Learn how Anabel Augustin,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Youth Case Manager Anabel Augustin Briefly describe your daily job duties. As a Youth Case Manager, I link the families that I work with to resources and services they need. I advocate for my families at school, court, medication management and with anything else they may need. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The most challenging part of my job for me is speaking in meetings and during court cases. 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 self-disclose my stuttering during the job hiring process. Before starting my formal interview for the job that I was applying for, I told the interviewer, “Before we start this interview, I wanted to let you know that I stutter which means that I sometimes block, repeat words or speak slowly to achieve my level of fluency and to not speak for me.” By self-disclosing, I was able to feel more comfortable, more confident and I did not need to rush because I was able to say exactly what I wanted to say, how i wanted to say it with blocks and all. From my first meeting with my coworkers, I self-disclosed and explained to them how I stutter because so many people stutter differently, and I am always trying to spread awareness about stuttering. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering makes me a better, more valued contributor at work because I am a better listener, and I am educating others about people who stutter in meetings, at court and in school settings. I am also trying my best to spread awareness about stuttering and lessening the public stigma about stuttering. What is your proudest moment at your current company? My proudest moment is when a family I was helping was able to obtain all the resources they needed and because of my assistance, they were able to provide for their family because a parent got a job. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term career aspiration is to be a speech-language pathologist and help children and other people who stutter. 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 advice is to stutter with power and self-disclose about your stuttering because the reason people look at individuals who stutter weirdly, chuckle, try to change the subject, and also speak for them is because many people don’t know people stutter and that people stutter differently. Self-disclosing informs them of what’s going on and because they know, the interviewer or coworker will be more patient and understanding. Don’t ever apologize for stuttering — speak freely and proudly!!!

Meet Jeffrey Dale, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Jeffrey Dale Information Technology Jeffrey Dale is a dedicated supporter of the National Stuttering Association (NSA), leveraging his expertise in information technology to meet the organization's needs. With a passion for using technology to make a positive impact, Jeffrey has been working with non-profits since 2015, bringing innovative solutions and reliable support to mission-driven organizations like the NSA. An alumnus of the University of California, Irvine, Jeffrey combines his technical skills with a deep appreciation for community engagement. His commitment to helping the NSA reflects his belief in the power of connection and the importance of providing resources for people who stutter. Now based in Colorado, Jeffrey finds inspiration in the beauty of the mountains. In his free time, he enjoys hiking through scenic trails, snowboarding on snowy peaks, and capturing stunning landscapes through photography. His adventurous spirit and creative eye complement his professional expertise, making him a valuable contributor to the NSA's mission. Jeffrey is proud to support the NSA and its community, helping to ensure that its technological needs are met with care and efficiency. His dedication to empowering others through his skills embodies the values of collaboration and service that drive the NSA forward.

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.

Meet Lydia Webb, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Lydia Webb Young Adults Committee Lydia Webb (20 years old) is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the NSA’s Young Adult Council. In her teen years, she served on the Teen Advisory Council and grew so much through that opportunity. Lydia is currently a Junior at Liberty University in Virginia, studying American Sign Language Interpreting with minors in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She has been regularly attending NSA conferences for the past 9 years and barely remembers her life without NSA. She is so excited to grow and get to know more people in her stamily

Learn how Glenn Karwoski,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Managing Director and Adjunct Professor Glenn Karwoski Minneapolis, MN Managing Director & Adjunct Professor Karwoski & Courage Public Relations and University of St. Thomas Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am the founder and managing director of a public relations agency that works with Fortune 500 companies including 3M, Walmart, and others. Duties include managing staff, client planning and presentations, new business development. As an adjunct professor in the marketing department at the University of St. Thomas I teach two courses, one at the graduate level on creativity and one of the undergraduate level on integrated marketing communications. Duties include lectures, in-class workshops, grading, and mentoring students. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. On days when my disfluency is more severe it can be challenging talking to people and getting my ideas across. I’m sometimes concerned if the person/people I’m talking with are more focused on my disfluency versus what I’m communicating. What are your long-term career aspirations? I’m continuing to grow the agency and I plan to continue teaching and hopefully do some primary research and writing on the subject of creativity and aging. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I did not disclose it because at that time in my life my fluency was near normal. It’s been in the past eight years that my disfluency has come back and has been more challenging. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Teaching people how to tap into their creativity and realize that we’re all creative beings, and then having former students contact me and share how they’ve used what they learned in my course. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think it makes me more thoughtful and deliberate about what I want to communicate. I’ve become a more succinct writer because I’m a more succinct speaker. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Don’t be afraid to share that you stutter. I tried to hide the fact when I entered the workforce in the early 1980s but realized throughout the years that the vast majority of people aren’t going to judge you solely based on your speech but more on the quality of your ideas and overall work.

