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Learn how Anna Boyd,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. English Language Arts Teacher Anna Boyd Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach 7th Grade English Language Arts. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a teacher who has to read aloud to her class, I find that to be the most challenging. I also find gaining respect in the workplace to be challenging. I often feel that adult coworkers are more likely to see my stutter has a hindrance to my teaching ability than my students. 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? Yes, I did. I said I had a stutter, but it didn’t have me. I was often told that I was never going to be a teacher due to my stutter. Today, with each day one of school, I tell my students that I stutter. (But we all know each of us has something. It’s just my something is more noticeable.) Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I listen more. I take time to hear people out. Co-workers come to me when they have a student who stutters, and that makes me feel that I am contributing in ways that others cannot. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I have a student who stutters this year. And, he told me that I was the only teacher he had who has believed in him and told him that he could be and do anything in life he wanted. What are your long-term career aspirations? I plan to teach middle school for the rest of my career! What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Do not let stuttering control you. You have a stutter, but it doesn’t have you. You are going to write the narrative for your workplace experience so be positive, but open with people. Realize that your stutter makes you who you are, and that you have just as much, and more to offer than someone who does not stutter.

Learn how Jaymie Horak,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Human Resources Analyst Jaymie Horak Briefly describe your daily job duties. My primary responsibility is to assist with administering our health and wellness benefits to our 1,300 employees. This looks like phone calls, checking emails, building and running reports, leading new hire orientations, meetings with health and wellness carriers, and training co-workers. I am also assigned our largest recruitment for an operations position, so I review those applications and onboard new employees. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The moments of misunderstanding. I answer the phone, stutter on my name, and the other person awkwardly laughs or asks me if I forgot my name. They’re minor infractions compared to the way my stutter used to limit me but staying positive in those moments is certainly a challenge. It is also difficult when I am learning something new, or doing something I haven’t done before, because I get nervous that my stuttering will make it seem like I lack confidence or knowledge. How supported at work do you feel by your co-workers, supervisor(s) and the company itself? I feel very supported. I was very lucky to have an incredible first supervisor when I was in Payroll, and when I mentioned my stuttering to her, she told me that she supported me and that if I ever needed her help, she’d take care of anyone who was rude to me. She enabled me to sit at the front desk, and answer telephone calls regularly. Before this experience, I was too terrified to answer the phone. I no longer experience fear picking up the ringing phone at work. (A true miracle.) My supervisors since have also made it clear that they are impressed with my work ethic and intelligence, and that they would stand behind me if anyone used my stuttering to try to tease me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering helps people actually feel more comfortable around me. Perhaps not in the initial moment, but once they realize what is going on. There is a vulnerability that exists that makes the other person realize they don’t need to be perfect when they communicate with me. Working in HR has the ability to seem very intimidating, especially when I am recruiting new hires for their first job. But my stutter seems to give them (a potentially false) sense of comfortability and security, which I think is helpful. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Disclose, disclose, disclose. When you are able to disclose your stutter with confidence, the other person has no choice (unless they’re a huge jerk) to accept your stutter and realize it has nothing to do with your intelligence, proficiency, or confidence. The more we are comfortable with our own stuttering, the more others will be. People can catch onto our emotions and internal stress. They can also catch onto our confidence and peace of mind.

Join local or virtual support groups for people who stutter. Connect, share experiences, and find community. Getting Started with NSA Local Chapter Support Groups The National Stuttering Association (NSA) has a robust community for people who stutter of all ages and their families through over 125 local chapters nationwide. There are four different NSA Chapter types - Adult Chapters, Family Chapters, Kids Chapters, and Teens Chapters. These local chapter meetings provide a crucial opportunity for people who stutter to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. There really is something for everyone! Why Join NSA Local Chapter Meetings? Local meetings are a safe space where people who stutter and their families can openly discuss the unique situations they face at work, with friends, or in various social settings. NSA members can share their attitudes towards stuttering and how stuttering shapes their life experiences. These discussions are invaluable for gaining new perspectives, finding emotional support, and building connections and lasting relationships with others who truly understand the journey of living with a stutter. The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) Many Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) recognize the benefits of NSA meetings and encourage their clients to participate. Attending NSA meetings can be an essential component of long-term maintenance of treatment gains, providing ongoing support even after formal therapy has concluded. SLPs are welcome to join their clients at NSA support group meetings or attend on their own. However, it's important to note that these meetings are not a platform for clinicians to advertise their services or promote specific therapy methods. The NSA does not endorse any particular therapy approach over another. The focus is on creating a community where people who stutter and those who support them can learn from each other in a spirit of mutual support and understanding. The Spirit of Community and Support NSA Local Chapters are all about fostering a supportive environment where everyone can share, learn, and grow together. By bringing together people who stutter, their families, and professionals, these meetings help build a strong network of support and can help foster lifelong friendships. Find an NSA Chapter Near You If you're an adult who stutters, have a child or teen who stutters, or are a Speech Language Pathologist looking to support your clients, consider joining an NSA Local Chapter. These meetings can make a significant difference in the lives of those who attend, offering a unique blend of empathy, support, and shared experience. Explore our website to find an NSA Chapter near you and take the first step towards joining a vibrant community dedicated to empowerment and support. FIND YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

