Meet Ariel Sonn, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Ariel Sonn Director, Community and Engagement Ariel Sonn is the Director of Community & Engagement for the National Stuttering Association and has been part of the NSA community since 2015. A lifelong person who stutters, Ariel has grown from a hesitant young communicator into a fierce advocate for stuttering in the workplace. She previously led the WeStutter@Work Committee and continues to champion confidence, inclusion, and visibility for people who stutter at every career stage. Outside of the NSA, Ariel is a cybersecurity marketing professional and enjoys running, yoga, traveling, and spending time with her husband.

Meet Colton Nover, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Colton Nover Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Colton Nover is a freshman in high school and plays varsity soccer along with academy soccer. In his free time, he likes to work out, coach youth soccer, and help care for animals in his community. Colton lives in Jacksonville, Florida and has been to 7 conferences.

< Back Previous Andrea Burcham Presenter Andrea Burcham is a speech-language pathologist based in the Kansas City metro area. She transitioned to private practice after working in the public school system and has spent the past three years specializing in stuttering, dyslexia, and executive function support using neurodiversity-affirming approaches. She co-created and serves as a Chapter Leader for the National Stuttering Association’s Family Chapter in the Kansas City area. Andrea helps individuals embrace their voices while equipping families with the knowledge and tools to foster confidence, acceptance, and self-advocacy. Next

Meet Elizabeth Minton, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Elizabeth Minton Young Adults Committee Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for the stuttering community and an active member of the National Stuttering Association's Young Adults Committee. A rising senior at Western Carolina University, she is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, building on her foundation with an earlier degree in Communication Studies. Her academic journey reflects her deep interest in understanding the complexities of stuttering and her dedication to making a difference. Elizabeth’s ultimate goal is twofold: to educate others about stuttering, breaking down misconceptions and fostering understanding, and to contribute to research efforts aimed at uncovering the causes of stuttering. Her commitment to these objectives showcases her drive to not only support the current community but also pave the way for advancements that could benefit future generations. As part of the Young Adults Committee, Elizabeth brings her passion, insight, and determination to advocate for awareness and inclusion. Her enthusiasm for learning and her dedication to the stuttering community make her a vital part of the NSA’s mission. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others and further the conversation around stuttering, both in academic and public spheres.

Learn how Glenn Karwoski,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Managing Director and Adjunct Professor Glenn Karwoski Minneapolis, MN Managing Director & Adjunct Professor Karwoski & Courage Public Relations and University of St. Thomas Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am the founder and managing director of a public relations agency that works with Fortune 500 companies including 3M, Walmart, and others. Duties include managing staff, client planning and presentations, new business development. As an adjunct professor in the marketing department at the University of St. Thomas I teach two courses, one at the graduate level on creativity and one of the undergraduate level on integrated marketing communications. Duties include lectures, in-class workshops, grading, and mentoring students. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. On days when my disfluency is more severe it can be challenging talking to people and getting my ideas across. I’m sometimes concerned if the person/people I’m talking with are more focused on my disfluency versus what I’m communicating. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’m continuing to grow the agency and I plan to continue teaching and hopefully do some primary research and writing on the subject of creativity and aging. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did not disclose it because at that time in my life my fluency was near normal. It’s been in the past eight years that my disfluency has come back and has been more challenging. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Teaching people how to tap into their creativity and realize that we’re all creative beings, and then having former students contact me and share how they’ve used what they learned in my course. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think it makes me more thoughtful and deliberate about what I want to communicate. I’ve become a more succinct writer because I’m a more succinct speaker. 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 be afraid to share that you stutter. I tried to hide the fact when I entered the workforce in the early 1980s but realized throughout the years that the vast majority of people aren’t going to judge you solely based on your speech but more on the quality of your ideas and overall work.

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.

Meet Stacey Dedering, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Stacey Dedering Seasoned Voices Committee Stacey Dedering is a human resources professional based in San Jose, California, and the proud mother of 19-year-old twins, along with her cat, Eskie. She first discovered the National Stuttering Association (NSA) 15 years ago, but at the time, the demands of work and raising young children made it difficult to stay involved. Three years ago, seeking connection with others who truly understand the experience of stuttering, she found the NSA Women’s Connect group. Since then, Stacey has become an active member of the community and has attended the last two NSA Annual Conferences.

< Back Previous Katee Delaney Presenter Katee Delaney is a M.Ed. student in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Virginia. In addition to her graduate studies, she serves as a graduate clinician providing pediatric speech-language services and works as a childhood literacy tutor. She is a Virginia native who enjoys spending her free time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, learning Spanish, and baking bread. She is excited to get involved with the National Stuttering Association! Next