Learn how Jaymie Horak,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Human Resources Analyst Jaymie Horak Briefly describe your daily job duties. My primary responsibility is to assist with administering our health and wellness benefits to our 1,300 employees. This looks like phone calls, checking emails, building and running reports, leading new hire orientations, meetings with health and wellness carriers, and training co-workers. I am also assigned our largest recruitment for an operations position, so I review those applications and onboard new employees. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. The moments of misunderstanding. I answer the phone, stutter on my name, and the other person awkwardly laughs or asks me if I forgot my name. They’re minor infractions compared to the way my stutter used to limit me but staying positive in those moments is certainly a challenge. It is also difficult when I am learning something new, or doing something I haven’t done before, because I get nervous that my stuttering will make it seem like I lack confidence or knowledge. How supported at work do you feel by your co-workers, supervisor(s) and the company itself? I feel very supported. I was very lucky to have an incredible first supervisor when I was in Payroll, and when I mentioned my stuttering to her, she told me that she supported me and that if I ever needed her help, she’d take care of anyone who was rude to me. She enabled me to sit at the front desk, and answer telephone calls regularly. Before this experience, I was too terrified to answer the phone. I no longer experience fear picking up the ringing phone at work. (A true miracle.) My supervisors since have also made it clear that they are impressed with my work ethic and intelligence, and that they would stand behind me if anyone used my stuttering to try to tease me. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. I think stuttering helps people actually feel more comfortable around me. Perhaps not in the initial moment, but once they realize what is going on. There is a vulnerability that exists that makes the other person realize they don’t need to be perfect when they communicate with me. Working in HR has the ability to seem very intimidating, especially when I am recruiting new hires for their first job. But my stutter seems to give them (a potentially false) sense of comfortability and security, which I think is helpful. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Disclose, disclose, disclose. When you are able to disclose your stutter with confidence, the other person has no choice (unless they’re a huge jerk) to accept your stutter and realize it has nothing to do with your intelligence, proficiency, or confidence. The more we are comfortable with our own stuttering, the more others will be. People can catch onto our emotions and internal stress. They can also catch onto our confidence and peace of mind.

Learn how Rivky Susskind,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Speech Language Pathologist Rivky Susskind Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am a speech and language pathologist. I evaluate and provide intervention for school age children in a special education environment who display challenges in the areas of speech and language. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. My biggest challenges as a PWS are communicating with parents and faculty in more formal contexts such as an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or parent teacher meetings or collaborative group meetings. I also have difficulty communicating with parents who are resistant to their child being seen by a person who stutters. Also, phone calls can often present a challenge because the listener cannot tell what’s going on with me on the other side of the line, and those silent moments can be all the more awkward. Do you self-disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers and clients? I often self-disclose that I stutter. I usually wait until a stuttering moment occurs and then say, “… by the way, I have a mild stutter, just letting you know, and actually it’s one of the big factors that got me into this field to begin with.” I then leave an open space for questions and try to convey that I’m comfortable talking about it. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. My stutter is part of what makes me a unique, brave, strong individual. In my more confident moments it serves as a strength and part of my “story.” Others around me also know that I am somewhat of an expert on the topic and they will come and ask me questions pertaining to a relative or friend of theirs who stutters. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was extremely proud of myself when I overcame my fear of tackling parent teacher meetings over the course of my first few months at this school. It was one meeting after the next and quite daunting to keep facing parents and disclosing my stutter over and over in a short period of time. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Own who you are and go for what you want. Do not let society’s expectations and “norms” dictate what you can and cannot do. Go for it. Fail. Fail dozens of times and go for it again. Don’t stop pushing until you can say that you are doing what you want in life. It’s okay to not feel okay all the time. We are all human and stuttering can be a crazy uphill climb and struggle. But remember that your dreams and goals are important, and you have the gift of YOU to share with the world.

