Learn how Zac Rankin,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Tax Managing Director Zac Rankin Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Tax Managing Director, I’m in charge of dozens of clients and professional staff. I manage all my client’s projects, ensure client work gets done, call clients to update project status, and field calls from clients about consulting work. In addition to my client work, I also manage our professional staff. This includes checking-in with them on projects, career development discussions, helping employees with technical work or other issues, and occasionally helping with personal issues. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is the constant social interaction. A day does not go by when I’m not spending a large part of my day speaking with people. Most of the time the people I speak with already know I stutter. But, I get calls from clients or from new staff who don’t know. I try to disclose, but this doesn’t always happen. It’s very draining day after day to be so conversational even when I don’t want to be – especially when I’m having disfluent days. 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 self-disclose during my job interviews. Unfortunately, I was ashamed of my stuttering and it showed. I was turned away from every job interview with public accounting firms. It wasn’t until my last interview, with BDO USA, which I still work for 12 years later, that I owned my speech. I persevered and wasn’t going my stutter hold me back from getting the job I wanted. Today, I make a point of bringing up my stutter during first encounters with people. During interviews for new staff, I open with the same thing, “Hi my name is Zac. First off, I want to let you know that I am a person who stutters. If I say anything you may not clearing hear then please ask me to repeat myself.” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I spend a lot of my time listening. It helps make our professional staff at BDO USA feel valued and listened to, and I’m better equipped to help them by listening more. This helps with clients as well because I can hear what their concerns are and be able to better assist them. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I have two proud moments. First, was giving a two-hour presentation to a client’s Board of Directors. This was the first presentation I gave to such a high-level audience. I practiced for hours the night before and started to psych myself out; but, I did a great job with minimal disruptions. Second, was being nominated to be a Tax Partner in the Anchorage BDO USA office. What are your long-term career aspirations? My ultimate goal is to thrive in the professional world as a person who stutters. When I was interviewing for jobs in public accounting, I was greeted with the typical reaction from firms because of my stutter. I was even told to not pursue public accounting because it requires too much talking. I strive to be an example for people who stutter that there are no limits in any professional and in life. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? You have tremendous value. Do not let your stutter limit the greatness you can achieve. Your voice is worth being heard, especially today when “social norms” are being challenged. Own your truth. Speak your truth.

Join the Duluth - Adult & Teen stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Duluth Adult/Teen ADULT, TEEN CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Minnesota State Welcome to the NSA Duluth Adult/Teen 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, Teens 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? Duluth, MN 55812 When? Meetings are held September through May on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30PM. Meetings are currently being held virtually. For details about meetings and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leader. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Derrick Chapter Leader Get in touch! duluthstutters@gmail.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! "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

Join the Sandy - Kids stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Sandy KIDS CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Utah State Welcome to the NSA Sandy 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? Kids 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? Meetings are held around the Sandy, UT area. Please reach out to the Chapter Leader to confirm meeting details. When? Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 4:45PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Katharine Emerson Chapter Leader Get in touch! katharine.g.emerson@gmail.com (801) 948-0904 - 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! "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 DEI Committee Spotlight: Julie Marshall — Building a More Inclusive NSA, One Voice at a Time For Julie Marshall, advocacy has always been second nature. As a speech-language pathologist, she’s worked with people who stutter across all ages and stages of life—always focusing on what matters most: their individual goals. Julie has long relied on the National Stuttering Association's resources and community. Now, as a proud member of the DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Committee, she’s helping ensure that the NSA continues to grow into a space where all people who stutter feel welcome, represented, and empowered. “The NSA is a community where stuttering is celebrated. I joined the DEI Committee to help foster inclusion and promote equity.” The DEI Committee works to support underrepresented groups in the NSA—Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQAI+ individuals, and multilingual speakers—while promoting diverse representations of stuttering throughout the organization. Julie is especially proud of continuing a weekly adult support group in honor of the late Dr. Walt Manning, a beloved leader and mentor in the stuttering community. “It’s a privilege to carry forward a space that offers connection and growth. I know Walt would be proud.” Her advice to newcomers? “You are welcome and accepted — wherever you are on your journey.” Get to know Julie: Favorite ice cream: Salted Caramel Favorite show: Ted Lasso Karaoke go-to: Anything by The Mavericks Pet: Phoenix, her 14-year-old mixed rescue pup Fun fact: She sings jazz on weekends! Dream vacation: Australia Julie’s voice and vision are helping the NSA grow into a more inclusive, connected, and diverse community—and we are so grateful for all she brings to the table. Thank you, Julie! Previous Next

< Back Previous Sisters Who Stutter Presenter Sisters Who Stutter is a teen-founded organization that hosts monthly Zoom meetings for girls who stutter. They provide a space for girls to come together and connect upon shared experiences. Next

< Back Previous Hayden Downs Presenter Hayden Dows is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and prior to that, a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Sciences & Disorders from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. As a person who stutters (PWS), Hayden has experienced his own struggles and feels he has valuable advice and experiences to share to help make another PWS’s college journey a little easier. Next

