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Learn how Desiree Tracie Cole,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Actress/Singer/Dancer Desiree Tracie Cole Brandon, FL Actress, Singer & Dancer Briefly describe your daily job duties. I audition for musicals, plays, television, films, commercials, and voice overs. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Feeling as though I am not getting an opportunities just because of the way I speak. What are your long-term career aspirations? I would like to become a motivational speaker for people who stutter, as well as a disability-rights advocate for people with disabilities and communication disorders. I want to motivate everyone and let them know that stuttering is a gift and you can be anything you want to be in this world! Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? Yes! I tell people I have a stutter. I like to advocate for myself. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was cast as Jane Banks (my first lead role ever!) in New Tampa Players/The Penguin Project’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I have more compassion and empathy towards others, and I believe that my stutter helps me to relate better to others that may stutter or other differing ability. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Just keep going and never give up. Don’t listen to people who are bringing you down, but rather to those who are bringing you up!

< Back Maria Shook Speaker Maria is the proud mom of Ian, 16, a person who stutters. The Shook family has been attending NSA conferences since 2021 and are very thankful for the community of support the NSA provides. Maria is a native Delawarean, a current resident of Maryland, and works for the Space Telescope Science Institute. Previous Next

Meet Doug Scott, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Doug Scott Seasoned Voices Committee Douglas Scott has been a member of the NSA since 1985. He has been chapter leader, NSA conference coordinator, First-Timers Ambassador, Adult Programs Co-Chair and Board Member. He was also a host for Stutter Social. He is presently a co-organizer of The Blank Center: HIS- Story(Black Boys/Men Who Stutter) and Chair of the International Stuttering Association. He has attended many international stuttering conferences and events. He is an avid college football fan (Texas Longhorns) and enjoys watching many TV, cable and streaming shows.

Meet Mandy Finstad, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Mandy Finstad Communications Coordinator Mandy has been an active part of the NSA since 2009, and currently resides in the mountains of Northern Virginia with her husband, PWS Jean Finstad, and their Irish Wolfhound, Granger. She graduated from George Mason University in 2000 with a B.A. in Psychology and continued on to graduate studies at The Catholic University of America and University of Ulster. Mandy has been invited to speak to several groups and has given many interviews on being the spouse of a person who stutters, and has also written an e-book chapter on the topic. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking, yoga, reading, knitting, true crime podcasts, craft beer, and spending time with Jean and Granger.