Find answers to common questions about stuttering, support, and the NSA. Explore resources, programs, and ways to connect with our community. FAQS GENERAL INFORMATION SUPPORT AND RESOURCES NSA CHAPTERS PARENTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DONATIONS 2026 CONFERENCE FAQs ATTENDING CONFERENCE AS A FAMILY WeStutter@Work Volunteer Opportunities What is the mission of the National Stuttering Association (NSA)? The National Stuttering Association (NSA) supports people who stutter, their families, and the professionals who serve them by fostering community, expanding access to education and resources, advancing advocacy efforts, and supporting research that drives meaningful change. The National Stuttering Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people who stutter and their families. Through local chapters, education, advocacy, and research, we work to build a stronger, more connected stuttering community where every voice is valued. Learn more about who we are and why our work matters on our About Us page. What is the NSA’s stance on Stuttering and Personal Choice? We get this question sometimes and we want to make it abundantly clear that we support every person who stutters (PWS) in making their own choices. Just as there is no one right way to stutter, there is no right way to seek support, establish an identity, or find empowerment. Some may embrace stuttering openly, while others may pursue speech therapy or various tools. Some people may want to be part of a community, while others prefer solitude. All of these paths are valid and deserve respect. At the NSA, we see every day that support is powerful, but so is choice. We’re not here to judge or prescribe. What matters is finding what brings confidence and comfort in a world that can already be challenging for PWS and the NSA is here to provide support every step of the way. Who can attend the NSA conference? People who stutter (young and old!), as well as their families, are encouraged to attend. There is a variety of programming for people of all ages, as well as for family members. Additionally, we strongly encourage speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology students to join us. Need help and not finding the right FAQ? Email us at info@westutter.org. We’re happy to help you find the answer you need. Are there any dues or fees to be an NSA member? We used to consider someone an NSA member only if they paid annual dues — a structure that made sense when those dues covered the cost of printing and mailing our Letting Go newsletter. Now that our publications are mostly digital, removing the dues requirement allows us to be more inclusive. While membership no longer depends on dues, we hope you’ll choose to support the NSA monthly or annually. Your generosity helps sustain the programs, resources, and connections that make this inclusive community possible. Why should I become a NSA supporter? Because your support changes lives — in ways most people never see but thousands deeply feel. When you become an NSA Supporter, you’re helping create a world where people who stutter are understood, empowered, and connected. You’re fueling programs that give children confidence, offering families community, and ensuring people who stutter find their people. Your support keeps our resources free and accessible, strengthens advocacy efforts, and expands the reach of life‑changing education and research. The NSA runs on the generosity of people who believe in this mission, and every contribution — monthly or annual — helps us show people who stutter that they are never alone. Becoming an NSA Supporter isn’t just a donation. It’s a statement. It’s a commitment, understanding, and a future where every voice is heard. Where can I find NSA events and meetings? You can find information about NSA events and meetings on our Events page or by contacting your local chapter. We also post updates on our social media channels and mailing list. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How can I get more involved with the NSA beyond donating? There are many ways to help. You can join a chapter, attend events, share your story, support a local group, or connect with us about volunteering. If you’d like to get involved, email info@westutter.org and tell us a little about your interests. How can I volunteer with the NSA? We’d love to have your help. You can volunteer by supporting events, helping a chapter, sharing your story, or offering your skills behind the scenes. If you’re interested, email us and let us know how you’d like to get involved. Now, more than ever, your support is critical! Over 3 million American adults stutter and 1 out of 30 children confront this challenge daily. The National Stuttering Association has made great strides over the past 35+ years.

Meet Abhishek Agarwal, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Abhishek Agarwal WS@W Committee Leader Abhishek is a proud person who stutters and the leader of the WeStutter@Work NSA committee. He is quite passionate about stuttering advocacy, and runs a blog called StutterShift. His own stuttering journey has helped him build confidence and break free from his inhibitions. Outside of the NSA, Abhishek is a cybersecurity specialist and enjoys hiking, playing the violin, and reading.

Meet Angela Medina, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Angela Medina Research Chair Dr. Angela Medina is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She earned her PhD in Applied Language and Speech Sciences from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she also completed her coursework for certification as a speech-language pathologist. Since 2015, she has served as the NSA Miami Chapter Leader. Dr. Medina has published and presented her research nationally and internationally on stuttering in Hispanic, Latino/-x, and Spanish-English bilingual communities. Her research interests include the stuttering experiences of adults, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, mindfulness, and qualitative research methods. Her hobbies include baking and gardening with twin daughters, playing fantasy football, running, and practicing archery. She is a loyal New Orleans Saints fan and music trivia enthusiast. Term began February 2021

Join the Boston - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boston Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Boston Family 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? 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? Location may vary around the Boston area. When? Quarterly meet-ups happen around the Boston area. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for information! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Onofri, Liz Gomez & Lisa Greenleaf Chapter Leaders Get in touch! BostonStutters@gmail.com - http://www.bostonstutters.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! 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? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People of all ages who stutter, along with their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone interested in stuttering, are welcome at our chapters! Do you need to RSVP before joining an NSA chapter meeting? You do not need to RSVP, but it is a good idea to let the Chapter Leader know you’re coming. That helps them welcome you and makes your first visit a little easier. Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Several NSA chapters now meet virtually, making it easy to join from wherever you are. On our Chapter Locator page, you can filter by meeting type and look specifically for virtual or hybrid chapters. When you find one that fits your needs, simply reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for details on how to join their next meeting. We’d love to welcome you into the community. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@westutter.org How do I start a local NSA chapter? If you’re interested in starting a chapter, we’d love to hear from you. The NSA can help you understand what’s involved and what support is available. Please reach out to us at info@westutter.org to get started. How do I start a local NSA chapter? Starting a chapter is a great way to build community close to home. Email us at info@westutter.org and we’ll connect you with the guidance and resources you need to get started. You do not have to do it alone. How can I start a new NSA chapter in my area? Starting a chapter begins with reaching out to the NSA so we can help you get set up. We’ll walk you through the next steps, share helpful materials, and support you as you build a welcoming community for people who stutter and their families. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "My first NSA Boston gathering as a teen changed how I saw my stutter—I finally heard others stutter too. After attending the 2021 NSA Conference, I went from seeing my stutter as my enemy to seeing it as something I could live with." ---Ethan Gioscia "The NSA Boston Chapters gave me true belonging. I found people who feel like family—who check in, cheer me on, and make me feel seen. Parents and fellow adults became the strongest supporters of my voice. My growth began the moment I found this group." ---Michèle Ayoub "I didn't know what to expect from my first NSA Boston event. I just knew I wanted my son to see other people who stutter and find community. Turns out that I needed this community just as much! Driving home, my son said seeing other people who stutter for the first time made him feel 'alive.'" ---Dolla Seng