< Back Previous Samantha Wasilus Presenter Samantha Wasilus is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Sisskin Stuttering Center and works for Prince George’s County Public Schools. She is a board-certified specialist in stuttering, cluttering, and other fluency disorders. Samantha has taught the stuttering course at The George Washington University, presented at National Stuttering Association Conferences, provided training in Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering, and conducted in-services for school-based SLPs. Samantha’s experience includes working with people who stutter across all age groups, both individually and in group settings. Next

Join the Central Iowa Chapter - Adult & Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Central Iowa ADULT & FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL SOUTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Iowa State Welcome to the NSA Central Iowa 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 & Adults 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? Altoona, IA 50009 When? Meetings are held every other month. *Contact Chapter Leader to confirm meeting dates. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kerri Schwemm Chapter Leader Get in touch! Kschwemm@heartlandaea.org (515) 270-9030 x18187 https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSAIowa 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

Join the Ocean County, NJ - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Ocean County, NJ ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Ocean County 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? Chick-fil-A - 434 Route 72 West Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050 When? Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00PM. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Jenna Tompkins Chapter Leader Get in touch! jennamtompkins@gmail.com (609) 661-0353 - 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

Join the Atlantic County - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Atlantic County ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the NSA Atlantic County 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 & Virtual 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? Stockton University Campus Center – 101 Vera King Farris Drive (Campus Center Meeting Room #3) Galloway, NJ 08205 When? Meetings are held in-person on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM. If you would like to join virtually, email the Chapter Leaders for the meeting link. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Maria Turner & Bob Koste Chapter Leaders Get in touch! mrsvvt@comcast.net (609) 442-8472 - 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

Join the Pittsford - Kids stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Pittsford KIDS CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - New York State Welcome to the NSA Pittsford Kids 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? Kids 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? Pittsford Community Library, 24 State Street, Pittsford, NY 14534 - Fletcher Steele Room When? Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month from 4:00-5:00 PM. Our first meeting is Wednesday, 6/3/2026! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Kathryn Metzler Chapter Leader Get in touch! kathrynmetzlerslp@gmail.com (610) 574-9837 - 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

Learn how Trevor Bell,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Sr. IT Security Specialist Trevor Bell Briefly describe your daily job duties. Protecting people, patients, and data while tracking bad guys across the Internet. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. Interfacing with third-party/vendors in virtual meetings. Most of my team is aware of the fact I stutter, however, meeting with external customers always presents more of a challenge. What are your long-term career aspirations? My career aspirations are to continue up the cybersecurity ladder and eventually teach. I love mentoring aspiring cybersecurity enthusiasts. I was fortunate to have a few mentors when I was just starting out. I enjoy helping others get to where he or she wants to be, professionally. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? In 2021, I had the pleasure of participating in a research study where I worked with Speech Pathologists on placing more emphasis on other facets of communications. These facets included eye contact, tempo, hand gestures, and disclosure. This program really showed me how disclosure helps everyone, the listener and myself. I make it a point to disclose at the beginning of the hiring process and other social interactions. What is your proudest moment at your current company? Aside from professional moments, my proudest moment is just blending in with my coworkers. I have been with the company for over a year and being hired during the pandemic made things difficult but I made the most of it. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. For a lack of a better phrase, stuttering has allowed me to work with a “chip on my shoulder”. Throughout my younger years, I’ve always felt like I had to work harder because I did not have the “gift of gab” and I could not articulate my work as well as others. So, I always let my work speak for myself, which made me work harder not smarter. 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. Hearing the words, “I am a person who stutters” goes a very long way.