Meet Carl Coffey , a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Carl Coffey Content Creator Carl Coffey, a dedicated advocate and active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA), resides in Bowling Green, KY, with his wife Brittany and their lively household of four-legged companions. His journey with the NSA began in 2013, when he attended his first chapter meeting in Richmond, VA, his hometown. This pivotal moment marked the start of his commitment to fostering community and support for individuals who stutter. Professionally, Carl has built a strong career in program management and process improvement. His expertise lies in creating efficient systems and delivering impactful results, qualities that align with his ability to connect with and support others in meaningful ways. His background in improving processes has not only enhanced his professional life but also resonates in his contributions to the NSA and its mission. Outside of work, Carl is a passionate vinyl record collector, always on the hunt for unique finds to add to his collection. An avid pickleball player, he enjoys the camaraderie and competitiveness of the sport. Carl also has a deep appreciation for bourbon, spending time discovering new varieties and learning about the rich history of this iconic spirit. Whether in his professional endeavors, personal hobbies, or involvement with the NSA, Carl brings dedication, curiosity, and a warm sense of community to all he does. His story is a testament to the power of connection, both with people and passions, and his journey continues to inspire those around him.

< Back Spotlight on the Professional Relations Committee: Megan Young’s Journey as an Ally and Advocate The NSA community includes people who stutter and allies who stand beside them. Today, we’re spotlighting Megan Young, a powerful voice in the NSA’s Professional Relations Committee and someone who has built her career around supporting people who stutter. Megan joined the NSA in 2019 during her doctoral program at The University of Texas at Austin. “I wanted to get more connected with the stuttering community,” she recalls, “so I started attending the Austin Chapter meetings occasionally as an ally.” Since then, Megan has been involved with the NSA for 6 years, growing her professional work and personal connections. In 2023, she successfully defended her dissertation and earned her Ph.D. in speech, language, and hearing sciences—an achievement we celebrate with her! Megan now serves on the Professional Relations Committee, a group focused on building bridges between the NSA and the wider professional world—especially speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The committee provides resources, creates continuing education content, and advocates for greater SLP participation in the stuttering community. “We want every single SLP to know about the NSA,” Megan explains, “and to feel empowered to engage with our work and our members.” For Megan, the NSA has been more than a professional network—it’s been a transformative personal experience. "I’ve been involved with the NSA for 6 years, initially joining to connect with the stuttering community during my doctoral program. As someone who doesn’t stutter, I’m deeply humbled by how welcoming and vibrant this community is. It’s been an incredible journey that’s shaped my work as a clinician, researcher, and advocate.” Her message to anyone new to the NSA? “You won’t regret coming to your first event — you’ll be welcomed with open arms!” And when Megan isn’t making waves in research or outreach, she’s embracing a life full of creativity and nature. Get to know Megan: Favorite ice cream flavor: S’mores Beach, mountains, or desert? Mountains, always. Go-to karaoke song: "Dancing in the Dark" – Bruce Springsteen Favorite rewatch: The Sopranos Pets: Two cats—Uma and Tito Hidden talent: Painting and ceramics Dream vacation: Exploring Patagonia We’re so grateful to have Megan’s dedication, passion, and perspective on the team. Her work continues to elevate the NSA’s mission—and we’re lucky to have her. Thank you, Megan! Previous Next

