Join the Northern Colorado - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Northern Colorado - Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Colorado State Welcome to the Northern Colorado 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? Council Tree Library- 2733 Council Tree Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525 When? Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 during the school year. Social meet-ups will be held in the summer! Our first meeting is March 6th. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Libby Cravens, Sarah Boffa & Jessica McGuire Chapter Leaders Get in touch! NorthernColoradoNSA@gmail.com 281-796-8882 (text) - 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 Previous Hope Gerlach-Houck Presenter Hope Gerlach-Houck, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wayne State University. Hope is a Co-PI on the HeardAI project, bringing expertise in advocacy for people who stutter, employment issues, and stigma, among many other areas. Next

Join the Chicago Suburbs - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Chicago Suburbs - Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Illinois State Welcome to the NSA Chicago Suburbs 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? Meet-ups take place in the Chicago suburbs. When? Meet-ups are held monthly. For more information please contact the Chapter Leader, Nicole Batson, by phone or email! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Nicole Batson & Andrew Batson Chapter Leaders Get in touch! nicolelbatson@gmail.com (773) 491-9110 - 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 Previous Tracey Wallace Presenter Dr. Tracey Wallace is a long-time member of the NSA and past Adult Programs Chair. She was a covert stutterer until age 27 when she learned about Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS) which changed her life. Her journey since then has been one of self-discovery and challenging fears. Dr. Wallace is an Educational Audiologist in DC, and Co-Owner of Hennessy Creek Brewery in MD. She has been married for 33 years and has two adult children. Next

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.

< Back Previous Courtney Abadiotakis Presenter Courtney Abadiotakis is a person who stutters, a speech-language pathologist, and a doctoral student at New York University studying how social factors influence stuttering. She is the co-author of the 3Es model for stuttering therapy and her research has recently been published in ASHA Perspectives and the Journal of Fluency Disorders. An active member of the stuttering community, she currently serves as Professional Relations Chair of the National Stuttering Association’s Board of Directors. This is her 14th Annual Conference. Courtney holds degrees in Psychology and a master's in School Counseling, and aims to make a positive impact on people's lives. She says finding the NSA changed her life and allowed her to become the best version of herself. Next

Join the Twin Cities - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Twin Cities ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Minnesota Chapter Welcome to the NSA Twin Cities 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? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Eastside Food Co-op in northeast Minneapolis at 2551 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. When? Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Tim McCarren & Dave Lindberg Chapter Leaders Get in touch! mccarrenspeech@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

< Back Previous Ben Pahl Presenter Ben Pahl, 30, lives in Columbus, Ohio. He works at a small, local senior downsizing and transition company, where he assists in helping older adults move into senior living communities. He loves his job and finds it extremely rewarding and gratifying. Ben coaches tennis and basketball for his local Special Olympics program, plays recreational sand volleyball multiple times a week without getting injured, enjoys jigsaw puzzles and birds, and geeks out over his beloved Cleveland Guardians. He makes really good baked sweet potatoes and really bad baked ziti. Next

< Back Previous Ashleigh Givens Presenter Ashleigh is a fashion photographer and multimedia artist in Detroit, Michigan, and is a graduate of the College for Creative Studies. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading art and design books, going to concerts, and caring for her houseplants. Ashleigh loves the National Stuttering Association (NSA) community and wants to help make the NSA a more diverse space. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider and works to ensure no one else at the NSA does. Ashleigh is excited to bring her energy and passion to the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Next

< Back Previous Elisha Boxer Magnifico Presenter Elisha Boxer Magnifico, MA, CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience working with people who stutter. Their clinical background spans the US and abroad across school settings, multidisciplinary clinics, and private practice. Elisha is the creator and co-founder of Break the Blocks, an improvisation-based program running at Northwestern University. Their work blends improvisation with an ability-focused approach that supports the lived experience of stuttering while fostering communication confidence, spontaneity, and community. Elisha’s clinical and research interests include self-efficacy, community building, and the use of play and to foster communicative flexibility and freedom. Next

