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Join the Huntington/Marshall U. - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Huntington/Marshall U. - Adult ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - West Virginia State Welcome to the NSA Huntington/Marshall U. Adult 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? Marshall University Smith Hall, Room 311 One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 (Corner of 3rd avenue and Hal Greer Blvd) When? Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jamie Maxwell & Bryan Matthews Chapter Leaders Get in touch! maxwellja@marshall.edu (304) 696-3634 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Tracey Wallace Speaker 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. Previous Next

Meet Tanya Banks, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Tanya Banks Adult Programs Chair (NSA Board of Directors) Tanya serves as the Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North and Northeast Regions. Central North: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont Tanya Banks has been an active member of the NSA since 1998. She is the Chapter Leader of Detroit/Royal Oak and Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Central North region. She is also the Adult Programs Chair on the Board of Directors. She was recognized as NSA Chapter Leader of the Year in 2013. Her chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in 2023, and she was also recognized as Regional Chapter Coordinator of the Year in 2023. She has worked as a customer service representative for 22 years and credits finding her voice to the NSA. She is an avid angel collector, enjoys inspirational music and old comedy shows. Term began June 2024

Join the Denver - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Denver ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS SOUTHWEST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Colorado State Welcome to the NSA Denver Adult 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? Chase Building, 2696 S Colorado Blvd Suite #345, Denver CO 80222 When? Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? John Raab Chapter Leader Get in touch! johnraab@comcast.net (303) 841-7374 https://www.westutter.org/chapter/denver 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Brittney O'Neal Speaker Brittney O’Neal has been involved in the stuttering community since 2016 and attended her first NSA conference last year. She is a healthcare professional and owner of a prosthetics and orthotics clinic in California. Brittney is a proud Mama to her three year old daughter, Atlas, who is perfectly sassy and outspoken. Previous 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.

< Back Andrea Burcham Speaker Andrea is a Speech-Language Pathologist based in the Kansas City metro area. After six years in the public school system, she transitioned to private practice, where she has spent the past two years specializing in stuttering, dyslexia, and executive function support using neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Passionate about creating an inclusive and empowering environment, Andrea helps individuals embrace their unique voices while equipping families with the knowledge and tools to foster confidence, acceptance, and self-advocacy. Previous Next

< Back From the NSP to NSA: Paula Campbell-Schwab’s Story Some people are part of the foundation of the NSA community. Paula Campbell-Schwab is definitely one of them. She’s been involved with the NSA since 1984, back when we were still calling ourselves the National Stuttering Project! She joined because she needed more than what speech therapy alone could offer. I needed the support of other people in my community that lived nearby,” she says, “that I could call or see in person that were coping with similar communication issues.” Paula says she’s a quiet and shy person who doesn’t like the spotlight, but anyone in the NSA community who’s met her knows how she radiates warmth and wisdom. Over the years, the NSA became a source of transformation for her. The NSA has opened up my world to meeting and knowing some of the most beautiful people in the world,” she says. “They loved me and challenged me to be the very best Paula I could be.” Paula spent 26 years as a special education teacher, working in both public and private settings. She showed up, gave her heart, and made a difference in ways that can’t be measured by lesson plans or IEPs alone. Her advice for anyone new to the NSA? Keep coming back. “You are not alone! Keep your heart and mind open as you will learn so much about stuttering, yourself and others as you spend time in the various activities of the NSA.” When Paula’s not reading self-help books in a cozy coffee house, you might find her watching Waking Ned Devine (again), dancing to just about any music with a good beat, or relaxing with Rocky the Havanese by her side. And one day she’s heading off to a yoga and spa retreat somewhere beautiful. Paula’s been showing up, supporting others, and sharing her heart for over 40 years. And she’s not done yet! Previous Next

< Back Angela Medina Speaker Angela M. Medina, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is interim associate dean of academic affairs and an associate professor at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She teaches stuttering, phonological disorders, and phonetics. Her program of research focuses on stuttering in Hispanics/Latinos and Spanish-English bilinguals wherein she infuses her background in linguistics with her expertise in stuttering and qualitative research methods to shed light on the cultural and clinical implications uniquely faced by people who stutter in these communities. In her second line of research, Dr. Medina focuses on counseling and wellness in communication sciences and disorders. She serves as co-leader of the NSA's Miami Chapter and as Research Chair of the NSA's Board of Directors. Previous Next

Join the Stratford - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Stratford ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Stratford 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? Camden County Library – 203 Laurel Road (2nd Floor) Voorhees, NJ 08043 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 7:30-9:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jerry Higgins & Anthony Delmar Chapter Leaders Get in touch! gmh5732009@hotmail.com (856) 630-9972 - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Rochester - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Rochester ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New York State Welcome to the NSA Rochester 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? Nazareth College – Smyth Hall Room #163 (4245 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14618) When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month (September to June) from 7:00PM – 8:30PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Rupert Johnson & Greg Feasel Chapter Leaders Get in touch! rjohnso2@naz.edu - - 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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 Dallas/Richardson - Teens stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Dallas/Richardson - Teens TEENS VIRTUAL MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Texas State Welcome to the NSA Dallas/Richardson Teens 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? 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? Meetings are held on Zoom. Contact the Chapter Leaders for the link. When? Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jaime Michise, Laura Sheppard, Christine Abasi Chapter Leaders Get in touch! DallasTWST@gmail.com - https://www.westutterdallas.org/ 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! ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 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