Learn how Peter Loring,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Owner & Doctor of Audiology Peter Loring Briefly describe your daily job duties. own an audiology practice. I work with the hearing impaired to improve their communication and overall quality of life by improving their hearing. My staff includes 3 audiologists, 2 support staff, and a partnership with a physician. We see anywhere between 8 to 18 hearing-impaired patients a day. My practice does complete audiological evaluations for children and adults, tinnitus evaluations and treatment, and hearing aid evaluations and fittings. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Before I got into the audiology field, I worked as a musician as well as a soundman, so my ears were always important to me. In 2006, I suffered a sudden hearing loss, so, along with my stutter, I gained the increased ability to better empathize with patients. What is your proudest moment at your current company? When I’m paying attention to my fluency, my speech is slower, clearer, and more powerful. (I call it my “audiology voice”.) I’ve had many patients tell me that if everyone spoke the way I do, they wouldn’t need hearing aids. Every time I hear that, I smile a little wider inside as I’m being complimented for effective verbal communication by someone who can’t hear well. The irony is NOT lost on me at all. I guess that choosing the field I’m in is the best way to say that I LOVE a challenge. I’m also proud to help improve the lives of children. One of the things that is always impacted with untreated hearing loss in children is language in terms of acquisition and expressive language. For example, if you can’t hear English clearly, your ability to integrate it and repeat it can be compromised. This is why children who have a history of chronic ear infections tend to speak not as clearly. I’m giving children the ability to get to whatever their potential is as their hearing will not be an impediment anymore. It makes my chest puff out with pride knowing I’ve made someone’s life markedly better. What are your long-term career aspirations? The provider in me wants to help as many people as I can. The parent in me wants to be as busy as I can to be able to do more things for my child. The businessman in me wants to be as financially successful as I can so that when it is time to retire, I can sell my practice and live the good life with my family. 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 care more about your speech than anyone else you’ll meet in your life. Stay out of your own head and if you’re good enough to do the job, you’ll get the job and succeed at it.

Learn how Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Elementary School Principal Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith Briefly describe your daily job duties. I recently graduated with my doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and am currently an elementary school principal in Joliet, Illinois. I talk to students, teachers, parent, and community members all day in an effort to improve student achievement and engagement at Carl Sandburg School. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? I am quite good at being a covert stutterer. If I do stutter during an interview, I allow people to assume that it’s because I’m nervous even though I’m not. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. All of us are struggling with something deeply personal. Mine just happens to make its appearance when I open my mouth. After attending my first National Stuttering Association annual conference, I made a commitment to no longer be a covert stutterer. I’ve been open with my stuttering ever since. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I earned my doctorate degree at the end of my first year as a principal, which is typically the toughest year. My staff and students surprised me with a huge celebration, secretly inviting my whole family and my professors! My students made presentations and my staff presented me with a picture of the entire staff and student body! It was amazing! What are your long-term career aspirations? I want to continue to work as an educational leader, preferably as an education professor working with new teachers, specializing in trauma informed classrooms. What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success? Be yourself. I used to think that my stutter was a curse, something to hide from everyone, including myself. I have since realized that my stutter is my greatest gift. It’s one of the things that makes me uniquely qualified to do what I do and that is to inspire children, educators, and families to do the impossible, whatever it may be for them. Some days, I feel I’ve done the impossible for myself.

The NSA Young Adults program offers support, resources, and connection for people who stutter ages 18–30. Find community and encouragement here. You’ve graduated high school…now what? You may be going to college or maybe starting a new job. You might move out of your parent’s house or may be hitting the road to do some traveling. But what about stuttering? How will it affect the choices you make? Will you allow it to hold you back from what you really want to accomplish? Stuttering is a part of who you are, but it should not dictate the decisions you make for your future as a young adult. The NSA has resources, written by college students and young adults, to help you best navigate this stage in your life. Young Adult Resources Transitioning To College Whether you are attending a college in your hometown or moving across the country, your life is changing in new and exciting ways. New teachers, new classmates, new friends, and new freedoms. And of course, new speech challenges Job Hunting and Interviewing The NSA is driven to improve the employment opportunities of people who stutter. Our WeStutter@Work program offers people who stutter-free career advice through webinars, practice job interviews, and career profiles. Connect with others who stutter online Our NSA Young Adults Facebook group is a closed, moderated space, open only to 20- and 30-somethings who stutter, and offers a safe environment to ask questions and bounce ideas on all things relevant to this stage of life. Being Your Best Advocate Being your best advocate is an important practice that helps to build confidence while promoting understanding and acceptance for yourself and stuttering in everyday life. Join a Local NSA Chapter The NSA provides a wide network of stuttering support groups that help people who stutter build self-confidence, practice speaking in a safe environment, socialize with others, and explore new ways to cope with stuttering. Speech Therapy as a Young Adult Whether you have years of experience or are considering attending for the first time, speech therapy as a young adult has a number of benefits. Learn More About Stuttering Finding My Voice, Building a Community: Codi Lamb’s Story Myths about Stuttering Causes of Stuttering Facts About Stuttering Stuttering Treatment Options What Is Stuttering?