatever fluency tools you may have learned as needed. If others have reactions or questions about the stutter, just tell them it’s part of you like anything else: eye color, gender, etc. and that it doesn’t affect your ability to be awesome! The more you worry about your stutter, the less fluent and confident you’ll be.

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.