Learn how Stacey Sabu,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Occupational Therapist Stacey Sabu Briefly describe your daily job duties. As an Occupational Therapist for a public school district in Illinois, I work with elementary school students of different abilities and needs. I provide interventions to help students improve their independence in the school environment, such as improving their fine motor skills, helping with classroom transitions, and accommodating their sensory needs. I also work closely with classroom teachers and other specialists on supporting the students and creating IEP goals. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Speaking up during team meetings and doing large group presentations have always been stressful for me. When I first started working, I was very shy and quiet; I only spoke when it was time to discuss my part. However, I have been working on improving my confidence and asserting myself more vocally to let my voice be heard. 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? Yes, I always disclose that I have a stutter at the beginning of any interview so that employers will not think it’s due to nervousness. I also explain my stuttering to my students because they are often very curious about it and want to help in any way they can. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Having a stutter has made me a more patient and empathetic person, especially when it comes to working with individuals with disabilities. I have also become a strong advocate for students with speech differences and work with my team on providing accommodations and support for those students. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Advocating for my students gives me joy. It reminds me of the days when my own speech therapists and teachers have supported me in the past and have made me the person that I am today. What are your long-term career aspirations? I hope to take on more leadership roles as a school-based occupational therapist and perhaps even start my own occupational therapy practice down the road. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? It is better to disclose your stutter and explain how your co-workers or supervisor can best support you. Attempting to hide your stutter only makes life harder for yourself. People will see past the stutter and will appreciate you for your skills and talents. Also, if you feel that you are being judged based on how fluently you speak, then perhaps it is not the right working environment for you because you deserve to be surrounded by co-workers who support you.

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 Mia Woltman, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Mia Woltman WS@W Committee Mia Woltman is eager to ignite optimism alongside fellow people who stutter. As a woman in her young twenties, Mia navigates her first glimpse of a profession in Elementary Education with excitement about how she simultaneously encourages self-acceptance in her students and herself. As someone who is still learning, yet very much prepared to spread awareness, Mia will admit that she will stumble alongside NSA members as they juggle perspectives about stuttering. Mia is particularly motivated by acting as a role model for children who seek to have their adversity recognized and applauded. While Mia participates in her local NSA Chapter and contributes to WeStutter@Work, she enjoys the many outlets she has found to help cope with daily pressures: salsa/bachata dance lessons, creative writing, reading, kayaking, and spending time with her support circle.

< Back Spotlight on the Older Adults Committee: A Voice of Wisdom, Connection, and Confidence Meet a longtime member of the NSA who embodies the heart of what it means to be unapologetically yourself. Vicki Schutter been part of the NSA since 1985, when we were still known as the National Stuttering Project (NSP). Their journey began when a persistent fellow stutterer, Brian Koch, encouraged them to attend a meeting in Paula Campbell’s apartment. That first step led to a lifetime of connection, support, and transformation. “I had never been in a room with so many stutterers in my life,” she said. “It was life-changing.” Now a proud member of the Older Adults Committee, she helps represent the fastest-growing group in our organization: adults over 50. The committee offers a unique perspective on NSA initiatives, providing insight into workshops, mentoring, and planning events with a thoughtful eye toward later stages in life. But more than anything, this committee fosters a sense of belonging. It’s a place where mature members can reflect, connect, and continue to grow within our ever-expanding stuttering family. She says that one of their proudest accomplishments is simple yet powerful: “I always order exactly what I want in a restaurant. I never order something I think will be easier to say.” We celebrate that kind of confidence and self-acceptance at the NSA. Through their years of involvement, she’s learned to live with their stutter, not in spite of it, but with it—embracing who she is rather than striving for who she thinks she’s “supposed” to be. When she’s not advocating for the stuttering community, she’s enjoying their favorite things: Pecan Turtle Fudge ice cream Relaxing at the beach Singing California Dreamin’ at karaoke Caring for Ginger, their very spoiled orange-and-white cat Rewatching episodes of Star Trek Dreaming of visiting the lake region of northern Italy To anyone new to the NSA, their advice is clear: “Go to a conference! It will change your life forever, and you will meet people there who will be your friends for the rest of your lives.” We’re honored to have this member in our community and even more thrilled to see their continued leadership on the Older Adults Committee. Previous Next

