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Learn how John Moore,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Marketing Consultant & Keynote Speaker John Moore Briefly describe your daily job duties. Following spending a decade as a marketing manager with Starbucks and later as the director of national marketing for Whole Foods Market, I’m now a self-employed marketing consultant. I work with a variety of clients developing ideas for how the business/organization can better design products and programs to make an impact. Interestingly, I routinely give keynote presentations at marketing conferences. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Talking on the phone continues to be difficult for me. Anytime I have to call someone out of the blue, I feel all the pressure and anxiety that comes with being a person who stutters. How do you currently disclose your stuttering to co-workers, clients and or customers? As a conference keynote speaker, I always disclose my stuttering at the start of each presentation. I find that letting people know early on that I stutter helps to endear myself to the audience. I also find people pay more attention to my presentation because I must have something important to say otherwise why would I choose to be so vulnerable on stage. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has forced me to be a better written communicator. Added to that is a “perfectionist” streak within me that makes me be very detail-oriented. This helps me when writing emails, proposals, presentations and business books. What’s your best advice for people in a career striving to achieve greater success? For people in a career, strive to be the most knowledgeable person in your company about something important. In other words, become a subject matter expert in something. You could be the go-to person for how to use pivot tables in Excel or the person with the most knowledge about a product line your company sells. Co-workers will come to you asking for help and that makes you an indispensable employee who is better positioned for future promotions.

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.

Meet Christine Rose, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Christine Rose Regional Chapter Coordinator - Central South Region Arkansas, lowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Christine Rose is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works as a graduate clinical instructor at St. Louis University. She is committed to raising awareness of stuttering as a verbal diversity and destigmatizing stuttering in society. Christine co-leads a National Stuttering Association Caregiver virtual support group with Jamie Saunders, MSW, a licensed social worker and a parent of a person who stutters. The group’s mission is to invite parents and caregivers to express their hopes and fears and share the wisdom of their journeys as they support their loved ones who stutter. Christine lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and she enjoys spending time with her children and husband.

< Back Seasoned Voices Committee Spotlight: Hannah Laday – The Power of Connection, Art, and Living Proudly When Hannah Laday joined the NSA 20 years ago, it was because someone told her something she’d never forget: “Meeting other people who stutter is the best form of support you can get.” That suggestion not only changed her life—it became her calling. Today, Hannah serves as a valued member of the Seasoned Voices Committee, helping connect and empower members over 50. Her greatest strength? Bringing people together. Whether it’s through mentorship, workshops, or meaningful one-on-one connections, Hannah has a gift for finding common threads and helping others feel seen. “I am talented at connecting people to others with similar interests and skills,” she shares. “The NSA has shown me I can live productively in this world.” Professionally, Hannah has taken her passion for inclusion even further—helping to bring the art of marginalized individuals and communities to the public. That includes artwork created by differently abled people and members of Maine's Wabanaki tribes, opening new doors for expression, recognition, and economic opportunity. Her advice to those new to the NSA is full of wisdom and warmth: “Feel every emotion and listen to others who share your experience. Ask questions of other people who stutter to learn new ways of living successfully.” Get to know Hannah: Favorite ice cream: Blueberry Nature preference: Mountains Favorite movie: Dancing at Lughnasa Karaoke pick: “Nothing Compares to You” by Chris Cornell Fun fact: Completed a half-marathon at age 55 Dream pet: An Australian Shepherd Dream vacation: The American Southwest Hannah is living proof that growth and transformation can happen at any age and that one connection can change everything. Thank you, Hannah, for the light, leadership, and legacy you bring to our community! Previous Next

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

Meet Alan Vu, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Alan Vu Marketing Coordinator Alan is a speech-language pathologist, digital marketer, small business owner, and person who stutters (in no particular order). His passion lies in raising awareness on stuttering and empowering people with communication differences. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar, photography, and practicing mindfulness.

< Back Young Adults Committee Spotlight: Aidan Marshall-Cort – Finding Confidence, Community, and a Calling For Aidan Marshall-Cort, finding the NSA in 2021 was a transformation. It all started with a moment of inspiration. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and craving connection, Aidan attended a talk at the University of Maryland led by NBA player and fellow person who stutters, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Seeing someone so open about their stutter—and someone who looked and sounded like him—sparked something inside. “It was one of my largest life-changing experiences. It made me realize that I needed this community in my life.” Aidan Googled the NSA, found the Washington, DC, Chapter, and the rest is history. Since then, he’s become a key leader in both the Young Adults Committee and his local chapter, creating spaces where 20- and 30-somethings can explore careers, dating, communication, and connection. He shares that the NSA has given him more than a community—it’s provided mentors, friends, and the confidence to step into leadership. In 2024, he and his co-chair, Tim Flynn, were honored with the Chapter Leader/Chapter of the Year award, celebrating the incredible growth of the DC Chapter under their guidance. “Since I've joined and become a leader in the area, it's been wonderful seeing it grow and develop into one of the big hubs for the stuttering community in the U.S.” Outside of his NSA work, Aidan is a student at the University of Maryland, College Park, with plans to apply to Ph.D. programs in neuroscience. He’s as passionate about the brain as he is about stuttering advocacy. His heartfelt advice to newcomers: “In a world where we may feel everlasting anxiousness and/or self-consciousness, the NSA provides space and community where you can be your authentic self, void of the aforementioned. A space where you can be understood, seen, and always supported. Take advantage of that - connect, be outside your comfort zone, meet people from all around the world, and find the true joy and spontaneity of communication we seek so often.” Get to know Aidan: Favorite ice cream: Brownie Batter Nature preference: Mountains Favorite rewatch: Mad Men Current jam: Emergence by Sleep Token Dream pet: German Shepherd Fun fact: He’s a cinephile who adores films from the 1920s–60s Dream destination: Santorini, Greek Islands Aidan is proof that leadership starts with vulnerability and grows through connection. His journey inspires young adults to navigate life, speech, and self-expression—and do it with pride. Thank you, Aidan! Previous Next