< Back Previous John Tetnowski Presenter John Tetnowski, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SCFD, is the Sias Endowed Professor at Oklahoma State University and has attended over 25 Annual Conferences, serves as the Chapter Leader for the National Stuttering Association Oklahoma Chapter, presented on five continents, and has published almost 100 manuscripts on stuttering. Next

Learn how Ashley DeVitto,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. CT and X-ray Technologist Ashley DeVitto Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a CT and X-Ray Technologist, I use equipment to produce images of human anatomy which helps Radiologists diagnose a wide variety of diseases, disorders, etc. This means that I prepare the room for the exam, call the patient from the waiting room, explain the procedure, and then perform the X-Ray or CT using different positioning of the patient and different protocols to be followed. It often means starting an IV or asking several questions to a patient. I then send the images and information to the Radiologist for it to be read for a diagnosis. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. As many of us who stutter know, speaking on the phone can be our nightmare. I often have Doctors calling and asking about protocols or looking for a reading on an exam I’ve completed. This can be daunting as some people are impatient and not always kind. While they aren’t always directly rude, you can sometimes feel their impatience which only makes me more anxious, making it more difficult to speak. One of the most challenging things for me is calling people from the waiting room to come in for their exam. Sometimes the room is full and I open the door to have several heads look up at me in anticipation. I often freeze in this moment and the name doesn’t always come out. Funny how we develop habits over time to help us get by. Sometimes, I say “Mister” so and so before the name because it’s easier for me to say. Or I’ll just use their first name, or just their last, whatever I think will come out easier. Regardless, it’s stressful. Then once the name comes out, I wonder if the patient is thinking that I’m incompetent and can’t be trusted to perform their procedure. There have been two times in my fifteen years in my job that I have been asked for a different technologist once I start speaking. Ironically, the one they end up with is usually less experienced. Fortunately, I have a great support system and a boyfriend who talks me down when I’m on edge, and who meets me for lunch to get me through a tough day. Stick with those you know you can count on. There’s no shame in confiding in someone and shedding tears when things get to be too much. 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 during my initial interview. It, pun intended, speaks for itself. I do disclose it to some patients when they seem irritated or impatient or make the comment that we get all the time, “What, you don’t know your own name?” Most people are understanding and kind. My name is the hardest thing for me to say. Go figure. If I stumble on my words, I will sometimes say, “I do have a speech difference and it may take a moment for me to get it out, but I assure you that you are in good hands.” Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My speech has definitely made me a humble, empathetic person which is greatly needed in the healthcare field. I can sympathize with anxiety and fear that I may not otherwise understand. It has made me a patient person in knowing that sometimes anxiety, or other challenges, aren’t always seen by the naked eye. We don’t know what someone is experiencing in their lives, just as people don’t know I stutter, until they do. Kindness is key. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moments come from patients that commend me on a great job. I’ve had several people tell me that I am in the field I’m meant for, that I have a calming nature, or that I made something scary very easy. Some patients have even requested me by name. Moments like that are the ones I carry with me from day to day at work. What are your long-term career aspirations? Long term, my goal has always been to be a Doctor. Truth be told, I didn’t go for it after high school out of fear. How could someone who stutters get the words out fast enough to save someones life? It has taken many years to see my value in this field and to know that my stutter is exactly what would make me a better Doctor. I’ve taken some classes through a program run by Harvard Medical School and am slowly working my way there. While it may never happen at this rate, with working full time and being a single mother of two, I am eager to learn which will only benefit myself and career in the long run. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? My biggest advice would be to be proud of your stutter and learn to accept it. This does not come overnight. I struggled for years and would have done anything to make it go away. Time, growth, vulnerability, and life experience has taught me that I was made just how I was intended. Think about it, when we see someone with a disability, do we make fun or think any less of them? No. We are often amazed by what they overcome and how they persevere. Be that person. Let people see that nothing can stop you.