Learn how Edward DeBrae,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Contact Lens Coordinator Edward DeBrae Briefly describe your daily job duties. On a daily basis I receive patients’ contact lens prescription (CL Rx), process payments accordingly, and manage shipping. Occasionally I will schedule exams and verify vision insurance, collaborating with optometrists or ophthalmologists. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As a person who stutters, the most challenging aspect of my job is sounding out the eye diseases, conditions, and medications, as well as various patient names. Everyday, I try to get my name clearly without stuttering. What are your long-term career aspirations? I have always wanted to be a published author. 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 did not disclose my stutter. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Each time I manage to say my name! For years, I have bullied for not being able to say my own name in school or in public settings, and when I said my name the first time at my job, I felt so proud of myself. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Take your time and don’t feel discouraged. It’s hard knowing that you have so much to say with passion but your body doesn’t always let you. You more than the words you speak!

Learn how Jonathan Pomerantz,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Facilities Engineer Jonathan Pomerantz Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Facilities Engineer, I’m responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of our oil & gas processing facilities in Northern Colorado. I interface with Production Operations, Environmental, Health, and Safety teams, and other engineering teams to troubleshoot facility upsets and design retrofits to improve reliability. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. I am constantly required to communicate detailed technical information to many people every day. It can be frustrating when it takes me longer than other people to communicate that information. I am also often required to present design solutions and proposals to larger groups in meetings. Switching to remote work over the past 18 months has also presented a whole new subset of challenges with communicating more often via calls and video conference rather than in person. What are your long-term career aspirations? Long term, I hope to continue to develop my technical knowledge in my field and eventually move into a management/mentorship role to lead an engineering team. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did. I actually disclosed initially to the recruiters as I was applying for interviews in college, and continued that during the interview process. I usually phrased it as: “You’ll probably notice that I stutter, and this might take me a bit, so I appreciate your time and patience in advance.” Currently, I don’t explicitly disclose very often as I’ve been working with a lot of the same people for a long time who know I stutter. But if a situation arises where I am being misunderstood or interrupted, I’ll disclose in a similar way. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I don’t have a specific proud moment, but it makes me feel good when I’m selected for new projects and asked for my input despite my speech difficulties. I am proud of how far I’ve come within the company. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I’ve found that it has made me a more empathetic person and I can better withhold bias when listening to what a person has to say, regardless of how they say it. It has also pushed me to find ways to compensate where necessary and improve my work performance proportionally in other aspects. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? I would say to go into it with a positive attitude and know that your stutter doesn’t have to define you and it likely won’t. I have had an overwhelmingly positive experience as a person who stutters in a professional environment. Listen and learn from everyone around you, and when you have something to say, speak up no matter how it comes out or how long it takes you.