Meet Caitney File, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Caitney File Co-Chair of Sisters Who Stutter Caitney File is the Co‑Chair of Sisters Who Stutter (SWS). She enjoys planning meetings, coordinating future events and outreach with the other SWS officers, and hearing from other girls who stutter. She’s incredibly grateful to have found the NSA and has made lifelong friendships because of it. Caitney is currently a sophomore at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in Social Work. In her free time, you can find her spending time with friends and family, going to church, reading, or running.

Learn how Rob Bloom,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Creative Director Rob Bloom Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a Creative Director for Universal Orlando Resort. So in addition to regularly trying to drink my weight in Butterbeer, I’m responsible for creating work that helps tell brand stories and bring the Universal Orlando brand to life–whether that’s through social content or short films or any other medium. Daily duties can include anything from creative brainstorms to being on set for a production to working with an editor on a video piece. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Obviously, my job requires a lot of talking. Pitching ideas, talking to casting agents, presenting to large groups of people, directing talent, etc. I’ve grown to be more comfortable in these situations over the years. Funny enough, it’s the daily video call meetings that I’m finding the most challenging right now. Lots of people on a call, lots of conversation back and forth. It can be hard to jump in and say what you want to say. 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 didn’t self-disclose during the hiring process for Universal Orlando because I didn’t feel like my stuttering was preventing me from presenting myself the way I wanted. I did, however, disclose it to several team members in recent months. I wanted them to be aware that some situations, particularly during COVID, are challenging for me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has, no question, made me more empathetic and also a better listener. In work, sure, but also in life. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Working for a theme park and entertainment company like Universal has been a lifelong dream of mine. So my first day on the team was definitely one of my proudest moments, for sure. Since then, though, I’m proud any time I get to be on set, directing talent, working with our crew, or just collaborating with our team to create great work. What are your long-term career aspirations? To keep doing what I’m doing for this company for as long as possible. It’s a privilege to be able to create work and tell stories that resonate with millions of people. I love what I do and will continue to do it with passion and enthusiasm for as long as I can. 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 stop you from achieving your goals. Yes, stuttering is hard and, some days, it downright sucks. But always remember, you are more than your stuttering. It’s just one part of you and you have gifts and talents that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. A person who stutters can absolutely do anything they want to do.

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 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 David Belgard,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Energy Accountant David Belgard Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am responsible for the coal and natural gas accounting processes for two power plants located in the South Louisiana. I account for anywhere between 8-to-10 million dollars of transactions each month. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job is the constant conference calls I am required to be on. Speaking on the phone is usually one of the biggest nightmares for someone who stutters. I have learned to embrace my stutter and understand that I bring value to the conversation, even if it may take me longer to finish what I am saying. 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? No I did not disclose my stuttering during the interview process and I have not openly stated that I have a stutter. I feel that it is quite obvious at times that I have a stutter so we should not have to degrade ourselves and mention it. I feel it is more empowering to embrace it and continue to try your best to speak even when you are caught stuttering in the conversations you have. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. At a young age, I made a decision that even though I might not be able to speak as fluently as other people around me, I can try my best to work harder than everyone else. So I believe stuttering has given me a drive that someone who does not stutter doesn’t have. People who stutter are some of the most incredible people in the world because not only do they have to handle the stress from ordinary work/life problems, but they also have to handle the stress of having a stutter. This makes us some of the most resilient and dedicated people in the world, in my opinion. What is your proudest moment at your current company? (Does not have to be related to stuttering.) I was hired during the process of my company acquiring another company in South Louisiana. I was hired to specifically assist in getting the accounting processes up and running for the new power plants we were acquiring. After nearly a year of hard work, my team and I were able to get a fluent accounting system up and running for these plants. While doing that, I was able to pass all four of my CPA exams and become a licensed Certified Public Accountant. This is my proudest achievement to date. What are your long-term career aspirations? I would love to open my own financial planning firm where I help struggling individuals and families become free from financial hardships. I grew up without a lot of finances and watched my mother struggle to provide for us. Those situations led me down the path I am on now and I want to let as many people know as possible that you do not have to live paycheck to paycheck and you do not have to live with financial stress during the course of your entire life. My main passion is to help, encourage, and inspire people in any way that I can. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Never, ever, think you are inadequate in the workplace because you stutter. You are NOT unintelligent, and you are NOT sub-par. In fact, you are incredible, because in spite of your stutter, you are making the huge step to enter the workplace and try your best to be the best person in that company. The best advice I can give anyone is to never think less of yourself because it takes your longer to get your point across or finish what you are trying to say. You are knowledgeable in your area, so what you say matters and is worth waiting for!