< Back Erica Perez: A Wolverine at Heart, an NSA Supporter for Life If you've been to one of our Annual Conferences in the past two decades, there's a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Erica Perez, or at least seen her helping things run smoothly behind the scenes with her signature calm. Erica first got involved with the NSA in 2002, back when our office was in Anaheim. “I was hired to help answer phones,” she says, “and helped at the Nashville conference. After that I came back to the Conference almost every year.” And she's been coming back nearly every year since. Erica doesn’t stutter, but the community she found here is what keeps her showing up. “As someone who doesn't stutter, I have come to love many of these people and I will always consider them family.” The NSA hasn’t just changed how Erica spends her Fourth of July week, it’s also changed how she listens. “I have never been a person who has a lot of patience, but I have learned to step back, listen and really hear what someone is saying, both literally and figuratively.” Family is a big part of Erica’s world. Her parents, Jim and Lee, have worked the NSA store for years, and her husband Aaron and kids, Lily and AJ, have grown up as part of the conference crew. It’s a family affair in the truest sense. Erica’s advice for newcomers? Get involved. “There is truly a group for everyone, whether it is your local Chapter or our amazing groups online. You never have to say anything but listen. You will eventually be the person leading a group or a workshop.” She may not karaoke, but she’s always game for peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and dreams of someday visiting Tahiti or Maui. From answering phones in Anaheim to helping build a movement, Erica’s story reminds us that stuttering touches more than just the person who stutters, it brings people together. And sometimes, it brings you family. Previous Next

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?

Meet Arianna Gilliam, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Arianna Gilliam Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) Central South Region Arianna Gilliam is from Houston, Texas, and serves as the National Stuttering Association’s Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) for the Central South Region. The NSA has had a profound impact on her life, and she is passionate about supporting chapter leaders, connecting members across the region, and helping create spaces where people who stutter feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to be themselves. Arianna also serves as Co-Leader of the Houston, TX NSA Chapter, where she enjoys building community and helping others find the same sense of belonging that the NSA has given her. Outside of the NSA, she is an entrepreneur with a passion for creativity. She owns a photography business and hosts the podcast Sista With A Stutter, where she shares conversations that amplify the voices and experiences of Black men and women who stutter. As RCC, Arianna is passionate about supporting chapter leaders, fostering meaningful connections, and helping the Central South Region continue to flourish.

Meet Holly Nover, a valued member of the National Stuttering Association team. Learn more about their role and contributions. Holly Nover Family Programs Chair Holly is a person who stutters, a parent of a child that stutters, and a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) who has been active with the NSA since 2007. Professionally, Holly has earned two master’s degrees: Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. She has worked as a SLP in the medical, private, and public-school settings and currently works in a public school district serving as the District Program Specialist for SLPs. She has served as a Lead SLP in her school district and was named Speech Language Pathologist of the year by the Jacksonville Area Speech Pathology Association in 2009. She has presented on stuttering at the local, state, and national levels. Holly lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband and is the mother of two boys and a Labrador Retriever. She enjoys watching sporting events, traveling to tropical locations, puzzles, spending time at the beach, and organizing. Holly is a loyal Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Term began May 2021

Join the Monmouth County - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Monmouth County ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Official NSA Chapter - New Jersey State Welcome to the Monmouth County 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 & Virtual 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? In-person meetings are held at Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ 07733) and virtual meetings are held over Zoom. When? Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00PM. Contact the Chapter Leader for meeting details. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Joanne Summer Chapter Leader Get in touch! JoanneSummer2@gmail.com (201) 323-2686 - 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

Learn how Carl Johnson,a person who stutters, achieved career success. Get inspired by their journey. Medical Unit Maintenance Tech Carl Johnson Briefly describe your daily job duties. I am responsible for daily maintenance of medical units for Atlantic Health System hospitals and health care facilities. As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job. It’s challenging to have conversations with nurses and doctors who don’t know I have a stutter and aren’t patient. Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it? I disclosed that I am a person who stutters early in the interview process and during my face to face interview, I let my interviewer know I have a stutter. Describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work. Stuttering has made me a better and more valued contributor because I work twice as hard to prove I that belong. I feel like I need to prove a point that people who stutter are extremely smart people who show great perseverance. What is your proudest moment at your current company? I was told I am doing a great job and I have great work ethic. What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term aspiration is to manage a group of people and feel comfortable having open discussions. 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 to anyone who stutters is to have confidence when speaking and try to talk to as many people as you can so you can gain greater comfort in talking. Not being afraid to talk will help you to become a more fluent speaker.