Learn how Joe Bergren,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Marketing Director Joe Bergren Briefly describe your daily job duties. I’m a content producer for ET Digital, primarily writing news and feature video packages that publish on ET’s many platforms. These include ETOnline.com, ET Live, YouTube and more. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. This might be a common response here, but certainly instances where I’ve needed to request assistance. In my case, it would be steps in the production process that require vocal performance. Since I happen to work with a wonderful team of true professionals who have been nothing but supportive, the actual ‘challenging’ aspect here is only the self-imposed anxiety that can happen when asking for accommodations. 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. Many people knew me before I moved into my current position and were aware I’m a person who stutters. In other situations, I’ve had to assess the best strategy for both disclosing to individual co-workers, as well as groups of people. Each context has its own set of variables that influence my approach. Overall, I usually try to capitalize on organic moments where an opportunity has presented itself for me to segue into disclosing my stutter. This includes during very casual, even mundane conversations, and more formal discussions. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I usually take a few moments to consider my fluency options (so to speak) for what I need to say during a meeting or discussion. In one way or another, it’s something I’ve instinctively done going all the way back to group assignments in middle school. An unintended (albeit very welcome) side effect is that you end up listening very intently to what each person is saying. You have to. One reason simply being that jumping off what someone is talking about is a bonafide speaking shortcut. And in order to utilize those moments, I give my full attention to anyone who has the floor. The macro benefit here is, of course, showing my peers that I believe what they’re saying is important and has value. Because it does, and for me — in more ways than one. Overall, this could be simplified to the more cliche notion that people who stutter become great listeners. Which is true. Part of the joy of being in this community is witnessing the many ways stuttering has us leveling up in these spaces. What is your proudest moment at your current company? In an abstract sense, it would be having started in a position where “entry level” could not have been a more accurate description. From the perspective in my current role, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how I’m able to apply what I’ve learned to the new experiences that greet me everyday. What are your long-term career aspirations? Continuing to produce stories in the online media landscape and identifying what storytelling structures connect with audiences the most. I am working toward multiple trajectories, all of them focused on connecting people with themes and subjects I’m passionate about. This will hopefully include long-form content, digital and real-world mediums, blue sky brainstorming, diverse collaborations, and helping people tell THEIR unique stories. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Recognize moments where you can open up about being a person who stutters to co-workers, peers, clients, etc. Invite those moments, even. Roll out the red carpet for them.* Speaking only for myself here, it’s been easy to forget how much it’s influenced who I am, where I’m at and what lies ahead for me. Sharing that with other people isn’t just about disclosing for professional or practical reasons. In the past, I’ve realized how leaving out such a significant part of one’s life creates an incomplete picture of yourself for everyone to see. The journey with that ongoing a-ha moment has fundamentally made my professional life better and, dare I say it, more fun. Lastly, don’t be afraid of any presumed challenges and awkward situations that you’re going to encounter. Not to say there won’t be obstacles and maybe even countless awkward moments on account of being a person who stutters. After all, it’s our lot in life. But the endurance we gain from them absolutely cannot be matched. *(why yes I do work in entertainment news why do you ask.)

Learn how Heather McLeod,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Pilates Instructor Heather McLeod Austin, TX Pilates Instructor Sharp Pilates Briefly describe your daily job duties. I teach private Pilates lessons to clients, as well as small group classes (2-3 people). The type of Pilates I teach uses a particular system of exercises to build a strong core, which supports a more flexible spine, better posture, balance, and alignment. It’s great for rehabbing injuries, strengthening a weak part of the body, or just building more strength, awareness, and flexibility in general. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Verbally instructing people and talking non-stop is challenging with a stutter. The good thing about the job is that I’m so “in the moment” with the client that I can’t overthink the words I’m saying as much as I might normally. Lately I’ve been struggling with “S” words, which is difficult because I often need to cue people to “squeeze” their sitting bones, etc. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’m a new Pilates teacher, so my aspirations at the moment are just to get better as a teacher, and to soak in the joy of helping my clients get stronger and healthier. There’s truly nothing better than that. I love the studio where I work, and my boss has been incredibly supportive. We may expand at some point, or I may someday open a home studio, but right now I’m very happy where I am. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I didn’t go through a typical job-hiring process, but I have self-disclosed quite a few times since. I do it on a case-by-case basis with clients and colleagues. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Honestly, every moment! I never dreamed I’d be able to do this, and I still don’t quite understand how I’m able to make it work (though I have some theories). I’m just so thankful to have found this path, and for the confidence it’s given me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering, in general, has made me a more empathetic, intuitive person, which in turn has made me a better Pilates teacher (I hope!). It’s important for me to know how far to push a client and to gauge where they are mentally on any given day. It’s also important to me that every client feels safe and supported when they’re with me, and I think I value this more being a person who stutters. 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 advise self-disclosure and self-compassion above all else! And just remember that nothing stays the same. You will grow and change as a person over time, your fluency will go up and down, and you can absolutely do more than you think you can do. Also, when you find good people to work with, hang on to them. I had been searching for a new career path, but I hadn’t considered teaching Pilates until my instructor suggested it. I already knew her and trusted her, and loved the practice itself…the rest is history (and a ton of work and growth). It had never occurred to me that I could teach, but it turns out I can and I am.

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.

< Back Previous Landon Coffell Presenter Landon Coffell, a 28-year-old person who stutters (PWS), currently lives in central Arkansas with his wife, Kaseenah. He works as a Business Services Coordinator at Best Beverage. This role challenges him as a PWS, as he must communicate effectively both within the company and with external vendors. In his spare time, Landon enjoys hitting the gym, hiking, and fishing, and is also enjoying his first year of marriage! This past year, he spoke to a cohort of graduate program speech-language pathology students on the challenges and realities of being a PWS and this experience sparked an interest in more speaking opportunities in the stuttering world. Next

< Back Previous Matt Phillips Presenter Matt Phillips is a person who stutters, a speech therapist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center, and a PhD student at Michigan State University. His clinical practice with kids, teens, and adults who stutter uses an Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) framework and he is passionate about helping people who stutter become more spontaneous and joyful communicators. His research interests center on improving the quality of life for people who stutter. Matt has been a part of the National Stuttering Association community for over 10 years. Next

< Back Previous Linus Simner Presenter Linus Simner is 19 years old and currently taking a gap year between high school and college. He’s planning to study sports analytics at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. Next