Learn how Adriana Flowers,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Corona Corps Care Adriana Flowers Briefly describe your daily job duties. I work within the University of Oregon Health Services with an organization called Corona Corps. My duties are to call students and the community around the University who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are contacts of such. As a Care Team Member, I provide people with resources and support in order to navigate this pandemic. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Definitely making phone calls to people. It goes without saying that making and receiving calls is very challenging as a person who stutters. To deliver the news to someone, maybe for the first time, that they have COVID-19 or that they were in contact with someone who tested positive is never easy to do. This is even harder when you cannot interact with the person face-to-face and see their body language and how they’re feeling. Especially if the person is overwhelmed and anxious, you can feel it and that can make me more anxious and prone to more stuttering. 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? Yes, I was interviewed over Zoom and I disclosed my stutter to all my prospective co-workers and supervisors. It felt like a relief and it was nice that people knew and understood that part of me. Currently, I have only disclosed to some co-workers if I have a bad stuttering day where I cannot control it as much or if I am about to make a call for the first time and feel nervous. I haven’t disclosed to people that I call because it is a very small interaction and they are already receiving other information and I don’t want to overwhelm them with stuff. I also haven’t had any issues yet with actual calls. What is your proudest moment at your current company? The first call I received was unexpected and I handled it well. I was kind of nervous because I was not expecting an incoming call, but the way it was handled was great. I also handled a confusing call in a professional way despite it not being on the script and despite my stutter. What are your long-term career aspirations? For now, I plan on graduating with a B.A. in Global Studies and a Minor in French and pursue my graduate studies. Then, move to Washington D.C. and work as a Foreign Service Officer (a.k.a. diplomat), and specialize in International Development and work for development agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t let your stutter stop you from landing your dream job or getting that job you want. You’re much more capable of performing your duties than you think you are. Your stutter doesn’t define you and it doesn’t define your performance at work. Going out of your comfort zone is definitely something you should try. I don’t regret choosing this job because I know it can push me out of my comfort zone and give me valuable experience.

< Back Sisters Who Stutter Spotlight: Jolie Deitchman – Owning Her Voice and Inspiring Others For Jolie Deitchman, finding the NSA was a transformation. 9 years ago, Jolie’s family joined the NSA looking for a space where she could fully be herself and meet others who stutter. They had heard about the community for a long time, and when they finally attended their first conference, something clicked. “It instantly felt like home.” Today, Jolie is a vital part of the Sisters Who Stutter (SWS) Committee, a teen-led initiative that empowers young girls who stutter to connect, uplift one another, and speak with confidence. She’s come a long way—and she’s proud of it. “My journey has been far from easy, and I am still learning and growing. However, I have become more confident with advocating for myself, and I haven’t let my stutter prevent me from doing the things I want to do.” Whether she’s presenting in class, leading Zoom calls, or simply sharing space with other girls who stutter, Jolie is proof that strength lies in embracing your voice—not hiding it. Her advice to new NSA members is heartfelt and full of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! It may seem intimidating, but everyone at the conference is going through similar things and is so kind and understanding. Go to the workshops, as they are very helpful and have taught me many valuable things. Every conversation, every hug, every workshop, because time flies at the conference, and every moment is so precious and special.” Get to know Jolie: Favorite ice cream: Cookie Dough Beach over mountains or desert TV go-to: Gossip Girl Karaoke anthem: Love Song by Sara Bareilles Pet: A chocolate lab/pit bull mix Fun fact: Can do an amazing Stitch voice from Lilo & Stitch Dream vacation: Turks and Caicos Jolie’s story is a powerful reminder that your stutter is not something to overcome—it’s something to own. Through her leadership with SWS, she’s helping more girls step into their strength and celebrate the voices they once tried to hide. Thank you, Jolie, for being a source of light, laughter, and leadership! Previous Next

< Back Poetry, Presence, and French Vanilla: Here’s Derek Daniels’ NSA Story Meet Derek Daniels. He’s been part of the NSA family since 2002, starting in Houston and now calling the Detroit/Royal Oak Chapter home. When he walked through that first NSA Chapter meeting door, he was looking for community. Like so many of us who stutter, he found more than that. He found validation. He found connection. He found people who just… got it. Over the years, the NSA has become something deeper for Derek, a space where his experience as a person who stutters is affirmed. That sense of affirmation has helped shape every part of his journey. As a professor, researcher, and clinician, Derek’s career blends purpose with passion. He teaches, travels, networks, supports people who stutter, and still finds time to grow as a poet. What’s Derek proud of? A lot. Personally, it’s been his evolution as a writer. Professionally, it’s receiving both the NSA’s Professional of the Year and Scholar Award. But more than accolades, it’s about staying true to himself and showing up fully in his work and in the community. He’s got advice for newcomers, too: “You have a community that embraces you for who you are.” And if you really want to get to know him? Offer him a soft chocolate chip cookie, turn on a little Taylor Dayne or Jon Secada, and ask him what he loves about London. Previous Next